Cyber Computer Technology Institute 09 08 77 30 50

Key Insights
 Video editing is a technical art practiced in many industries, from film to advertising, to government
agencies and nonprofits, which involves combining, cutting, and juxtaposing video clips to create
meaning.
 There are ample job opportunities in this field ranging from Video Editors and Video
Managers to Motion Graphics Designers.
 Video editing skills are essential for content creators and entrepreneurs looking to create professional-
quality content and reach a wider audience.
 Understanding video editing allows creatives to tell more complex stories and communicate more
effectively through the use of complex editing techniques.

Video editing is the technical art of cutting together and altering video clips to create a finished video project.
Video editing skills allow creatives to make cuts, preserve continuity between shots, alter sound, add digital
effects, and replace or remove background assets. Have you ever explored all of the things Video Editing can
do? Video editing training will open the door to many new career paths, but it can also help creatives make
more compelling digital content or introduce them to a subtle but vibrant new art form. Here, you’ll learn more
about the types of careers that benefit from Video Editing and how it can enhance your professional life.
Regardless of your overall goals, learning Video Editing is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your
resume.

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is the art of taking multiple different film clips and manipulating them to create a single finished
video composition. Video Editors cut together clips, add, remove, and mix sound, digitally alter and remove
elements of the film, and add special effects in post-production. Taking cues from the arts of cinematography
and photography, video editing is a necessary component of producing video content. It is also a hidden art, as
Video Editors strive to make their presence invisible, creating a seamless edit that washes over audiences.

Video Editors use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X to create finished video projects by
blending different video and sound files. Video Editors are responsible for synching audio and visual elements
of the film, ensuring continuity between individual frames and scenes, and cleaning up elements of the film,
such as correctly handling green screens or removing ambient sound and replacing it with desired music. Video
Editors will work with directors, cinematographers, and producers to dictate a video's pace and movements, and
even though their work isn’t always lauded, they represent an essential part of making professional quality
video productions.

Key Insights
 Premiere Pro is a comprehensive video editing tool developed by Adobe, it offers a vast library of
features while still maintaining an accessible and user-friendly interface.
 The interface of Premiere Pro is organized through a system of panels, these are essentially customizable
windows that can be adjusted according to the preference of the user.
 The Media Browser Panel is used for importing files for a new project, these imported files are then
placed into the Project Panel for organization and manipulation.
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 The Source Monitor Panel is designed for editing individual clips within a project, it allows users to
define the length of the clip, the source track, and even has the option to export a single frame from the
footage.
 The Program Monitor Panel is used for inspecting the overall timeline of the project, it provides a real-
time preview of the project inclusive of all clips and layers.
 The Effects Panel is where users can access all the effects available in Premiere Pro, the effects are
organized by type into folders and can be applied by dragging and dropping onto the desired layer in the
Timeline.

Introduction to Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro is a powerful video editing tool developed by Adobe, jam packed with thousands of options for
any aspiring editor to use. The great thing about this program especially is how accessible it is while at the same
time maintaining a vast library of tools that allow anyone to turn their plain footage into a professional film.

In this article, we’ll be focusing on the very basics of the program: the interface. In particular, we’ll be focusing
on the building blocks of Premiere’s interface, Panels.

While at a glance Premiere might seem intimidating, it’s assuredly the opposite. Once you become familiar with
the topics included in this article, you’ll be ready and raring to go with your editing projects.

Panels

Panels are Premiere’s method of organizing its workspace. These are essentially windows that can be moved
around and locked into different locations within the program’s interface according to how the user sees fit.
This is easily accomplished simply by clicking and dragging on the top bar of each panel.

Each panel has a different function, which we’ll explain right here.

Media Browser Panel: When starting a new project, this is where the user can import the files they’ll need.
These files will then be placed into the Project panel.
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Project Panel: Here, the user can organize the project files into separate folders within the Media Browser.
These folders are called Bins. There’s a variety of ways to customize the view of the files within the panel, like
List view, Freeform view, or Icon view. By clicking and dragging on the files contained here, the user can then
edit the files within a different part of Premiere.
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Source Monitor Panel: This panel is for editing individual clips for a project. The user can define the
length with In and Out points, with In being the start and Out being the end.

They can also decide the clip’s source track (audio or video). There is also the option to export a single frame
from the footage.

Program Monitor Panel: This panel is to the right usually of the Source Monitor. It’s used for the overall
timeline of the project, with all the clips and layers together. The user can play their project back in real-time to
preview how their video looks.
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Timeline Panel: Usually located under the Program Monitor panel, the Timeline is an overview of all the
clips, layers, and audio layers together. The Play head is used to slide up and down the Timeline. There are
options to lock layers to keep them from being edited, a mute button to quiet audio tracks, and the ability to
resize the labels by extending the scrollbar on the right side.

Tool Panel: A compact panel that contains all the Effects Panel: This panel is where all the effects
tools used for editing. The Select, Ripple Edit, in Premiere can be accessed. They’re organized by
Rolling Edit, Crop, Track Select Forward, Razor, type into folders. Any effect can be applied by
Pan, Pen, Text tools, and more are accessed from dragging and dropping the name onto the desired
here. layer in the Timeline.
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Effects Panel: This panel is where all the effects in Premiere can be accessed. They’re organized by type into
folders. Any effect can be applied by dragging and dropping the name onto the desired layer in the Timeline.
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Videos account for over 80% of the internet traffic.

Still, almost 90% of users stop watching a video within the first 10 seconds. One of the reasons is that videos
with wrong aspect ratios look distorted and don’t display properly. They make your audience hit the back
button.

Luckily, using the appropriate video aspect ratio can help you avoid that and enjoy:

 Longer watch times.

 Increased engagement.
 A better return on your video creation efforts.

The aspect ratio is more than a bunch of numbers. This subtle detail makes every frame count and nudges
viewers to feel a certain way. In fact, video aspect ratios can shape your video’s aesthetics, storytelling, mood,
and viewer experience.

 Understand the basics of selecting video aspect ratios.

 Learn what video aspect ratios are required on different social platforms.
 Discover a tool that quickly reframes videos into common aspect ratios to make your video fit where
you publish it.

What is aspect ratio for video?

The aspect ratio describes a video’s shape by stating its width and height. This number influences how the
video will fit the viewing screen and its composition.

Written as X:Y, a video's aspect ratio reads “X by Y” where X is the width, and Y is the height of the video
frame.

The ratio of a video is independent of its size. For example, if a video is twice as wide as it is tall, its aspect
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Example of a 2:1 aspect ratio for an image of different dimensions.

ratio will always be 2:1.

Depending on the platform where it's being watched, the aspect ratio of a video will impact the viewer’s
experience.

✔ An aspect ratio that fits the screen improves the viewers’ experience. Furthermore, the right aspect ratio
boosts the platform's performance because people watch the videos they enjoy for longer.

❌ An aspect ratio that doesn’t fit the screen makes your video look distorted or stretched, with weird black
bars or cut-off text. Inappropriate aspect ratios cause lower click-through rates, shorter view times, and worse
performance.

A pug’s photo in different aspect ratios — correct, decreased, and increased.

Aspect ratio vs Video resolution: What's the difference?

Aspect ratio and resolution are different but connected. A video with a 1920 x 1080 resolution can have more
than one of the standard aspect ratios, like:

 4:3, a “full screen video”

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 16:9, a “widescreen video”

THE SAME IMAGE DISPLAYED IN FULLSCREEN VS. WIDESCREEN ASPECT RATIOS.

Essentials Video aspect ratio Video resolution

What is it? The proportional relationship between width The number of distinct square
and height, independent of the physical size of pixels displayed in width and height, the actual
your image. physical size of your image.
What does it Impacts video shape and tone: Impacts video clarity and details:
do?
 Wider ratios add depth.  Higher resolution = more pixels, a
 Narrow ratios feel vintage. sharper, more detailed image.
 Lower resolution = fewer pixels, a
more pixelated, blurry image.
How is it Two numbers separated by a colon. One number and a p (pixels) or K (thousands
measured? E.g., 4:3 or 16:9 of pixels).
E.g., 1080p or 4K
How do you Sharing platforms specify required aspect ratios More of a personal choice, depending on the
choose it? and can penalize you if you don't use them. quality you need in your video.
When should When making movies for cinema or something When making high-end online video content
you consider it? artsy and stylistic. for digital platforms.
When you want to experiment and play with When you want to enhance the visual impact
the artistic feel. and provide a more engaging, lifelike
experience for the audience.

Common video aspect ratios and where to use them

Depending on the purpose of the video content and the platform where you’ll upload it, you might need a
different aspect ratio.

The following aspect ratios are also the most common aspect ratios for engaging videos:
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16:9 (Widescreen)
The 16:9 aspect ratio was ideal for online videos until social media usage skyrocketed.

These days, it’s more common for longer videos, screenshares, or videos aiming for a more cinematic feel. In
other words, it’s the correct aspect ratio for high-definition TVs and streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix,
or Vimeo. And it’s also the common aspect ratio for most desktop screens.

9:16 (Vertical)
The 9:16 aspect ratio is common on phone apps because it’s usually the same or similar to a smartphone’s
aspect ratio. It recently became a popular aspect ratio as smartphone and social platform usage increased. And
you’ll easily spot it in YouTube shorts and Instagram reels.

1:1 (Square)
The 1:1 aspect ratio was rocking back in the days of square TV sets.

Online, this aspect ratio was originally popularized by Instagram at a time when the social media platform was
promoting square images and posts. These days, while you can try to stand out with an Instagram square post,
most of the videos uploaded on the platform are some kind of vertical. So, if you’re considering using the 1:1
aspect ratio on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, know it’s more of a stylistic choice.

4:3 (Fullscreen)
The 4:3 aspect ratio was one of the earliest options, known as the Academy Ratio, or the standard aspect ratio
for all videos globally.

With the rise of HD video and mobile devices with narrow screens and video capabilities, the same aspect ratio
that was once a standard became one of the less popular aspect ratios.

The rare instances when a 4:3 aspect ratio might still work relate to:

21:9 (Cinematic Widescreen)

The 21:9 aspect ratio is also known as cinematic widescreen or ultra-widescreen. It's an aesthetic and artistic
choice in cinema movies, with powerful visual immersion and enhanced storytelling effects.

Modern films are often shot in wider aspect ratios. However, their original aspect ratio is adjusted later when
projected in different aspect ratios in cinemas.
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There's even the anamorphic aspect ratio technique, where an image is intentionally distorted during recording
and then stretched back to its normal aspect ratio during projection. The effect is similar to the 21:9 ratio, but
it's actually a 21.5:9 or 2.39:1. This conversion of the anamorphic format depends on the cinematic technology
and screen sizes available at each venue.

4:5 (Tall)
The 4:5 aspect ratio is frequently used for portrait-mode videos and social media because it captures more of the
screen and demands more attention.

You’ll notice this vertical aspect ratio on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. That's
where a vertical video takes up a significant portion of the screen and can increase engagement.

5:4 (Wide)
The 5:4 aspect ratio is extremely wide, making it less likely to encounter this ratio in mainstream media
production.

It can be used in specific, niche circumstances for artistic or experimental purposes. Or for broadcasting content
on desktop monitors since many have a 5:45 aspect ratio.

Common video resolutions you should be using online

Video resolution is fundamental to video quality and viewers’ experience. Choosing a specific resolution should
depend on:

Your intended use, the tech you have at hand, and your creative vision.

Your target audience’s context, like on what platforms and from what devices they’ll watch the video.

1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

 Known as Full HD, it’s standard in video quality across various devices, including high-definition TVs,
laptops, and streaming devices.
 Offers 1080p quality in a 16:9 aspect ratio, working for cinematic content and everyday videos.
 Balances quality with file size, suitable for creating and streaming content.
 Smartphones, DSLRs, and camcorders commonly use it.
 It’s compatible with most computer monitors and mobile devices, ensuring consistent, high-quality
viewing across different platforms.
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3840 x 2160 (UHD)
 Known as Ultra-High Definition (UHD) or 4K, it’s four times the resolution of Full HD.
 Offers 2160p quality in a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing sharp and detailed images.
 Requires more data and processing power, but it’s increasingly available in high-end laptops, monitors,
and mobile devices.
 Enhances the viewing experience with extra clarity, growing in popularity on streaming platforms like
YouTube.

4096 x 2160 (4K UHD)

 Known as 4K UHD in professional video production, this high-end resolution is twice as wide as
standard UHD.
 Offers 2160p quality in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, providing a cinematic viewing experience.
 Can show thick black bars on the top and bottom (letterboxing) on standard 16:9 devices to maintain the
film's original aspect ratio without distortion.
 Not as common as other HD formats, but gaining popularity in high-end video content for its immersive,
cinema-like quality.
 What is the best aspect ratio for your video?
 The use of standard aspect ratios isn't set in stone. There’s no right or wrong choice for the ratio of a
video; there is no best aspect ratio other than the specific requirements of particular platforms, which
we’ll discuss below.

So, when you're not fiddling with social media platforms, choosing the best aspect ratio is a matter of intention
and how you want to make your audience feel while watching.
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Midjourney's guide illustrating the same image in various aspect ratios.

Best video aspect ratios for your social media videos

When it comes to social media and popular video streaming platforms, there is a platform and video format
match you should aim for. Custom aspect ratios aren't welcome because they're more likely to affect the user
experience.

The best aspect ratios in these instances are actually communicated by each video platform. In their terms and
conditions, these websites tell you what aspect ratios they expect you to use. Following aspect ratio
recommendations ensures your video displays correctly in their player, and you won’t be penalized.

TikTok aspect ratio

The TikTok algorithm favors videos and ads shot and uploaded in the 9:16 aspect ratio. This is the most
common aspect ratio for TikTok videos because it's more likely to fill the whole screen and capture the viewer’s
attention.

If a video uploads in any aspect ratio other than 9:16, it’ll automatically be cropped to fit the 9:16 frame and
possibly lose important information or be displayed incorrectly.

Instagram video sizes

The recommended Instagram aspect ratio depends on the type of video you’re posting. Here are your options for
Instagram videos and the differences between these posts:
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YouTube

By length and format, YouTube videos can be regular or short. Regular videos on this streaming platform are
under 10 minutes, medium videos are 10 to 30 minutes, and long videos are over 30 minutes.

The YouTube shorts video format is under 60 seconds. These short, multiple videos appear in a dedicated
Shorts feed on the YouTube app. They're organic videos because users who aren’t following you can discover
them in the YouTube video player, which helps you reach, entertain, and engage a wider audience.

YouTube video dimensions

The recommended YouTube aspect ratio for regular videos is 16:9 because the videos on this platform can be
viewed on a variety of devices, including televisions, computer monitors, and mobiles.

YouTube Shorts aspect ratio

The recommended aspect ratio for YouTube shorts is 9:16 because the shorts will most likely be watched on
smartphones in a vertical orientation.
Facebook

On Facebook, you can post:

 Regular videos or short Facebook stories your friends and followers will see in their feeds.
 Video ads targeting a specific audience based on demographics, interests, behaviors, etc.

Facebook feed video aspect ratio

The recommended aspect ratio for videos you upload to Facebook is between 16:9 and 9:16. These ratios take
up more space on the Facebook News Feed, making your content more likely to be seen by viewers.

Facebook video ad dimensions

The recommended aspect ratio for ads is 9:16 because many people watch Facebook videos on their phones. A
9:16 ad will fill the entire phone screen, providing a more immersive experience and possibly converting better.

LinkedIn video dimensions

Like Facebook, LinkedIn supports videos that appear in the feed and video ads.

LinkedIn feed video aspect ratio

The videos in the feed can be anything from 3 seconds to 10 minutes long. The recommended LinkedIn aspect
ratio for video posts is between 1:2.4 and 2.4:1.

LinkedIn video ad dimensions

The video ads can be anything from 3 seconds to 30 minutes long. The recommended LinkedIn aspect ratios for
these ads are 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, and 1:1. However, the most commonly used ratios are 16:9 and 9:16 because
they’re more attention-grabbing and more likely to be noticed by users.
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Twitter video dimensions

The X platform, previously Twitter, lets you upload videos on your feed or in your ads account.
X/Twitter feed video aspect ratio

The recommended aspect ratios for X/Twitter videos are 16:9 (landscape) and 1:1 (square video).
X/Twitter video ad dimensions

For X/Twitter video ads, the recommended aspect ratio is 16:9, and ads can be between 15 seconds and 2:20.
Carousel ads' best aspect ratios are 16:9 or 1:1.

Video aspect ratio during shooting vs editing

Both shooting and editing come with creative choices and technical considerations about the aspect ratio.
Key differences
During shooting During editing
& challenges
Composition You compose shots based on the Changing the aspect ratio might alter the original
preservation chosen in-camera aspect ratio. composition and affect the visual storytelling.
Quality You chose the aspect ratio to Changing the aspect ratio might require cropping
considerations preserve quality and ensure vital and could reduce the visible details, altering the
visual info is captured. frame’s quality.
Intention vs. You chose the aspect ratio to align Changing the aspect ratio might be required
Adaptation with the intended viewing platform multiple times, for different viewing platforms,
and aesthetic desires. impacting the pixel density and visual quality.