How To Edit YouTube Videos [Ultimate Guide]

How To Edit YouTube Videos

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

YouTube videos have a certain look and feel that many viewers have come to expect and enjoy. Much of the aesthetics of YouTube videos developed as a result of the biggest YouTubers having to quickly and efficiently edit videos together on a daily basis. Below is our list of some of the most common video editing techniques used by famous YouTubers.

Table of Contents: Ultimate Guide to YouTube Video Editing INTRODUCTION START BIGOPENING TITLE INTRODUCTION CUTS JUMP CUTASSOCIATIVE CUT TRANSFORM ZOOMCAMERA SHAKECOLOR/LEVEL ADJUSTMENT TRANSITIONS WIPEZOOM VISUAL ELEMENTS CALL-TO-ACTION VISUALS TIME MANIPULATION TIMELAPSESLOW MOTION AUDIO CENSORSOUND EFFECTSBACKGROUND MUSICMUTING BACKGROUND MUSICVOICE-OVERCompressor

Part 1: Introduction

1. Start Big

“I’m doing something really exciting… within the first ten seconds of this video. That way you stay here.” – Liza Koshy (How To Be A YouTuber 101!! | Lizzza)

In the same way that a teaser or trailer builds anticipation for a full film, many YouTubers start with a preview of the most high-energy part of their video.

In Jake Paul’s prank vlog (above), Jake shows his brother, Logan, chasing and beating him up as Jake screams for help at the top of his lungs. The already high-energy scene is even more intensified by the epic music playing in the background. This seven-second clip, which resurfaces halfway through the video, is enough to entice many viewers to continue watching. It very effectively leaves enough room for viewers to wonder, “How did Logan’s room actually look in the end?” “What was Logan’s initial reaction before he started chasing Jake?” By creating curiosity gaps like these, you can incentivize your viewers to close these gaps by watching longer.

2. Opening Title Introduction

Just as TV episodes begin with opening credits and theme music, quite similarly, some YouTubers start their YouTube videos with an intro.

Greg from “How To Drink” has an effective twenty-second intro (above). In this video, he shows you who he is and what his videos are generally about. Since these two things don’t change so much for him from video to video, he can start many of his videos off with this same intro.

Below is a video tutorial about how to add text and titles to video in Filmora, hope that helps you in creating your own YouTube video texts and titles.

For more information on intros, check out our post on How to Make a YouTube Intro?

Part 2: Cuts

1. Jump Cut

A jump cut is a simple and straightforward type of video editing cutting technique that “jumps” from one section of a clip to a later section of a clip, cutting out whatever happened in the middle. Some of the middle parts you might want to remove may include mistakes, long silent pauses, and filler words (umm, like, etc.).

Although the use of jump cuts to remove these parts had been discouraged for a long time in the film world, its extensive use by so many YouTubers has established it as its own style that many viewers have come to expect and enjoy. The jumpiness that comes from jump cuts can be effective in keeping your audience’s attention in a shock-inducing manner.

Jump cuts can also be used to show a passage of time in a creative way or make objects magically appear on-screen.

Zack King (above) makes a toy taxi magically appear in his hands using this video editing technique. Filmora allows you to do jump cut easily, you can watch the tutorial below and learn more jump cut tips and tricks .

2. Associative Cut

Not everyone in your audience may recognize the cultural or historical references you make in your videos. It can, therefore, be helpful (and also quite enjoyable) to show the original clip of the reference you are making.

In the same vlog that Jake Paul gets chased down by his brother (above), twenty-eight seconds into the video, Jake expresses his desire to go fast in his car. Right after he says “I want to go fast,” Jake cuts into a scene from the movie Talladega Nights. In that scene, Ricky Bobby, Will Ferrell’s character, also says that he wants to go fast.

Part 3: Transform

1. Zoom

Many YouTubers digitally adjust the zoom of their talking head shots in order to create additional emphasis or suspense. When zoom is used very slowly and smoothly, this technique can be effective in building up suspense and drawing a viewer deeper into the speaker’s message. When a drastic zoom is used suddenly, it can be effective in emphasizing a particular spoken line.

RiceGum is one YouTuber who uses zoom video editing effects extensively in his talking head videos. Want to pan and zoom your video footage too? Check our guide to getting Ken Burns Effect on Videos .

2. Camera Shake

Camera shake is a video effect that makes the original clip appear like it was filmed during a violent earthquake. Many YouTubers use this effect to emphasize their voice when they are talking about something erratic or out of control.

3. Color/Level Adjustment

A lot of comedy YouTubers change the color and levels of their videos in order to emphasize different moods. One common thing YouTubers do when they talk about anything slightly sad is to gradually fade out the colors in their talking head shots. In a cheesy way, the black and white look can emphasize a feeling of emptiness. For his “sad” reactions, PewDiePie often jump cuts into a black and white, slowed down clip of his sad face while playing some sad music in the background. To emphasize a darker message, some YouTubers increase the amount of shadows in their video. In the video below, while his daughter is delivering a darker message from 0:32 to 0:50, La Guardia Cross gradually adds more shadows around his daughter’s face through what appears to be a vignette effect.

Part 4: Transitions

1. Wipe

Many YouTubers transition from one scene into the next using a wipe transition. In a wipe transition, the next clip that you want to transition into slides into the frame horizontally or vertically until it completely covers the first clip. For additional wiping effect, many YouTubers also use a fast, high pitched “woosh” sound effect with this transition.

2. Zoom

The zoom transition is quite similar to the wipe transition, except it uses a zoom effect. Many of the top YouTubers combine this transition with a lower-pitched “woosh” sound effect.

Part 5: Visual Elements

In other genres of film, the only appropriate visual elements filmmakers can tastefully add to their footage seem to be clean looking, seamlessly integrated text and motion graphics. YouTube, on the other hand, is another world with much more room to get outrageous. Many of the top YouTubers add a lot of visual elements (emojis , images, filters, explosions) to their videos to emphasize their jokes, play-on-words, historical or cultural references, and mood.

1. Call-To-Action Visuals

Whether they’re prompting you to subscribe, like, comment, or check out their purchasable merchandise, many YouTubers include visuals to strengthen their calls-to-action.

Part 6: Time Manipulation

1. Timelapse

“The staple of any Casey Neistat vlog is the timelapse, which he uses both to further the narrative or set the time of day.” -@omgurheadsgone

A lot of cameras now come with a timelapse/hyperlapse function, requiring no further video editing. To achieve the kind of timelapses that Casey Neistat makes, though, you’ll have to film real-time footage and then manipulate the speed of it in post. Since sped up ambient sound is hardly ever pleasing to the ear, a lot of YouTubers replace the audio with music that enhances the mood of the timelapse.

2. Slow Motion

Slowing down footage is another way YouTubers like to manipulate the passage of time. This technique can draw the audience’s attention into the intricacies of a movement captured on film. But if you stretch your video clip digitally in order to achieve this look, your video may not look so smooth – your software will need to create extra frames of footage based on your existing footage. The solution around this problem is to make sure to record your video at a very high frame rate.

Part 7: Audio

1. Censor

The traditional practice for censoring out explicit language in television has been to replace profanity with a high pitched “bleep” sound effect . YouTubers, however, have popularized the use of animal sound effects to censor out explicit language. Epic Meal Time frequently uses the “caw” of a crow for this purpose.

2. Sound Effects

Whether it is pouring water into a cup or drinking a glass of water, adding louder sound effects can enhance your viewer’s experience of the action that is taking place on camera.

3. Background Music

Music is very effective in helping people feel all kinds of emotions. It is no wonder so many of the top YouTubers make gratuitous use of music in their videos. Some even add background music to every single clip of their entire YouTube video and only drop the music when the following technique (below) is used.

4. Muting Background Music

A lot of YouTubers who talk over background music abruptly mute the music when they want their audience to focus their attention on whatever it is that they have to say at that very moment. Isolating one’s speech in this way can be a very effective way to emphasize something serious or emphasize a punchline to a joke.

5. Voice-Over

Adding additional recorded verbal commentary is another technique used by many of the top YouTubers. This technique can be helpful when the visuals of your footage do not sufficiently communicate the full message you want to get across to your audience.

6. Compressor

A lot of video editing software programs give you the option to add compression to your video’s audio. Compression lessens the dynamic range between the softest and loudest parts of your audio. This technique can help your speech sound more uniform in volume.

For those who want to make their YouTube videos better, I recommend Wondershare Filmora for editing YouTube videos . Filmora video editor allows you to create and edit a YouTube video easily with plentiful templates and effects pre-programmed.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Valorant Portraits - Professional Thumbnails Made in a Flash

As a content creator on YouTube, you know how important it is to have a strong thumbnail that stands out from the competition. Not only does a thumbnail help attract viewers to your video, but it’s also the first thing people see when they come across your content on the platform. That’s why it’s crucial to put effort into designing an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents your video.

When creating a thumbnail for your Valorant video, it’s important to remember that the recommended size is 1280 x 720 pixels. This will ensure that your thumbnail looks clear and professional on all devices. In addition to size, it’s also essential to consider the composition of your thumbnail. In this article, we’ll provide tips and tricks for creating professional Valorant thumbnails that will help boost your views and engagement.

What Is Valorant?

Valorant is a free-to-play tactical first-person shooter video game developed and published by Riot Games. The game was released in June 2020 and has quickly gained popularity due to its high-stakes, team-based gameplay and unique characters.

In Valorant, players choose from a roster of agents, each with their abilities and playstyle, and compete in 5v5 objective-based matches. The game has a variety of game modes, including the popular “Spike Rush” mode, which features a shorter round time and special abilities for all players. Valorant is available on Microsoft Windows and will soon be available on other platforms.

Why Create Thumbnails for Your Valorant YouTube Videos?

Creating a thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube video is an important step in the video creation process. A thumbnail is a visual representation of your video and can help attract viewers to your content.

When someone comes across your video in their feed, the thumbnail is often the first thing they see, so it’s crucial to make it as eye-catching and compelling as possible. A strong thumbnail can help increase your views and engagement and establish your brand as a content creator. By putting effort into designing a professional and relevant thumbnail, you can set your video apart from the competition and entice viewers to click and watch.

How To Make a Valorant Thumbnail for Free?

If you want to create a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos but don’t want to spend any money, you still have plenty of options. One way to create a thumbnail for free is by using a free online design tool or thumbnail maker. Or, you can try Wondershare Filmora .

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Not only is Filmora a powerful video editing software, and it has a range of features and tools that make it easy to design and create custom thumbnails. Even better, you can use the trial version of Filmora to create a thumbnail for free. You need to download the trial version and start experimenting with the various design tools and templates to create a thumbnail that reflects your style and brand.

Creating a Valorant thumbnail for YouTube using Filmora can be very easy. Just follow these steps:

Step1 Take a screenshot of your gameplay by pressing the “F12“ key on your keyboard while in the game. This will save the screenshot to your computer.

Step2 Launch Filmora and create a new project.

Step3 Import the screenshot into the media library by clicking the “Import“ button.

Step4 Drag the screenshot from the media library into the timeline.

Step5 Use the “Smart Cutout“ feature to select and cut out specific elements from the screenshot.

Step6 Choose the elements of the screenshot that you want to keep.

Step7 Remove any parts of the screenshot that you do not want to include in the thumbnail.

Step8 Extract the selected elements from the screenshot. You can resize the elements as desired.

Step9 Add a background to the track below the screenshot by dragging a background image from the media library into the timeline. Alternatively, you can import your image as a background by clicking the “Import“ button and selecting the image file from your computer.

Step10 Add an effect, such as a gun effect, by searching for the desired effect in the “Effects“ tab and dragging it into the timeline.

Step11 Adjust the opacity of the effect as desired.

Step12 Add some titles and texts for your thumbnail.

Step13 Customize the appearance and rotation of the fire effect as desired.

Step14 Edit the texts and adjust the appearance of the texts in the Titles window.

Step15 Choose a still frame that you like and take a snapshot of it.

Step16 Select the snapshot format and storage path. The snapshot will appear in the media library.

Step17 Right-click on the snapshot and select “Reveal in Explorer“ to find the file on your computer. You can now use it as your Valorant thumbnail.

Please note that while using the trial version of Filmora, a watermark will be added to the exported video. However, the watermark will not be added to the snapshot, so you can use the snapshot as your Valorant thumbnail without any issues.

Tips for Making Awesome Thumbnails for Your YouTube Valorant Videos

By following these tips, you can create an eye-catching and effective thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube videos that will help boost your views and engagement.

• Use high-quality images and graphics: A thumbnail with low-quality or pixelated images will not be as effective as a thumbnail with clear, high-resolution graphics.
• Use bold, eye-catching colors: Bright colors can help your thumbnail stand out in a crowded feed.
• Include relevant text: Use text to give viewers an idea of what to expect from your video and to entice them to click.
• Use clear, legible fonts: Make sure the text on your thumbnail is easy to read and doesn’t distract from the overall design.
• Keep it simple: Avoid overcrowding your thumbnail with too many elements or text. A clean, simple design is often more effective.
• Make it relevant: Your thumbnail should accurately represent the content of your video.
• Test different designs: Be bold and experiment with design elements and layouts to find what works best for your brand.

Want To Be a Valorant YouTuber? Learn From These 5 Ones

If you’re interested in becoming a Valorant YouTuber, there are many successful content creators in the Valorant community whom you can learn from. Here are five Valorant YouTubers that are worth checking out:

1. Shroud – Well-Known Valorant YouTuber With 6.8M Subscribers

Shroud is a well-known and respected content creator and player in the Valorant community. He has a strong background in professional CS:GO and has continued to thrive in the competitive Valorant scene despite being older than many other eSports players.

He is known for his gameplay videos and relaxed, easygoing personality, contributing to his widespread popularity and admiration among fans. In addition to his professional gameplay, Shroud is highly skilled and continues to compete at a high level, further solidifying his reputation as a top Valorant player.

2. TenZ – Popular Valorant Player With 1.6M Subscribers

TenZ is a highly skilled and popular Valorant player and content creator known for his exceptional ability in the game. He has achieved a high level of success and has been recognized as one of the best Valorant players in the world.

In addition to his full matches and 1v1 videos, TenZ also produces educational content, providing tips and tricks to his viewers. Despite facing some challenges and setbacks, TenZ has remained a prominent figure in the Valorant community and continues to be highly respected for his skills and contributions.

3. n0ted – Prolific Valorant YouTuber With 614k Subscribers

n0ted is a dedicated and prolific Valorant content creator, consistently uploading new videos to his YouTube channel daily. He offers a wide range of content, including gameplay highlights, funny moments, helpful tips, and updates on the latest happenings in the Valorant community.

His channel is a reliable source for those looking for consistently fresh and diverse Valorant content on YouTube. Whether you’re interested in learning new strategies, having a few laughs, or staying up to date with the latest developments in the game, n0ted’s channel has something for everyone.

4. Hiko - Valorant Content Creator With 382k YouTube Subscrbers

Hiko is a well-known Valorant content creator and former player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He is known for his skill in first-person shooter games and his expertise in Valorant, which he shares through tips and gameplay videos on his channels on Twitch and YouTube.

Hiko is currently a content creator for 100 Thieves, a gaming organization he represents in various tournaments and competitions. He is a reliable source of high-quality Valorant content and regularly uploads new videos for his followers.

5. C9 meL – Professional Valorant Player With 33.6K YouTube Subscribers

C9 meL is a highly respected professional Valorant player and leader of the team Cloud 9 White. She is known for her sense of humor, helpful tips, and Agent tutorials and montages. As the in-game leader for her team, MeL has developed exceptional game sense and strategic skills, making her a valuable teacher and resource for other players.

In addition to her instructional content, MeL’s videos often feature a mix of comedy and skill, making them enjoyable for entertainment and improvement purposes. Overall, MeL is a talented and well-respected member of the Valorant community.

Conclusion

Creating a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos can be important for promoting and attracting views to your content. Using Filmora, you can easily create a thumbnail for free by following the steps outlined in this article.

Additionally, there are many successful Valorant YouTubers who offer a range of content and can serve as inspiration for those interested in starting their channel. Creating visually appealing and engaging thumbnails ensures that your videos stand out and draw in viewers.

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Not only is Filmora a powerful video editing software, and it has a range of features and tools that make it easy to design and create custom thumbnails. Even better, you can use the trial version of Filmora to create a thumbnail for free. You need to download the trial version and start experimenting with the various design tools and templates to create a thumbnail that reflects your style and brand.

Creating a Valorant thumbnail for YouTube using Filmora can be very easy. Just follow these steps:

Step1 Take a screenshot of your gameplay by pressing the “F12“ key on your keyboard while in the game. This will save the screenshot to your computer.

Step2 Launch Filmora and create a new project.

Step3 Import the screenshot into the media library by clicking the “Import“ button.

Step4 Drag the screenshot from the media library into the timeline.

Step5 Use the “Smart Cutout“ feature to select and cut out specific elements from the screenshot.

Step6 Choose the elements of the screenshot that you want to keep.

Step7 Remove any parts of the screenshot that you do not want to include in the thumbnail.

Step8 Extract the selected elements from the screenshot. You can resize the elements as desired.

Step9 Add a background to the track below the screenshot by dragging a background image from the media library into the timeline. Alternatively, you can import your image as a background by clicking the “Import“ button and selecting the image file from your computer.

Step10 Add an effect, such as a gun effect, by searching for the desired effect in the “Effects“ tab and dragging it into the timeline.

Step11 Adjust the opacity of the effect as desired.

Step12 Add some titles and texts for your thumbnail.

Step13 Customize the appearance and rotation of the fire effect as desired.

Step14 Edit the texts and adjust the appearance of the texts in the Titles window.

Step15 Choose a still frame that you like and take a snapshot of it.

Step16 Select the snapshot format and storage path. The snapshot will appear in the media library.

Step17 Right-click on the snapshot and select “Reveal in Explorer“ to find the file on your computer. You can now use it as your Valorant thumbnail.

Please note that while using the trial version of Filmora, a watermark will be added to the exported video. However, the watermark will not be added to the snapshot, so you can use the snapshot as your Valorant thumbnail without any issues.

Tips for Making Awesome Thumbnails for Your YouTube Valorant Videos

By following these tips, you can create an eye-catching and effective thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube videos that will help boost your views and engagement.

• Use high-quality images and graphics: A thumbnail with low-quality or pixelated images will not be as effective as a thumbnail with clear, high-resolution graphics.
• Use bold, eye-catching colors: Bright colors can help your thumbnail stand out in a crowded feed.
• Include relevant text: Use text to give viewers an idea of what to expect from your video and to entice them to click.
• Use clear, legible fonts: Make sure the text on your thumbnail is easy to read and doesn’t distract from the overall design.
• Keep it simple: Avoid overcrowding your thumbnail with too many elements or text. A clean, simple design is often more effective.
• Make it relevant: Your thumbnail should accurately represent the content of your video.
• Test different designs: Be bold and experiment with design elements and layouts to find what works best for your brand.

Want To Be a Valorant YouTuber? Learn From These 5 Ones

If you’re interested in becoming a Valorant YouTuber, there are many successful content creators in the Valorant community whom you can learn from. Here are five Valorant YouTubers that are worth checking out:

1. Shroud – Well-Known Valorant YouTuber With 6.8M Subscribers

Shroud is a well-known and respected content creator and player in the Valorant community. He has a strong background in professional CS:GO and has continued to thrive in the competitive Valorant scene despite being older than many other eSports players.

He is known for his gameplay videos and relaxed, easygoing personality, contributing to his widespread popularity and admiration among fans. In addition to his professional gameplay, Shroud is highly skilled and continues to compete at a high level, further solidifying his reputation as a top Valorant player.

2. TenZ – Popular Valorant Player With 1.6M Subscribers

TenZ is a highly skilled and popular Valorant player and content creator known for his exceptional ability in the game. He has achieved a high level of success and has been recognized as one of the best Valorant players in the world.

In addition to his full matches and 1v1 videos, TenZ also produces educational content, providing tips and tricks to his viewers. Despite facing some challenges and setbacks, TenZ has remained a prominent figure in the Valorant community and continues to be highly respected for his skills and contributions.

3. n0ted – Prolific Valorant YouTuber With 614k Subscribers

n0ted is a dedicated and prolific Valorant content creator, consistently uploading new videos to his YouTube channel daily. He offers a wide range of content, including gameplay highlights, funny moments, helpful tips, and updates on the latest happenings in the Valorant community.

His channel is a reliable source for those looking for consistently fresh and diverse Valorant content on YouTube. Whether you’re interested in learning new strategies, having a few laughs, or staying up to date with the latest developments in the game, n0ted’s channel has something for everyone.

4. Hiko - Valorant Content Creator With 382k YouTube Subscrbers

Hiko is a well-known Valorant content creator and former player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He is known for his skill in first-person shooter games and his expertise in Valorant, which he shares through tips and gameplay videos on his channels on Twitch and YouTube.

Hiko is currently a content creator for 100 Thieves, a gaming organization he represents in various tournaments and competitions. He is a reliable source of high-quality Valorant content and regularly uploads new videos for his followers.

5. C9 meL – Professional Valorant Player With 33.6K YouTube Subscribers

C9 meL is a highly respected professional Valorant player and leader of the team Cloud 9 White. She is known for her sense of humor, helpful tips, and Agent tutorials and montages. As the in-game leader for her team, MeL has developed exceptional game sense and strategic skills, making her a valuable teacher and resource for other players.

In addition to her instructional content, MeL’s videos often feature a mix of comedy and skill, making them enjoyable for entertainment and improvement purposes. Overall, MeL is a talented and well-respected member of the Valorant community.

Conclusion

Creating a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos can be important for promoting and attracting views to your content. Using Filmora, you can easily create a thumbnail for free by following the steps outlined in this article.

Additionally, there are many successful Valorant YouTubers who offer a range of content and can serve as inspiration for those interested in starting their channel. Creating visually appealing and engaging thumbnails ensures that your videos stand out and draw in viewers.

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