Try This Simple Video Editing Routine

From Footage to Final Cut

We all know that editing videos can feel overwhelming — especially at first!

But here’s a secret: Having a structured routine makes video editing manageable and, dare I say, even enjoyable!

This routine is how I’ve been consistently posting content for the past 10 years on YouTube. 🎬

This is my exact routine, feel free to steal it!

1. Import Your Footage

• Organize Your Files: Start by importing all your raw footage into your editing software. I personally use Final Cut Pro. Create a new project and drag & drop footage onto your timeline.
• Review Clips: Skim through your footage to familiarize yourself with the content and ensure you have all the clips you need!

2. Place A Roll

• Primary Footage: Separate your main footage (A roll) on the timeline from your B roll. This is typically your talking head or primary scene.
• Sequence Arrangement: Arrange your clips in the order you want them to appear, focusing on the flow of the narrative in the A roll.

3. Place B Roll

• Supplemental Footage: Add B roll clips on top of A roll to complement your primary footage. These could be cutaways or any shots that enhance the story you’re telling.
• Outsource: If you don’t have the B roll you’re looking for, grab aesthetic B roll from Pexels (for free) or my personal favorite, Artlist!

4. First Cut & Label Points

• Initial Edit: Make your first cut by trimming unnecessary pauses and sentences that are redundant or could be inferred.
• Label Key Points: As you go through the footage, label key clips by renaming them. This helps you remember areas that need attention later, like transitions, effects, or text!

5. Add Graphics

• Visual Enhancements: Now it’s time to add any graphics, lower thirds, titles, or text overlays. Make sure they are consistent with your brand style by using the same 2–3 fonts and colors throughout.
• Motion Graphics: If you want, add simple animations or motion graphics to make the video more dynamic. I love using PixelFilmStudios for plugins, Canva for simple animations, and RunwayML for huge creative tasks that need AI assistance.

6. Choose Your Music

• Background Music: Use music that complements the tone of your video. How do you want the audience to feel?
• Balance It: Make sure it’s not too overpowering. Again, Artlist is great for background music too!

7. Color Correction

• Basic Corrections: Adjust the color balance, exposure, and contrast to create that natural and cohesive look.
• Creative Grading: Apply color grading like LUTs to give your video a specific look or mood. Stick to a consistent style that aligns with your brand to make it easier every time you edit!

8. Export

• Final Check: Do a final watch-through! Review the entire video, making sure there are no errors or awkward cuts.
• Export Settings: Export the video for whatever platform you’re posting on. I usually export in 1920 x 1080 for social platforms and YouTube. You can repurpose this later, so save the library file on an external hard drive to re-access it later!

🎁 Bonus: I created 10 free done-for-you aesthetic video editing templates that you can use over and over again! They’re included in the free Viral Checklist! 🎬 Download the Viral Checklist here

Use your Viral Checklist to check every edit for viral potential, keep it simple, keep it real, and watch your videos go viral!