Christie: I want to file a missing report.

webdew: We think you are in the wrong place. 

Christie: I felt the missing thing was to make my video look polished and captivating. So, I thought of consulting webdew, a professional video creation and editing company.

webdew: Mmmm, I see. It seems like your video is missing the crucial process of video editing.

Christie: Oh, that's the case. 

webdew: However, before we jump into filling the gap of video editing, let's discuss how it can benefit you and others who may overlook this important step. 

Proper video editing can enhance any video creation, but without it, the results can be underwhelming. That's why we have created an ultimate guide to help you take your first step into video editing. 

Here, you'll learn everything from the basics to advanced editing techniques to create stunning videos.

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is like a magic wand that allows you to transform raw footage into a captivating visual story. 

It combines different shots, sounds, and visual effects through different transitions, cuts, timings, colour grading, filters, etc., to create a polished final product.

The best part is its accessibility. With user-friendly software and powerful editing tools, anyone can learn how to edit like a pro. But it's not just about the technical skills.

To truly excel at video editing, you need a creative eye and a deep understanding of storytelling, pacing, and composition.

Types of Video Editing

1. Non-linear video editing

It lets audio and video files be edited using special software on a desktop.

It lets you move and change portions of the audio and video files without physically cutting or pasting them together like you would with older editing methods.

Some Popular software for this type is – Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. 

2. Insert video editing 

This is used to add new video clips to an existing video sequence without changing the original content. Its other name is “overwrite editing,” as the new footage gets inserted over the original footage without removing it.

This is utilized in broadcast television and film production, where updating an edited sequence without starting from scratch is necessary.

Here, an editor uses a specialized editing system that allows frame-by-frame control of the new video and audio files to do an insert edit.

3. Simple cutting 

This is majorly used in home video editing and for generating basic content for social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Professionals also use it for news reports, editing interviews, and other short-form content. It helps to tell a story in a concise form.

4. Bespoke video editing

It is a personalized video editing approach modified to your needs and preferences. Instead of using generic editing techniques, a bespoke editing style includes creating a customized video that meets your needs.

This can be used for businesses, individuals, and organizations that want to create professional-looking, unique, and the best video content.

With this, you can create and edit a video showcasing your brand identity and effectively communicating your message. 

Get a better and clearer idea of the types of video editing through our blog – Revolutionize your video content with 6 Types of Video Editing

Best Video Editing Apps

1. Inshot

Inshot is a renowned editing app available for iOS and Android devices. If you need to make a video easily, this free video editor app is meant for you.

It also has a paid version, but whether you're a beginner or a professional, there is everything to provide to everyone.

Inshot video editing tool 1536x719 1 1

Features of InShot

  • Its interface is easy to use.
  • Variety of editing tools like trimming, splitting, merging, and adjusting the speed of videos
  • Various filters and effects to improve their videos and add creative features.
  • A music library with free sound effects and music. 
  • Various text and sticker options to add captions, labels, and fun elements to videos.

Pricing

InShot is available to download for free.
The InShot Pro version – $3.99 per month or $14.99 per year.
One-time purchase – $34.99

2. Apple iMovie

This best free video editing app allows you to capture and edit videos from any Apple device, whether a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. But if you're using non-Mac devices, you'll have to use AirDrop.

Apple iMovie has a remarkable capability – its green screen – which allows you to superimpose characters onto spectacular backgrounds, such as Hawaii.

iMovie video editing tool 1536x719 1 1

Features of Apple iMovie

  • Best free app for editing that supports 4K resolution videos.
  • Advanced color correction and video stabilization.
  • Built-in effects and filters.
  • Support for green screen and picture-in-picture effects.
  • Integration with your own custom tracks by using iTunes and GarageBand for overlaying.
  • Direct uploading of different videos to YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo

Pricing

This is free video editing app. 

3. Kinemaster

It is a mobile video editing app with over 100 million downloads on Google Play Store alone. It has become one of the most preferred apps for vloggers, professionals, and content creators.

Kinemaster video editing tool 1536x720 1 1

Features of KineMaster

  • Multi-track editing with multiple video, images, text, and audio layers.
  • Recording of audio and video in real-time.
  • Variety of effects and filters, including animations, color adjustments, and blurring.
  • Keyframe animation to make complex animations and movements for the videos.
  • It also adds supports 4K video editing. 

Pricing

Paid version – $3.99/month or $39.99/year

4. Splice

Splice is a powerful and easy-to-use video editing app enabling users to make and edit appealing videos from their mobile devices. 

It empowers users to perform many video editing tasks such as trimming, cropping, and merging videos, adding music and text, applying filters and effects, and many other features.

Splice video editing tool 1536x703 1 1

Features of Splice

  • Analyzes videos with an intelligent algorithm and automatically create a montage.
  • The built-in music library 
  • Addition of text overlays to videos, with the ability to customize fonts, colors, and styles.
  • Built-in integration with popular social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Pricing

Splice is free, with the option to purchase additional features and content through in-app purchases.
In app purchases – from $4.99 to $13.99

5. Quik

Quick is the best free editor for video creators who want to produce high-quality content easily. Its user-friendly interface and advanced characteristics make it perfect for making captivating videos for social media, YouTube, or any other platform.

Quik video editing tool 1536x718 1 1

Features of Quik

  • Quik analyzes your videos with an intelligent algorithm and automatically creates a montage.
  • The built-in music library in the free editor makes adding music to your videos easy.
  • Users can add text overlays to their videos, with the ability to customize fonts, colors, and styles.
  • The app offers built-in integration with popular social media platforms.

Pricing

Quik is free for download, with no additional in-app purchases required.
Paid version – $1.99/month or $9.99/year

To get detailed information on other editing video apps then, kindly read our blog – 11 best Video Editing apps for Android, iPhone and iPad: Free and Paid.

Video Editing Templates

1. Cartoon Rainbow Logo Opener Pack

If you are a content creator or a marketer who wants to make your videos stand out, Da Vinci Resolve – Cartoon Rainbow Logo Opener Pack template is perfect for you.

It has a step-by-step tutorial that guides you through the entire process, from importing your logo to exporting the final video file.

This customizable video template allows you to design a logo opener video that matches your company's identity. It makes it perfect for marketing campaigns and social media.

Click here to get started with Cartoon Rainbow Logo Opener Pack.

Pricing

One needs to buy a subscription to Motion Array to get this. 

2. Colorful Fashion Youtube Intro

Canva is a popular and user-friendly design platform that lets users make professional-looking graphics and visuals for various applications.

The Colorful Fashion YouTube Intro template is a perfect example of how powerful and versatile Canva's editing video tools can be.

This is a perfect choice for anyone looking to design an eye-catching opening sequence for their YouTube channel or video.

Click here to get started with Colorful Fashion Youtube Intro.  

Pricing

It is free to use and edit. But there are some components that need a paid subscription to Canva Pro. 

3. Modular Sliding Split Screens

This paid preset is perfect for content creators who want to present information by designing dynamic videos with a split-screen style. This editable video preset is among the software's wide library.

It allows you to customize the number of split screens and adjust the size of each screen to suit your needs.

The flexibility of the video template made you to make a unique layout for your videos tailored to your video.

Click here to get started with Modular Sliding Split screen. 

Pricing

One needs to buy a subscription to Motion Array to get this. 

4. Rhythmic Intro | FCPX or Apple Motion

The Final Cut Pro template is a fantastic option for content creators looking to add a bit of flair and energy to their videos. One of its standout features is its synchronized typography and graphics.

The text and visual (photo or video) elements are timed to the rhythm of the music. Thus, making a seamless and attention-grabbing introduction from the very first second.

The preset also includes many fully customizable design components, letting you add your unique branding and visual style to the final product.

Click here to start with Rhythmic Intro | FCPX or Apple Motion. 

Pricing

One needs to buy a subscription to Envanto to get this template. 

5. Mobile App Marketing

This template is an excellent choice for anyone making high-quality promotional videos for their mobile app. Also, this preset is specifically designed to showcase the features and benefits of a mobile app in a visually appealing way.

It includes various customizable design components, such as text, images, and animations, that can be edited to suit your brand's unique style and messaging. 

This can be especially useful for apps that offer unique or innovative features that may be difficult to explain through text alone.

Click here to get started with Mobile App Marketing. 

Pricing

It is free to use and edit, but you must upgrade to the paid version to export the video.

To know more about these and other best templates, you can check our blog – 11 engaging Video Editing Templates to know in 2023: Free & Paid.

Video Editing Websites

1. FlexClip

FlexClip is a user-friendly and potent online video editing platform that empowers you to craft striking videos within a few minutes . 

Whether you're a professional video editor or a newbie, it has everything from an easy-to-use interface to powerful features  to create a video, edit it and bring it to life. 

FlexClip video editing website

Features of FlexClip  

  • User-friendly interface to simplify video creation and editing.
  • Customizable pre-made templates.
  • A library of royalty-free stock media, including images, video footage, and music.
  • Voiceover recording directly in the editor or upload an existing one to the video.
  • Video preview in real-time.

Pricing

Basic – This is a free video editing option 
Plus – This plan costs $4.99 per month 
Business – This plan costs $19.99 per month

2. Wave. video

Wave. video is an online video editor that enables users to create and edit a video for various websites, blogs, and social media platforms.

It offers a variety of characteristics that let users make and edit custom videos, add text, animations, and graphics, and collaborate with team members. 

Wavevideo video editing website

Features of Wave. video

  • Use of AI to automatically create video previews and recommend edits.
  • Vast media library consisting of over 300 million stock videos, images, and audio clips.
  • The ability to resize video footage to suit various social media platforms.
  • Built-in video hosting enables users to upload and share their videos directly.
  • Team collaboration features enable team members to provide real-time feedback and comments on videos.

Pricing

A free trial is also available
Creator plan – $20 per month
Agency plan – $99 per month

3. Animoto

Animoto is an online video editing tool that lets users create and edit videos for various social media platforms, websites, and blogs. This drag-and-drop video editor interface makes it easy to create professional-looking videos quickly.

This is not a completely free online video editor, but it is considered to be one of the great options.

Animoto video editing website

Features of Animoto

  • Editing video tools, including trimming, cropping, and adding text and captions. 
  • Editing of videos in various aspect ratios, including vertical and square videos.
  • Collaboration with team members and easy sharing of videos.
  • Editing and uploading videos from Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • Automatic audio transcription from videos and generation of text overlays.

Pricing

A free plan also let users to create up to 30-second videos with a watermark.
Personal plan – $9/month
Professional plan – $39/month

4. Kapwing

Kapwing is an online video tool offering various features for creating and editing videos online for various social media channels. It provides a user-friendly interface that needs no previous video editing experience. 

Kawping video editing website

Features of Kapwing

  • Editing video tools, including trimming, cropping, and adding text and captions. 
  • Extensive library of video and image templates, filters, and effects.
  • Collaboration with team members and easy sharing of videos.
  • Editing and uploading videos from Google Drive or Dropbox.

Pricing

A free plan is available.
Pro plan – $16 per month or $192 per year

5. Clideo

Clideo is an online video editing tool that enables users to create and edit videos effortlessly. It provides variety of features suitable for creating videos across different social media platforms, such as text and music addition, cropping, and trimming.

Clideo video editing website

Features of Clideo

  • Addition of custom watermarks and logos to powerful online videos.
  • Various editing characteristics like trimming, cropping, and merging videos. 
  • Addition of text, music, and images to videos.
  • Editing and saving of videos in various aspect ratios like square, vertical, and widescreen.
  • Uploading of videos from different sources, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and local devices.
  • Extraction of audio from videos and saving it as a different audio file.

Pricing

A free plan lets to create and edit videos up to 500MB with a watermark.
Monthly – $9/month
Annually – $/month or $72/year

Know about other video editing websites by reading our blog – 10 Video Editing Websites to boost your video editing game in 2023.

Video Editing Tips

1. Edit for sound

Effective audio is essential to producing a high-quality video, as poor audio quality can spoil an otherwise well-produced video, leading to viewer frustration and disinterest.

Good audio quality plays a critical role in conveying the message of your video, whether it's a tutorial, marketing video, or short film.

If the audio is unclear, low-volume, and contains a lot of background noise, your message will be lost, and viewers will quickly lose interest.

By incorporating techniques like voiceovers, music, and sound effects you can enhance emotions and mood and bring your video to life.

2. Use the right music and check its rights before

The impact of music on a video cannot be overstated, as it has the power to affect emotions and set the tone, mood, and pace of the content.

But, taking care of the music's rights before incorporating it is important. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in legal issues, such as a takedown notice or a lawsuit.

Various online resources are available that provide royalty-free music for use in videos, such as Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, and Artlist.

3. Choose the right software

Choosing the right video editing software is crucial in creating a polished final product. It provides basic to advanced tools to enhance footage and realize your creative vision.

Efficient software provides shortcuts and automation features that speed up your workflow and simplify editing.

The software you select must be compatible with your hardware, especially if you're working with high-resolution footage.

4. Don't overdo transitions

When it comes to the best editing, transitions can be an interactive way to move the story along. But, it is vital to do them not excessively. Overusing them can become distracting and take away from your video's impact.

Your video can feel cohesive if you depend too heavily on video transitions. It makes it easier for viewers to follow along with the story.

Rather, try to use them sparingly and only when they add to the viewing experience. 

5. Use color grading

Colour grading involves adjusting the colours and tones of your video footage to achieve a specific look or mood, which enhances the overall viewing experience.

Professional Adobe video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Color Director, and DaVinci Resolve offer advanced color grading features.

By manipulating the tones and colours of the footage, you can create an atmosphere that complements the story you're telling.

This was just a trailer, and to watch the whole movie on the video editing tips, go through our blog now – Boost quality of your videos with these must-know Video Editing Tips.

Video Editing Mistakes

1. Not having a workflow

An editing workflow offers a set of steps to achieve a particular goal. Good video editing helps to maintain an organized and efficient process to produce a premium final product. But, with mismanaged workflow, the video output can drop down. 

Implementing a work process that involves pre-production planning, organizing footage, rough and fine cuts, review and revisions, exporting and delivery, and post-production can help editors create a more efficient and consistent process of editing. 

2. Improper use of jump cuts

It can be a powerful editing technique to create a sense of time passing or emphasize certain actions or moments in a video.

But, improper use of jump cuts is one of the most common editing errors that can make a video appear choppy and unprofessional. 

They should only be used to improve the video's message or create a visual effect. As the inappropriate usage of jump cuts can break the continuity of the video and make it difficult for the viewer to follow.

3. Using a video editor that doesn’t suit your needs and skill level

Video editing requires both technical and creative skills to produce a compelling video.

However, a common mistake among editors is choosing an unsuitable video editor, leading to frustration and errors.

Different editors provide tutorials and resources to help users learn the software effectively. Not taking advantage of these resources can result in errors and frustration.

4. Not making the most of your tools

Despite abundant resources, many editors still need to make the most of their tools. This can lead to videos that do not reach their full potential. 

Many video editing software programs have a wide range of options. But, without proper training and research, it can be easy to overlook some of the features of editor programs.

These may include audio effects, color presets, and other specialized tools that can save time and improve the quality of the final product.

To know more about these and other mistakes, you can check our blog – 8 Video Editing Mistakes that can degrade your video's Quality.

Ready to become a pro in creating and editing videos?

Video editing is an art that requires continuous learning and practice. With this guide, we provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to create amazing videos that captivate your audience.

Remember, in video editing, there is always something new to learn, so keep experimenting and exploring to take your skills to the next level. Do not wait for a second. Start editing and become a pro video editor!

If you want expert advice for your video editing and marketing, feel free to contact us.

Editor: Vaishnavi Jain

Frequently Asked Questions

Youtubers use various video editing software and tools to edit their videos. Some of the most popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. These tools offer a range of features, including video trimming, audio editing, color correction, and special effects. Youtubers also use various plugins and add-ons to enhance their videos further. Ultimately, the choice of editing software will depend on the Youtuber's personal preferences, budget, and the complexity of their videos.

Video editing can be easy and challenging, depending on the project's complexity and the editor's skill level. Basic editing tasks, such as trimming, cutting, and adding transitions, can be relatively simple. However, more advanced tasks, such as color correction and compositing, require more technical expertise and can be time-consuming. The good news is that many resources are available online, including tutorials and courses, to help beginners get started with video editing.

There are several easy video editing software options available online for free that you can use to easily edit your videos. Some of the most popular video editor like OpenShot, Shotcut, and Blender are good options. These tools offer a range of basic editing features, including video trimming, cutting, and adding transitions, and are easy to use, making them an excellent option for beginners. Additionally, many social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, offer built-in video editing options that you can use to edit videos for free directly on the platform.

Video editing is manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a finished project. The complex video editing process involves several steps, including selecting and organizing the footage, trimming and cutting clips, adjusting color and audio levels, adding special effects and transitions, and exporting the final video. Video editing can be time-consuming, and the techniques will depend on the specific project and the desired outcome. However, with the right tools and skills, video editing can be a rewarding and creative process that allows you to bring your vision to life.

With over 8 years of experience in creating animated videos such as Explainer videos, Whiteboard Animations, Commercials, and Social media ads, Chehak brings a unique approach to storytelling across diverse topics. She combines her expertise in video production with a passion for writing and crafting engaging content around video marketing and creative industries.