What you need

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Software

DaVinci Resolve (free version)1 · Professional free editor from blackmagicdesign.com. Needs a decent computer.
$0
CapCut or iMovie (easy starter apps)optional1 · Good for phone and quick social videos. iMovie is free on Mac and iPhone.
$0
Adobe Premiere Pro subscriptionoptional1 month at a time · Industry standard. Students get discounts. Only buy it if you need it for school or jobs.
$23/month

Computer and storage

Computer (laptop or desktop) with 16 GB RAM1 · Use what you have first. Refurbished or used models save a lot.
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$0 if you have one, $600-1200 new
External SSD drive 1 TBoptional1 · Video files are big. Keeps your projects fast and safe.
View on Amazon
$70-100
Backup hard drive 2 TBoptional1 · Always keep a second copy of your projects.
View on Amazon
$60-80
Mouseoptional1 · Much easier than a trackpad for cutting.
View on Amazon
$15-30

Audio and footage

Smartphone camera (for practice footage)1 · Film your own clips to practice.
$0 (you have it)
Over-ear headphonesoptional1 pair · Helps you hear audio problems.
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$25-80
Free stock footage and music (Pexels, YouTube Audio Library)optionalas needed · Great for practice projects. Check each license.
$0
Second monitoroptional1 · Nice upgrade later, not needed to start.
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$100-180

Learning

Paid online course (optional)optional1 · Free YouTube tutorials are enough at first. Try your library for free LinkedIn Learning access.
$0-200

02

Certificates and registration

No certificate needed

No license needed (optional software certification)

In the United States you do not need any license or government registration to learn video editing or to edit for fun. If you later freelance, you may need a local business license and should register with the IRS for taxes. Optional certificates like Adobe Certified Professional or Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve certification can help your resume.

Start learning with free software and your phone footage
Build a small portfolio of 3 to 5 videos
Optional: take the Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve training and certificate exam
If you earn money, check your state and city rules for a business license and report income to the IRS

Can I start right away? Today: download DaVinci Resolve free (or open CapCut or iMovie), film a 30-second clip with your phone, and follow a 20-minute beginner tutorial on YouTube.

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What you need to know

6

The basic editing workflow

1) Create a project and import clips. 2) Organize clips in folders. 3) Make a rough cut by placing the best parts on the timeline. 4) Trim and tighten. 5) Add music, sound effects, and titles. 6) Fix color and audio. 7) Export. Always save often and keep original files untouched.

Cuts and pacing

Cut out pauses and mistakes. Change the shot every few seconds to keep people interested. Use J-cuts and L-cuts: let the audio of the next clip start before the picture, or last longer. Use cutting on action so movements look smooth.

Audio matters most

Viewers forgive bad video faster than bad sound. Keep voices clear and loud enough (around -12 to -6 dB peaks). Lower music under speech. Remove background noise with built-in tools. Use fades so audio does not pop.

Color basics

First fix exposure and white balance, then add style. Use scopes like the waveform to check brightness. Keep skin tones natural. Apply a LUT only after basic correction. In DaVinci Resolve, use the Color page.

Export settings

For YouTube use H.264, 1080p, 24, 30 or 60 fps matching your footage, and about 10 to 16 Mbps. For Instagram and TikTok use vertical 1080x1920. Always keep your project file and a high-quality master export.

Keyboard shortcuts and organization

Learn shortcuts for cut, ripple delete, zoom and play (J, K, L). Name files clearly and color-label clips. Fast shortcuts can double your speed. Make a folder structure: Footage, Audio, Graphics, Exports.

04

Where to learn it

6

Online-KursDaVinci Resolve official trainingFree video lessons and PDF books on blackmagicdesign.com.Browse online courses

YouTubeJustin OdishoClear tutorials for Premiere Pro and After Effects.

YouTubeCasey FarisShort, friendly DaVinci Resolve tips.

BuchIn the Blink of an Eye by Walter MurchShort classic book about the thinking behind editing.Book on Amazon

Online-KursLinkedIn Learning via public libraryMany US libraries give free access with a library card.Browse online courses

Kurs vor OrtLocal community college video production classAffordable, with access to professional computers and software.Browse online courses

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Key websites and creators

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Websites

blackmagicdesign.comBlackmagic Design (DaVinci Resolve)Free download and official training.Visit

helpx.adobe.comAdobe Premiere Pro LearnOfficial tutorials and help for Premiere Pro.Visit

pexels.comPexels VideosFree stock footage for practice.Visit

reddit.com/r/editorsReddit r/editorsCommunity of professional editors with advice and feedback.Visit

studio.youtube.comYouTube Audio LibraryFree music and sound effects for videos.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeJustin OdishoBeginner-friendly tutorials for Premiere Pro, After Effects, and editing techniques.Visit

YouTubeCasey FarisQuick and clear DaVinci Resolve tutorials.Visit

YouTubeCinecom.netCreative effects and editing tricks.Visit

YouTubePeter McKinnonFilming and editing tips with a creative style.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

06

Step by step

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Install free softwareDownload DaVinci Resolve (or use iMovie or CapCut). Ask a parent first if you are under 18.
1 hour
Done
Shoot practice footageFilm 5 to 10 minutes with your phone: a day in your life, a friend, or a pet. Get a variety of wide and close shots.
1 to 2 hours
Done
Follow a beginner tutorialWatch a beginner course and edit along. Learn import, timeline, trimming, and export.
1 weekend
Done
Make your first 1 minute videoCut, add music and titles, and export it. Share it with a friend for feedback.
1 week
Done
Practice with small projectsRecreate trailers, edit a vlog, or make a short music video. Do one project every week.
Weeks 2 to 12
Done
Learn audio and colorAdd proper audio mixing and basic color correction to your projects.
Month 2 to 3
Done
Build a portfolioPick your best 3 to 5 videos and post them on YouTube, Vimeo, or a simple website.
Month 4 to 6
Done
Find real workOffer to edit for friends, local businesses, or YouTubers. Use Upwork or Fiverr to get first clients.
Month 6 onward
Done

07

Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Install free editing software
- Watch one full beginner tutorial
- Edit and export your first short video
Weeks 2 to 4
- Learn the main shortcuts
- Edit one new video per week
- Practice trimming, music, and titles
- Ask friends for honest feedback
Months 2 to 3
- Learn audio cleanup and mixing
- Learn basic color correction
- Try a short story or vlog project
- Buy an external drive if needed
Months 4 to 6
- Learn motion graphics or effects basics
- Build a portfolio of 3 to 5 videos
- Start a YouTube or Vimeo channel for your work
Months 7 to 12
- Take your first paid or freelance jobs
- Specialize in a style, like YouTube, weddings, or short-form
- Consider a certification or community college class
- Upgrade hardware only if it slows you down

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

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Product reviews

0

Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

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