Beginner's Guide: How to Edit YouTube Videos Like a Pro

YouTube's in-house video editing tools may be basic, but they can make a significant impact on keeping your audience engaged and interested. In this guide, we'll break down the steps to using these tools and share some best practices for editing your videos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Your YouTube Videos

1. Sign into YouTube Studio.

YouTube Studio is a comprehensive platform designed for creators to manage their videos, track performance, and make edits. You can access it through the desktop or mobile app.

2. Click on the "Content" tab.

In the desktop version, simply click on the "Content" tab in the left sidebar. For the mobile app, the tab is located at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select the video you want to edit.

While YouTube supports various video formats, it is recommended to upload your videos in MPEG4 or MP4 for the best quality. If your video is in a different format, you can use a converter tool like Veed to change it to MP4 before uploading.

4. Click on "Editor" in the left sidebar.

5. Trim the beginning or end of your video.

To remove any unwanted parts from the beginning or end of your video, click on "Trim" next to the timer above your timeline panel. Drag the blue boxes to cut out the unwanted portions and click "Preview" to see the edit. Once satisfied, click "Save".

6. Trim clips from the middle of your video.

If you want to remove specific clips from the middle of your video, click "Trim" and use the "Split" function to divide the clip into two parts. Then, drag the blue line to remove the desired section. Click "Preview" and "Save" when done.

7. Add an end screen.

If you want to link to other videos, playlists, or your channel at the end of your video, click on the "end screen" icon at the bottom of your timeline panel. You can choose from YouTube's available templates or upload your own.

Best Practices for Editing YouTube Videos

Now that you know how to use YouTube's editing tools, let's discuss some best practices for keeping your audience captivated during post-production.

Create Engaging Thumbnails

Thumbnails are the first thing viewers see when deciding whether to watch your video or not. Use eye-catching images or text to entice your audience to click and watch.

Pro tip: Incorporate recognizable elements from your video in your thumbnail to give viewers a sneak peek of what to expect.

Follow the Basics of Storytelling

Just like a book, your video should have a clear beginning, middle, and end to engage your audience. Ensure your video follows a logical flow and tells a compelling story that guides viewers through your content.

Use Engaging Elements

Incorporate creative elements such as images, text, animations, and music to make your videos more engaging. However, make sure these elements complement your content and do not distract from it.

Establish a Consistent Editing Style

Hone a particular editing style for all your videos to streamline your process and create a cohesive brand. You can experiment with different styles and choose one that works best for your content.

In conclusion,

With YouTube's video editor and these best practices, you can create engaging and high-quality videos that will keep your audience coming back for more. Use these tips to elevate your content and captivate your viewers.

Achieving a Balance of Original Content and Supplemental Elements for Effective Video Production

When creating videos, it's important to strike a careful balance between original content and supplemental elements. This will not only enhance the overall quality of your videos, but also increase their visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).

1. Utilize SEO-Optimized Tags and Titles

Prior to uploading your videos, it's crucial to include SEO-optimized tags and titles. You can use tools such as TubeBuddy, Ahrefs, and HubSpot to help optimize your videos for higher rankings on SERPs.

2. Stick to a Realistic Production Timeline

If you aim to consistently upload videos, it's important to set a realistic production timeline. This means allocating enough time for editing, keeping in mind your chosen upload schedule. For example, if you plan to upload videos every two weeks, make sure to give yourself enough time to meet your deadlines.

3. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Thumbnails are often the first thing potential viewers will see, so it's crucial to make them eye-catching and representative of your video's content. This will entice viewers to click and watch your video.

4. Ensure Good-Quality Audio

No matter how well-edited your videos are, poor audio can significantly detract from your content. That's why it's important to invest in good-quality audio equipment or use third-party software to improve sound quality.

5. Share on Social Media

Take advantage of social media platforms to promote your videos and reach a wider audience. This can include your brand's social media accounts, as well as popular platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

6. Track Analytics

Keep a close eye on post-upload analytics to understand how your video is performing. This will help you gain insights into what works for your audience and what areas you can improve on for future videos.

7. Stay Updated on Trends

Stay on top of current trends and gain a better understanding of your audience's preferences. This will enable you to create more engaging and relevant content that resonates with your viewers.

Remember, whether you're using YouTube's built-in editing tools or third-party software, video editing should be a fun and creative process. Take the time to understand your audience, establish a consistent editing strategy, and watch your views and engagement soar.