What is post-production? Post-production is the final stage of the video production process, and it involves a wide range of tasks to refine, enhance and finalize the video footage. It’s the stage where a rough cut or raw footage is transformed into the final polished and finished video.
This process can include tasks such as video editing, colour correction, audio mixing, adding special effects, and much more. During post-production, the footage is assembled and edited to create the final version of the video that will be distributed on YouTube and other social media platforms.
The goal is to make the final video look and sound as professional and polished as possible. Additionally, post-production also includes tasks such as exporting the final video in the desired format, compressing it for web, and uploading to YouTube or other platforms.
It’s important to take the time to carefully edit and refine your video to ensure that it meets your creative and technical goals.
There are several reasons why post-production is important, it allows you to:
Craft your story: During post-production, you can edit and rearrange the footage to create a cohesive and compelling story. You can cut out unnecessary footage, add transitions, or rearrange scenes to create the desired flow.
Enhance the visuals and audio: Here, you can use a variety of techniques to enhance the visuals and audio of your video, by adding special effects, colour grading, or improving the sound quality.
Potentially any fix mistakes or issues: During the post-production stage, you can fix mistakes or issues that occurred during filming, such as continuity errors or technical problems. Though, at any point during the production stage you think “we’ll fix that in post” – DON’T! Re-shoot that scene as it will save hours of heart ache during the editing. Even then, you still may not be able to fix the problem, so get if right first in camera.
Create a polished, professional-looking video: With post-production, you can create a polished and professional-looking video that meets your creative and technical standards.
Post-production is an important part of any video production. Whether that be for YouTube, a corporate video, or personal project, the following video post production checklist will help to ensure that you create a high-quality and engaging video.
What is video post-production? Video post-production is the process of editing, enhancing and polishing a video after it has been shot. This can include tasks such as colour grading, sound editing, special effects, and adding music.
What are the steps in video post-production? The steps in video post-production typically include:
What software is used in video post-production? Popular software used in video post-production include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects.
How long does video post-production take? The length of time for video post-production can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the skill level of the editor. A simple video might take a few hours to edit, while a more complex project can take several weeks or even months.
How much does video post-production cost? The cost of video post-production can vary depending on the scope of the project, the skill level of the editor, and the software and equipment used. A simple video may cost a few hundred dollars, while a more complex project can cost several thousand dollars.
How do I ensure high-quality video post-production? To ensure high-quality video post-production, it’s important to work with an experienced editor who has a good understanding of the software and techniques used in post-production. It’s also important to have a clear vision for the final product and to communicate that vision to the editor throughout the post-production process.
Can I do video post-production on my own? Yes, you can do video post-production on your own, as long as you have the necessary software and equipment, and the skills to use them. However, it can be helpful to work with a professional editor to ensure the best possible final product.
What is video editing? Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create your final, envisioned video. It is where your video comes to life! The goal of editing is to tell a compelling story, evoke emotion, create a particular style or mood, and to make the final product look polished and professional.
It involves the selection and arrangement of the raw footage, as well as any necessary adjustments to the audio. Video editors typically use specialised software to import, organise, and arrange video clips, as well as to make adjustments to colour, contrast, audio levels, and other visual and audio elements. They will also add elements such as text, special effects, and sound effects and music.
The final video is then exported in the desired format for distribution, such as uploading to YouTube, Vimeo, etc. It’s a crucial step that can make a big difference to the final outcome of the video and how it will be perceived by the audience.
There are many different software programs and tools available for video editing, ranging from basic options like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, to more advanced options like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. It’s important to choose a video editing program that meets your needs and budget, and to familiarise yourself with its features and functions.
To get started with video editing, you will need to do the following:
Import your footage: The first step in video editing is to import your raw footage into your video editing software. You will need to transfer the digital files from your camera, hard drive or other video capture device to your workstation or laptop.
Organize your footage: Once you have imported your footage, it’s important to organise it in a way that makes it easy to find and use. Create folders and/or labels, as well as using markers or tags to mark key points or scenes.
Edit your footage: With your footage organised, you can start editing your video. You will trim or cut out unnecessary footage, rearrange scenes, and/or add transitions or effects.
Add audio and special effects: With your footage edited, you can add audio and special effects to enhance the overall experience of your video. For example, by adding music, sound effects, or other audio elements, or using visual effects to create a specific look or mood.
Export your video: When you have completed your video, you can export it as a digital file that is ready to upload to YouTube or other video and social media platforms. You will need to choose a file format, resolution, and bitrate that meets the requirements of these platforms.
Video editing is where you vision comes alive. Where you create an engaging and entertaining piece of content.
What does a video editor do? A video editor is responsible for assembling raw footage and creating a cohesive final video or film. This can include cutting, splicing, and arranging footage, adding visual and audio effects, and colour grading. Video editors also work with directors and producers to ensure that the final video meets their desired creative vision.
What are the basics of video editing? The basics of video editing include understanding the software and hardware used, basic editing techniques such as trimming, cutting, and splicing footage, and understanding of visual storytelling.
What skills do video editors need? Video editors should have a strong understanding of visual storytelling and the technical skills to manipulate video and audio using editing software. They should also have good attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines. Knowledge of colour correction, audio mixing and motion graphics is also important.
How do beginners learn video editing? There are many resources available for learning video editing, including online tutorials, video editing classes, and books. Some popular software for video editing include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
How do I get into video editing with no experience? Gaining experience in video editing can be challenging without any prior experience, but there are a few ways to get started. One way is to offer to work on small projects for free or at a reduced rate in order to build a portfolio. Another way is to take online classes or workshops to learn the basics of video editing and build a portfolio.
Is video editing difficult to learn? Video editing can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to learn. It requires patience, practice and attention to detail. With the right resources and guidance, anyone can learn the skills needed to become a video editor.
How many hours does it take to learn video editing? It depends on the individual and their prior experience with video editing and the software they’re using. Some people may be able to learn the basics in a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer. It’s important to remember that learning video editing is an ongoing process and the more you practice, the better you will get.
What are special effects? Special effects, also known as visual effects or VFX, refer to the use of computer-generated imagery or other techniques to create visual elements or effects that cannot be achieved through traditional filming methods, e.g. model making, pyrotechnics, etc. Special effects are commonly used in movies, TV shows, and other types of video content to create a wide range of visual effects, such as explosions, alien landscapes, or supernatural powers.
For YouTube videos, special effects can be used to enhance the look, feel, and overall experience of your video. However, it’s important to consider whether special effects are necessary or appropriate for your video, as they can be time-consuming and costly to create, and may not always be necessary or add value to your video.
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to add special effects to your YouTube video:
Purpose: First and foremost, it’s important to consider the purpose of your video. Are special effects necessary or relevant to your story or message? Will they add value or interest to your video, or will they distract or distract from your content?
Budget: Special effects can be expensive and time-consuming to create, especially if you are working with a limited budget or resources. It’s important to think about whether you have the budget and resources to create the visual effects you want, or whether it would be better to allocate those resources elsewhere.
Skills: Special and visual effects often require specialised skills and software to create. If you don’t have the skills or software to create the effects you want, it might not be feasible to include them in your video.
Time: Special/visual effects can be time-consuming to create, and can add a significant amount of time to your production schedule. It’s important to consider whether you have the time, resources and budget to create the effects you want, or whether it would be more efficient to focus on other aspects of your video.
Special/visual effects can be a useful and creative tool for enhancing the look and feel of your YouTube video, but it’s important to consider whether they are necessary or appropriate for your specific project.
What is the best app to add effects to videos? There are many apps available for adding effects to videos, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and the type of device you are using. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Rush, FilmoraGo, and Inshot.
What is the best video editing software for special effects? The best video editing software for special effects will depend on your specific needs and skill level. Some popular options for professional video editors include Adobe After Effects, Nuke, and Mocha Pro.
Can iMovie add special effects? Yes, iMovie includes a variety of special effects such as filters, colour correction, and title overlays. However, it may not have as many advanced special effects options as more professional software like After Effects.
How do YouTubers add effects to their videos? There are many ways that YouTubers add effects to their videos, and the method they use will depend on their specific needs and skill level. Some popular options include using video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer, and using visual effects plugins or stock footage.
How do I add aesthetic filters to videos? There are a number of apps and software that can be used to add aesthetic filters to videos, such as Inshot, VSCO, and Lightroom. Many of these apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.
How do I add special effects to a video for free? There are several free video editing software that you can use to add special effects to your videos, such as Blender, DaVinci Resolve, and HitFilm Express. You can also find free special effects footage and templates online to use in your editing software.
What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos? The most popular video editing software among YouTubers is Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
What animation software do YouTubers use? Animation software that YouTubers use include Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Cinema 4D. These software are the most versatile, powerful and industry-standard animation software that are used by many YouTubers.
Music and sound effects can be powerful tools for enhancing the overall experience of your YouTube video. Music can help to set the mood, create atmosphere, and convey emotion, while sound effects can help to add realism, depth, and interest to your video.
However, it’s important to choose the right music and sound effects for your video, and to use them in a way that adds value and enhances your content, rather than detracting from it. Here are some things to consider when adding music and sound effects to your YouTube video:
Purpose: First and foremost, it’s important to consider the purpose of your video. What mood or atmosphere are you trying to create, and how can music and sound effects help to support or enhance that mood or atmosphere? Are there specific sound effects or audio elements that are necessary or relevant to your story or message?
Licensing: When choosing music or sound effects for your video, it’s important to make sure that you have the proper licensing to use them. This might involve purchasing a license from a stock music or sound effects library, or obtaining permission from the copyright holder. If you don’t and you use commercial music or sound effects, you may be liable for prosecution.
Quality: It’s important to choose music and sound effects that are of high quality, both in terms of the audio quality and the overall fit with your video. Poor quality audio can distract from your content, and may not create the desired effect.
Balance: When using music and sound effects, it’s important to find the right balance. Too much music or sound effects can be overwhelming or distracting, while too little can leave your video feeling empty or lacking in atmosphere.
Editing: During the post-production stage, you can use audio editing software to refine and enhance your music and sound effects. This might involve adjusting the volume, balance, or EQ, or using effects such as reverb or delay to create a specific sound. Such software includes Adobe Audition, Audacity, Garage Band, Logic Pro X etc.
Music and sound effects can be powerful tools for enhancing the overall experience of your YouTube video, but it’s important to choose and use them wisely to create the desired effect.
What is the best software for adding music and sound effects to videos? There are many software options for adding music and sound effects to videos, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and skill level. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
How do I add music to my video? You can add music to your video by importing an audio file into your video editing software and placing it on the audio track. You can then adjust the volume and timing of the music to match your video.
Can I use copyrighted music in my video? You should not use copyrighted music in your video without obtaining permission from the copyright holder. Some platforms, like YouTube, has a built-in system that will detect copyrighted music and may remove it or mute your video. You can use royalty-free music or purchase a license for commercial use.
How do I add sound effects to my video? You can add sound effects to your video by importing an audio file into your video editing software and placing it on the audio track. You can then adjust the volume and timing of the sound effect to match your video.
How do I create my own sound effects? You can create your own sound effects by recording them using a microphone or using a sound effects library. Some software like Adobe Audition have the capability of creating sound effects, you can also use free software such as Audacity.
How do I edit the audio in my video? You can edit the audio in your video by using audio editing tools in your video editing software. These tools typically include equalization, compression, and noise reduction.
What is the difference between music and sound effects? Music is typically background audio that sets the tone and atmosphere of a video, while sound effects are audio elements that enhance the video’s visuals.
What is colour grading? Colour grading is the process of adjusting the colours and tones of a video to create a specific look or mood. It’s usually done during post-production, after editing, and it can make a big difference in the final outcome of the video. It’s used to create visual interest, create consistency within a film or video, as well as to correct colour imbalances or inconsistencies that may have occurred during the filming process.
Colour grading can be done using specialised software, such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. The process typically includes colour correction, which involves adjusting the overall brightness, contrast, saturation, and other colour characteristics of the footage, as well as colour grading which involves applying a specific look or “grade” to the footage. It involves adjusting the temperature, tint, exposure, shadows, mid-tones and highlights. Colour grading can give the video a desired cinematic look, make it more consistent and make it look more pleasing to the eye.
Here are some steps you can take when colour grading your YouTube video:
Determine your goals: Before you start colour grading, it’s important to determine your goals and what you want to achieve with your colours. Do you want to create a specific mood or atmosphere? Do you want to match the colours to your brand or style? Do you want to correct any colour imbalances or issues?
Analyse your footage: Analyse your footage before you start grading and identify any colour issues or imbalances. Use tools within your editing software such as waveform monitors or vector scopes to identify areas of over- or under-exposure, or areas of colour imbalance.
Adjust the basic colours: With your footage analysed, you can start adjusting the basic colours of your footage. Adjust the white balance, exposure, or contrast, or correct any colour imbalances.
Adjust the creative colours: Once you have corrected the basic colours of your footage, you can start adjusting the creative colours to create a specific look or mood. You can use colour grading presets, LUTs (Look Up Tables), or other colour grading techniques to create a specific colour palette or look. There are free and paid options, just do a search on Google or YouTube.
Review and revise: As you work on your colour grading, it’s important to review your footage and make any necessary revisions or adjustments to your colours. Adjust the colours of specific shots or scenes, or use colour grading tools such as masks or windows to isolate specific areas of the image.
Colour grading can help to enhance the overall visual appeal and cohesion of your video.
What is colour grading? Colour grading is the process of adjusting the colours in a video to achieve a specific look or feel. This can include adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, and colour temperature of the video.
What software is used for colour grading? There are several software options for colour grading, including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
How do I colour grade a video? To colour grade a video, you will first need to import the footage into a colour grading software. Then, you can use the software’s colour correction tools to adjust the colours of the video. These tools may include curves, colour wheels, and colour balance.
How do I achieve a cinematic look in my video? Achieving a cinematic look in a video typically involves adjusting the colours to create a high contrast, desaturated image with cool tones. This can be achieved through colour grading using tools such as curves and colour wheels.
How do I match the colours of multiple shots in a video? To match the colours of multiple shots in a video, you can use colour matching tools in your colour grading software. These tools typically allow you to adjust the colours of one shot to match the colours of another shot.
What is LUT and how is it used in colour grading? A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a preset colour grading effect that can be applied to a video to achieve a specific look or style. LUTs are typically used to match the colours of multiple shots or to achieve a specific cinematic look.
How do I make my video look more professional with colour grading? To make your video look more professional with colour grading, you should pay attention to the overall colour balance, contrast, and lighting. Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and colour temperature. It’s also important to be consistent in your colour grading throughout the video.
Exporting your video to YouTube from your video editing software is the final step before publishing it and requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Exporting video is the process of creating a final digital file from your project that is ready to be shared and viewed on a platform like YouTube. Exporting is done through a process called encoding, where the final file is converted into a format that is optimized for the web and YouTube specific guidelines.
Exporting your video involves a variety of settings and options, such as frame rate, resolution, and bit rate; all these affect the quality and size of the final file. It’s important to understand the best export settings for your specific video so that the final result is a high-quality, smooth-playing video that looks great and performs well on YouTube and other video platforms.
Additionally, there are options to add captions and subtitles to your video, attaching metadata and setting up a custom thumbnail. It’s important to understand these options and how they affect the performance of your video on YouTube.
By understanding the best export settings and techniques, you can ensure that your video looks and sounds great on YouTube and that it is easily discoverable by your target audience. With a little bit of practice and following these tips, you’ll be able to export your videos like a pro and ready to share with the world.
Here are some steps you can take when exporting your YouTube video:
Determine your goals: Before you start exporting your video, it’s important to determine your goals and what you want to achieve with your video. Do you want to create a video that looks and sounds its best, or are you more concerned with file size or compatibility? Do you want to create a video that is suitable for viewing on a wide range of devices, or are you targeting a specific platform or audience?
Choose your export settings: Based on your goals, you can choose the export settings that best fit your project. Choose a file format, resolution, and bitrate that meets the requirements of YouTube and other platforms, and that creates the desired balance between quality and file size.
Export your video: Once you have chosen your export settings, you can export your video from your video editing software. Select the export option in your software and specifying the location where you want to save the exported file.
Review your exported video: After you have exported your video, it’s important to review the exported file to ensure that it meets your quality and technical standards. Watch the video on different devices (PC, Mac, tablet, mobile phone, TV), as well as using tools such as waveform monitors or vector scopes to analyse the audio and video quality.
Make any necessary revisions: If you find any issues with your exported video, you can make any necessary revisions by re-exporting it with different export settings, or making edits in your video editing software. It’s important to take the time to ensure that your exported video is of the highest quality and meets your goals and standards.
Upload to YouTube: Once you have reviewed and finalized your exported video, you are ready to upload it to YouTube or other social media platforms. To upload your video, you will need to sign in to your YouTube account, choose the upload option, and follow the prompts to select your video file and add any necessary information, such as the title, description, and custom thumbnail image.
Exporting your video from your video editing software is an important part of the video production process for YouTube, and can help to ensure that you create a high-quality and engaging video that meets your creative and technical goals. By carefully selecting your export settings and reviewing your exported video, you can create a video that looks and sounds its best and is ready to be shared with your audience.
Check out Part 5 : Best Practices on How To Grow YouTube Channel
What is the best format to export my video for YouTube? The most recommended format to export your video for YouTube is H.264 MP4. This format is widely supported by most video players and can be uploaded to YouTube without any issues.
What is the best resolution and aspect ratio for YouTube videos? The best resolution for YouTube videos is 1080p (1920×1080) or 4K (3840×2160). Aspect ratio should be 16:9.
For YouTube Shorts. videos of 1 minutes or less, 1080×1920 (vertical) is best.
How do I export my video from editing software for YouTube? The process of exporting a video from editing software for YouTube will vary depending on the software you are using. However, the general steps include selecting the export option, choosing the desired format and resolution, and specifying the location to save the exported file.
How do I optimize my video for YouTube? To optimize your video for YouTube, you should export your video using the recommended format and resolution. You should also keep the bitrate and frame rate consistent throughout the video. Additionally, you should make sure your video is compressed and the audio is of high quality.
How do I upload my video to YouTube? To upload a video to YouTube, you will need to have a YouTube account. Once logged in, you can click on the upload button, select your video file, and fill out the title, description, and other information for your video. You can also add tags, select a category, and choose the privacy setting for your video.
How long does it take to upload a video to YouTube? The time it takes to upload a video to YouTube will depend on the size of the video and the speed of your internet connection. A video with a file size of 1GB and a good internet connection, it can take around 20 minutes to upload.
How can I make sure my video is in the right format for YouTube? To make sure your video is in the right format for YouTube, you should export your video using the recommended format and resolution. You can also use YouTube’s Video Editor, which can automatically optimize your video for upload.
Check out YouTube’s Video and audio formatting specifications
Also look at YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings
Contact Blue Square Management today for a FREE consultation. Call us +44(0)1689 602248