5 Video Editing Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)
Videos are excellent tools for communicating, educating, and entertaining. From training materials to vlogs, the uses for this medium are endless! However, there are plenty of ways videos can go wrong or at least miss the mark, especially when you're new to video editing.
But don't fret! Whether you're a training expert trying to create visuals to help improve employee engagement or a video creator trying to elevate your video editing game, steer clear of these five beginner mistakes, and you're on the right track.
Not Having a Structure
Without structure, you could end up with a video that doesn't communicate the message you want to convey. It can be difficult to follow or not have the information you want to share with your viewers. Plus, you also run the risk of spending unnecessary hours editing just to publish an end product that you're not completely satisfied with.
While video editing is a creative process, it still helps to have a structure both in your video outline and in how you manage your files. I suggest starting by reviewing and organizing your files. Arrange your clips into different folders and label them accordingly. Now, this can look different depending on your project and your work style. But here are some basic folders that you should have to ensure proper file management:
Footage (you can also add notes to each clip using the Project Panel columns in Premiere Pro)
B-rolls (this is footage of people or things in action that compliment the story)
Music
Graphics
And so on
Once you're done organizing files, you can work on your video outline. Again, your video outline will look different depending on the complexity of your project. It can be something as simple as listing down your objectives and having bullet points of the video flow. Or it can be something more detailed, like a storyboard, that can work wonders in providing the right structure and direction.
Not Cutting Down Lengthy Clips
Long and unedited clips can make the pace of a video boring or difficult to follow. Your viewers may not have the attention span to watch long clips in full, especially when they unnecessarily drag on. They might choose to skip to the next part or, worse, find another video to watch altogether.
I know how time-consuming cutting down lengthy clips can be. But this is absolutely critical if you want to keep your viewers' attention. Make sure to trim down clips and remove footage that doesn't add value to your videos. Think to yourself: “Do we need this part for people to get the story?” Try to put yourself in your target audience's shoes (or computer chair) and see if the clip is too long to keep their interest.
Improper Use of Transitions
Transitions can be tempting to use, especially when you're trying out a new video editing software or testing out new equipment. But trust me, just adding a transition to every cut point is a terrible idea. Transitions should be used with intent, for example, signifying a change or shift in the scene.
When used properly, transitions provide better flow and make videos look professionally made. Remember to use transitions conservatively, especially when you’re just starting out. When in doubt, try to watch your project in full and see segments where a transition can be replaced or removed.
Our Premiere Gal Toolkit has over 100 seamless transitions you can try out in your next editing project.
Poor Audio Quality
Have you ever watched a video where the volume fluctuates and can even sound a little garbled at times? It can be quite annoying, right? Music, dialogue, and other audio elements are just as important as the visuals. And when one element of the video is off, it can negatively impact the whole project.
When you're editing, make sure you're also listening to the audio. Check where you can make EQ adjustments to enhance the sound or reduce background noise. Consider watching the video with earphones and your computer's regular speakers to make sure you're optimizing your video for both options.
Too Much Effects and Filters
Just because there are many filter and effects options in video editing tools doesn't mean you should use them all at once. Overloading such effects can distract your viewers from the video itself. And sometimes, it can even make your video look poorly made.
When editing, try to remember your goal for the video and your outline. And when you're using filters, try to be consistent throughout the project unless you need to change it up for specific scenes or storylines. The same goes for effects. Your visual and sound effects should only be used when needed, like when trying to emphasize a point or scene.
If you're new to video editing, it's totally normal to make mistakes! That’s how you learn and improve your craft. And some mistakes can sometimes turn out to be elements that can make your video more interesting. But some are better written off as lessons learned.
A good rule of thumb is to try watching and rewatching your video project at different points of the process—while editing, before publishing, and after publishing. You'll be surprised at what you can see when you step back and see the whole picture or, in this case, the video.