Article last updated on:
September 11, 2024
Initially published on:
September 18, 2024

So, you want to edit short-form content for apps like:

This is the guide you need. I’ll take you through the step-by-step process to edit shorts like a pro, but also as quick as possible.


How to Edit Short-Form Content

Simple Answer: To edit viral short-form content, you need to deliver the info quickly and keep everything moving every second. SendShort AI does that for you automatically!

Let’s dive right in.

1. Cut silence

Start by removing any unnecessary pauses or dead air in your video. Cutting out silence keeps your content tight and engaging.

How to cut silence parts from a short-form video

In SendShort, this process is streamlined — just upload your video, and let the tool automatically detect and trim these silent sections for you.

2. Ad zooms

To make your video more dynamic, add zoom-ins and zoom-outs. This technique helps emphasize important moments or details.

How to automatically zoom in and out on a video (with AI)

In SendShort, you can easily set keyframes to control the zoom effect, adding movement and visual interest to your clips.

Speaking of which…

3. Set keyframes

Keyframes are crucial for creating smooth transitions and effects. Set keyframes to adjust positions, scales, or effects over time.

How to se a key frame in SendShort
Do this for each clip

In SendShort, setting and adjusting keyframes is straightforward, allowing you to enhance your video’s flow seamlessly.

4. Add subtitles

Subtitles can significantly boost engagement by making your content accessible.

Editing a repurposed YouTube video for TikTok in SendShort

SendShort includes an auto-detection feature for subtitles, ensuring your text is accurately synced with the audio, saving you time and effort.

Related: How to add subtitles to IG Reels.

5. Use b-rolls

Enhance your video with B-Roll and stock footage to add context and variety.

Whether it’s a scenic backdrop or a relevant clip, SendShort allows you to easily integrate these elements into your project, making your video more visually appealing.

Related: How to add b-rolls.

6. Add sound effects

  • Sound effects like wooshes and background music can elevate your video’s impact.
  • Add trending audios to align with current trends and capture viewers’ attention.
Adding sound effects to videos in SendShort

SendShort offers a range of sound effects and music options to enrich your video’s auditory experience.


Best Practices for Short-Form Editing

Here’s a table summarizing best practices for editing short-form videos (which was made with AI based on all of this guide’s content):

TaskBest Practices
Cut Out Silence– Remove unnecessary pauses.
– Maintain a smooth flow.
Add Zoom Ins and Outs– Emphasize key moments.
– Use subtle movements.
Set Keyframes– Create smooth transitions.
– Control effects over time.
Add Auto-Detected Subtitles– Ensure subtitles are accurate and in sync.
– Enhance accessibility.
Incorporate B-Roll and Stock Footage– Add context and variety.
– Use relevant clips.
Add Sound Effects and Trending Audios– Use sound effects to enhance impact.
– Incorporate trending audios for relevance.

Take this table as a ‘key takeaways’ section, if you may.


FAQ: Editing Shorts

1. What is short-form editing?

Answer: Short-form editing refers to editing concise video content, typically under a few minutes, for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

It focuses on engaging viewers quickly with impactful visuals and sounds.

2. What is the best editing software for short-form content?

Answer: SendShort.

The best editing software for short-form content is one that offers easy-to-use features like automatic subtitle generation and AI editing. SendShort is an excellent choice!


Conclusion

After implementing these edits, review your video to ensure everything flows smoothly. With SendShort, the editing process is efficient, letting you focus on creativity and content quality.

  • Ready to start creating engaging short-form videos?
  • Try SendShort today and streamline your video editing process with ease!

Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort

About the author

David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.