Video Editing Effects and Tips

Video Implementation (Editing)–Step 2 of 5

There are thousands of potential effects you can create in your video. Here are a few:

Ken Burns Effect—An effect used to pan and zoom over a still image to make it more visually interesting
Transitions—A common effect signaling the changing from one video clip to another. Use cross dissolves for quick transitions and wipes/fades for longer transitions.
Titles/text—Text on the screen identifies speakers, reinforces points or gives a location or time frame
Credits—Usually at the end. Scrolling credits lets you list as many names as possible in the least amount of time

Make a point—You're trying to tell a story with your footage, not just give information.
Be intimate—Your best shot (often a close up of someone’s hands) should be one that leads off the video. It’s the attention-getter.
Keep it short—For most videos, keep it to two minutes or less. Attention spans are short, especially on the web.
Use fast edits—Use combinations of shots in 3– or 4–second segments.
Keep transitions simple—Cross–dissolve or cross–fades work just fine.
Make video and audio work together—Avoid showing a literal interpretation of the script on–screen unless it’s absolutely necessary. By having the pictures complement what’s being said rather than just repeat it visually, you can give the viewer more information in a shorter period of time.
Use one voice to tell the story—Let the narrator tell the story, but intersperse soundbytes from the subjects.
Ensure audio is even—When editing multiple clips together, make sure the audio is at the same levels. Use audio transitions or raise or lower the volume to create a unified experience.
Recycle clips—If you have a great clip or a soundbyte you can’t fit into your video, make another video! You can add it as an addendum, tweet as a separate video, or blog: “It didn't fit, but we think it's important." Or archive it with tags and labels so you can find it again.
Give credit—If you use an image or resource created by someone else, credit and link to the original creator.

Go to our Video Implementation (Editing) step 3: Make Your Video 508 Accessible.

Content Lead: Jonathan Rubin
Page Reviewed/Updated: September 11, 2012