How To Edit Videos (COMPLETE Beginner’s Guide to Video Editing!)

Learn how to edit videos for YouTube & other projects in this complete guide to video editing for beginners. Plus we’ll share our top video editing tips to help you edit better & faster!

Important: When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!

Below is an AI-assisted summary of the key points and ideas covered in the video. For more detail, make sure to check out the full time stamped video above!

How To Edit Videos For YouTube & Other Projects

Learn video editing with our step-by-step guide for beginners. This comprehensive tutorial focuses on editing videos for YouTube and other projects. We’ll be running through this tutorial using CapCut, a free video editing software available for both Mac and Windows, but you can follow along to this process using any video editing software. 

You can also download our free video editing guide, the Primal Video Method, that goes through these steps in more details.

Step 1: Set Up Project

  • Create a new project.
  • Configure project settings such as aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate.

Step 2: Import Footage

  • Import primary camera footage and other media into the media library.
  • Drag and drop clips into the timeline.

Step 3: Remove Bad Takes & Mistakes

  • Trim and split clips to remove unnecessary sections.
  • Use the blade tool to cut and delete unwanted sections.
  • Edit backward to quickly identify and remove mistakes.

Step 4: Add B-Roll

  • Import and add overlay footage or B-roll.
  • Place B-roll clips above primary footage in the timeline.

Step 5: Add Text and Titles

  • Add text and titles using the text tool.
  • Customize font, size, and animation for a professional look.

Step 6: Add Transitions

  • Add transitions between clips for smoother flow.
  • Use zoom-in effects to simulate a multi-camera setup.

Step 7: Add Effects

  • Apply effects like stabilization and speed adjustments.
  • Explore CapCut’s effects library for additional enhancements.

Step 8: Add Music & Sound Effects

  • Import music tracks and sound effects.
  • Adjust volume levels to ensure the main audio is clear.

Step 9: Color Grading

  • Adjust brightness, contrast, white balance, and saturation.
  • Apply these settings to all clips for consistent visuals.

Step 10: Export the Video

  • Choose export location and file name.
  • Adjust quality settings if necessary.
  • Export the video for final use.

Conclusion

Master video editing with this detailed guide using CapCut or any other video editing software. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn to create professional-quality videos efficiently and effectively. It’s the ultimate process to help you streamline your video editing workflow and minimize wasted time!

Don’t forget that you can also follow along with our free PDF guide The Primal Video Method that covers the exact steps we shared here. 

Related Tools and Resources

Related Articles

Share this...

Save this post for later?

Hit the button below and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Table of Contents
Save this post for later?

Hit the button and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Hit the button below and we’ll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

More from Primal Video...

How To Make YouTube Shorts With AI

Learn how to make YouTube Shorts with AI! Here’s our top two recommended AI video generator tools to help you ...
View →

Best Shotgun Mic for YouTube? Top 3 Options for Every Budget!

What’s the Best Shotgun Mic for YouTube? Here are our Top 3 recommended boom mics for every budget!
View →
Samsung Gear 360 Camera Review: Should you get one? - Webcam

Samsung Gear 360 Camera Review: Should you get one?

The Samsung Gear 360 Camera is one of the more popular 360 VR Cameras available, but is it right for ...
View →
Online Video Editors: Why You Should Edit Videos Online! - T-shirt

Online Video Editors: Why You Should Edit Videos Online!

Everything you need to know about online video editors, and why you should consider editing videos online!
View →
Best CHEAP Smartphone Accessories for Video (iPhone & Android!)

Best CHEAP Smartphone Accessories for Video (iPhone & Android!)

Looking for the best cheap smartphone accessories for filming? Well, we’ve put a ton of cheap smartphone video gear for ...
View →

Starting a YouTube Channel? Here’s 8 Tips to Grow a YouTube Channel Fast!

If you’re new to YouTube, starting a YouTube channel can be a difficult process. But once you get started, it’s ...
View →
How To Screen Record On Mac (UPDATED Mac Screen Capture Tutorial!)

How to Record Your Screen on Mac (UPDATED Screen Capture Mac Tutorial)

There are lots of different reasons you might want to use a screen capture in your videos. Screen recordings are ...
View →

How to Make a GIF From Video – Video to GIF Tutorial (UPDATED)

If you’ve ever searched for the perfect GIF and weren’t able to find it, you probably wondered how to make ...
View →
How to Upload Videos on YouTube (Best Settings to Get More Views in 2025!)

How to Upload Videos on YouTube (Best Settings to Get More Views in 2025!)

Want to know how to upload videos on YouTube and get more views by 2025? You’ve landed at the right ...
View →
Don't miss a thing!

Become a Primal Video Insider to stay in the loop.

JB_BlueSteel_narrow

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe.
Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!
JB_BlueSteel_narrow

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!