Can I Learn Video Editing On My Own?

If you’re interested in video editing, learning on your own can be a great way to get started. You can utilize a variety of different resources to start learning some basic editing skills and working on a few simple projects, and you’ll have the freedom to experiment and to set your own learning pace. However, if you’re serious about learning video editing, eventually you’re likely to find that you want to enroll in a live, paid class. With a paid class you can usually learn more quickly and effectively since you’ll be able to receive guidance and feedback from an expert.

Advantages of Self-Teaching Video Editing

While most people ultimately end up choosing a class, there are some advantages to self-teaching video editing skills. One is that you can start teaching yourself without investing a lot of time and money. If you’re not sure how serious you are about this field, self-teaching can be a great way to start the learning process. You can spend some time getting a general idea of what is involved in the editing process, learn some basic skills, and work on a few simple projects. If you end up deciding that you’re serious about learning video editing, you can then take the next step and enroll in a formal class.

Another advantage of self-teaching is that you can learn at your own pace, spending as much time as you need in order to master each new skill. Many editors agree that it is beneficial to take your time during the learning process, making sure that you build a strong foundation without trying to rush ahead too quickly. When you take your time, you’ll also have the opportunity to remain open to learning new things, which can end up being extremely helpful later on. In an August 2021 LinkedIn post titled, “On Becoming a Video Editor…” one Film Editor argues that if you want to thrive as an editor, it’s important to learn as many things related to the editing process as possible. He says, “Try to wear as many hats as possible, at least at the start of your professional journey. Don’t just edit, make your own projects. Shoot, direct, produce, write. If you play an instrument, learn about audio engineering. Compose. Mix. It all helps. Look to gain perspective on other people’s job roles and how a project comes together.” 

Learning on your own may also give you more creative freedom. Rather than following a strict curriculum, you’ll have the ability to experiment with different techniques. You can try out different styles and techniques, discovering what works well and what doesn't, and this process of trial and error can help you develop your own unique style and voice. In addition, as you look for help and resources in your self-learning journey, you’re likely to be exposed to a wide range of different video editing perspectives, which can also expand your creative possibilities.

Video Editing Self-Teaching Tools

If you’re trying to teach yourself video editing, there are many different free online resources that you can utilize. For instance, there are short instructional video editing clips on YouTube where you can learn a wide range of editing skills. Some content creators--like Film Riot--post videos on their websites that teach introductory editing skills. You’ll also find that there are many experts willing to share their expertise online through various chat forums. You can visit these forums and look for relevant information, or you can even post a specific question. 

If you’re focused on a particular video editing program, you may also find free online tutorials specific to that program. For instance, the Adobe website has a Premiere Pro User Guide, which provides information about many different features of the program including color correction, compositing, titles, and effects. The User Guide also contains suggestions for some simple beginning projects that you can work on in order to improve your Premiere Pro skills. Adobe also offers many free Premiere Pro tutorials. These are short videos that are focused on helping you learn a specific skill like adjusting contrast, using blend modes, or sweetening your vocals.

Video editing schools are another place to find free resources. Some schools provide basic free resources so that students can get an idea of a topic before committing to a formal class. For instance, Noble Desktop offers a number of free seminars that cover introductory video editing information. Get Started in Video Editing is a free seminar that discusses what video editors do, the tools used in the industry, and the current state of the profession. Intro to Premiere Pro is another free seminar and provides an overview of some basic Premiere Pro skills like importing and organizing footage, creating sequences, and adding transitions and effects. Noble Desktop also offers access to a number of short projects where you can learn specific Premiere Pro tips and tricks. These include “Premiere Pro Masking Effect,” and “Creating Motion Keyframes in Adobe Premiere Pro”.

Some on-demand schools offer certain video editing classes for free. These are generally not as comprehensive as paid classes, but they can be a good way to learn a limited number of skills. For instance, Udemy offers a free version of some of its courses. With the free option, you won’t get a certificate of completion and you won’t be able to ask questions, but you will be able to learn some fundamental skills for free. An example of a free Udemy course is “Video Editing for Beginners: Learn How to Edit.” There are many other schools that offer limited free access to certain courses including Skillshare, Ripple Training, and Alison.

Drawbacks to Learning Video Editing on Your Own

There are also drawbacks to trying to learn video editing on your own. Video editing is complex and time-consuming. To do it well, you need to gain a wide range of technical skills and you also need to learn many different editing concepts, such as visual aesthetics, pacing, and how to tell a story. In a January 14, 2019 article on LinkedIn, Videographer James P. explains, “Video editing is more complex than you might realize. It’s easy to push a record button, but video editing requires software expertise and lots of patience. . . . Every 30 seconds of footage can take 1 to 3 hours of editing. That means that a basic two-minute video will be 4-7 hours of editing.” When you learn by yourself, you’ll have to guide yourself through learning all of these different concepts and skills. 

In addition, when you learn by yourself, you won’t get the same level of professional advice and insight that comes with a paid class. An experienced instructor can not only teach you all the skills and concepts you need, but they can show you how to apply them in a professional environment, setting you up for success later on. For instance, classes typically include exercises and projects that are similar to what you’ll do when you use Premiere Pro in real life. This means that when the class is complete and you’re ready to edit in a professional setting, you’ll already be comfortable with what you’re doing. 

Alternatives to Learning Video Editing on Your Own

While some people do successfully learn video editing on their own, many end up opting for a live, paid video editing class where they can follow a structured program and learn under the guidance of an expert. An expert instructor can personalize instruction to meet your needs, offer help and answer questions when needed, and provide feedback on your progress. With regular interaction and feedback, you can continually improve your skills and learn from both your mistakes and successes. Most instructors will have already spent many hours editing videos and can also offer valuable tips and tricks, in addition to industry insight and common mistakes to avoid.

Another benefit of a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group. This can enhance the learning process and it can also lead to valuable networking opportunities. In addition, it will give you experience working with other people. Since video editing is often a collaborative process, that group experience can be extremely valuable. 

Finally, when you take a class you’ll have access to all of the resources that you’ll need in order to learn video editing. This includes the latest software and computer technology, and it also includes video footage that you can use to practice your editing skills. Not only can this benefit you financially because you won’t have to pay for everything yourself, but it’s also a great way to be sure that you are using the latest technology. Video editing techniques and tools change often. By taking a class that’s taught by an industry professional, you can be confident that you are learning the latest tools and techniques.

Learn Video Editing with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a New York City-based school that offers a number of video editing classes, either in-person or in a live online format. It has both short classes that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive courses that can help you develop the skills you’ll need to edit video in a professional setting. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department.

One of its most popular video editing courses is the Video Editing Certificate. This program is designed for students interested in gaining a wide range of video editing skills. You’ll learn the workflow required to take a project from concept to fully edited video. Covered skills include video editing, audio editing, motion graphics, and animation. You’ll learn to work with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. This is a hands-on class where you work on a variety of projects. In addition, you’ll complete a portfolio development unit, where you’ll build a demo reel that you can use to demonstrate your new skills to potential employers and clients. This class comes with five one-on-one mentoring sessions, and the option of a free course retake within a year.

Another certificate option is the Motion Graphic Certificate. In this course, you’ll learn to use Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics and visual effects, and Cinema 4D Lite for 3D animations. You’ll also learn to edit video, and add music and voiceover with Premiere Pro. In addition, you’ll work on a demo reel that showcases your skills. The course includes five one-on-one mentoring sessions. If you can’t decide between focusing on motion graphics or video editing, another option is the Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, which covers both.

Noble Desktop also offers a number of classes where you can learn to use Adobe Premiere Pro, which is one of the most popular video editing applications. If you want to quickly learn the basics of Premiere Pro, you might be interested in Premiere Pro in a Day, which is a short, accelerated class. In this class, you’ll learn to organize projects, create sequences, fix audio and color, add B-roll, animating images, edit clips, and add lower third titles. At the end of the class, you’ll export a video that you can send to a client or upload to a social media platform.

The Premiere Pro Bootcamp is a longer class that covers everything you need to know to start making your own videos with this application. You’ll learn how to use Premiere Pro to add cuts and transitions between shots, correct color in the footage, sync up and correct audio, and incorporate After Effects assets in Premiere Pro. This course serves as an ideal introduction to Premiere Pro, and by the end of it, you should be prepared to start editing your own video content. 

Another bootcamp option is the Final Cut Pro Bootcamp. This course takes you from beginner to advanced features in Apple Final Cut Pro. You’ll learn to import and organize footage and put your elements into a timeline. You’ll also learn many different editing skills including cleaning up background noise, color correcting video, adding B-roll, adjusting audio volume, and adjusting the timing of footage. In addition, the bootcamp covers green screen removal, multi-cam editing, adding transitions, and exporting video.

Finally, Noble offers a Premiere Pro Certification Program, where you can become an Adobe Premiere Pro certified professional. This course includes two class sessions, which will take you from a beginner to an advanced level of mastery. You’ll also get six hours of private tutoring to address skills that you need more help with. After that, you’ll take the Adobe Premiere Pro Certification exam. Your course fee covers exam proctoring, plus a free retake. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can receive an extra hour of private tutoring instead.