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How to Edit YouTube Videos Using The YouTube Video Editor

Jeremy | Motion Designer & Founder | Motion Arts Media

YouTube is the go-to platform for creators, influencers, and businesses. It demands top-notch video editing. Enter the YouTube Video Editor—a built-in tool designed to help creators refine their content directly on the platform. Understanding how to edit videos for YouTube using this native tool can elevate your content, making it more engaging and viewer-friendly.

Best Practices for Editing YouTube Videos

Storytelling

At the heart of every memorable video is a compelling narrative. Whether you're sharing a personal journey, teaching a new skill, or promoting a product, the way you structure your content can make all the difference. 

Start with a hook to grab your viewer's attention, build up with engaging content, and conclude with a memorable ending. Your goal is to take your viewers on a journey, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression.

Consistency

Building a recognizable brand on YouTube goes beyond logos and catchy intros. It's about maintaining a consistent style across all your videos. This includes everything from the way you introduce your content to the transitions you use, the music you add, and even the thumbnails you create. 

A consistent style helps viewers instantly recognize your content, fostering trust and increasing the likelihood they'll return for more.

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Simplicity

While it might be tempting to use every effect and transition, sometimes less truly is more. Over-editing can make your content feel cluttered and distract from your video's main message. 

Focus on the essentials: clear audio, crisp visuals, and a coherent narrative. Let your content shine without being overshadowed by unnecessary bells and whistles.

Feedback Loop

No matter how experienced you are, there's always room for improvement. Consider sharing your video with friends, family, or fellow creators. They might offer a fresh perspective, catch overlooked errors, or provide insights to enhance your content. 

Embracing feedback and continuously refining your editing skills can set you apart in the competitive world of YouTube content creation.

Getting Started with YouTube Video Editor

Before you can dive into video editing on YouTube, you need to familiarize yourself with the platform's built-in tool: the YouTube Video Editor. This tool, while straightforward, offers a range of features that can help you transform your raw footage into polished content. Let's get started!

Accessing the Editor

To access the YouTube Video Editor, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your YouTube account.

  2. Click on your profile picture located at the top right corner.

  3. From the dropdown menu, select YouTube Studio.

  4. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Videos.

  5. Hover over the video you wish to edit and click on the pencil icon (Edit Video).

  6. Once inside, you'll find the Editor tab on the left side. Click on it to launch the YouTube Video Editor.

Overview of the Interface and Primary Tools

The YouTube Video Editor interface is designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to video editing. Here's a quick rundown of its primary features.

  • Timeline: This is where you'll spend most of your time. It displays your video's visual and audio tracks. You can drag and drop clips, trim footage, and add transitions here.

  • Trim Tool: Located above the timeline, this tool allows you to trim youtube videos by selecting the start and end points of your desired section.

  • Add Music: If you want to add music to a youtube video, the editor provides a library of royalty-free tracks. Simply click on the music note icon and browse through the available options.

  • Blurring Tools: For privacy reasons, you might need to blur certain parts of your video. The editor offers both face blur and custom blurring options.

  • End Screens & Cards: Enhance viewer engagement by adding youtube end screens and youtube cards directly within the editor. These can guide viewers to other videos, playlists, or external links.

  • Save Changes: Once you're satisfied with your edits, don't forget to click on the "Save" button. Remember, changes can take a while to process, so be patient.

By familiarizing yourself with these tools and features, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of the YouTube Video Editor. Whether you're making minor tweaks or undertaking a significant edit, this native tool provides a solid foundation for all your video editing needs on the platform.

Basic Editing in YouTube Video Editor

Editing is an art, and with the right techniques, you can transform your raw footage into a masterpiece. Let's delve into some of the fundamental editing techniques you can utilize with the YouTube Video Editor.

Trimming and Cutting:

One of the most basic yet essential editing techniques is trimming. Whether you're looking to remove a lengthy intro or cut out a mistake, here's how to do it:

  1. Open the YouTube Video Editor and select the video you want to edit.

  2. In the timeline, hover over the video track until you see a double-sided arrow.

  3. Click and drag the ends to trim the youtube video to your desired length.

  4. To cut out a section, move the playhead to the start of the section you want to remove, click the "Split" tool, and then do the same at the end of the section. Now, simply delete the unwanted segment.

Adding Music:

Enhance the mood and tone of your video by adding music. Here's how:

  1. In the YouTube Video Editor, click on the music note icon.

  2. Browse through the library of royalty-free tracks or upload your own.

  3. Once you've selected a track, drag and drop it onto the timeline.

  4. Adjust the volume to ensure it complements your video without overpowering it.

Read More - How to Add Music to a YouTube Video: YouTube Audio Library

Adding Captions:

Captions not only make your videos accessible to a wider audience but also boost SEO. Here's a guide on how to add captions to a video:

  1. In the Editor, click on the "Subtitles" tab.

  2. Choose the language of your video.

  3. You can either auto-generate captions, upload a subtitle file, or manually type them in.

  4. Ensure accuracy and synchronize the captions with the audio.

Chapters:

Chapters allow viewers to navigate easily through your video. Here's how to add chapters to a youtube video:

  1. In the video description, add timestamps for each chapter.

  2. Ensure the first timestamp starts at 0:00.

  3. Label each timestamp with a descriptive title for the chapter.

Advanced Features of YouTube Video Editor

For those looking to elevate their editing game, the YouTube Video Editor offers a range of advanced features.

Blurring Tools:

Whether it's for privacy or stylistic reasons, blurring can be a handy tool. Here's how:

  1. In the Editor, click on the "Blurring effects" tab.

  2. Choose between "Face blur" to automatically blur faces or "Custom blurring" to blur specific sections.

  3. Adjust the blur intensity and duration as needed.

End Screens and Cards:

Boost viewer engagement and guide them to more of your content with end screens and cards:

  1. In the Editor, click on the "End screens & Annotations" tab.

  2. Choose between adding a youtube end screen or youtube card.

  3. Customize with links to other videos, playlists, or an external website.

Thumbnail Editing:

A captivating thumbnail can significantly boost your video's click-through rate. Here are some tips on how to make youtube thumbnails and the ideal youtube thumbnail size:

  1. In the Editor, click on the "Thumbnail" tab.

  2. Choose from auto-generated options or upload your custom thumbnail.

  3. Ensure it's minimum (1280x720 pixels) and represents the video's content.

Finalizing and Uploading Your Edited Video

Once you've made all the necessary edits and are satisfied with your video, it's time to finalize and upload it to YouTube. This step is crucial, as it's your opportunity to ensure your video reaches the widest possible audience.

Exporting Your Video:

Before uploading, you'll need to export your video from the YouTube Video Editor:

  1. Click on the "File" option in the top menu.

  2. Select "Export" and choose the desired video format. MP4 is the most commonly used format for YouTube.

  3. Ensure you've selected the right resolution, ideally 1080p for high-definition quality.

  4. Save the exported file to your desired location.

Uploading a Video to YouTube:

Uploading your video is a straightforward process:

  1. Log in to your YouTube account.

  2. Click on the camera icon located at the top right corner and select "Upload Video."

  3. Drag and drop your exported video file or click "Select Files" to browse and choose your video.

  4. While your video is uploading, you can start filling in the video details.

Read More - How to Upload a Video to YouTube: Step-by-Step Guide

Optimizing Descriptions and Tags for Better Search Visibility:

To ensure your video reaches its target audience, it's essential to optimize your video's metadata:

  1. Craft a compelling title using your target keyword, like "how to edit videos for youtube."

  2. Write a detailed description, incorporating related keywords and providing a clear overview of your video's content.

  3. Use tags to help YouTube understand your video's context. Include tags like "youtube video editor," "edit youtube video," and other relevant terms.

  4. Choose an appropriate category for your video to help it reach the right audience.

Enhancing Your Video Beyond the YouTube Video Editor

While the YouTube Video Editor offers specific tools, there are other ways to enhance your video and make it stand out.

Apps to Edit YouTube Videos

There are several apps to edit youtube videos available that offer advanced features and functionalities. Some popular options include Filmora, Adobe Premiere Rush, and InShot. These apps provide a range of editing tools, effects, and transitions that can take your video to the next level.

Importance of Titles and Crafting Compelling YouTube Titles

A video's title plays a pivotal role in attracting viewers. Here's how to craft compelling youtube titles:

  • Keep it concise and to the point.

  • Incorporate your main keyword at the beginning, if possible.

  • Make it intriguing and relevant to the video's content.

Thumbnails and Their Impact on Click-Through Rates

Thumbnails act as the first impression of your video. Here's how to create captivating thumbnails:

  • Use high-resolution images that represent the video's content.

  • Incorporate bold text or icons to convey the video's topic.

  • Ensure the thumbnail looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.

  • Test different thumbnails to see which one performs best.

Read More - How to Make YouTube Thumbnails: Tips & Best Practices

Enhancing Viewer Engagement

Boost viewer engagement with features like:

  • End Screens: Use youtube end screens in the last 5-20 seconds of your video, showcasing other relevant videos or playlists.

  • Cards: Incorporate youtube cards to guide viewers to other videos, playlists, or external links.

  • Comments: Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and fostering a community around your content.

Why Use the YouTube Video Editor?

The YouTube Video Editor stands out as a convenient option for many, especially those just starting their YouTube journey. But how does it stack up against third-party editing software? 

Advantages of Using YouTube's Native Tools

The YouTube Video Editor, being a native tool, offers several advantages:

  • Direct Integration: Being a part of YouTube itself, the editor offers seamless integration, eliminating the need to switch between platforms.

  • Cost-Effective: It's free! For budding creators or those on a budget, this is a significant advantage.

  • Simplicity: For basic edits, the YouTube Video Editor is straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners.

Comparison with Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

When we talk about the best video editing software for youtube, names like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve come to mind. These third-party software options are packed with features but come with their own set of pros and cons.

YouTube Video Editor

With its simplicity, is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:

  • Quick Fixes: If you've already uploaded a video and noticed a minor error or want to make a small change, the YouTube Video Editor is perfect for on-the-fly edits without the need to re-upload.

  • Minor Trims: For cutting out unwanted sections at the beginning or end of a video, or removing a small segment, this tool is quick and efficient.

  • End Screens and Cards: If you're looking to add end screens or youtube cards to guide viewers to more of your content, the YouTube Video Editor provides a straightforward way to do so.

  • Limited Access: If you're away from your primary editing workstation or don't have access to advanced software, the YouTube Video Editor can be a lifesaver, allowing you to make edits directly on the platform.

Pros:

  • Free: No need to invest in expensive software.

  • Direct Integration with YouTube: Edit and upload on the same platform.

  • Ideal for Simple Edits: Perfect for creators who need to make quick and basic edits without the hassle of external software.

Cons:

  • Limited Advanced Editing Features: While it's great for basic edits, it lacks the advanced features that professional editors might require.

  • Not Suitable for Professional-Quality Edits: For high-quality, cinematic edits, creators might find the YouTube Video Editor a bit restrictive.

Third-Party Editing Software

For those aiming for a higher production value or more intricate edits, third-party software shines:

  • High-Quality Content Creation: If you're producing content for a brand, a commercial project, or simply aiming for a cinematic feel, third-party software offers the tools and features to achieve that quality.

  • Extensive Edits: For videos that require multiple layers, special effects, advanced color correction, or sound design, third-party software like best video editing software for youtube is the way to go.

  • Special Effects: Want to add animations, 3D effects, or other visual enhancements? Third-party software provides a broader range of options.

  • Professional or Commercial Purposes: If you're creating videos for clients, for sale, or for professional platforms beyond YouTube, the advanced capabilities of third-party software can ensure you meet industry standards.

Pros:

  • Advanced Editing Capabilities: Offers a plethora of features, tools, and effects for a professional editing experience.

  • Suitable for Professional-Quality Videos: Can produce cinema-quality videos with the right skills.

  • Versatility: Most third-party software supports multiple video formats and resolutions, offering more flexibility.

Cons:

  • Learning Curve: With advanced features comes a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.

  • Might Be Expensive: High-end software can be costly, although there are affordable options available.

  • Requires Exporting and Uploading Videos to YouTube: Adds an extra step to the process, as videos need to be exported from the software and then uploaded to YouTube.

The choice between the YouTube Video Editor and third-party software boils down to individual needs and preferences. For those looking for a quick, free, and straightforward editing solution, the YouTube Video Editor is a viable option. 

However, for creators aiming for professional-quality videos with advanced edits, investing in third-party software might be the way to go.

Read More - What do YouTubers Use to Edit Videos

Tutorial Video: How to Edit YouTube Videos

This tutorial video, Primal Video shows how to edit YouTube videos using the YouTube Video Editor in a step-by-step process.

Conclusion

Video editing is an art, and like any art form, the tools you choose can significantly impact your final product. 

The YouTube Video Editor, while simple, offers a range of features perfect for quick edits and on-platform adjustments. On the other hand, third-party software opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to dive deep into video editing.

Regardless of the tool you choose, the key lies in exploring, experimenting, and finding your unique editing style. Every video tells a story, and with the right edits, you can make sure it's a story worth watching.

Additional Resources

Helpful YouTube Articles

YouTube Video Assets

References

  • Primal Video: Edit Videos Using YouTube Studio Editor (Tutorial Video)

  • YouTube: Trim Your Videos

  • HubSpot: Guide on Editing YouTube Videos

  • PCMag: Tips on Editing YouTube Content

Thanks for Reading

At Motion Arts Media, we help video editors and creators with ready-to-use motion graphics assets and templates. With over 1,000 customers and 17,000+ downloads, we’re all about empowering your creative flow. Check out our freebies and premium video templates or connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

About The Author

Jeremy Sampson is a motion designer and founder of Motion Arts Media with over a decade of experience working in Premiere Pro and After Effects. He’s worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, and Nike, but also has passion towards creating motion designs and assets for other creators through Motion Arts Media—where he shares his styles and work with the community.