Video is a popular and demanding format of content. Its usage on all marketing online channels such as social media, email, affiliate, and influencer marketing is rising. So is the need for video editing.
Video post-production is a long process- understanding the industry-wise types, software, techniques, and how to edit. So, in this article, we have accumulated those to aid beginners who are on a fresh start and businesses looking for a long-term video editing partner.
What you’ll learn in this article
- 1 What is Video Editing?
- 2 What Is the Purpose of Video Editing?
- 3 What are the types of video editing?
- 4 What are the best video editing software options?
- 5 What are the Video Editing Techniques for Beginners?
- 6 From Novice to Pro: How to Learn Video Editing?
- 7 Where to Outsource Video Editing
- 8 Conclusion
What is Video Editing?
Video editing is the post-production work of merging raw clips or footage with the right format, placement, color, visual, and graphical improvement to make it a synchronized and complete story.
In video editing, an editor rearranges, trims, adjusts colors, and adds graphics, sounds, & other digital manipulation techniques to the unedited footage captured through cameras, mobiles, drones, etc.
After editing, the video looks understandable, sensible, and eye-catching and delivers a message.
What Is the Purpose of Video Editing?
The purpose of video editing is to create a brand-specific visual narrative that hooks viewers and delivers messages for awareness creation, brand recognition, sales generation, etc.
1. Video editing serves industry goals
Filmmakers, TV programs, gaming companies, and individual content creators rely on professional video editing services for customized video creation. As a result, they can stay in tune with their work, and create simplified, well-flowed, eye-catching narratives to communicate with the viewers.
2. Editing refines the visuals and makes them understandable
Raw footage has some flaws, some scenes aren’t good enough, or unnecessary parts that require discarding. The process needs to be done without interrupting the content flow. Professional video editors address those mistakes and smoothly make the changes without a trace, ensuring viewers’ enjoyment.
3. Edited videos capture more viewers
In recent years, viewers’ attention span has significantly reduced to 47 seconds. So, grabbing their attention is a lot harder. The solution lies in the system. Video editing is that system. A well-edited video is the key to hooking and connecting viewers effectively and making a lasting impression about your brand.
4. Enhance brand promotional and marketing activities
High-quality, informative videos have a higher engagement rate on social media platforms. Those videos are clear to see and follow for the viewers and they understand the content properly. Thus, video editing empowers a brand’s marketing and promotional approaches to both traditional and online platforms, resulting in building brand authority.
What are the types of video editing?
In the fast-paced digital world, video demand is growing. YouTube alone has 2.49 billion monthly active users. So, every business, entrepreneur, and content creator wants to make their videos distinctive.
Video editors employ new tactics in their work to meet the ongoing demand. Here we have listed 10 types of video editing that serve a unique purpose in a specific area.
1. Linear Video Editing
Linear video editing is a chronological video editing process of video from start to end. The process follows a straight sequence, has a simple setup, and is effective for real-time editing, editors manipulate any part of the video without impacting the other ones. Linear video editing is used for live broadcasts, historical films, archives, editing, etc.
2. Non-linear Video Editing
Non-linear video editing (NLE) is a non-destructive flexible process of editing videos without maintaining a sequence. In this process, footages are stored in hard drive or digital storage, so editors work on the copy instead of the original files. Easy to organize, arrange, and fast iteration- these are the reasons NLE is suitable for commercial video, TV and films, online content video, and e-learning video editing.
3. Offline Editing
Offline editing is the proxy or duplicate video editing process to develop a cohesive story rather than implementing technical dimensions. This process is fast and requires fewer computer resources. So editors use this low-resolution video-creating technique for long-form or high-resolution videos. Offline video editing is used in documentary production, TV and film production, high-quality marketing videos, etc.
4. Online Video Editing
Online video editing is high-quality editing replacing low-quality, unedited, or raw video files for broadcast. Editors refine, use color correction, add sound, and synchronize audio & visual elements and then confirm for final submission. Advertisement and media, promotional videos are edited online as the results are polished, high-resolution, and ready to distribute.
What is the difference between an online video editing type and an online video editing app or website on Google?
The differences between online video editing and an online video editing app or website on Google are the target audience and purpose.
Online video editing: This editing type is the final stage of professional video post-production work, producing high-quality videos ready to distribute. By using specialized software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, skilled video editors create brand-specific, high-resolution, ready-to-broadcast videos.
Online video editing apps: Apps or websites are web-based tool that offers basic editing solutions, transitions, music, and text adding. For example, Kapwing, Adobe Express-like tools are accessible to anyone, usable on any device, mostly free & fast, and fulfill personal purposes.
5. Cloud-based Video Editing
It is the process of editing video in a cloud or remote server, without needing any hardware setup. Many software (Movavi Video Editor, Adobe Premiere Elements) offer cloud storage options along with storing the edited version. An editor access and work anytime from any device, and collaborate with the team through an internet connection.
6. Simple Cuts
Simple cuts are basic video editing techniques with no effects, fades, or similar changes between footage. From one clip to another, the transition flows are natural, simple, and clear. Simple cuts are used on videos news broadcasting, online content, documentaries, etc.
7. Bespoke Editing
Bespoke video editing is a client-specific, and tailored video post-production work. High-end commercials, event videos, and music videos follow unique styles to stand out and use this editing type to fit their demand. With each editing, editors implement creativity and follow brand guidance.
8. Insert Editing
The technique of inserting a new clip into an already edited video is called insert video editing. For example, live broadcasting or interview videos require dialogue or B-roll clips. With insert video editing, an editor adjusts clips precisely without re-editing.
9. Assemble Editing
Assemble video editing is the process of sequencing videos for editing, similar to linear editing. For fast assembling and minimal editing requirements, video editors use this technique for linear tape, broadcast, news, and rough cuts.
What is the difference between assemble video editing and linear video editing?
The difference between linear video editing and assembled video editing is a sequence. An assemble video editing is a linear editing where clip placement is one after another to create a rough video version. Whereas, in linear video editing, the sequence is pre-determined and editing is strict and difficult to change order.
10. Live Editing
Live video editing is the real-time video editing process such as switching different videos, adding graphics, recording clips, etc. It offers a dynamic perspective and experience. An editor makes split-second decisions during live editing on streaming, events, sports, webinars, etc.
What are the best video editing software options?
The best video editing software is a feature-rich editing tool, that has regular updation, is navigational and user-friendly, and is easy to install. Considering that, we have listed 8 software for video editing. The best depends on the usability and the users.
1. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve by BlackMagic Design is a professional-grade video post-production software. It offers robust features for editing, AI integration, color, graphic and visual transitions, etc to create dynamic videos faster and at the highest quality and resolutions.
Features:
- Cloud Collaboration
- Intelligent AI features
- Cut and edit, Fairlight, Fusion
- Color correction and grading
- 3rd party plug-ins and storage
| Pros | Cons |
| Clear user interface | Learning takes time for beginners |
| Fast render performance | |
| Integrates with Final Cut Pro, Avid for importing edits. |
Price: DaVinci Resolve is free for commercial use.
2. Filmora
Wondershare’s Filmora is a well-functional video editing tool that allows users to create professional-grade high-resolution videos. The software is available both on Windows and Mac, assisting users on both platforms with their daily editing needs.
Features
- Drag and drop editing option
- Motion tracking, Screen recording
- Huge library effects, AI-based solution
- Supports 4K Resolution editing and export
- Audio editing tools, Keyframing, Green Screen
| Pros | Cons |
| Intuitive user interface | Lacks multicam editing |
| Pre-made templates | |
| Cross-platform compatible |
Price: Both free and paid versions are available, pricing starts at $9.99 /mo.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is reputed as a business-class video editing software. It offers comprehensive video post-production solutions with diverse toolsets such as color grading, audio editing, advanced timeline editing, motion editing, etc to fulfill commercial needs.
Features
- Reimagined color management
- Context-sensitive Properties panel
- Speed and performance updates
- Refreshed, modern design
- Editing, effects, title, color, audio, exporting, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| Integrates with Adobe’s ecosystem | No free plan |
| Has a large community and resource availability | |
| A perfect tool for advanced editing |
Price: Premiere Pro offers a free trial. The paid pricing starts at $22.99/month.
4. Final Cut Pro
Apple’s video editing software Final Cut Pro is widely used by filmmakers, content creators, and professional video editors. Its powerful toolsets ensure smooth performance for high-quality audio, & video editing and top-notch output.
Features
- 360-degree VR video editing
- Duplicate detection, Multicam
- HDR and third-party plugin support
- Libraries and background rendering
- Motion and compressor, magnetic timeline
- Seamless exporting options including YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean user interface | Works only on Apple |
| Plug-in support | |
| Huge libraries, tagging, auto face, and acne analysis |
Price: Final Cut Pro costs $299.99. Free trial available.
5. CapCut
ByteDance’s CapCut is an all-rounder video editor tool for short videos, especially TikTok. From a top-rated video editing app, Capcut is now available on desktop software. The tool is intuitive, has professional and powerful features, easy to use even for non-technical people.
Features
- Multi-layer editing options
- Basic to advanced editing tools
- Plenty of effects and transitions
- Keyframe animation, green screen
- Aspect ratio templates for social media
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers AI-editing and effect | Limitation on added track amount |
| Available on the app version | |
| Direct exporting to TikTok | |
| Library of sounds and animation |
Price: CapCut is free to use.
6. Adobe Premiere Element
Premiere Element by Adobes is more organized and simplified specifically usable for beginners and intermediate-level video editors. Instead of heavy complicated features, it is packed with automated features, effects, and tools that are useful for casual users, hobbyist editors, or self-interested learners.
Features
- Subject Auto-reframing
- Visual effects in real-time
- Video file compressing etc
- Grainy videos improvement
- Dynamic stop-motion videos
- Precise selections, instant trim
- Adjusting shadows and highlights
| Pros | Cons |
| Similar interface to Premiere Pro | Doesn’t support multicam |
| Cross-platform supporting | |
| Plenty of effects and transitions | |
| AI-featured solutions: tagging, trimming, etc. |
Price: Along with the free trial, Adobe Premiere Elements 2025 costs $99.99.
7. PowerDirector
PowerDirector by CyberLink is a fast, efficient, and feature-rich software that aids learners in mastering video editors. Fast rendering, a wide range of effects and transitions, and AI solutions have made this tool one of the most reliable tools for editing simple to complicated videos.
Features
- Multi-track timeline video edit
- AI-powered editing tools
- Green screen, AI background removal
- Color correction and color grading
- Screen recording, multicam editing
- Keyframing and motion graphics
| Pros | Cons |
| Plenty of effects | Lag for complicated projects |
| Fast project render and export | |
| Mobile app version available |
Price: Downloadable both in free and paid versions. Pricing starts at 19.99.
What are the Video Editing Techniques for Beginners?
A beginner may feel overwhelmed while editing videos with software. Giving the process ample time to process and techniques will lead closer to mastering. Here is a list of techniques beginners should focus on.
1. Cutting & Trimming
Trimming and cutting means removing unnecessary parts from a video to size, shape, or clear the elements. The purpose of cutting and trimming is to make the story concise and clean.
In the video editing technique, cutting and trimming emphasize giving the video a clean, finished, and professional look that retains viewers’ attention.
2. Using B-Roll
The B-roll video is any secondary footage that supports the main video (A-roll) assisting the story. B-roll videos enhance and connect the concept, adding elements or additional sub-plots with the main story with different shots.
B-roll is used for adding diversity, so the audience gets curious and engaged which is why it is commonly used in documentaries, movies & dramas, new reports, corporate videos, etc. Examples of B-roll videos are: close-up videos, archival footage, etc.
3. Transitions
Transition is a video effect that connects two clips and ensures a seamless flow of the narratives. It can be a fade, zoom in or out, dissolved wipe, etc.
Transition is used for enhancing a story and highlighting changes in time, place, story, or other elements.
4. Adding Text & Titles
Title and text overlays on the video to introduce topics, highlight parts and emphasize points, in the video. Video editors customize fonts, size, & position, and add captions or credits for that.
Text and titles are needed to enhance the video’s narrative, improve accessibility, and clarify information.
5. Color Correction & Color Grading
Color correction is to solve color inaccuracy towards a natural, consistent, and accurate look. Color grading is to manipulate the colors to an artistic style or certain mood or tone on the raw clips.
Color grading and color correction elevate visual storytelling, representation, and consistency by removing color imbalances and maintaining the scene.
6. Speed Adjustments
Adjusting speed refers to changing the flow of a video faster or slower than the original one. Time-lapse or slow-motion videos are examples of adjustment speed.
Depending on the video’s purpose, creative control, and viewers’ engagement, the video speed changes to create dramatic moments or time-lapse effects, or highlight an event.
7. Using Keyframes
Keyframes are like a virtual scale with anchor points to measure the beginning to end of a function (animation, transition, etc) in footage. By using keyframes, animators mark the point of transitions.
To enhance visual interest, add creativity and dynamism, and make the video look engaging, a keyframe is used.
8. Green Screen/Chroma Key
A Chroma key or green screen is both a tool and a technique to isolate the subject. When a subject is filmed against a green screen or chroma key, video editors have the flexibility to replace the background.
Green screen or chroma key being opposite to human skin tone, it is perceptible. So, video editors can easily separate the subject.
9. Export Settings
Expert settings of video editing are some options that include video resolution, quality, and file formats to determine a video’s export version.
Determining the video’s exporting settings is required to understand the platform’s compatibility, the client’s requirements, and the audience’s choice.
From Novice to Pro: How to Learn Video Editing?
To learn video editing, choose a software, know the basics, and start doing it. Working directly is the fastest solution for learning and honing video editing skills. But your learning process needs a road to follow, here we have outlined a guide for you.
1. Learn the basics with beginner-friendly software
Beginners worldwide use DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, and CapCut to learn the ropes of video editing. The user interface is well-navigational, and features like effects, transitions, music, trimming, etc- these tools have made it easier to learn. Experiment with your chosen software’s toolsets. Focus on knowing the tool and how it works, not to perfection.
2. Access online resources
Programs, degrees, certifications, YouTube tutorials, and courses are the primary sources of learning video editing online. Those materials are available in both free and paid versions, such as:
| Resources | Where to find |
|---|---|
Accredited training programs | American Film Institute Conservatory University of Southern California American Graphics Institute Digital Editing School |
Professional degrees | Cinematography Graphic designFine arts |
Content creators | Corridor Crew Casey Faris Film Riot |
Online courses | Coursera Udemy Ripple Training BlackMagic Design |
Best Video Editing Course Online
The best online video editing courses are informative and helpful, provide guidelines for the learners, and motivate them to step up. Those courses offer offline materials for self-practices and learners can reach out to the mentors for additional queries. Choose any of the following courses, if you want to upskill in the competitive and demanding field of video editing.
1. Coursera
The online skill development platform Coursera offers plenty of courses such as video editing fundamentals, platform-specific video editing, color grading, sound editing, software use techniques, etc for beginner to advanced learners. Course instructors are industry professionals and veteran video editors who teach through different modules, and hands-on projects, provide resources, etc.
Why is Coursera a learner-friendly course?
- Learners can access a lot of free courses.
- Renowned universities like Michigan Stage, and Yale offer courses.
- Learners access and learn materials at their own pace.
- Coursera’s certifications at the course end.
How to get started: Sign up at Coursera to access free and paid courses at Coursera.
2. Udemy
From beginner to skilled learners, Udemy also offers a wide range of courses including video editing tips, software usage, and step-by-step editing processes. Downloadable materials, learning resources, and video lectures offer everything that assists video editing learners throughout the journey.
Why is Udemy a learner-friendly course?
- Communicating options with the instructor directly.
- Budget-friendly and discounted pricing structure.
- Unlimited accessibility to purchased courses.
How to get started: Sign in from the Udemy website to proceed. By purchasing, you will have lifetime accessibility.
3. Ripple Training
Ripple Training is a designated tutorial platform for video editing. Providing tutorials specifically for Apple-based video editing software such as Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, along with video production, the platform has assisted a lot of newbie learners and Mac users through lessons, resources, practical exercises, etc.
Why is Ripple Training a learner-friendly course?
- The teaching method is organized, structured, and easy to understand for the learners.
- Learners can choose skill-based courses.
- It offers financial aid for subscriptions.
How to get started: Sign in to purchase the videos from Ripple Training.
4. BlackMagic Design
BlackMagic Design‘s certified training course is specifically crafted to empower learners with creative works. 250 industry experts offer different courses for international learners, with books, online resources, and direct assistance.
Why is BlackMagic Design a learner-friendly course?
- It offers beginner-friendly and understandable courses.
- Course topics are categorized differently so learners can choose what they need.
- Course materials are available on the website in PDF, Project file, and video both in free and paid format.
How to get started: You can download without signing in.
3. Join communities
The benefits of joining the community are you are connected to similar skills people, evaluate yourself, build a network, and get work opportunities.
- Forums
- Social Media Group
- Crowdsourcing Platforms (Reddit, Quora, etc.)
4. Master the rules
When you are used to the basics of video editing software, upgrade your skills by following video editing skills.
- Murchs rule of six
- 30-degree rule
- 180-degree rule
Where to Outsource Video Editing
You can outsource video editing from 2 ways, a video editing agency and freelancing platforms. Large video production brands and multimedia companies assign video editing agencies for a longer period. Small and medium companies, individual content creators, and online marketers hire freelancers for a project.
Video Editing Agency
Video editing agency edits bulk amounts of videos, handles numerous clients with unique needs daily, and finalizes video projects with precision. As agencies have a reputation for reliable and professional work, solopreneurs to entrepreneurs mostly work with them.
1. Offshore Clipping
Offshore Clipping is a professional-grade video editing service provider. Since its inception in 2010, it has been contributing to the post-production industry with successful track records. The video editing services by the Offshore Clipping Team are top-notch, competitive, and brand-specific.
Service Categories: Editing services for Real Estate, Wedding Videos, YouTube Videos, Vacation Footage, Social Media Content, Ecommerce product Videos, Corporate Videos, Company Ads, Podcast Videos, Explainer Videos, Music Videos, etc.
Price: Decided based on types, customization, and time.
Turnaround: 1 to 4 business days.
2. Clipping Path Studio
Clipping Path Studio is a renowned video post-production service provider, working in diverse niches such as Finance, entertainment, ecommerce, Fashion, etc. With 100+ expert editors, CPS has been assisting clients with their simple to complicated projects.
Service Categories: Ecommerce Product Videos, Video Color Correction & Color Grading, Real Estate Videos, Fashion Videos, Music Videos, Wedding & Event Videos, Family & Travel Videos, Corporate Videos, Product Promo Videos, Social Media Videos, Learning Videos, YouTube Video Editing.
Price: Depends on time, complexity, level of details, etc.
Turnaround: 1 to 4 business days.
Freelance Platform
Freelance platforms are all-in-one service platforms to find video editing skills from basic to high-precision. Fast, and affordable services have made freelancing platforms an easy option to search for talent. Some renowned freelance platforms are Upwork, Fiverr, People per Hour, and Freelancer.com.
Price: Starts at as low as $5.
FAQs on Video Editing
What are the 5 stages of video editing?
The 5 stages of video editing are logging, assembling, rough cut, fine cut, and final cut.
A video editor labels videos, adds notes & details (Logging), sorts out clips and discards sub-standard ones (Assembling), refines the assembled clips to make the narrative clear and cohesive (Rough cut), adds details like transitions, cuts, texts, and animations (Fine cut) and performs advanced-level works such as motion graphics, color grading, correction, VFX, etc (Final cut).
What is the golden rule of video editing?
The golden rule of video editing is to ‘create a concise story’. Short and relatable videos engage most audiences, so aim to make your videos short, informative, personalized, and story-driven.
What are the 6 rules of Editing Videos?
The 6 rules of editing videos are 1. Emotion 51%, 2. Story 23%, 3. Rhythm 10 %, 4. Eye trace 7%, 5, 2D plane of the screen 5%, and 6. 3D space 4%. Oscar-winning editor, Walter Murch coined the term ‘Rule of Six’ in his book ‘In the Blink of an Eye’, where he showed six criteria to make a good cut for editing films.
What is color grading in video editing?
In video editing, color grading is to manipulate the raw files to enhance and adjust hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, shadows, and tones. Color grading gives the visual narratives a new look and improves’ viewers’ understanding.
Why is video editing important in marketing?
Video editing is important in marketing as it creates brand-specific, viewer-convincing visual narratives. Businesses transform the look, and perspective of their product or services, and stand out in the market. As a result, they capture viewers’ attention, build brand awareness and reputation, and thus generate leads and conversations.
How do I choose the right video editing software?
To choose the right video editing software, identify your needs, learn the software features for beginner-friendly, intermediate, or advanced users, set up the system, platform compatibility, cost, reviews, etc.
What are the main steps in the video editing workflow?
Video editing is important in marketing as marketers can create customized and brand-specific meaningful visual narratives to deliver actionable messages and gain attention. Editing not only enhances a video’s look but also emphasizes SEO activities in improving brand visibility, and driving traffic and conversion.
Conclusion
In 2023, the global video streaming market size was valued at $555.89 billion.
The estimation will surely grow in the upcoming years.
As the demand for videos rises and changes, video editing supports the content to become visible and on-trend.
We hope this article has helped you guide you to your inquiry.
Keep an eye on our blogs for more helpful video editing skill development articles.
