How I edit my youtube videos ✨aesthetic✨ | equipment, final cut pro tutorial (editing tips & tricks)

Introduction

Welcome to my editing journey! In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about how I edit my YouTube videos, from my favorite equipment to my Final Cut Pro tips and tricks. Whether you’re starting or looking to enhance your editing skills, you’ve come to the right place!

My Editing Equipment

First off, let’s talk about the equipment I use for filming and editing.

Cameras

I film all my videos using a Canon EOS M50. It’s compact and versatile, perfect for both vlogging and sit-down videos. For my vlogs, I mainly rely on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, which offers fantastic video quality.

I also use an EFM 11-22mm wide-angle lens for the M50. While the camera comes with a standard kit lens (15-45mm), the wide-angle lens helps capture more of the scene, making it a must-have for my vlogs.

Tripods

Stability is key when filming. I use a more affordable tripod for my Canon M50, which I got on Amazon. For my iPhone, I have a lightweight tripod, which is super convenient for on-the-go filming, especially for Instagram pictures or TikTok videos. It even comes with a ring light!

For vlogging, I have a handheld tripod, which makes it easier to hold the camera while walking around. Plus, I keep a car tripod in my vehicle for quick shoots while on the road.

Microphones

Audio quality can make or break a video. I use a Rode Micro Microphone, which is small, affordable, and provides excellent sound quality. If you’re just starting, recording audio with your phone’s voice memo app is a good alternative.

Storage

Having extra storage is crucial. I store my SD cards in a designated case and use a reliable hard drive to back up my footage. I’ve learned the hard way about the importance of having a backup hard drive after losing footage due to corrupted files.

Editing Devices

I primarily use a MacBook Air for editing. While a MacBook Pro might be better suited for heavy editing tasks, my Air still gets the job done. Additionally, I use an iPad Air for creating thumbnails and animations.

Editing Software: Final Cut Pro

I edit my videos using Final Cut Pro. It’s a powerful software with many features that allow me to create professional-looking content.

The Editing Process

I break my editing down into three phases:

Rough Cut: I start with a rough cut where I remove filler words and unnecessary pauses. I aim to cut my footage down to the desired length, typically 10-20 minutes.
Creative Edits: After the rough cut, I add music, sound effects, text, and B-roll footage. It’s essential to keep varying the visuals to maintain audience engagement.
Final Edit: This is my final review, where I correct any mistakes and fine-tune the video. If there's extra time, I’ll incorporate additional B-roll or effects to polish it up.

Importing Clips

When importing clips into Final Cut Pro, I create a new library for organization. It’s helpful to optimize and create proxy media to ensure smooth editing. Keyword collections help categorize my clips for easier access later.

Editing Shortcuts

Utilizing keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up the editing process. For instance, pressing "E" adds selected clips to the timeline, while "W" allows inserting clips in between others.

Audio and Music

I source my music from platforms like Upbeat or Epidemic Sound, which offer a vast selection of royalty-free music. Always double-check copyright issues, especially with music from SoundCloud.

Organization Tips

Keeping everything organized is vital. Here’s how I do it:

Separate SD cards for different types of videos (e.g., vlogs vs. sit-downs).
Organized folders on my hard drive for easy access to music, graphics, and more.

Favorite Effects and Enhancements

Color Correction

For color correction, I often use LUTs and adjust colors manually through Final Cut Pro’s color wheel. Creating a preset for color adjustments can save time when editing multiple videos.

Transitions and Effects

I love using various transitions like circle transitions or zoom effects to keep my videos dynamic. Using keyframes is a game-changer for adding movement to clips efficiently.

Graphics Creation

For graphics, I utilize apps like Canva for social media elements and Procreate for animated text overlays. I often create green screen videos for easier integration into my edits.

Conclusion

Editing videos requires practice and attention to detail, but with the right equipment and techniques, you can create stunning content!

Thank you for joining me on this editing journey, and I hope these tips enhance your video-making skills!

Keywords

Canon EOS M50
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Final Cut Pro
Editing tips
Microphone
SD cards
Color correction
LUTs

FAQ

Q: What camera do you recommend for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS M50 is a great choice for beginners due to its versatility and quality. You can also use a smartphone for vlogging.

Q: How long does it typically take you to edit a video?
A: Editing can take anywhere from 8 to 16 hours, depending on the complexity of the video and the amount of footage.

Q: What software do you use for editing?
A: I primarily use Final Cut Pro for editing my videos.

Q: How do you ensure your audio quality is good?
A: I use a Rode Micro Microphone for clear audio and recommend investing in a good mic.

Q: What’s your favorite source for music?
A: I love using Upbeat for royalty-free music. Epidemic Sound is also a good option, though it’s more expensive.

Q: How do you keep your files organized?
A: I keep separate SD cards for different video types and organize my hard drive with folders for easy access to music, graphics, and sound effects.