Learning video editing can seem like a daunting task, especially for beginners. With so many different software programs, techniques, and concepts to learn, it’s natural to wonder how long the learning process will take. The answer depends on a few key factors:
- Your personal goals
- How much time you can dedicate to learning
- Your previous experience
- The type of editing you want to do
In this article, we’ll break down the time investment needed to go from beginner to intermediate or advanced in video editing. We’ll also provide tips to help you learn efficiently. Read on to estimate how long your editing journey will take!
Setting Manageable Goals
When estimating your editing learning timeline, start by setting clear goals. Do you want to:
- Learn basic video editing skills?
- Become proficient enough to edit your own YouTube videos?
- Master advanced techniques for professional film editing?
Matching your goals to approximate timelines can help guide your expectations:
Basic Proficiency
If your goal is to learn basic editing skills to cut together short clips, apply filters, and add text, you can achieve this in 2-4 weeks dedicating 5+ hours per week. Focus on learning key terms, timeline navigation, and software like iMovie, Filmora, or Premiere Elements.
Intermediate Skills
For YouTube vlogging, social media videos, and other medium complexity projects, expect to spend 2-6 months learning if you can practice 5-10 hours weekly. Dive into skills like color correction, audio editing, transitions, chroma key, and mid-level software like Premiere Pro.
Advanced Editing
Reaching an advanced skill level for professional film projects or specialized techniques will take 6-18 months for most with 10+ weekly hours of study. This includes mastering tools like After Effects, complex editing workflows, and industry standards.
Setting milestone goals can help you stay motivated as you progress through different learning phases. Be patient as editing is an ongoing journey!
Dedicated Learning Time
The most important factor determining your editing learning timeframe is how much time you can consistently dedicate. Video editing is a practical skill that requires hands-on practice. Here are general timelines based on weekly study hours:
| Weekly Study Hours | When You Might Reach Intermediate Level |
|---|---|
| 1-2 hours | 9-12 months |
| 3-5 hours | 4-6 months |
| 6-10 hours | 2-4 months |
| 10+ hours | 1-3 months |
The more hours per week you can invest, the faster you’ll reach your learning goals. Consistency also matters – learn for an hour daily rather than 7 hours once a week.
Try to be patient, as forcing too much practice time can lead to burnout. Pace yourself by balancing learning, projects, and breaks.
Prior Experience and Skills
Your editing learning curve also depends on your background. Having skills in areas like:
- Video recording
- Graphic design
- Audio editing
- Computer proficiency
Can give you a head start. You’ll spend less time learning software basics and more time honing higher level techniques. Technical aptitude from fields like engineering or programming can also help you pick up editing tools quickly.
On the other hand, complete beginners without experience may need a few additional weeks or months to grasp fundamentals. Be patient with yourself as a blank slate editor.
Editing Goals and Mediums
Your aims within editing will also impact how long it takes to learn. For example:
Color Correction vs. Animation
Learning color correction workflows could take 1-3 months. Mastering advanced After Effects animation could take 6+ months. Play to your strengths and interests if aiming to specialize.
YouTube vs. Film
YouTube editors can get by with simpler software and techniques at first. Film editors need to learn industry standards and advanced programs right away. Consider your medium.
Genres and Content Types
The types of content you’ll work on will shape your path. Documentary editors need different skills than wedding videographers or action sports editors. Seek out training tailored to your niche.
Creating a Learning Plan
To meet your goals in a realistic timeframe, structure a solid learning plan:
- Set aside dedicated practice hours based on your schedule.
- Pick 2-3 days a week to learn, and take breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Split time between software tutorials, technique guides, and practicing.
- Watch editing tutorials specific to your software and genre.
- Use a training course or class for structure and guidance.
- Practice! Apply skills to projects to solidify learning.
Stay organized by tracking progress in a journal. Record what you learn each session and where you still need improvement. Revisit and retry challenging techniques.
Having a plan prevents wasting time and gives motivation. But still be flexible – progress won’t always be linear.
Key Tips for Learning Efficiently
Here are some essential tips to accelerate your video editing learning:
Get Familiar with Your NLE
Start by deeply learning your nonlinear editing software (NLE). Skills are transferrable across programs like Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve. Get comfortable with interface tools, shortcuts, customizing workspaces, and workflows.
Practice Consistent Drills
Drill core editing skills like cuts, transitions, pacing, titles, audio, color and effects daily. Repetition cements muscle memory and workflow intuition.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Memorize keyboard shortcuts to edit faster instead of clicking icons. Shortcuts also help you recall tools and functions.
Study Editing Principles
Grasp concepts like continuity, rhythm, transitions, color theory. Analyze how professional editors make creative choices.
Take Notes and Save Assets
Take notes on techniques and save tutorial media assets to reuse later. Review regularly to retain knowledge.
Collaborate and Get Feedback
Having a community accelerates learning. Share work to get critique. Ask peers questions. Discuss techniques.
Stick to Fundamentals First
Resist jumping into advanced tactics at first. Mastering basics paves the way for more complexity.
Be Patient with Yourself
Learning video editing takes consistent practice over months or years. Be compassionate through the process. Track milestones reached rather than dwelling on skills not yet mastered.
Celebrate small wins like smoother cuts, better audio, or applying your first filter. Stay encouraged knowing that the more time invested, the greater your abilities will grow.
The editing journey requires patience, drive, and creativity. But by gauging your goals, committing to a routine, and following core learning principles, you can develop sought-after editing skills with diligent practice over time.
Conclusion
Estimating how long it takes to learn video editing depends on your aspirations and the time you can dedicate. Give yourself ample months to go from beginner to intermediate, and a year or more to reach advanced skill levels.
Set milestones, create a structured learning plan, and be patient through the process. Apply the tips outlined to develop sought-after editing abilities. With regular, focused practice, you can achieve your editing learning goals!