|
|
Video editing is a very useful skill nowadays. But just like any skill, it requires practice and plenty of learning.
It’s natural to make mistakes while doing so, and editing beginners are bound to make at least some. But you needn’t worry, all the most common errors can be easily avoided. And this is exactly what we’d like to talk about today.
7 Most Common Video Editing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
1. Poor Video and Audio Quality
The way your video looks and sounds is probably the most important thing, and yet some editors forget about it.
Nowadays, everything that is lower than 1080p (or at least 720p) can hurt viewers’ eyes and make them question the professionalism of the video creator.
The same goes for audio. If your content includes background noise, inconsistent volume levels, or low-quality sound, it can ruin an otherwise perfect video.
How to fix:
Investing in a good camera and microphone is one way to solve the issue. If your original footage is already of good quality, the editing will hardly spoil it.
Another way is to use the tools provided by your video editor. A good deal of programs (for example, the Movavi software or Vegas Pro) allow users to enhance the video and audio quality by removing noise, balancing track levels, stabilizing the image, or increasing the footage resolution.
2. Overdoing Transitions and Effects
The first time you enter the world of effects and transition changes everything. We know they are fun to experiment with, but going overboard can make your video look amateurish.
Excessive effects distract viewers from the content, making it feel chaotic and overwhelming.
How to fix:
Stick to the rule of simplicity. Use transitions like cuts, fades, or cross-dissolves to keep the content clean and aesthetic.
It’s especially important if you’re a beginner who is yet to learn how editing works. Start with simpler transitions and effects. And when you’ve figured everything out, try experimenting with more. But even then, don’t overdo it.
You may get inspired by, for example, watching popular content creators’ videos on YouTube or looking for helpful Instagram story hacks. Just see what other successful editors do, and try to do the same.
3. Ignoring Color Correction
Not every video needs color correction, but sometimes inconsistent colors between clips can disrupt the visual flow, making your video look disjointed. It may happen if the footage is shot in different lighting conditions or on multiple devices.
How to fix:
Use the color correction and color grading tools available in your video editor. Start by adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation of clips for them to match. If your software allows it, use templates or AI-powered features to save the time.
4. Failing to Cut Out Unnecessary Parts
Leaving unnecessary pauses or irrelevant content in a video can make it drag, making viewers bored. This mistake is particularly common when editing interviews, tutorials, or vlogs.
How to fix:
Use a video cutter to trim out irrelevant sections. This step is simple and seems obvious, but it’s crucial for a truly professional video.
5. Overlooking Aspect Ratio, Resolution, and Right Cropping
Uploading a video with the wrong aspect ratio or resolution can ruin its appearance, especially on social media or larger screens.
How to fix:
Always check your video’s resolution and aspect ratio settings before exporting. Many video editing software options offer presets for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, so that your video is optimized for the chosen platform.
Additionally, don’t forget to crop all the scenes the same way. If some of them have black borders or are square, while others are full screen and horizontal, use the pan/crop and zoom tools to make all parts of your video look the same.
6. Cluttering the Timeline
A messy timeline, filled with too many layers or unorganized clips, can lead to errors even if you’re editing a tiny 6-second video ad. This is a common mistake, especially for beginners unfamiliar with organizing their workflow.
How to fix:
Keep your timeline tidy by grouping related clips and labeling layers. Many video editing software platforms allow you to lock tracks to avoid accidental changes. Moreover, some programs offer tools to color code your layers, which can also help with organizing the editing process.
7. Leaving a Watermark
If you’re using free video editing software that adds a watermark to your videos, it can make your project look unprofessional.
How to fix:
Look for free editors that offer no-watermark options or upgrade to affordable paid versions. Many tools, such as Shotcut, provide high-quality features without leaving a watermark, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced users.
5 Tips to Improve Your Video Editing Skills
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to improve your skills is through consistent practice. Work on small projects, experiment with new tools, and try different editing styles.
2. Learn from Online Resources
The internet is packed with tutorials, guides, and forums where you can learn new techniques and editing tips. Many of these resources are free and cater to specific video editing software, making them perfect for beginners.
3. Upgrade Your Equipment
A slow computer or outdated hardware can hinder your editing process. For smooth performance, invest in a laptop or desktop with sufficient RAM and a good processor. And always check whether your PC meets the software’s requirements to avoid crashes or delays.
4. Experiment with Different Tools
Don’t limit yourself to one video editor. Even if you’re a Mac user who wants to stay loyal to Apple by choosing iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Go online, research various options like Final Cut alternatives, try them out, and see which one suits your style best.
5. Focus on Storytelling
Great videos don’t just look good — they tell a compelling story. Use pacing, transitions, and music to guide your audience through a narrative.
The Bottom Line
No matter how advanced your editing software and skills are, there are certain mistakes that even experienced users can make while working on their video projects.
Editors have to find the perfect balance in everything: from using the right number of effects to leveling audio track volumes correctly.
Small changes lead to big results, so always remember about the quality of your footage, get rid of watermarks and unnecessary parts, organize your workflow efficiently, and do some basic color correction. This way, you’ll completely change the way you approach video creation and the way the audience perceives your content.
Further Reading:
Have questions or want to help the community? Share here.
We encourage our readers to share their unique experiences or ask questions to create a helpful and informative community. Our editors will also review every comment before publishing, ensuring our commitment to this community.