7 Smart Ways Vloggers Edit Their Videos! (That Actually Work)

Software is just one part of the overall vlog editing equation, and not even THE most important part of it.

You can create engaging videos if you learn how to shoot and edit like the pro vloggers do and use (almost) any editing software to do it.

So, without much further adeu, let´s begin!

1. Divide By Three

Yep, that simple, divide by three and you´ll get a much better video.

If you divide your story/video into the three parts that every successful video on YouTube usually has you´ll have a better chance at editing content.

Here´s how:

You shoot your intro, which is of similar structure each and every time, then you proceed to record the middle part, which is where you unfold the story or give away the “meat” of your content, you list out the tips and tricks promised on the title, and then you end the video with a message/takeaway, and ask people to comment or subscribe.

That´s it!

Keep it simple but make sure to complay with this structure just for the mere fact that it works.

You intro let´s people know that they are in the right place and works an attention grabber, the middle its when the main content is delivered, and the end is necessary for people to take action.

2. Shoot For The Edit

Although this skill is obtained through practice there are a few things you can do as a complete beginner.

Shooting for the edit is actually a technique most filmmakers use to make the post-production process of their material much easier and therefore fasten the entire edit of your footage.

It´s actually pretty simple to do, here´s how:

Cut down unusable footage. You want to get rid off as much unusable footage as you can and you can do that by planning your shots ahead of time and rehearsing your lines before you start recording, make sure that everything is in focus, and that the camera is stabilized.
Shoot & use more B-roll. You want to drive the narrative of your clips by complementing your script with enough B-roll footage and make sure it can supplement some of your shots while explaining something or talking about something that needs an imaging aid to be further understood. Tip! One of the easiest ways to get immediate b-roll is through Screencasts, you can use free software OBS to do just that.
Plan the edit ahead. If you know you want to use jump cuts, b-roll, a script (or not), and other things that will affect the way you shoot your footage then plan ahead. For example, you can read directly from the script every time you are going to use b-roll footage, and that way you won´t have to memorize every line.

3. Creating a Storyboard

Another great things you can do, specially if you are a visual learner like me, is to create a story line.

Now, you don´t need a big board or lots of sticky notes to do it, you can simply use a few pieces of paper.

The goal is to create a visual aid that can help you get a better idea of how the video will look like once it´s finished.

If you create a storyboard it will make everything much easier if you want to make changes to your story or some sections of your content.

The storyline matters, and people will certainly be more compelled the entire video if you hold their attention by controling the flow of how the story/content goes.

In short:

Create a simple yet effective stroyboard cutting small (3 inches) squares of paper and writing a few descriptive lines of what you want to be said on that clip.

You can divide into each video clip or simply make one for each paragraph, which is the next BEST thing you´ll learn…

…so keep reading.

4. Write Short Paragraphs

If you are recording a talking head video or you want to convey a message or teach something new to your viewers then there isn´t a better way to make your job easier than writing short paragraphs.

In fact.

There are many top YouTubers that suggest (and I do it too! Not that I´m a top creator at all) and have found how easy it is to shoot a video with every line scripted out.

If you write your script in small paragrapsh that represent each video clip you´ll be able to smoothly transition from one point to the next throughout your entire video.

Your viewers will appreciate it, you´ll be much effective with your time when you script most of your words, and you will get rid off the “hams” and “hums” and pauses out of the equation.

By scripting most of your sayings you can easily plan ahead for every shot, get more done in less time, have a clear message for every clip, and you´ll come out as an expert for every video you make.

5. Essential Cuts You Should Know

One great way to make your videos look much professional and engaging is by using cuts.

If you learn how to cut your clips and different scenes correctly and mix them together in a way that takes the viewer throughout your content you´ll hold people´s attention much more effectively.

There are probably way too many cuts to learn, although, the most used ones represent just a handful.

Here´s a great video from Shutterstock that summarizes some of the most popular cuts you should use to improve your videos:

So, now you know what are some of the most used cuts by YouTubers (& Filmmakers) to make great videos.

These are things you MUST take advantage of as they are things you can learn and get control of in order to improve your videos, and that don´t involve getting an expensive camera or any sort of costly gear.

You can start right now, cut your shots, make your videos look great, and upload it to Youtube!

6. Follow Top Creators & Get Inspired!

Another thing you should do is to follow some of the top creators within your niche/industry as well as from the filmmaking and video related niche to get some ideas and inspiration.

Plus! if you want to get motivated and see how others got started on YouTube you can do what I do and see their very first video.

You can get inspired by their stories, how they evolve to make the videos that they know make, and how they first used what there was available to them at the moment.

How they use transitions, the places they choose to shoot, how they frame the shot, or how they even think of ideas for videos, it all can help you get your creative juices flowing.

In my opinion, originallity is a myth, you always get ideas and inspiration from others in order to be more creative with your work, you CAN combine thoughts from different sources and make something “new”.

7. Master Your Software

Last but not least, I know I said the software you use is not that important, and it is true.

The importance is, in fact, in mastering the software you have, whichever that is.

So, whether you use iMovie, Filmora, or Adobe Premiere it won´t matter as much as if you take the time to learn how to use them right and skillfully.

You can make great, elaborated videos, with effects and graphics pretty fast if you learn to master your software over time.

If you don´t find what you need on YouTube then you should head over to platforms like Skillshare or Lynda to learn some more.

Now, that being said, there are some differences between professional and beginner type of software.

So, if you want to make a really professional looking video but you don´t have the exact tools you want to use then it´s probably better to switch to a more complete program, like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

The bottom line?

It doesn´t really matter that much the exact software you use as long as you learn to use it right and take the time to master it.

The Digital Hustler

How Vloggers Edit Their Videos