Film production is only half the job done. While you have to take lighting, angles, exposure, and other video production aspects into consideration, post-production is equally, if not more, important.

That’s where familiarity with creative video editing techniques can help you develop highly engaging and interactive content.

Film editing techniques do not only involve relying on different types of video editing styles but caring about the sound as well.

This may include getting suitable public domain music along with the acquisition of music copyright where necessary.

10 Effective Video Editing Techniques For Creative Editors

Let’s discuss some of the most effective video editing styles used in modern post-production.

1. Standard Cut

Also known as hard cut, standard cut is one of the most used video editing techniques. It is basically a simple cut between two different shots filmed at the same or distinct locations.

There is no transition or effect in between the scenes and the second one begins as soon as the former ends.

Being one of the simplest video editing styles does not mean you can simply cut the film any way you want.

It needs to be done creatively so the visual flow and continuity of the scene do not feel jarring or disjointed. It should be done in a way that the viewer does not notice.

You can make the cut appear more seamless by getting the music copyright for a sound effect or background score that fits well with the scene.

2. Cross-Dissolve or Cross-Fade

This is one of those types of video editing styles that are often used to demonstrate a change or a passage of time.

It can also be used to show different scenes or stories that have been filmed at different times.

For instance, a night shot slowly transitions, using a dissolving effect, into a morning scene.

It should be kept in mind that you should blend multiple film editing techniques to ensure effective post-production.

You also have the option to get copyright songs to use as background music to give more life to the end result.

3. Cross-Cut

If you want to rely on one of the video editing techniques that enable you to show your viewers simultaneous events, then cross-cutting or parallel editing is an excellent choice.

For instance, if you want to show the audience that a bank robbery is in motion as the cops approach the crime scene, cross-cutting can be your best bet.

This cut can also be used for displaying the same type of events happening in two distinct timelines.

This can be achieved by cutting back and forth between two different shots or scenes and you can also use the split-screen technique.

Don’t forget that different types of video editing styles have to be coupled with the right sound.

You can go for public domain music as well as acquire YouTube copyright music through Epidemic Sound which is a global music tech company with over 35,000 songs and 90,000 sound effects that will help you make your videos more interactive and engaging.

4. Montage

Montage is one of those creative film editing techniques that are used to demonstrate story development or show the passage of time.

The pacing can either be fast or slow involving multiple dissolves along with standard cuts.

Montages usually work well with background sound so you will need to buy music copyright or rely on public domain music which you can acquire through Epidemic Sound which brings royalty-free music.

You have the ability to get the direct license from Epidemic Sound by signing up for one of the subscription plans depending on your music needs.

Don’t use the same film editing techniques again and again as it can leave a bad impression on your audience.

Ensure that you are adding music in films that use the montage technique.

5. J-Cuts and L-Cuts

When we talk about functional video editing techniques, it’s impossible to leave out J and L cuts.

They belong to a distinct category of video editing styles where the video and audio are cut at different times.

J-Cut

The audio from the next shot is brought in before the first scene is finished. This allows the video to feel more real and close to real life.

Apart from that, it develops a link between cause and effect in the viewers’ minds.

L-Cut

It’s exactly the opposite of J-Cut as the audio from the previous shot or scene carries over into the following shot.

The underlying reasons for using L-cut are the same as J-cut.

These are the types of video editing styles that every creative editor should be aware of.

The perfect execution of these cuts relies on the sound so you might want to take a look at Epidemic Sound library with 35,000 songs and 90,000 SFX.

Your videos will be safe from claims and takedowns etc.

6. Fade In & Fade Out

Fade in and fade out are commonly used video editing techniques that pretty much define themselves.

You fade in or out of one scene into the next with an adequate sound effect which can be acquired from public domain music.

If there are limited options in the public domain then you can get restriction free music from platforms like Epidemic Sound.

7. Cutting on Action

Cutting on motion is a traditional approach to make transitions between two vastly distinct frames look practically undetectable.

If you watch a figure going down the corridor and then grabbing a door lock, switching immediately over to the next room to watch the door opening and figure stepping in feels natural, and the viewer rarely really detects it.

You can also mix different types of video editing styles within a scene.

   

You must have seen this particular cut in movies used quite often. Combine this cut with the right sound or background score to achieve a great effect.

You can always find great options on YouTube copyright music to add fitting music to films you edit.

Or you have the option to go with Epidemic Sound as the service offers a bigger and more diverse library.

8. Wipe

Wipes are transitioning shifts that give the impression that the preceding shot has been “wiped” away.

Wipes, despite their prominence in the Star Wars movie, are often seen as obsolete or flashy.

When utilized properly and selectively, though, it can be one of the very effective film editing techniques.

The right way to use the effect is by connecting different shots or scenes that demonstrate the story’s development.

You can choose to combine wipe transition effects with suitable YouTube copyright music to achieve a tasteful and elegant end result.

There are various sources that allow you to copyright songs to include music in films for any purpose.

9. Smash Cut

This type of cut is used as one of the film editing techniques that highlight substantial contrast between the tone and quality of two different scenes.

The viewer might be watching a slow-paced and quiet scene when suddenly the film jumps into a loud and in-your-face kind of shot.

This is generally used to redraw your audience’s attention or give them a chance to breathe after a tense moment.

Just like most video editing styles, this technique also relies on the smart use of sound.

You can use copyright songs as well as YouTube copyright music to develop high-quality video content.

10. Match Cut

This is one of the most creative video editing styles where you choose matching audiovisual components from two different shots to combine them.

They are widely used in movies to enable viewers to develop connections between two shots or scenes that are fundamentally different.

A match cut usually relies on a medium to slow-paced transition that allows the audience to connect the dots.

Buy music copyright or search in the public domain music to find the right sound that aligns with your video editing style.

There are many sources that can help you get copyright songs to add music to films and videos you are creating.

Video Editing Techniques – Final Word

These are some of the most effective video editing techniques that every editor should be aware of.

Don’t rely on a single or few video editing styles too much and attempt to use a blend that allows your videos and films to flow naturally without any feeling of repetition or disjointed effects.

You can buy music copyright online to add the right sound effects to your content that takes it to the next level.

The best source for getting music and sound effects for your videos is Epidemic Sound. It is one of the leading global music tech agencies that offers an extensive library of 35,000+ songs along with 90,000 sound effects.

The company enables freelancer video editors to be more creative with their videos by enhancing audience engagement.