How to Edit Shorts Video that Stand Out|Fast And Easy Ways

What are YouTube Short videos

YouTube Shorts are short and vertical videos that are 3 minutes or less. They're made to be quick and fun, perfect for watching on your phone. Users can add music, effects, and text to make them exceptional. People use Shorts to share quick stories, funny moments, or creative content.

Why should you edit YouTube Shorts videos

Editing YouTube Shorts is not just a good idea; it's essential for making your videos engaging. Here are five reasons why editing is key to YouTube Shorts success:

• Grab attention quickly

In the fast-paced world of Shorts, the first few seconds are crucial. Effective editing helps you capture attention immediately, ensuring your video stands out in a sea of content. If your video isn't edited well or doesn't start strong, viewers are likely to swipe away within seconds.

• Keep your message clear

Good editing removes unnecessary distractions, ensuring that your content remains focused. By cutting out filler material and streamlining your visuals and narration, you make it easier for viewers to understand your message. This clarity keeps your audience engaged and reduces confusion.

• Improve visual appeal

A well-edited video looks more polished and professional, elevating the overall viewer experience. Editing tools can enhance colors, adjust lighting, and smooth out rough transitions, helping your video look crisp and aesthetically pleasing. A visually appealing video is more likely to attract repeat views and shares. You can also use CapCut to adjust the video with effects, transitions, and text templates.

• Enhance engagement

With editing, you can add exciting effects, captivating music, and engaging text overlays to further boost your video's appeal. These enhancements keep viewers hooked, encouraging them to watch until the end. Adding these elements strategically can increase viewer retention and make your Shorts more memorable.

• Make your content shareable

Well-edited Shorts are more likely to be shared across platforms, and shareability is key to viral success. People tend to share visually striking content that has a clear narrative and is fun to watch. By focusing on quality editing, you increase the chances of your content reaching a wider audience, which can lead to greater visibility and growth.

In short, effective editing is the secret ingredient that can make your YouTube Shorts videos more engaging, shareable, and ultimately, successful.

How to edit Shorts from existing YouTube videos

If you want to turn part of a long YouTube video into a Short, it is a simple process that does not require any technical knowledge. Just follow the steps below, and you can easily edit your YouTube video.

STEP 1
1. Go to the video on your channel

Open YouTube on your computer or phone. Find the video you want to edit. Go to your channel by clicking your profile picture, then click on "Your Videos." Choose the video you want to use for your Short.

STEP 2
1. Select a clip to edit

After you open the video, look for the "Create" button under the video. You’ll see an option called "Edit into Short." Click on it. Now, you can pick the part of the video you want to turn into a Short. You can trim the video to 60 seconds or less.

STEP 3
1. Edit and upload

Once you've chosen your clip, you can add music, text, or effects to make it more fun. After editing, hit "Next." Add a title for your Short and select if you want it public, unlisted, or private. Then, tap "Upload" to share it with your audience.

How to edit YouTube Shorts videos with CapCut desktop video editor

CapCut desktop video editor is a fast and easy tool to create YouTube Shorts. It's packed with features that help you edit videos quickly and effectively. With this, you can easily cut long videos into short, engaging clips. Plus, its "Long video to short" function automatically detects the highlights, suggests the best segments to clip, and gives you full control to customize and fine-tune your shorts for maximum impact.

Convert long videos to shorts in 3 steps

Before you start editing your YouTube Shorts, make sure you have CapCut installed on your PC. If you don't have it yet, simply click the button below to download and install it.

STEP 1
1. Access the "Long video to shorts"

Open CapCut on your desktop. From the home screen, click on the "Long video to shorts" tool. This will open a workspace where you can start creating your shorts.

STEP 2
1. Upload your videos

Upload your video by dragging and dropping it into the editor or selecting it from Dropbox, Google Drive, or Space. Once uploaded, the video will be shown in the workspace, ready to be edited into shorter clips.

STEP 3
1. Convert long videos into shorts

Choose the caption templates you’d like to add and set the preferred duration for your Shorts. After finalizing these options, click the "Convert" button to start the process.

CapCut will automatically generate short videos, complete with relevant captions and hashtags based on your topic. If you wish to fine-tune your clips, simply click "Edit" to make adjustments or proceed to export if you’re satisfied with the result.

STEP 4
1. Export and share

To share your Shorts, click on TikTok or YouTube for a direct upload. If you want to save the video, click "Export" instead. You can also adjust settings like frame rate, resolution, codec, and format before saving the final video to your device.

Key features

• Turn long videos into short clips

You can quickly convert long videos to short videos that are the perfect length for YouTube Shorts. It helps you capture the key moments and keep viewers engaged.

• Set your preferred clip duration

You can easily adjust the duration of each clip to match your video's pacing and ensure it stays within the desired time frame for platforms like YouTube Shorts or TikTok.

• Choose from multiple caption styles

CapCut offers a range of customizable caption styles, allowing you to match the design and mood of your video while making your text visually appealing and engaging for viewers.

• Available in 20+ languages

With support for over 20 languages, CapCut allows you to add subtitles to videos in different languages, helping you reach a global audience and communicate effectively with viewers worldwide.

• Add topic-specific text easily

CapCut simplifies adding text relevant to your video's theme, ensuring that your message is clear and enhances the overall impact of your content.

• Share directly to social platforms

After editing, you can efficiently share your videos to popular social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, making the publishing process quick and hassle-free.

How to edit YouTube Shorts videos with the CapCut mobile app

The CapCut mobile app enables quick, smooth, and flexible editing of YouTube Shorts. It’s designed for creators who want to refine their content straight from their phones without needing fancy equipment. One of its standout features is the ability to combine multiple clips into a single, short video. With just a few taps, you can cut, merge, and fine-tune your footage ready for upload. It’s all about making quality content creation easy, no matter where you are.

Edit YouTube Shorts videos with the CapCut mobile app

Follow these steps to easily edit videos using the AutoCut tool on the CapCut mobile app:

STEP 1
1. Access the auto-cut tool

Open the CapCut app on your phone and log in. On the main screen, click the "Auto Cut" option to start your project.Upload video clips

STEP 2
1. Upload video clips

Select the video or photos you want to edit from your gallery. Once selected, click "Next" at the bottom right to proceed.

STEP 3
1. Edit the video

Tap "Allow" to let CapCut automatically create a video using its templates. You can change the background music and pick different templates. For more control, you can manually trim clips, add filters, and adjust the video.

STEP 4
1. Export and share

When you're happy with the video, tap the "Export" button in the top-right corner. You can save it to your phone or share it directly on Instagram or TikTok.

Key features

• Automatic clip merging

CapCut app enables you to efficienlty combine multiple video clips into a smooth and cohesive sequence without manual adjustments.

• AI-powered editing templates

CapCut offers a range of AI-generated templates that automatically style your videos with synchronized music, captions, and visual effects.

• Music integration

You can easily add trending tracks, custom music, or sound effects from CapCut's vast library to make your Shorts more engaging.

• Smart transitions & visual effects

CapCut provides a wide variety of transitions and visual effects that help maintain the flow and dynamic appeal of your videos.

• One-tap export & sharing

With just one tap, you can export your edited videos in high quality and share them directly to platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Tips for editing videos for YouTube Shorts

Editing YouTube Shorts is all about making your content grab attention and keeping viewers engaged. Here are some key tips to help you create better videos.

• Optimize your thumbnails

The cover image of your video plays a crucial role in grabbing attention. It's the first thing viewers see when scrolling through YouTube Shorts, so make it count. Choose a frame that is visually striking or a thumbnail that highlights the key action in your video. For example, you could add a catchy title like "Quick and Easy Makeup Tutorial!" on the cover to tease what's inside, giving viewers a reason to click and watch. With CapCut's cover function, you can customize and adjust your video cover, adding elements like text, colors, or icons to make it stand out.

• Choose bright and clear clips

Always opt for clips that are bright, sharp, and visually clear. For example, if you're recording a cooking tutorial, avoid dim lighting or a blurry shot of the ingredients. Bright, well-lit clips make your video look more professional and are more likely to grab viewers' attention. A clear shot of your recipe's first step or a vibrant shot of the final dish will instantly hook viewers. With CapCut's color correction tool, you can enhance the brightness and contrast of your clips to ensure they stand out.

• Hook viewers with the best part

Start your video with the most exciting moment. For instance, if you're making a quick DIY craft, open with a clip of the finished product or the most visually impressive step. This immediately pulls viewers in. In the first few seconds, make sure there's action or a surprise element that makes them want to stay. If you're sharing a fun dance challenge, begin with a dynamic move that piques your curiosity.

• Keep it simple but captivating

Don't overcomplicate your video. For example, if you're showcasing a product, focus on one key feature instead of trying to cover too much. Break down your content into easy-to-follow steps, and avoid cluttering the video with unnecessary effects or text. A simple cooking tip, like "5-minute breakfast," with just one visual cue for each step, will keep your audience focused on the core message without distractions.

• Add captions for accessibility and clarity

Captions are essential, especially for viewers watching without sound. If you're doing a quick tutorial or skit, add text that explains key actions or jokes for a clearer experience. Be mindful of the blank areas on the screen where elements like usernames, likes, comments, and video descriptions appear. Position your captions in a way that avoids cluttering these areas. With CapCut's caption generator, you can easily add accurate, readable subtitles to ensure your video is accessible to a wider audience.

• Use music to enhance engagement

Music is an essential part of creating an engaging video. Choose energetic tracks that match the pace and tone of your content. For example, if you're showing a fast-paced workout routine, an upbeat track can elevate the tempo and keep viewers engaged. CapCut's music library offers a wide variety of energetic tracks to match your video's mood. By adding music, you can also help set the rhythm of your content and maintain viewer interest throughout.

• Leverage trending effects and filters

To stay current and keep your Shorts fresh, experiment with trending effects and filters that complement the theme of your video. If you're showcasing a dance or challenge, using a fun filter can add an extra layer of personality and catch the attention of users who are drawn to viral trends. CapCut's extensive library of filters and effects allows you to apply creative touches that align with what's trending on platforms like YouTube Shorts, ensuring your video feels relevant and exciting.

• End strong with engagement

Conclude your Shorts with a call to action (CTA). For example, after a funny or impressive clip, ask your viewers to comment on their thoughts or share the video. "Which move did you like best?" or "Tag a friend who needs to see this!" Ending this kind of engagement prompts viewers to interact with your content, boosting its reach and performance on YouTube. With CapCut's text editor, you can easily add CTA to your video.

Conclusion

To sum up, understanding how to edit short videos is great for creators to increase followers and engagement. With the right edits, you can keep viewers engaged and create content that leaves an impact. Editing for maximum effect can make a huge difference in your video's success. Tools like the CapCut desktop video editor and the CapCut mobile app make the whole process simple and effective, whether you're working on a PC or creating on the go. With their easy-to-use features and professional results, getting your YouTube Shorts ready has never been more convenient.

FAQs

1
1. How do you edit YouTube Shorts and add captions?

YouTube automatically adds subtitles to Shorts. To edit captions, click the three dots on the video toolbar and choose "Duplicate and Edit." This will open a pop-up with YouTube's auto-generated captions, where you can make changes. For more control and convenience, you can use the CapCut desktop video editor to add customized captions professionally or the CapCut mobile app if you prefer quick edits on your phone.

2
1. What effects make Shorts videos more engaging?

To make Short videos more engaging, use effects like fast cuts, smooth transitions, and filters. Adding text overlays, music, and animated stickers can also help grab attention. Bright colors and dynamic visuals keep viewers interested. To create refined Shorts, you can easily apply these effects using the CapCut desktop video editor for a full editing suite. The CapCut mobile app is also a reliable option if you're working on your mobile device.

3
1. How to edit a video for YouTube Shorts on mobile?

To edit a video for YouTube Shorts on mobile, open the YouTube app and tap on the "+" sign. Then select "Create a Short" and choose your video. You can trim it, add music, and apply text. You can also adjust the speed and add filters. For more editing flexibility, you can also use the CapCut mobile app, which offers templates and AutoCut features, or use CapCut's desktop version if you want more detailed customization.