Stage 12 to 3 weeks
Editing Fundamentals
- Timeline editing
- Cut types: hard cut, J-cut, L-cut
- Audio levels and syncing
- Export settings
Video Editing
Transform raw footage into stories that captivate and retain audiences.
Beginner-Friendly2 to 4 monthsgrow
Your Progress0%
Overview
Video editors cut, arrange, color, and polish raw footage into compelling content for YouTube, social media, film, and marketing. One of the most in-demand creative skills in the world.
Who is this for?
- ✓ Students starting from zero who want structure
- ✓ Self-taught learners who need a clear path
- ✓ Career switchers ready to commit consistently
What can you build?
- YouTube long-form edits
- Reels and Shorts
- Brand promos
- Documentary cuts
- Motion graphic intros
Jobs you can get
Video EditorContent CreatorMotion DesignerPost-Production EditorSocial Media Video Editor
Salary range: $35,000 to $90,000/year (freelance varies widely)
Roadmap
Follow each stage in order. Mark stages complete as you finish them.
- Stage 22 to 3 weeks
Storytelling & Pacing
- Story structure
- Pacing for different formats
- Music selection and sync
- Retention editing
- Stage 33 to 4 weeks
Visual Effects & Graphics
- Color correction and grading
- Text animations
- Basic motion graphics
- Sound design
- Stage 42 to 3 weeks
Platform-Specific Editing
- YouTube long-form (10 to 20 min)
- Shorts and Reels (60 to 90 sec)
- Captions and subtitles
- Podcast video editing
Resources
DaVinci Resolve Official Training
FREEFree professional-grade video editing software with official training.
www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training
Casey Faris, DaVinci Resolve
FREEBest DaVinci Resolve YouTube channel. Clear tutorials for all levels.
www.youtube.com/@CaseyFaris
Adobe Premiere Pro Tutorials
PAIDOfficial Adobe tutorials for Premiere Pro, industry standard for professional editing.
helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/tutorials.html
CapCut Learn Center
FREEOfficial CapCut tutorials. Best mobile editing tool for beginners.
www.capcut.com/learn
Pexels, Free Stock Video
FREEHigh-quality free stock video for practice projects and B-roll.
www.pexels.com
Descript
PAIDAI-powered transcript-based video editing. Edit video like a document.
www.descript.com
Projects
beginner
#01
Talking Head Edit
Record 5 minutes of yourself talking, edit it down to 2 tight, engaging minutes.
#02
60-Second Promo
Create a 60-second product promo from stock footage and music.
intermediate
#01
YouTube Video Edit
Edit a 10 to 15 minute YouTube video with B-roll, lower thirds, color grade.
AI Guide
What AI helps with
- ✓ Writing scripts and voiceover copy
- ✓ Generating YouTube title options
- ✓ Creating thumbnail concepts
- ✓ Suggesting pacing and structure improvements
What AI cannot replace
- ✗ Making creative editing decisions, that requires human taste
- ✗ Replacing the craft of storytelling
Recommended Tools
ElevenLabs
AI voiceover generation for narration
Descript
AI transcript editing, filler word removal
Claude / ChatGPT
Script writing, titles, descriptions
Sample Prompts
Write a 60-second YouTube Shorts script about [topic]. Hook viewer in the first 3 seconds with a question, deliver one clear insight, end with a specific call to action. Tone: energetic and direct.Generate 10 YouTube title options for a video about [topic]. Curiosity-driven, under 60 characters, optimized for click-through rate.Career Path
Video EditorContent CreatorMotion DesignerPost-Production EditorSocial Media Video Editor
$35,000 to $90,000/year (freelance varies widely)
Specialize early. "I edit finance or tech YouTube videos with graphics and captions" gets you hired and lets you charge more than a generic editor.