Consider this: you’ve got a killer idea for a TikTok, but your editing skills are lacking. We’ve all been there. Maybe you just started exploring what to post on TikTok to go viral and realized you need more polish to stand out. Fear not! This guide will help you find the right video editing software for beginners to create viral short videos that capture attention and keep viewers scrolling.
Before we discuss the best tools available, let me introduce Crayo AI's clip-creator tool. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to make their content go viral on TikTok or any other platform.
Table Of Contents
17 Incredible Video Editing Tips for Beginners
1. Quickly Create Shorts with Crayo AI
Start making viral content with Crayo AI. This tool speeds up short video creation by auto-generating captions, effects, background, and music. Here’s how to start:
Draft a prompt or outline;
Pick your style with Crayo’s free backgrounds, narrators, and music,
Export and share. It’s that simple.
Crayo’s free tool lets you go from ideas to shorts in minutes—no account needed.
2. Use the Right Computer for Editing
To edit videos efficiently, you need a fast computer. Choose one with enough potential to handle large files and quick rendering. Invest in a solid-state drive (SSD) for speedier access to files and software. Upgrade your RAM to at least 8GB for professional work, and ensure your video card and processor meet your software’s needs. PCs are more straightforward to upgrade, but Macs work, too. Using a laptop or desktop is better than a tablet for learning. Dual monitors help you manage footage more efficiently.
3. Learn Through Tutorials
YouTube, blogs, and educational sites are full of tutorials for video editing. Many are free, so they’re great if you’re on a budget. Check out sites like Video Copilot, Skillshare, and Red Giant Tutorials. Stick to tutorials that match your software version, as features can change over time.
4. Choose Angles That Tell the Story
When editing, let the camera work and performance guide your shot selection. In narratives, focus on how characters relate to the story. For interviews, balance the speaker’s message with audience expectations. Consider what visuals you’d want to see while listening to the audio.
5. Follow Along with Project Files
Use the duplicate project files as tutorial instructors to learn steps accurately. This way, your work will resemble the demo, helping you grasp techniques. Once you’re comfortable, use your footage to practice.
6. Back Up Your Work: The 321 Rule
Always back up your video projects. Follow the 321 rule: keep three copies in 2 different places, with one copy stored separately. This ensures you won’t lose your work.
7. Limit Wide Shots
Start scenes with wide shots to establish context. Then, switch to medium and close-ups to focus on expressions and gestures. These hold more significance for viewers, making the scene more engaging.
8. Keep Your Workflow Efficient
Stay organized to edit faster. Use folders for projects, footage, audio, and graphics. Store footage on external hard drives connected via USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt for quick transfers. Allocate RAM for editing and consider a gaming mouse with programmable buttons.
9. Read Body Language
Notice speakers’ body language to guide your edits. People have unique rhythms and intonations. These can provide a natural tempo for your cuts. Editor Walter Murch found that actors blink when they have new thoughts, which helped him time his cuts intuitively.
10. Smooth Out Mistakes
Cutting on action is a technique to edit out mistakes smoothly. Switch to a different angle or take when an error occurs, giving the impression of continuous time. This is a valued skill in post-production.
11. Learn Key Editing Terms
Familiarize yourself with industry terms to communicate effectively. Terms like jump cuts, J cuts, L cuts, montages, and match cuts are essential. Learning the lingo early on will ease your journey.
12. Use Split Edits for Better Flow
Avoid the basic back-and-forth editing style using split edits, like L-cuts and J-cuts. These add depth by showing context around dialogue rather than just the dialogue itself.
13. Correct and Grade Colors
Use editing software to correct and grade colors in your footage. Color correction ensures consistency, while grading gives your film a distinct look. This enhances realism or highlights specific scenes.
14. Pick the Right Music
Music is as important as visuals. Choose tracks that enhance emotions and key moments. For professional projects, budget for quality music, ideally from a royalty-free provider.
15. Keep the Pace Just Right
Editors create a flow based on cut timing. Quick cuts may need to be clarified for viewers, while slow ones can bore them. Use multiple angles and a B-roll to keep even simple interviews dynamic.
16. Use Text and Graphics Wisely
Your film might need text beyond titles and credits. Keep it simple with clean fonts and subtle transitions. Use editing software like Adobe After Effects or pre-made templates for dynamic graphics.
17. Give Your Edits Breathing Room
Take breaks from your project to avoid becoming desensitized. Returning with fresh eyes helps you make better editing decisions and maintain the audience’s perspective.
Related Reading
• What Makes Online Content Go Viral
• What Does Viral Mean in Social Media
• What Is Viral Content
• How Do You Go Viral
• What Is Considered Viral
• How To Create Viral Content
• How To Make Short Videos
• What Kind of Videos Go Viral on TikTok
• Is It Hard To Go Viral on TikTok
• Why Am I Not Going Viral on TikTok
• How Long Should a TikTok Video Be To Go Viral
15 Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
1. Crayo AI: Transforming Short Video Creation
Crayo AI is a powerful tool for creating short videos in seconds. It auto-generates captions, effects, background, and music, making it easy to produce viral content. You can write an outline, customize the style, and export your video quickly.
2. Adobe Premiere Rush: smooth Editing on Multiple Platforms
Adobe Premiere Rush offers a sleek and straightforward editing experience across multiple platforms. It allows users to start editing on one device and continue smoothly on another. The software provides various tools for color correction, titles, overlays, transitions, and more.
Pros
Simple to use
Works across multiple platforms
Integrates with other Adobe apps
Cons
Premium features are paywalled
Not all tools are available on all platforms
3. PowerDirector: Studio-Quality Editing for Beginners
PowerDirector is a comprehensive video editor with AI-powered effects, making it easy for beginners to create professional-quality videos. It offers features like object detection, motion tracking, and speech-to-text.
Pros
Clean and intuitive UI
Beginner-friendly with AI tools
Regular updates with new design packs
Cons
Requires a subscription to remove watermarks
4. Wondershare Filmora: Intuitive Editing with AI Tools
Wondershare Filmora is designed for beginners. Its straightforward timeline view and animated tooltips make it easy to navigate. The program offers built-in screen recording, aspect ratio adjustments, and over 20 filters.
Pros
Easy for beginners
Multi-platform
AI-driven tools
Cons
Occasionally frustrating interface
No effects preview
5. OpenShot: Free and Open-Source Editing
OpenShot is beginner-friendly and full of tools with no watermark. It offers advanced tools like 3D animations, layer editing, and unlimited tracks.
Pros
Unlimited editing tracks
Beginner-friendly with simple and advanced view options
Cons
Stability issues and bugs
Outdated graphics and animations
6. DaVinci Resolve: Feature-Rich and Professional
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software with powerful features like node-based effects, color correction, and audio tools. It’s perfect for professionals and serious editors.
Pros
Feature-rich and free
Integration with VFX tool Fusion
Multi-platform availability
Cons
Complex for newcomers
Node-based systems may not suit everyone
7. Canva Video: Quick and Easy Video Creation
Canva Video is ideal for creating short videos and social media assets. Its simple drag-and-drop interface makes it perfect for beginners who need to get started quickly.
Pros
Easy to master
Decent library of stock designs
Cons
Not a full-fledged video editor
Limited effects and output formats
8. VSDC Video Editor: Powerful Editing on a Budget
VSDC offers a wide variety of tools at a low price. It supports picture-in-picture, transparency, and effect filters and can export videos in various formats.
Pros
Low price
Powerful features like a chroma key and 4K support
Cons
Interface lacks polish
Most functions are hidden in submenus
9. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate: Advanced Tools for Beginners
Corel VideoStudio offers advanced tools like face effects and motion tracking, making it easy for beginners to create professional-looking videos.
Pros
Easy to use with advanced tools
Flexible UI
Cons
Windows-only
AR stickers can be hit-or-miss
10. Lightworks: Professional-Grade Editing for Free
Lightworks has been used to edit numerous professional feature films. The free version offers limited tools but is still powerful for casual users.
Pros
Powerful features and effects
Highly customizable interface
Cons
Steeper learning curve
Only exports in MPEG format
11. Magix Movie Studio: Easy Editing for Beginners
Magix Movie Studio has a user-friendly timeline interface that offers video templates for social media platforms. It’s easy to use and has an extensive library of stock assets.
Pros
Great import interface
Easy-to-use tools
Cons
PC-only
Premium stock library requires a subscription
12. Adobe Express Video Editor: Simple and Effective
Adobe Express is similar to Canva Video. It offers a simple interface for creating short, simple clips for social media. It includes free stock images, music samples, and graphics.
Pros
Very easy to use
Free media assets included
Cons
Some assets require a subscription
Not suitable for large projects
13. iMovie: Instant Movies for Beginners
iMovie offers a Magic Movie feature that creates instant movies with titles, transitions, and music. It’s pre-installed on Macs and iPhones, making it accessible and cost-effective.
Pros
Built-in file management system
Free and pre-installed on Apple devices
Cons
Lacks advanced features
Limited to 2 video tracks
14. Kapwing: Easy Subtitles and Automatic Captions
Kapwing offers AI-generated speech-to-text, auto-translator, and text-to-speech tools. It includes themed templates for memes, collages, and more.
Pros
Includes lots of free design elements
Comes with themed templates
Cons
There is a high monthly fee for the Pro version
Software can lag
15. Movavi Video Editor: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich
Movavi Video Editor offers a simple interface and a range of pre-set effects that can be applied with a single click. It includes video stabilization, AI background removal, and more.
Pros
Simple and intuitive interface
One-click effects
Cons
Slow rendering speed
Missing advanced features
How to Choose the Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
Simplified Tools for Beginners
Choosing the best video editing software when you're starting can feel like a maze. Initially, you’re not searching for a specific brand or feature—just something to help you learn and create. Look for editors with drag-and-drop timelines. This feature lets you easily arrange clips, trim footage, and more. It’s straightforward but requires a decent computer for smooth operation. Consider your device’s specs before diving in, and don’t overlook options like MacBooks, which are popular in creative fields.
Features that Help You Stand Out
While you may not need advanced features right away, some tools offer extras that can be beneficial. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate has a GIF editor, perfect for making quick, shareable content. Magix Movie Studio comes with templates tailored for social media exports, which can give your videos a polished look. You can also explore VFX software as an alternative to Adobe After Effects if you want to add special effects.
Cost Matters
At this stage, price might be your biggest concern. Fortunately, many great options are under $100, and there’s also a variety of free software for both PC and Mac. If features and technical terms seem daunting, picking a tool at random among our recommendations isn’t a bad strategy. Ultimately, only you can determine the best fit.
Make Creating Shorts a Breeze
For those looking to speed up the process, Crayo AI offers a clip creator tool that makes it easy to produce short videos quickly. You can create unlimited shorts with auto-generated captions, effects, and music. Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today—just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is required!
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• How Often Should You Post on TikTok To Go Viral
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9 Mistakes that Beginner Video Editors Make
1. Plan Your Story Like a Pro
Jumping into editing without a plan is like setting sail without a map. You’ll drift aimlessly, losing your audience’s attention. Every video needs a solid structure: a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a captivating hook to tease what’s coming and keep viewers watching. Keep the story engaging with twists, humor, or conflict as it unfolds. Ask yourself what the turning point is and how you can present it excitingly. Build your narrative by sketching a general trajectory, then fill in the details to create a rich storyline.
2. Keep Shots Short and Sweet
New editors often make every shot linger too long, thinking it adds depth. In reality, dragging out clips bores viewers and hurts retention. Review your videos and ruthlessly trim slow sections. Aim for a fast pace filled with detail. Mix in different visuals to keep things fresh. Text or infographics convey information quickly, much like TikTok creators who tell stories in seconds.
3. Tame the Chaos of Raw Footage
Messy footage screams amateur hour. Viewers notice when videos feel unpolished, and it turns them off. To avoid this, trim unnecessary or awkward clips that disrupt the flow. Invite others to give feedback on your first draft. The result will be a cleaner, more engaging final product that people want to watch.
4. Safeguard Your Work
Consider spending hours filming and editing, only to lose it all to a technical glitch. Heartbreaking, right? Save yourself the pain by backing up your files in multiple places. Use cloud storage or external drives to keep your hard work safe.
5. Create a Realistic Timeline
With a timeline, your project can stay on for a while. Estimate how long each step will take and set deadlines. This helps you stay on track and meet your goals. If you’re working with a team, use project management tools to assign tasks and monitor progress.
6. Match Music to Mood
Music is key to setting the tone of your video. Choose tracks that complement the content. Heavy techno doesn’t fit a serene nature scene and soft ukulele music clashes with a fast-paced city montage. Change songs to reflect shifts in mood and adjust volumes so dialogue is clear.
7. Use the Right Export Settings
When you’re ready to render, choose settings that suit your needs. The wrong choices can ruin your video’s format or make it unplayable. Learn which options work best for your platform and stick with them.
8. Introduce Pattern Interrupts
Pattern interrupts are a clever way to re-engage viewers. They’re abrupt visual changes that jolt people’s attention to the video. Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience.
9. Choose the Right Editing Software
Editing software varies widely in price and features. When choosing a platform, consider your needs and skill level. High-end tools like Da Vinci or Adobe Premiere offer professional-grade options but have learning curves. Mobile apps like Crayo AI might be better if you edit on the go. Reach out to other editors for recommendations and stick with a platform once you find one that fits.
Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Want to go viral on TikTok? Start by understanding what makes TikTok tick. This isn’t just another social media app. TikTok is a fast-paced arena where trends change in the blink of an eye. Spotting them early is key. Use TikTok’s Discover page to see what’s trending. That’s your goldmine. Make content that joins these trends but adds your twist. It should feel fresh and genuine. When you do this, you catch the TikTok wave as it’s building. And that’s how you get seen.
The Art of Video Editing for Beginners
Good video editing can make or break your TikTok content. You don’t need a fancy computer to get started. Lots of video editing software for beginners works right on your phone. Apps like CapCut and InShot are user-friendly and full of features. These tools help you cut, trim, and jazz up your videos with text, transitions, and effects. The best part? You can learn as you go. Play around, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s the best way to get better.
The Best Times to Post on TikTok
Timing is everything on TikTok. Post when your audience is online. That’s when your video will get the most views and engagement. But how do you know when that is? Check your TikTok analytics. They’ll show you when your followers are active. If you don’t have any followers, start by posting in the morning and evening. These are peak times for most TikTok users. Once you have some data, adjust your posting times to match your audience’s behavior.
Using Crayo AI to Create Viral TikToks
Creating TikTok videos from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s where Crayo AI comes in. It’s a tool that helps you make short videos in seconds. Write an outline or prompt, choose a style, and hit export. Crayo even adds captions, effects, backgrounds, and music for you. This means you can focus on making great content without getting bogged down in the details. Want to try it out? Click the ‘Try Now’ button on Crayo’s homepage. You don’t even need to create an account.
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