Have you ever thought of making a video?
No matter it’s a home movie, vlog for YouTube, a short film, or even a documentary?
Then you have come to the perfect spot!
In this, 3-step guide, I’ll go through everything you need to know about how to make a video.
Including:
Step2. Choose Video Editing Software
Step1. Prepare Footage
The very first step in making a video is, of course, to have footage.
It could be a video you shot with a digital camera, webcam or smartphone:
The majority of video editing software allows different formats for editing video, as long as digital cameras or smartphones take the footage.
Whatever digital device you use for taking footage, it is easy to import it into the software.
Perhaps it is footage from old home movies or a collection of pictures:
Do you want to edit analog videos like on a VHS tape? It has to be converted to a digital format before you can import it into a video editor. Some video editing programs do accept VHS video (like Movavi Video Editor).
You can even use existing images in a different way by getting stock images from various websites:
There are numerous such sites available where you can download stock video clips and some of them are free to use.
Our top 5 websites are outlined below and each has a quick review.
Top 5 Websites For Free Stock Videos
#1. VideoBlocks:
VideoBlocks has a 7-day free trial and it provides over 100,000 stock videos in HD quality.
If you cancel your free trial at the end of the trial period, you can still use the videos that you downloaded.
#2. Pixabay:
More than 1.2 million photos and stock videos in HD quality that are available under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) License.
Under this license, you don’t have to credit the artist or get permission to modify or use the content, even if it is being used for commercial purposes.
#3. Pexels:
Get access to a huge library of HD stock videos for FREE. The quality is high enough to be sharp on any screen.
#4. Videvo:
The content here is user created and you have access to free stock videos and motion graphics.
#5. Distil:
Every 10 days you get an email with 10 brand new high-quality video clips for commercial purposes.
Paid Stock Video Websites
Shutterstock and Video Hive are the two leading suppliers of very high quality HD stock footage that is simple to use and is available at an affordable price.
BEFORE GOING TO THE NEXT STEP DO THESE THINGS
Take your video on any digital device or get stock footage for websites that are royalty free.
You don’t have to install or download any software just yet. You’ll find out how to do this in the next steps.
Step2. Choose the Right Video Editing Software
When choosing editing software for your videos, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all the options out there.
From free to paid, from basic to pro, the video editing software market is full of competitors.
After testing a heap of options, I’ve compiled a list of the best options and organized them into multiple categories based on skill levels so that you can see what’s available at each level.
If you’re starting out in one of the lower levels, then you know exactly what you’ll be unlocking if you do jump up to a higher level.
Best Video Editing Software for Beginners in 2019
Movavi Video Suite is what we suggest for video editing newbies as well as semi-professionals who are looking for a simple and powerful video editor.
It is a complete video editing program for producing professional-looking videos and slideshows on your home PC, even if you are a newbie to video editing.
Add music, produce text captions, include video effects and transitions.
Why I suggest using Movavi Video Suite to produce your video:
#1. Short Learning Curve: Master it in 20 Minutes or Less
Movavi was made for those new to video editing. Movavi is user-friendly and users can easily produce videos that look professional.
#2. Complete Video Making Suite
Besides the app for creating videos, the Movavi Video Suite also includes other apps such as:
- A slideshow maker specifically created for producing videos from images and audio
- Convert over 180 video formats with the built-in Powerful Video Converter
- Powerful screen capturing tool included
- Easily burn DVDs
- Digitize analog videos like VHS videos, AVC-HD footage etc. using the special tool in the software
#3. Seamless Compatibility
Any video produced on a digital camera, mobile devices, camcorders created in hi-def or standard quality will work on the software.
Furthermore, use it to edit VHS videos directly.
#4. Great Selection of Editing Tools
Seamlessly perform every basic video editing action with this program. It also provides advanced video editing features like image stabilization, time-lapse, Chroma Key Effect etc.
#5. Effects Store
Find amazing texts, overlays, filters and motion elements at the Movavi Effects Store that will improve your video and produce great results.
I highly recommend newbies stick with the Movavi Video Suite.
The software is the simplest I’ve ever used and it is flexible enough for newbies to videographers and creative YouTubers.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE NEXT STEP
Select a video editing program to create your video. Movavi Video Suite is my suggestion because it is simple to master and robust enough to produce amazing looking videos. (In the following part, I’ll be showing you how to create a video using Movavi, too.)
If for some reason you don’t want to make your video with Movavi, check out the best video editing software comparison table above and take some tools for a test drive to pick one which suits you best.
Step3. How to Edit Your Video
In a nutshell, video editing is capturing footage, editing it, taking out unwanted parts, and keeping the parts you want.
There are four main jobs video editing needs to do:
- Remove unnecessary parts (Cutting and Trimming)
- Have the video move along at an engaging tempo (Add Some Transitions)
- Spice up your video with video effects (Overlays, Filters)
- Inserting supporting elements such as titles, background music and more
As you edit your footage, these 4 checklist will help to keep you on track. Get the video you want to edit and we’ll dive into each point in more detail.
Note:
I’m using Movavi because it’s my go-to software. But the techniques I share with you below are universal. You can use them on most other software programs.
Ok, here we go!
Step1. Head over to Movavi.com.
Download the software by clicking on the Download for Free button. After the download is complete, double click the .exe file and install the program by following the instructions on-screen.
A pop up window will appear when the Movavi Video Suite opens.
You can do some amazing things with Movavi:
- Video Editing Module includes a built-in video editor, screen recorder, Analog video processor, video converter, video player and video splitter
- Audio Editing Module includes a music player and it lets you convert audio, burn audio to CD and record voiceovers
- Photo Editing Module allows you to convert pictures, create slideshows etc.
After you select the “Edit Video” button, you will then need to choose an editing mode: You have the choice of Easy Mode and Full Feature Mode.
In easy mode, you can use the Montage Wizard to automatically build a video for you or make slideshows in minutes.
Simply supply the wizard with images or video clips, select the audio and the Wizard will automatically cut and create a video for you.
For this tutorial, I will be showing you how to use the “Full Feature Mode”.
In full feature mode, you have full access of the editing features in Movavi.
Let’s begin with a brief tour of the interface.
-
- Media File Browser: This is where your imported files are stored.
- Preview Screen: Look at your timeline work or preview media browser files here.
- Timeline: When you begin editing, your clips will be stored here.
- Editing tools: Edit your video in the timeline with these tools.
- Enhancements and Special Effects
Step2. Add Media Files and Rearrange the Order of Your Video Clips
Begin by importing the media files, the raw files required for creating your video.
These files will most likely be a combination of images and videos.
Select the Add Media Files button in the Media File Browser section to include your files. Another option is to drag and drop your files into this section.
The timeline’s Video Track will appear when you load the pictures and videos.
Simply click and drag the files backwards or forwards to change the order of the files on the timeline.
Step3. Cut out Unwanted Parts.
When you see a section you would like to cut:
First click to select the target clip, drag the red line-marker to that section, then click on the Scissors icon located above the timeline.
The selected clip will be splited into 2 parts. You can make as many splits as you want to that clip.
To remove the unwanted section, select it and once it is highlighted, press the Delete key on the keyboard.
Did you remove the incorrect clip? Press Ctrl+Z to undo the cut.
Step4. Add Transitions.
Transitions are usually used to change the look of a cut or combine several clips together smoothly.
Now, select the Transitions tab to see what transitions are available.
There are over 100 transitions in Movavi. Pick the ones you want and insert them between two clips/sides on the timeline.
You also have the option to insert transitions automatically by inserting animations between specific sections.
Over the timeline, select the Transition Wizard icon. A pop up window will allow you to pick the transition type you want as well as to set the duration for every transition and slides all at once.
Step5. Add Filters.
Improve your video with video filters and make them stand out. You have the option to update the appearance and mood to suit your creative needs.
There are a number of video editing tools and filters in Movavi Video Editor to help you produce the perfect video.
Open the Filters tab and choose the filter you want to apply. The preview window on the right side will show you how the filter would look.
On the video timeline, drag and drop the filters you want to use.
Step6. Add Music
The right music dramatically changes your video.
Movavi comes with royalty-free music for your use or you can get the audio you want online.
Just like how you imported your video files, import your music files in a similar way.
Select the Add Media Files tab and locate your media files, then pick the ones you want to use.
The music will be instantly added when imported. The Audio Track is located under the Video Track on the timeline.
Do you want to insert music from the library that is included? Hit the Import button and head over to the Music library:
Pick audio that is in line with the mood and theme of your video. Next, insert it on the timeline.
There are a number of ways to edit the music if the length of your video and music are not the same.
For instance, say the audio file is longer compared to your video, pick the audio track on the timeline, slide the red marker to the end of the clip, then select the Split button. See picture.
If the audio file is shorter compared to the video, just copy the audio file and paste it next to the existing audio track.
Step7. Add Titles and Text
On the left side, select the Titles tab to get a list of the basic and animated caption options available for use in your video subtitles.
Choose the style that suits your video best from the ones shown in the preview screen.
Now that you have selected a style, just drag it to the timeline. Change the position of the text in the timeline until it is in the position you want.
On the timeline, double-click the insert title and enter text. Next, in the preview window, double-click the sample text and insert or paste your own text.
Carry the caption with the video frame to make it as clear as possible.
Step8. Add a Watermark to Your Video
It is very easy to insert logos on your video with Movavi.
Do this by importing the image of the logo to Movavi. In the Media File Browser section, click on the Add Media Files.
The logo image will be instantly added to the video track by default. Make it a logo by dragging the image of the logo and dropping it on the timeline in the Overlay Track (find this between the Titles Track and Video Track).
Next, on the Overlay Track, double click on the image of the logo. In the Preview Screen, you have the option to change or resize the logo:
Step9. Export and Share
On the bottom right-hand corner of the Editor, click the Export button to begin saving the video.
A window for the export setting will open up.
From the tabs on the left side of the pop-up window, select your video format.
Video formats include MP4, FLV, AVI, MPEG, WMV, and MOV. There is also the option to save your video in HD.
In the Save to field, pick the destination folder and hit Start.
Congratulations – it’s time to share your video!
You now have the world’s most awesome video if you have followed the steps presented in this guide. It was fairly easy, right?
Finally and equally as important – publish and promote your video!
Now it is ready to be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo or your favorite video hosting service.
Give your video a relevant title, write an informative description and be sure there is a link back to your website.
Sharing your video is the next step. Post it on multiple social media networks. Insert it on relevant webpages on your website. Alternatively, just share it with your family and friends!
