How to Learn Video Editing and Why This Skill Matters

Video consumption isn’t just on the rise, it’s one of the most popular online activities enjoyed by audiences worldwide. Research by Wistia, a video hosting company, reveals that the number of video plays increased by 15 percent in 2023 and total watch time climbed by 44 percent [1]. 

Meanwhile, advances in AI will likely propel the industry forward by providing tools that streamline the video production and editing process. Currently, AI can identify the best takes, cut footage together, and apply filters. Given AI's impact and the increasing demand, businesses will probably be seeking individuals with video editing skills.

Video editors weave footage, sound, and graphics together to reach and engage audiences through film, TV shows, commercials, news programs, and online content. Learn how the digital world utilizes video editing and how you can acquire this skill set.

Types of video editing

During the post-production process, you can use various types of video editing to tell the best story possible, and a few of these methods are linear, non-linear, simply cutting, and live editing. 

Once a task that mostly entailed splicing film reels, today's video editor relies on software, utilizes platforms like YouTube to share their content, and can tap into AI tools to streamline the process. Because of this evolution, it's important to distinguish between the various types of video editing. 

Linear editing

Typically associated with editing video tape, linear editing is about cutting the footage into a video that is arranged in chronological order. While it was the standard type of editing when film was shot on a reel, digital technology has given editors more flexibility. 

Non-linear editing

Non-linear editing is the act of cutting video that you do not store in chronological order. Using editing software, you can manipulate footage in inventive ways, no matter how the video was shot. 

Simple cutting

With this type of video editing, editors simply remove pieces of footage they don’t want in the story and then connect the remaining sections together. It tends to be a straightforward process and is productive if you do it properly.

Live editing

Often used in newsrooms and live streaming, live editing allows editors to make real-time cuts with the goal of getting the video on-air quickly. Typically, editing software streamlines the process. 

Who learns video editing?

If you’re interested in working within this arena, many different professions rely on video editing, including video content creators, film editors, and animators 

Each year from 2023 through 2033, about 7,100 jobs become available for people with this skill, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [2], in a variety of different fields, such as:

Video content creator

Average annual salary (US): $55,190 [3]

Social media is experiencing a rise in the number of influencers, many of whom rely on video to reach their audience. Influencers often focus on a niche and cultivate an audience based on their expertise and audience interest. They attempt to share authentic videos that resonate with their audience. Brands also work with video content creators to expand their reach and promote products and services.  

Film editor

Average annual salary (US): $71,635 [4]

Film editors are responsible for editing feature films, TV programs, commercials, or music videos. They review footage, make cuts, manage sound, overlay sound effects, and pace the story. Professionals in this position usually collaborate with the production team to create the most captivating visual story. 

Animator

Average annual salary (US): $71,293 [5]

Animators fall into a niche of video editors who specialize in creating objects that look as if they’re actually moving. Animators balance creativity with technical skills. Some specialize even further in areas like hand-drawing, 3D characters, or computer-generated images (CGI). Given these skills, you can work on everything from commercials to video games.

Tips on how to learn video editing

Learning how to edit video has become accessible with consumer-ready software available to you. If you're motivated to learn video editing, consider these tips to start:

Familiarize yourself with software

Video editing requires software, but before you pick an editing software to use, make sure your computer has the capacity and storage to handle it. Essentially, the more RAM memory your computer contains then the faster your video editing software will be able to load, open, and edit your footage. Once you’ve determined this, you can choose the appropriate video editing software. Consider some of the popular options available.

Lightworks

A beginner-friendly platform with a library of detailed tutorial videos, Lightworks has many features and a library of stock footage. It offers a host of trimming and collaboration tools.  

VideoPad

VideoPad is an effective choice for editors on a budget. This free software offers editing tools, alongside overlays, special effects, and transitions. While the software does not offer many advanced features, it does provide light effects and color correction.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is used frequently in the professional landscape. With a user-friendly interface, dozens of editing tools, and customizations that enable editors to hone their skills and deploy batch editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is considered to be an industry standard.

Organize your footage

You’ll find that organization is critical in video editing. Post-production involves a lot of files, from video clips you shoot in the field and transitions to music tracks and color grading. It's important to create folders for your files before you start cutting video together. 

Start by creating a naming system for your folders. You might categorize footage by file type or date shot. Remove discarded footage so it's not cluttering your workspace.  

Outline your story

Take some time to make a plan, asking yourself the goal of the video, regarding what you want it to look like and what you want it to sound like. You can even create a shot list that details each scene for your completed project. Some editors make an outline with bullets to keep themselves on track. Others apply the H.I.C.C. method:

Hook: The first 15 seconds of your video hooks the viewer and might include strong visuals and attention-grabbing information.  

Intro: This portion explains to viewers in a quick, succinct way what you plan to cover in your video.

Content: Develop the main content in a thoughtful manner. A how-to video, for example, should include step-by-step instructions.

Call to action: Decide what you want the viewer to do after they watch your video, like subscribe to a platform, comment, or follow the individual on social media. You can also add clickable text to the end of the video

Create your story

With a plan in place, you'll start sequencing video footage into an assembly cut on a timeline. You then develop the first draft, or rough cut, has video but no sound, music, or graphics in place. From this preliminary version, you can gather feedback, examine pacing, and identify gaps in your story to make improvements. As you revise the video, it moves into the fine cut, with a focus on sound, color correction, and transitions, before moving to the final cut, where the editor polishes with finishing touches, like graphics and credits.

Practice as much as possible

As with any skill, practice makes all of the difference between novice and expert. Practice cutting video and crafting different creations from raw footage, research various techniques, and engage in diverse projects. You could also network with other editors and explore internships or workshops that cater to your particular interests and skills.

Sharpen your video editing skills on Coursera

As more and more people are viewing content, creators need help arranging footage in a cohesive, engaging format. If you're considering a career as a video editor, consider taking online classes, like The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization offered by the University of Colorado Boulder. Available on Coursera, this course covers topics like common workflows, how to pick the best shots, and strategies to produce professional video. Mastering Final Cut Pro from LearnQuest and available on Coursera is a 40-hour course that can help you learn the software's features and apply best practices within this popular video editing software.