What does the U.S. Navy have to do with online video editing for entrepreneurs? Find out in this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk Video!”
Today’s viewer question comes from Rick in St. Louis, MO. He writes:
Dear Steve,
I’ve been doing my own online videos for about a year now. I’m great on camera and the video and audio quality in my videos is good. But I’m still a beginner when it comes to video editing. I currently use iMovie, but don’t do much actual editing, other than saving my files to upload to YouTube. Do you have any quick editing tips to help me make my videos look more professional?
Thanks for your question, Rick! We absolutely love the editing process and we definitely have some great tips & advice for you that will make your videos look more professional.
Watch the full episode below to see our answer:
Video Editing Tip #1: Don’t overuse transitions
For those of you who don’t know, transitions are the effects you use to go from one shot to another. Depending on the video editing program you’re using, there are hundreds of different options for transitions that you can use. But like we discussed in a previous episode, just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. In this case, just because you have 100 different types of “wipes” to use, doesn’t mean that you SHOULD be.
In fact, nothing screams “I’m an amateur editor” more than a bunch of different fancy transitions that you use just because you can. Our video editing advice is unless you have a very specific reason using many unique transitions, pick a handful of ones that you use regularly, and stick to those.
It’s also a great idea to include a Fade In at the beginning of your videos, and a Fade Out at the end. Nothing bugs us more than seeing videos where the on-camera talent turns on the camera and adjusts themselves, and then makes the viewer wait for several seconds before starting to talk! The faster you get to your amazing and valuable content, the happier your viewers will be, and the more likely they’ll be to stick with you throughout the remainder of your video. As a general video editing rule, never waste your viewers’ time unnecessarily.
Video Editing Tip #2: Utilize graphics to add visual value
There are many different types of graphics that you can use. For example, if it’s appropriate, use a chyron or lower third at the beginning of your video to quickly introduce and identify yourself to your viewer. You can add your name, your job title or area of expertise, and even include your website URL if you want. This gives you instant credibility as an authority in your field. It also takes away any confusion people might have about what you do. If you add your URL as well then it also tells people exactly where they can go to find out more about you and what you have to offer them.
Another great way to utilize graphics is to put up keywords and tips on the screen throughout your video to help the viewer absorb the information that’s most important for them to remember. Assuming you’re writing your video scripts ahead of time, you can plan out the graphics for what your tips will be. Make sure they match up with the information with what you’re sharing with your viewers! When writing your tips remember to keep it simple. Always assume you’re talking to a beginner audience, and make sure everyone can easily follow along.
Also, just like with your transitions, depending on which video editing program you’re using, there will most likely be pre-built graphics that you can either use “as-is” or customize to the look and feel that aligns most closely with your brand’s colors and style.
Video Editing Tip #3: Use video footage & pictures to tell your story
If you’re doing a video where you speak directly to the camera, or a video where you speak off camera to an interviewer adding in video footage or pictures. This will help to make your videos more interesting and will help your viewers visualize what you’re discussing.
And, if you want to impress your friends with your video editing knowledge, you can refer to this supplemental video footage as “B-roll”. In the TV industry, “A-roll” refers to the primary footage, like your dialogue or main content, while “B-roll” refers to the secondary visual shots you cut to while editing that help fill in the finer details of your story.
Thanks so much for your question, Rick! We can’t wait to see you try out some of these simple video editing tips in your online videos.
Also, since today’s inspiration came to us courtesy of the U.S. Navy (please watch the video above to learn more about that), we’d like to take a moment to thank all of the men and women who are serving, and have served, in the United States military.
And for all of you entrepreneurs, if you enjoyed this video, please leave us a comment below. Tell us: what is your biggest challenge when it comes to video editing?
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If you have a question that you’d like answered on an upcoming show, please email it to us at: LetsTalkVideo@GeffnerProductions.com