Beginner’s video editing cheat code
Fast, practical edits: cut, captions, polish — without pro-level complexity.
Best Tools for This Route
RecommendedThe 3 tools that work best together to complete this workflow.
Workflow Steps
Auto clean-up edit (cuts, remove silence)
CapCutStart with an automatic clean pass so you’re not editing frame-by-frame.
SETTINGS
SETTINGS (CapCut) - Edit goal: [YouTube / Shorts / Reels] - Input: [raw footage] - Turn on: remove silence + tighten pacing - Optional: stabilize (only if shaky) Output target: a clean first cut in under 10 minutes
Add captions + basic motion (safe area)
FilmoraCaptions + simple motion is the fastest “quality jump” for beginners.
ACTION GUIDE
ACTION GUIDE (Filmora) - Auto captions → fix punctuation + line breaks - Keep captions inside the safe area - Add subtle zoom/cut every 1–2 beats (don’t overdo) - Export: Shorts 1080×1920 or YouTube 1920×1080
Generate titles, hooks, and thumbnail text
ChatGPTPackaging (title/hook) often matters more than editing polish.
PROMPT
Give me 10 titles + 10 hook lines. Topic: [topic] Audience: [audience] Tone: [tone] Rules: no emojis, first line under 8 words.
Pro Tips
- ✓Do not over-edit: clean cuts + captions is enough for most videos
- ✓Always watch the first 3 seconds first — weak openings kill retention
- ✓Keep captions short (1 line, 3–6 words) and inside the safe area
- ✓Use motion sparingly: subtle zooms beat flashy effects
- ✓Export the correct format (Shorts 1080×1920, YouTube 1920×1080)
- ✓Finish fast: publish one clean version instead of chasing perfection
Related Guides
Up to 3 guides for this Route