How To Become a Successful Video Editor

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Videos have played a major role in the evolving world even before the age of the internet.
Are you looking to break into the creative industry as a video editor but feel unsure of the steps you should take to reach your goal?

Jumping into a creative career like video editing provides you with tons of money-making opportunities to start with.

To understand the best steps to take to achieve your goals, it’s vital to gain a clear understanding of the industry, job role, and software needed to secure a position. This article has been written to help you on your journey to becoming a world-class video editor.

Who is a video editor?

A video editor examines videos for editing purposes, looking for errors, segments that run long or parts that do not match the story or go with the storyline.

A video editor adds sounds, voices and music that match the script and place them in the appropriate place.

With the computer and advanced technology, a video editor’s duty job became increasingly more complex using computer graphics to aid in editing films and supplying the necessary elements to create the finished product.

Why Should I Become a Video Editor?

Professional editing goes beyond the kind of small edits done on your mobile devices on pictures or videos. Video editors help make television, movies, and other forms of media come to life by manipulating and editing video to convey a story or message.

But did you know video is the best media platform to get your music, album or product around? It is the best marketing and promotional tool ever!

Why do you think phone and computer manufacturers build video capturing and editing software into their phones and computers?

Off course, videos are going to be part of our daily lives much sooner than we imagine. Here are reasons why you should become a video editor.

1. Videos have more impact.

Videos can get someone feeling emotional and even get them to feel angry. While pictures tell a thousand words, a video tells a thousand more.

Whether it is a message to save humanity or a message to tell someone about your new music album, no marketing tool beats a powerful video with matching music.

2. Videos are easily accessible.

In this technological age, you see people watching videos not only on television or the computer but on their laptops, tablets and smartphones as well.

When you scroll through your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, one thing you see is the use of videos.

So if you want something across, pushing out your message or promotion through a video to these people makes sense.

3. The Production of videos is not expensive.

If you have a computer or a smartphone, it should be enough to produce a video. You probably will not be able to edit and produce ‘Hollywood’ videos but with a decent computer and the correct editing techniques, you can make pretty professional-looking videos.

4. Videos are here to stay.

Videos on the other hand attract people to watch. They fix their eyes on the video and see what the video tells them.

Also while articles on the internet get washed away in the vast ocean of the internet, videos are pretty much liked by Google and are given specific attention.

5. It’s The Next Big Thing.

If you haven’t noticed already, you’ll find that most musicians and artists would do a music video. The top brand now such as Google, Amazon and many others prefer to pass their message via Video.

Why? Because their fans want it. I bet you probably go to Youtube to search for a music video of a band or artist you like.

Video plays a huge role in our modern society. Every new product or album launch will usually be accompanied by a promotional video.

6. Videos are Great for SEO.

Uploading videos to YouTube can be a good way to get your business on the first page of Google.

Google includes YouTube videos at the top of the page for many search terms because it acquired YouTube in its infant years.

Google has also been rumoured to prioritize search results with the video above results without the video.

How Do I Become a Succesful Video Editor?

Every movie, TV series, or YouTube video is edited. The video editor’s job is to ensure that film tells the right story without altering the vision of the storyteller. Videos are a vital part of the media and will forever remain important.

1. Understand Video Editing vs. Motion Graphics.

The very first thing that must be done before venturing into video editing is to understand the difference between video editing and motion graphics.

Simply put in layman’s words video editors work to tell a story while motion graphics professionals enhance the story being told through advanced elements like animation or 3D graphics.

The work of both roles meshes together on pieces of a project to complement one another and boost the success to create a visually stunning story.

2. Understand Video editing Terminology.

Just as in every industry various terminologies are used in communication. It’s important to learn and understand standard terminology used in video editing.

One of the main goals of a video editor is to combine content to communicate a story, which falls back on using terminology to communicate effectively while working on a project.

Some of the most common video editing terms are B-Roll, Cut Aways, Transition, Split Ends, Bit Rate Aspect Ratio, Compositing, Cut-In and Frame Rate. These terminologies equip you with all that is needed to understand the video editing industry.

3. Stay Current With Trends.

The next most important tip to becoming a master video editor is to be able to stay up with current trends.

The world of video production and editing is constantly growing and changing as technology evolves, which means standard industry practices can change to meet new advancements.

Understanding fundamental skills are vital to success as a video editor, but the learning does not end after your initial education courses.

This knowledge can come through formal training and completing projects, as well as staying current with different aesthetic style trends across the field.

One place to start is via YouTube or even visit the official website of the video-editing software you are familiar with, and follow up for more details.

4. Build a Strong portfolio and a Website.

Next is to build a portfolio of both official and unofficial works you have done while learning video editing.

Creative professionals and video editors should focus on building a strong reel and website to showcase their unique skill set and attract potential clients.

Having a solid portfolio reel or website is a clear representation of your technical abilities and unique style. One place to start showcasing your portfolio is on YouTube, or even having to host your website.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to start a YouTube channel and build a website using various website builders. Check out the link to the article to learn more.

6. Practice and develop new skills.

Anyone can log on to YouTube, and subscribe to a channel that teaches video editing only to become obsolete in a few months from then.

To become a successful video editor, you have to keep an open mind. New technology and techniques are developed daily. So, you should keep an eye on the latest trends and strive to build your skills.

You know that practice makes perfect, and this phrase is of great importance in creative fields.

7. Apply for jobs.

Next is to begin applying for jobs, you dont have to become an all-knowing video editor to land a high-paying job.

The vital part of becoming a pro video editor is to make the most out of every opportunity. Currently, most employers look for potential candidates online.

Don’t underestimate the value of good connections. Working as a freelancer helps establish contacts with people in the industry.

Furthermore, your best shot at getting hired is to build an impressive portfolio and resume.

You dont have to limit yourself to a certain place when considering a job in video editing, anyone can land a remote job while living in a different part of the world.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how anyone can land a remote job. Check out the link to the article below to learn more.

How To Land a Remote Job

8. Get a College degree.

While this is optional, acquiring a bachelor’s degree increases your chances of securing a permanent position in a reputed firm.

Statistics show that video editors with a degree are more dedicated to their job. Similarly, it’s best to keep learning new skills through online certification programs to remain up to date.

A bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary for becoming a pro video editor. However, it Moreover, an expert degree in film studies or production improves your video editing. In addition, it teaches you workplace ethics.

9. Master the Software

Every Video editor requires the use of video editing software to bring their work to life. Video editing is not done on paper, nor is it done on the sea, you need pre-designed software to make your work a reality.

Thankfully, there are tons of great free or inexpensive video editing apps that you can use to create professional-looking videos on your Laptop, phone or tablet.

When it comes to making videos the operating system matters. Keep in mind these editing apps have free and paid versions, so it is important to test more than one app before you decide to invest money in them.