Total Beginner’s Guide to Video Editing

So your first shoot is complete - but how do you turn your footage into a great video? It's all at your fingertips with the power of editing! In this video, YouTube creator Kia (from the channel TheNotoriousKIA) gives you a total beginner's guide to video editing. Check out Kia's advice on the twelve basic editing steps to turn your idea into reality.

0:00 Introduction
0:46 Multiple takes
1:01 Back up your footage
1:18 Your edit space
1:29 Organizing your files
1:44 Watch your footage
1:55 Beginning to edit
2:10 Fine cutting
3:04 Watch over and over
3:32 Building up your edit
4:18 Working with sound
4:45 Mixing your sound
5:15 Color correction
5:28 Export and upload

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Check out Kia's channel:

[exmedia_id]

Thank you, just building my first channel and uploaded few videos. I figure out that the points explained in this video, are what newcomers need to do. Thanks to all Creators Academy!

[TerryMcGearyScotland]

Excellent advice. I've been making YouTubes for 5 years and learned any skills I do have over my 250 or so uploads by watching others here, critically observing TV films or documentaries and getting guidance from your kind of useful video. It took me a couple of years to learn that the adage "less is more" and that people are not as intrigued by the long clips that I may like. One way to cut down total video length that I have found useful, is to select a piece of music appropriate music that's perhaps bit shorter than the total footage after rough chopping. Then, after adding in transitions, chopping to the beat of the music giving sections of around 3 seconds for example. I'm not OCD about it and will extend pieces to 6 or 9 for example but ensuring to change on the beat. Worth playing about with! I use a Lavalier mic (with Bluetooth connection to my Pocket 2 if I'm using it) sometimes, especially on the hills where wind noise is a killer. My iPhone13 Mini does a surprisngly good job on video and even has a reasonably impressive 'cinematic' change of focus feature which (even though not optical but a digital fake) has given me pleasing effects. I first used it for video a couple of weeks ago out of necessity when my P2 battery ran out of juice when I cycled to Edwardian 'Pollok House' in Glasgow: the cinematic effect surprised me.
The business of editing is a chore for some but a joy for me. I particularly relish finding the best music in the Audio Library to complement the video. In iMovie (I have a MacBook) I am still discovering things 6 years on: like detaching the audio, copying it and adding it in elsewhere (extra baaing of sheep can come in amazingly handy on a countryside hike video!). I'm rambling but a final piece of advice I would give is to watch the work of pros on TV: look at transition, length of clips (may be only 2-3 seconds...count them!) and music blending in/fading out . There are so many great people out there to emulate. Start watching like a film-maker.

[TheCynicalDude_]

01:24 There is a paper in the background that says "creativity". Just seeing that word alone always helps my creative process. 😂 😂 😂

[royenadecodes]

Appreciate the effectiveness with which you addressed nearly every aspect to consider during the editing process within a concise timeframe.

[SouthDown]

The only problem with the free music you download from YT is that then it immediately adds advertising to your video whether or not you are monetized or not. I wish this video explained the importance of the audio component more.

[mvloven]

Been thinking about video editing as one of the skills i could learn to make money & to actually have something to work on when I get back to the crib from working at a job I absolutely hate. Hopefully this will open new doors for me or at least put the idea of me doing something that others would like to see. Been feeling lost & very confused on how time has slipped by without me realizing. I want to be able to capture the good moments in people’s lives & mine & put it on film for people to reflect on the good times & continue making good memories

[chrismadge]

Kia, Finally someone who totally gets, how sound and music should compliment each other, not overwhelm on the music side when used over vocals. Even mainstream T.V. still makes that mistake, either on `Live Broadcasts` or on Documentaries. Fist time viewer, Subbed and liked, i will be a regular follower from now on, Well Done Kia, that is a quick and informative Presentation, from someone who exudes Confidence and belief in themselves, and has all the attributes in being the beautiful, successful creator you are. :)

[kannadacreatorguide]

I'm thrilled to hear that you find these tips invaluable! As a YouTube beginner, I'm wholeheartedly dedicated to honing my skills and presenting content with utmost professionalism. Thank you so much for your guidance and support!

[WeddingRedDiary]

This tips are gold! I'm a beginner at content creation to YouTube, but I'm efforting to be good and as professional as I can! Thank you a lot!

[GUNPLAOFEL]

Before I watch this I edit way back with sony vegas playing simple no instruction. Now 10 years later I make my own content and watch a lot of videos. I use Davinci Resolve it's easy more organized and free to use. What I learn from my perspective is music, music gives me some vibes, inspiration, and vision of the way I want to present the shots, product, or object. So I stick with that basic, over time I notice some small things that need to improve now I'm getting better and plan ahead what I can edit with the footage I already have and think already what kind of footage/shots I need. Those steps I already do without watching this guide video but this is exactly how I work. For beginners, it's good to follow these steps and also learn from your mistakes you will get better in the progress. And last, use your vision to make your amazing video

[JinPato_TV]

Your tips are gold! I'm a beginner at content creation to YouTube

[HelbertGuya]

Thank you so much for this informative video❣️🙏

[BenjaminMutuku]

Thank you for these tips. I've been struggling to work on JUMP CUTTING. I didn't even know what's its called; so you can imagine searching for this tip online. Thank you!! Now, onto finer editing of my tech videos for my channel.

[BigelowInventions]

Awesome lesson! I like your idea of the assembly edits. I've always done fine cutting right from the beginning, but I'm excited to try your method on my next video.

[snaliyt]

Loved the way you guys managed to cover almost every point to keep in mind while editing in only 6 minutes

[profiserviceua]

Спасибо, я для себя взял ТРИ ВАЖНЫХ урока из этого видео !!!

[CheapCheeky]

I've been creating content on YouTube for years, but I always struggle with editing. This video was short, sweet, and super helpful - even for an old timer like me. Great job!

[papagin]

Thank you so much for your lovely tips

[kymber.r]

Thank you SO MUCH for laying this out into VERY basic steps. So many creators are like "shoot then upload and you're done!". Well, no, there are a LOT of steps, and this video made it easy to see how to get started as a beginner.

[Azizon]

Благодарю вас за важные, нужные, полезные советы!Учту их при монтаже своих видео.