Published on February 2nd, 2021 | by Bibhuranjan

What You Will Need to Succeed as a Video Editor

Becoming a video editor sounds like a good opportunity to make a living. There are multiple jobs that you can do.

The internet is the first thing that comes to mind. Content creators hire editors to produce high-quality videos for their YouTube channels and social media. Streamers on Twitch TV have been creating highlight channels on YouTube as well, and monetizing this idea without a proper video editor is quite difficult. And what about various gigs on freelancer platforms like Fiverr and Upwork?

Of course, you can work outside the internet. Movie and TV show industries need new talents regularly, though you will need to reach a certain point in your career to join the big players.

If you feel like video editing is for you, then why not give it a try? And the information in this article should come in handy.

Practicing

You need the practice to become a proper video editor. However, you may not have a video camera yourself to shoot videos that you can use for a template. If that is the case, why not download a video straight from a popular platform and use that as a template?

Finding a video downloader should not be a problem. As for the platform to download videos from, most people pick YouTube since it has such a wide variety of videos.

Having a video you can tinker with will give you plenty of room to practice. Besides, you will not have to worry about messing a video up and not knowing how to restore it. The template is there to give you a way to test new things and learn, so make the most out of what you have.

Finding the Right Tools

There are different software available for video editors. Picking the right software for someone new is difficult. iMovie for Windows is not available as it is only for iOS and MacOS, but you can get alternates for that. Moreover, you do not want to spend money on software that you may not even use.

Some tools will miss certain features. However, you can compensate for that thanks to the internet. For example, if the software you use does not have a vocal remover, you can take advantage of a vocal remover online or sites or services that can offer effects and other aspects that may not be present in the software you use.

As a rule of thumb, newbie video editors should avoid complicated tools. Go for something simple and learn the basics first. Once you become accustomed to the video editing process, you can consider looking for more advanced software and even pay money for it.

Ask other video editors or research reviews on the internet. There should be plenty of information about good video editing software.

Making Progress

Consistency should be on the list of priorities for aspiring video editors. You need to be making progress regularly. If you have some free time and do not feel like doing actual editing work, watch videos for inspiration, or consume video tutorials on YouTube, Skillshare, or Udemy.

Try to figure out your weak points and work on them. The important thing is to make constant progress and keep up with the latest trends of your work. Otherwise, you will fall behind other video editors who are putting more effort than you.

Having a Fast Computer

You will have a hard time with work efficiency if your computer is not performing up to par. On the surface, it may not seem like you need a powerful device, but the reality is quite different, and it becomes apparent once you actually start editing videos.

Rendering requires high-end hardware, particularly when you are struggling with deadlines and need to finish the work to satisfy the needs of the customers.

Similar to editing software, choosing your computer is another important step. If you do not have one already, you will need to think about which route you want to go.

Some video editors say that they would not bother with laptops because they are not as powerful as personal computers. However, laptop hardware has been advancing quite a lot recently, and they do provide flexibility as you can carry a laptop with you.

At the same time, a really good laptop will cost more than a personal computer with similar specs. Seek advice from your peers and consider what your personal preference would be.

Gaining Real Work Experience

Finding real work experience is not that simple. Most people would be reluctant to hire inexperienced video editors. Nevertheless, you will need a portfolio if you want to make it as a video editor.

Beginners should seek opportunities on freelancer websites and social media. Even if a gig pays very little, you should still take it. The primary objective is to receive positive feedback and add work to your portfolio that you can use to get better video editing jobs in the future.

Tags: video editing, video editing software

About the Author

Bibhuranjan Editorial Officer, technofaq.org I'm an avid tech enthusiast at heart. I like to mug up on new and exciting developments on science and tech and have a deep love for PC gaming. Other hobbies include writing blog posts, music and DIY projects.