Creators who publish videos on social media or produce short films must continually improve their skills. Ensuring you can reach that next level and stay current within your niche or industry requires adding to your skill set.
We’ve all heard the expression, "practice makes perfect." Learning how to practice video editing can help you create professional-quality content that resonates with your audience. You must also be aware of a new trend when it arises so that you can adapt your videos.
So - how can you get video editing practice? Numerous avenues are available to you, even for free, that you can utilize. Filmmakers and creators with social channels that use video can benefit from carving out some time to practice editing.
Read on to learn more about how to practice video editing. It'll help ensure that what you create impacts your audience and can even help with conversion for your brand with every new view.
Why Do Creators Need Video Editing Practice?
While it can be daunting and cumbersome, practice is vital in video editing. You may want to jump in, but soon you'll discover how challenging editing can be without proper training and practice.
Repetition and practice are necessary for your skills, especially if you want to master them quickly. It would help if you also made yourself aware of trends regarding certain aspects of editing, such as quick cuts, lighting, and how to draw in your audience with a stellar intro.
If you aren't continually working on and improving your videos, whether in Instagram reels, TikTok videos, YouTube videos, or producing short films, you will miss out and fall behind. Incorporate your editing practice as part of your content creation routine to ensure you will continually improve and create videos that resonate.
Prevent claims on your YouTube channel by researching all the necessary steps before you post your videos. Another aspect of your practice must include understanding how to obtain agreements or licenses to utilize sounds and music correctly.
How to Practice Video Editing + 6 Ways to Get Started
There are multiple ways to understand and use the editing process when working with video. Getting started doesn't have to be complex or overwhelming; you must begin with one task at a time.
When you begin, you should look for free video editing software and stock footage online to work with. The skills you want to practice first include how to zoom, how to pan, and how to use different camera angles and lighting.
Writing down your overall goals can help you decide which video technique skills to practice first. Below are some helpful ways to practice video editing.
1. Watch Videos and Curated Content
Your first step is to find guides and tutorials on video editing and the editing process. Find out what kind of video editing software is for you - chances are you can find some for free to practice on. You don't need to enroll in a class, but finding ways to train online (such as with YouTube or Skillshare) can be helpful.
You can also watch multiple videos already out there in your desired format. It's the most accessible way to determine the types of videos you want and help you know what film techniques you need to practice.
Find similar influencers or filmmakers who are already doing close to the same types of projects. Pay attention to their technique of film, what sort of lighting they use, if the film is done in a single shot, and so on.
2. Adapt To Your Learning
Figure out the best way you can train and learn in video editing. You may need to be more hands-on with the software. In this case, you should look for some free video stock footage, which you can find with Pexels or Videezy. You can also record videos on your phone that you can upload for editing practice.
You may learn more efficiently by reading a book. Some people are more intellectual and may need a training course with the structure to learn and apply film editing techniques. Figure out which learning method works best way for you.
Finding a specific author of books on video editing can help if they pertain to the type, style, or video content you are creating. Ken Dancyger is an author of books on film editing, which are a background of theory with practice involved and helpful for learning and practicing video editing.
Then, work with the video clips or stock footage you find in a video production program like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, or the iMovie app. You can usually get a free trial for a month with the paid software, so ensure you can put in the time if you don't want to buy it.
Do the research and look into the different programs to see what you feel best suits you.
3. Copy Other Professional Editors
Watch other digital video clips and check the latest advances in video editing. You may even want to mimic more professional video editors. Analyses of photographs and pictures help you to understand camera angles and contact a student editor to walk you through the editing process.
Work to copy the video editors in mainstream entertainment by practicing using the same camera angles, lighting tricks, sound, and more in your software. See if you can copy these editors in your practice by performing nonlinear editing and other techniques.
Then, work to create your own spin on their tactics so that you can come into your own as a video editor. See if you can recreate the same visual effect they use in the film.
You may make mistakes as you go, which is part of the beauty of creativity. You might discover something else, like a new technique or method you hadn't tried before. You can add everything you learn to your skill set as you continue to advance.
4. Edit and Re-Edit Your Videos
If you're a content creator, you've heard of repurposing content to create a new edition of something. You can use the same method with video production and develop a new edition of the video that reflects a different context.
Take examples of videos from other editors and go back to your own video to see how you can edit it and make a new chapter to your story. If it's a project you're particularly proud of developing, try a new idea or tool you've picked up.
Perhaps you have gotten a new licensing agreement for quality music. You can utilize royalty-free tracks within your videos and find a unique way to incorporate the music. You might need to edit the audio as well as the video. Music is powerful in evoking feelings and emotions that can be brought out more within your videos.
You might simply want to improve upon your previous videos by going back and re-editing them. If you can make a more precise look, add more genuine sound effects, a cool new track, or a specific jump cut that makes the overall video more seamless, you provide the essence of a more professional filmmaker.
5. Test Your Video Editing Skills
Consider submitting your video if you want to measure your progress and see how well you know the editing process. Giving valuable feedback can help you improve your video content and story and master your craft.
For example, there may be a short film or video contest you enter on a website. Don't be afraid to test your skills. It's a great way to determine if your storytelling choices work hand-in-hand with your message. Using these types of opportunities provides you with more video editing practice.
Video contests often have guidelines or rules you need to follow, which is one of the best ways to push yourself. You can try new things with your video editing and post-production if you have to use a specific camera angle, style, or topic. It's a good idea to help you expand your video editing knowledge.
You can also continue to post your videos if you use them for social media. Posts allow you to get feedback through comments, go back and view your progress, and you can push yourself more as a video creator.
6. Collaboration with Student Editors
Film editing is challenging because it takes time, patience, and effort. You may experience blocks and feel lost at times. It can help to find a crew of others learning or working in film editing. They may be students who are training in other courses, and they can provide you with more insight or other tips and tricks you haven't tried yet.
Joining and teaming up with a network of other video editors is an excellent addition to your practice. You can locate dozens of groups on Facebook, within a course, and even in local television studios. They are a great way to get more hands-on experience, find new training courses, and learn how other editors and creators work. You may even find a partner to work with indefinitely,
Find Success in Video Editing Practice
Learning how to practice video editing is vital for any video creator or amateur filmmaker. You don't have to be a pro to have the drive to learn new video techniques to advance in your craft.
It’s vital to check if any copyright claims are covered for your music licensing with a streaming agreement. You can be more creative as you improve, eventually customizing an original music track for uniqueness and impact. Ensure you are aware of any new trend in video editing so you can apply it to your practice.Consider taking an online training course, watching step-by-step video tutorials, and finding inspiration from other video creators and filmmakers. Please browse through our many creator resources for more helpful tips. Set yourself up for success by ensuring you set aside time to practice video editing frequently to become more engaging and relevant in your industry.
