‘There is a scope of mistake in every type of work we do, even if it is video editing' . Do you agree with this?

But what if you get to know about those mistakes earlier? Don't worry. We are not playing Abra Ca Dabra with you, where you will get to know the future beforehand.

It is a practical knowledge of video editing errors that webdew wants to share with you today. Video editing is an art that requires skill, creativity, and attention to detail. However, editors tend to commit some mistakes, especially when they are newbies.

So, to become your friend in need, we would love to share the guide to the top 8 video editing mistakes and how to avoid them while creating high-quality content. 

8 common video editing mistakes you need to avoid in 2023

From videos for social media like TikTok, Instagram, etc., to corporate videos, video editing must be done with no mistakes.  Thus, video creators and editors should always remember what they shouldn't do. So, wait for nothing and keep a note of all the possible errors discussed here.

1. Not having a workflow

A workflow is a set of steps or procedures to achieve a particular goal. Good video editing helps ensure an organized and efficient production of a high-quality final product. But, with mismanaged workflow, the video output results can drop down.

  • Some common issues without a work process include missed deadlines, incomplete projects, and a lack of consistency in the editing style.
  • Without a well-defined workflow, video editing can become chaotic and disorganized, making the process much more time-consuming and less efficient.
  • A bad workflow can negatively impact collaboration with other team members, such as directors, producers, and sound designers. Ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal can be challenging, leading to confusion, delays, and ultimately a subpar final product.

The work process includes pre-production planning, organizing footage, rough and fine cuts, review and revisions, exporting and delivery, and post-production. By implementing this, editors can create a more efficient and consistent editing process. 

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.

  •  Avoid jump cuts usage too many times in a video. It can make it look fast-paced and overwhelming to the viewer. These cuts should not be used all the time. Only when they enhance the video's message or create a specific visual effect.
  • Another mistake is using such cuts inappropriately, breaking the continuity of the video and making it difficult for the viewer to follow. For example, using jump cuts to skip important parts of the story or dialogue can leave the viewer disengaged.

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

Video editing can be challenging, requiring technical and creative skills to create a compelling video. One common mistake that editors make is using a not suitable video editor. Thus leading to frustration, errors, and a subpar video.

  • Using a too-basic editor can be a mistake for more experienced editors. It may not provide the advanced features and tools necessary to create complex visual effects or edits. But, using a too-advanced editor for a beginner can lead to confusion, overwhelm, and frustration.
  • By not researching and selecting the right editor with useful tools and features can consume more time and money, with no high-quality video results.
  • Various editors come with tutorials and resources to help editors learn how to use the software effectively. Hence, not taking advantage of these resources can lead to 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, whether complex colour grading or special effects. 
  • Another common issue is not using the available plugins and add-ons that various software comprises. These may include audio effects, colour presets, and other specialized tools that can save time and improve the quality of the final product.
  • Another common issue is not using the available plugins and add-ons that various software comprises. These may include audio effects and colour.
  • Also, not making the most of your tools can result from improper organization and management of video files. By organizing the files and using features such as tagging and labelling, editors can find the necessary assets and spend more time creating and refining the video production. 

5. Not creating visual variation

With enough variation, the video can become more varied and engaging. It will cause viewers to lose interest and move on to something else.

Visual variation can refer to many aspects of video editing, including camera angles, shot sizes, colour grading, and special effects. Using it lets your editors keep the viewer's attention and make your video more captivating.

  • Editors may need to create more visual variation because they get too comfortable with a particular style or technique. Editors should experiment with different angles and shot sizes, mixing them up to create a situation where the viewer is less likely to feel bored.
  • The viewer may become disinterested or bored by not varying the colour grading throughout the video. Editors should experiment with the colour palette and grading techniques to highlight particular emotions or themes throughout the video.
  • Special effects are also a powerful tool for creating visual variation. But, if too many special effects are used, it can become distracting and detract from the entire video's message.

6. Not using the right music

Music is a crucial element in video editing that can impact the complete video's mood and emotion. The mistake of not using music appropriately can result in a bad video that feels disconnected, boring, or confusing to the viewer.

  • The right music can help to set the mood, create an emotional connection, and enhance the viewer's experience. In contrast, the wrong music can detract from the video's message and be jarring to the viewer.
  • One mistake is using music that's too loud or overpowering, drowning out the video's audio. This can make it difficult for the viewer to follow the video's message, leading to confusion or disinterest. 
  • Another mistake is using music irrelevant to the video's message or theme. For example, using upbeat and happy music for a serious or sombre video can create a dissonant effect that confuses the viewer.
  • Finally, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues and costly fines. Editors should always use royalty-free music. Using this free music or obtaining proper licensing to avoid legal issues.

7. Poor sound mixing

Sound mixing refers to combining many audio tracks and adjusting their levels, volume, and EQ to create a cohesive and balanced sound. A mistake that editors make is poor sound mixing and syncing. It can result in sound distortion, background noise, and unbalanced levels that distract or confuse the viewer.

  • Using low-quality or inappropriate equipment can result in poor sound quality, making it difficult for the viewer to understand the video's message. To avoid this, editors should focus on the sound and use high-quality microphones and recording equipment appropriate for the video's setting and intended audience.
  • Another mistake is not balancing the levels of the different audio tracks. If one track is too loud or soft, it can make become hard for the viewer or understand the video's message.
  • Background music or noise is another common issue that can distract the viewer and make the video difficult to follow. Editors should
  • Background music or noise is another common issue that can distract the viewer and make the video difficult to follow. Editors should use noise reduction techniques to cut or reduce background noise, making viewers feel aligned with the video's message.
  • Finally, not paying attention to the EQ (equalization) of the audio tracks can result in distortion or an unbalanced sound. Editors should use EQ to adjust the frequencies of each audio track and create a cohesive sound.

8. Overusing Effects and Filters

With effects and filters, video editors can enhance colour and contrast, add transitions between shots, create special effects, and even alter the footage's speed or orientation. However, overusing these tools can lead to problems.

  • Editors using too many effects and filters sparingly can detract viewers from the video's message and make it look amateurish.
  • Another mistake is using effects and filters that do not complement the video's tone or message. For example, a vintage filter for a modern video can create a dissonant effect that confuses the viewer. 
  • Using generic or overused effects and filters is also a basic mistake. These effects and filters can make the video appear generic and unoriginal, detracting from the video's impact. To avoid this mistake, editors should use unique and creative effects and filters appropriate for the video's message and intended audience.
  • Finally, not understanding how to use effects and filters properly can result in a video that looks amateurish or unprofessional. Editors should take the time to understand how they affect the video's visual impact and use them to enhance its quality.

Ready to edit videos like a Pro?

Video editing is a crucial part of high-quality video content creation. You can create videos that engage and captivate your audience by avoiding common editing mistakes such as improper colour grading, poor audio mixing, and inconsistent pacing.

Remember the 8 video editing mistakes to avoid and take the necessary steps to avoid using them in your different editing video projects. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can create videos that stand out and leave a lasting impression on your viewers.

If you still need a helping hand, then feel free to contact us.

It is a technique that adds a sense of pacing and rhythm to a video. It involves three different shot types – wide, medium, and close-up – each lasting for two, two, and one second respectively. This results in a sequence that lasts for six seconds and is repeated three times to make an 18-second clip. This technique is often used to create engaging content for social media platforms or short films.

There are a few basic rules of this that every editor should keep in mind. Maintaining continuity is crucial to ensure the audience can follow the story. Secondly, it's essential to establish a clear visual hierarchy by effectively using shot sizes and angles. Thirdly, pacing and timing should be carefully considered to maintain the audience's attention. Finally, the audio should be mixed well and should complement the visuals.

To edit videos properly, one should start by organizing the footage and selecting the best shots to tell the story. Next, the editor should create a rough cut by laying the shots sequentially and trimming them to the desired length. After this, the editor should refine the edit by adding transitions, effects, and audio. Finally, the editor should color-grade the footage and mix the audio to create a final polished video.

The five stages of video editing are: Logging and Organizing: This involves reviewing and categorizing all the footage to determine which shots to use in the final edit. Rough Cut: This is the first editing stage, where the shots are assembled in sequence and trimmed to the desired length. Fine Cut: In this stage, the editor adds transitions, effects, and audio to create a more polished edit.Color Correction: This stage involves adjusting the color of the footage to give it a consistent look and feel. Audio Mixing: The audio is mixed to ensure the levels are balanced and the sound is clear and crisp.