As Youtube continues to grow in popularity, many people are turning to the platform as a way to share their content with the world. If you’re just starting out, editing your Youtube videos can be a daunting task.
However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding process. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to edit Youtube videos, including how to resize videos, edit footage, add music and text, and more.
1. Choosing the Right Video Editing Software
Before you start editing your Youtube videos, you’ll need to choose the right video editing software. There are many options available, both free and paid, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Some popular video editing software options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Wave.video, and iMovie. For beginners, we recommend starting with iMovie, which is available for free on Mac computers and is a great option for learning the basics of video editing.
2. Importing and Organizing Your Footage
Once you have your video editing software set up, the next step is to import your footage into the program. This can be done by connecting your camera or smartphone to your computer or by transferring your footage from an external hard drive. Once your footage is imported, it’s important to organize it into folders and give each clip a clear, descriptive name to make it easier to find and use in your edits.
3. Resizing Your Video
Before you start editing your footage, you may need to resize your video to fit the aspect ratio required by Youtube. The most common aspect ratios are 16:9 and 4:3, with 16:9 being the most commonly used for Youtube videos.
You can resize your video using the resizing tool within your video editing software or by using online tools such as Wave.video or Kapwing.
4. Cutting and Trimming Your Footage
The next step is to cut and trim your footage to remove any unwanted parts and create a cohesive story. This is where the real editing process begins.
You can use the tools in your video editing software to trim your footage, including the razor tool and the trim tool. It’s important to pay attention to the pacing of your video and keep your cuts smooth and natural.
5. Adding Music and Sound Effects
Adding music and sound effects can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your video. You can find royalty-free music and sound effects online through sites like AudioJungle or Epidemic Sound.
Once you’ve found the right music or sound effect, you can import it into your video editing software and add it to your video timeline. Be sure to adjust the volume levels so that the music or sound effect is not too loud or too soft.
6. Adding Text and Titles
Adding text and titles to your video can help convey important information and add a professional touch to your video. Most video editing software includes text and title tools, allowing you to choose from a variety of fonts and styles.
Be sure to choose a font and color that is easy to read and matches the tone of your video.
7. Adding Transitions and Effects
Adding transitions and effects can add visual interest and smooth out your video’s transitions. Common transitions include crossfades and fade to black, while common effects include color grading and slow motion.
It’s important not to overuse transitions and effects, as they can quickly become distracting if used excessively.
8. Exporting Your Video
Once you have finished editing your Youtube video, it’s time to export it. You should export your video in a high-quality format such as MP4, with a resolution of at least 1080p. It’s important to choose the right export settings based on your video’s purpose and the platform where you will upload it. You should also choose the video quality and bitrate based on your computer’s capabilities and the size of your video file.
9. Promoting Your Video
Once your video is uploaded to Youtube, it’s important to promote it to reach a wider audience. You can share your video on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and encourage your followers to share it with their friends. You can also collaborate with other Youtube creators and share each other’s videos to reach new viewers.
Final Thoughts
Editing Youtube videos can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding process. By choosing the right video editing software, organizing your footage, resizing your video, cutting and trimming your footage, adding music and sound effects, adding text and titles, adding transitions and effects, exporting your video, uploading it to Youtube, and promoting it, you can create engaging and professional-looking Youtube videos. Just remember to keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to find your own unique style. Good luck!
