When you want to upload or share videos, taking a good video is just the first step. There are a number of ways you can enhance a less-than-perfect video before sharing, or improve upon an already-good video. A well-edited video can help you get more likes, reach a wider audience, get great feedback, and increase the number of your subscribers. Here are six tips for better video editing.
Use a Powerful Laptop
A high-performing laptop like a gaming laptop can be helpful in a number of ways when you’re editing a video. Most expensive gaming PCs have extremely powerful graphics cards or Graphics Processing Units (GPU). The GPU can not only ensure a superior gaming experience, but it is also one of the best ways of ensuring your videos and images are edited to a professional-grade quality. Activities such as video editing or adding filters are much slower on integrated graphics chips as compared to laptops with dedicated, fast GPUs. So, look for a top-quality laptop with a GPU.
Get the Right Software (& Learn How to Use It)
There are a number of video editing tools on the market. Look for professional-quality video editing software such as Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Also, watch tutorials and videos about how to optimize this software.
Cut Out the Unnecessary Bits
A tightly-edited video is far more watchable than one that takes its time to make a point. Keep a fast pace so your viewers don’t get bored. Don’t hesitate to cut out bits that don’t add to the story you’re trying to tell.
Make the Right Cuts
A great way to make a cut blend seamlessly is to cut halfway through a movement, gesture, or action. Making a cut on a static frame can make it a little disorienting. Instead, cut the video when the person on-screen is mid-action. This also helps by ensuring your viewers will be distracted by the action instead of getting bored watching a static frame.
Similarly, when two or more people are shown to be talking, cut to the listener as well as the speaker when the conversation is going on. Reactions are just as important, if not more, as the actual act of speaking.
Optimize Color & Music
You can change the color and tone to make the video look warmer or colder as needed. Also, make sure the lighting is consistent throughout the video. You might have to try adjusting the brightness and contrast to get the look you want.
The right music can enhance your video to a great extent. Make sure you synchronize the music, so it is in harmony with the actual video.
Include Captions
Marketing research has shown that the time spent by viewers on captioned videos is far greater than on those without. Viewers love captioned videos because they get to watch the videos on mute even in crowded spaces, at night, at the dentist’s etc. Captions are also a great way to reach a wider audience. Videos with subtitles also help you reach audiences that are hearing-impaired, or for whom English is a second or a third language. When you add captions, make sure they sync with the video in every frame.
With these tips, you can ensure better videos for posting online on your channel or profile, or for sharing with friends. A well made and edited video will make people take notice and come back for more.
