This week, I have chosen to dive into more of the creative side of digital literacy. This post relates directly to my project, where I am exploring video editing through lifestyle type vlog. Below, I have added some videos about editing, the tips I generated through ChatGPT, and some personal insight.

Vlog Editing Tips (generated by ChatGPT through specific prompts).

1. Import Your Footage

Before you dive into editing, make sure to organize your clips:

• Label everything: Create folders for different days or scenes (e.g., “Morning Routine,” “Workout,” “Mental Health Tips”) to make it easy to find what you need.
• Backup your footage: Always make sure your footage is safely stored in two places (your hard drive and an external backup), just in case.

2. Choose Your Editing Software

Depending on what you’re comfortable with, here are some options:

• Beginner-Friendly: iMovie (Mac) or Filmora (Windows/Mac) are simple and easy to learn.
• Intermediate/Advanced: Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro offer a lot more features if you’re looking to get more creative.
• Free Option: DaVinci Resolve is great for both color grading and editing, and it’s free!

3. Basic Editing Workflow

Here’s a basic flow of editing a typical vlog:

Step 1: Rough Cut (Cutting Out the Extra Stuff)

• Trim your clips to remove anything that’s unnecessary, awkward, or repetitive. This will help your vlog feel tighter and more engaging.
• For a “Day in the Life” vlog, you might want to fast-forward through parts like getting ready or eating breakfast (unless it’s a key moment or you want to add something funny or relatable).
• For a “Mental Health Journey” vlog, make sure the important emotional beats or discussions come through clearly.

Step 2: Organize Your Timeline

• Sequencing: Place your clips in order according to your story. For a “Get Ready With Me” video, for instance, you’ll start with your intro, then show the process of getting ready, followed by your thoughts for the day.
• Add transitions where needed. Keep them simple; you don’t want too many flashy transitions, as they can distract from the content. A simple fade or cross dissolve can work wonders between scenes.

Step 3: Add Music (But Keep It Subtle)

• Background Music: Choose calming, uplifting music that fits the vibe of your self-betterment content. Look for royalty-free music or stock music libraries like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or YouTube’s free music library.
• Volume: Ensure the music is low enough not to overpower your voice overs or speaking moments. Music should complement, not compete with, your words.

Step 4: Color Grading (To Set the Mood)

• If you’re using software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, you can adjust the color grading to give your video a more cohesive or professional look.
• For a calm, wellness vibe, you can tweak the brightness and contrast to make everything look fresh, but don’t overdo it with filters. A slight warmth can make the footage feel inviting and relaxed.

Step 5: Add Text/Graphics

• Titles/Lower Thirds: Introduce yourself or the video topic with a stylish title card. Something simple, like “Morning Routine” or “Mental Health Check-In,” can work well. You can also use lower thirds to introduce specific topics or even add small pieces of advice in text form.
• Motivational Quotes: For mental health vlogs, adding uplifting quotes or affirmations on the screen is a great way to inspire your audience. Keep them minimal and legible—don’t clutter the frame.
• Call to Action: At the end, include a gentle reminder to like, comment, and subscribe, or encourage your audience to share their thoughts. You can make this fun and engaging without it feeling too sales-y.

Step 6: Audio Adjustments

• Voiceover: If you’re doing voice overs (for your “Day in the Life” or “Mental Health Journey” moments), make sure to clean up the audio. You can remove background noise and adjust levels so it’s clear.
• Use an audio compressor to even out the volume levels between your talking and the background music.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning & Transitions

• Go back through and refine your edits. Tighten up anything that feels too long or unnecessary, and make sure the pacing feels natural. For example, if you’re doing a “Mental Health Check-In,” keep those moments calm and reflective, with slower pacing. For a “Day in the Life,” a bit of speed or upbeat pacing can keep the energy high.
• Add transitions between major sections, but don’t overuse them. You don’t need flashy effects—simple fades or cuts can often be the most effective.

4. Review & Export

• Final Review: Watch your vlog all the way through before exporting. Are there any moments where the pacing feels off? Does your intro hook the viewer? Is the message clear?
• Export Settings: Once you’re happy, export the video at a resolution of 1080p (Full HD) or higher. If you’re planning to upload to YouTube, make sure the file is in MP4 format with an H.264 codec.

5. Upload and Engage

• Thumbnails: Create a clickable, vibrant thumbnail that represents your video. Bright colors, your face, and simple text often work well.
• SEO: Add relevant tags, titles, and descriptions to optimize your video for search engines, especially for self-betterment or mental health-related content.

---

Editing Tips Specifically for Self-Betterment Vlogs

• Keep It Real: A big part of self-betterment vlogs is showing the raw, unfiltered moments. If you’re talking about a rough day or a personal challenge, don’t be afraid to leave in the imperfections. These moments can be incredibly relatable and powerful.
• Incorporate B-Roll: Footage of nature, journaling, or any actions related to your self-care routine can enhance the storytelling and keep things visually dynamic.
• Use Text to Emphasize: When discussing important points about mental health, positive habits, or affirmations, consider emphasizing them with on-screen text for added impact.

This video was a really helpful tutorial, when I began video editing. I highly recommend watching this if you want to start editing!

My personal advice for video editing, is to choose a topic that interests you. If you pick something that you don’t want to create, you will find yourself stuck and unable to properly complete your project. Your audience will also be able to tell that you are not fully invested in your project.