Video editing guides
Practical, in-depth guides to making better videos — from filming and framing to effects and sound. Each one ends with a step-by-step tutorial you can follow for free in the VDOAPP editor.
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Video editing for beginners: a step-by-step guide
The complete workflow from footage to finished video, key terms explained, and the shortcuts that save time.
12 min read Social videoHow to make vertical videos for TikTok, Reels and Shorts
The right size, safe zones for captions, hooks that stop the scroll, pacing and filming tips for 9:16 video.
10 min read Cheat sheetVideo sizes and aspect ratios for every platform
One table with the best format for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Pinterest — and what the numbers mean.
8 min read PlanningHow to write a script for short videos
Hook formulas, simple structures, writing for the ear and word counts, with a reusable template.
9 min read Basics15 common video editing mistakes and how to fix them
Slow starts, muddy audio, effect overload and unreadable text — plus a pre-export checklist.
9 min read HelpHow to edit iPhone videos online: HEVC, MOV and HDR
Why iPhone clips sometimes won't open, which browsers play them, and the settings that fix it.
8 min read HelpOnline video editor troubleshooting: quick fixes
Files that won't open, black previews, missing sound, slow exports and WebM vs MP4.
8 min read PlanningVideo storytelling basics: how to make viewers care
Simple story structures, shot sequences, show-don't-tell, tension and payoff, and editing for emotion.
10 min readEditing techniques
How to trim, cut and split a video
Trim the ends, cut out the middle, remove pauses and make every cut feel natural.
8 min read TextHow to add captions and subtitles to a video
Line length, reading speed, timing, styling and placement for captions people can actually read.
10 min read TextHow to add text to a video: titles, labels and fonts
Titles, lower thirds and calls to action that are readable on phones and look designed.
8 min read EditingVideo transitions: when and how to use them
Why the cut is king, J and L cuts, match cuts, and what dissolves, fades and wipes really say.
9 min read EditingKeyframe animation basics: zooms, pans and Ken Burns
What keyframes are, how easing works, and five moves that make photos and footage feel professional.
8 min read EditingSlow motion and speed ramps: how to get smooth results
Why slow motion stutters, which frame rate to shoot, and where to put a speed ramp for maximum impact.
9 min read EditingHow to speed up a video and make a time-lapse
Which speeds to use, speed-ups vs time-lapses vs hyperlapses, and what to do about sound.
8 min read EditingColor correction and filters: the basics
Fix exposure and colour casts, match your clips, then choose a look that suits the story.
9 min readEffects & layering
How to use a green screen: shooting, lighting and keying
Backdrops, lighting, distance, wardrobe and camera settings for a clean key — plus a troubleshooting table.
11 min read LayeringPicture-in-picture and reaction videos
Layouts, placement, syncing two recordings, balancing audio and using others' content responsibly.
9 min read EffectsHow to use stickers and emoji in videos
Add personality without clutter: placement, animation and custom logo stickers.
7 min read BrandingHow to add your logo to a video
Transparent PNGs, placement, size and opacity so every video is recognisably yours.
7 min read EffectsHow to make a seamless looping video
Shoot for a loop, use the split-and-swap crossfade trick and hide the seam so clips replay forever.
8 min read TextKinetic typography: how to make animated text videos
Time words to voice or music, choose animations and build rhythm and emphasis with moving text.
9 min readSound & projects
How to add music to a video — legally and well
Choosing a track, royalty-free and Creative Commons music explained, levels and editing to the beat.
10 min read AudioHow to add a voiceover to a video
Room setup, mic placement, writing a script for the ear, delivery tips and mixing narration with music.
10 min read ProjectsHow to make a photo slideshow video with music
Choosing and ordering photos, timing, Ken Burns motion, transitions and titles for slideshows people love.
9 min read ProjectsHow to make a video intro that doesn't lose viewers
When to use an intro, how long it should be, and how to build a title or logo reveal.
8 min read ProjectsHow to make a tutorial or screen recording video
Plan the lesson, record with free built-in tools, add a face cam and zoom in on details.
10 min read ProjectsHow to edit a travel video people want to watch
Shoot for the edit, find the story, cut to music and give your trip a consistent look.
9 min read ProjectsHow to make an event highlight video
Weddings, parties, conferences and sports days: what to film, a story structure and cutting to music.
9 min read ProjectsHow to make a cooking or recipe video
Overhead and side angles, lighting food, on-screen ingredients, sped-up steps and the hero shot.
9 min read ProjectsHow to make a before and after video
Matched shots, split screens, wipe reveals and timing the transformation to the beat.
8 min read ProjectsHow to make a fitness or workout video
Full-body framing, form close-ups, on-screen timers and reps, energetic music and safety notes.
8 min readBusiness & professional
How to make a product video for social media
Hooks, structure, the shots you need and calls to action that convert viewers.
10 min read EducationHow teachers can make great lesson videos
Short single-objective lessons, recording options, captions for accessibility and student privacy.
9 min read BusinessHow to make a real estate property video
Prepare the home, film smooth walkthroughs, label rooms and cut a vertical version for social.
9 min read BusinessHow to make podcast clips for social media
Find quotable moments, choose a layout, add captions and turn episodes into short vertical clips.
9 min read Business20 video ideas for small businesses
Behind the scenes, FAQs, how-tos, customer stories and offers — plus a simple system for batch-filming.
10 min read BusinessHow to film and edit an interview video
Framing, clean audio, good questions, cutting answers into a story, cutaways and name titles.
10 min readFilming & publishing
How to film better videos on your phone
Light, stability, framing, sound and settings — simple habits for noticeably better footage.
10 min read PublishingVideo formats explained: MP4, WebM and export
Containers, codecs and bitrate in plain English, plus fixes for common upload problems.
9 min read YouTubeYouTube video editing tips for better retention
Strong openings, pacing, pattern interrupts, B-roll, chapters and end screens that keep people watching.
10 min read PublishingHow to repurpose one video for every platform
Film once, then cut, reframe and caption it into posts for YouTube, TikTok, Reels, LinkedIn and more.
9 min read PublishingHow to reduce video file size without ruining quality
What controls file size, and how trimming, resolution, frame rate and bitrate make files smaller.
8 min read AccessibilityVideo accessibility: how to make videos everyone can enjoy
Captions, transcripts, describing visuals, readable text, safe flashing and clear audio — with a checklist.
10 min readPut it into practice
Every technique in these guides works in the free VDOAPP editor — no sign-up, no watermark.
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