Digital Tools To Grow for Youtube Channel in 2024
Digital Tools for Video Production
In this lesson, I want to share with you the digital tools that I use to create my videos. I believe in keeping things simple, so I will give you an overview of these tools and how they can help you in your video production process.
Final Cut Pro 10
One of the main tools I use is Final Cut Pro 10. This video editing software has everything you need as an editor and nothing you don't. It may take some time to get used to the magnetic timeline feature, but once you do, it becomes a fast and efficient tool for editing. One of my favorite features is the ability to create proxy files for editing large 4K videos without overwhelming your computer. If you don't have the budget for Final Cut Pro 10, you can use alternatives like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie, which are also capable of editing simple videos.
Compressor
After editing my videos in Final Cut Pro 10, I export the high-resolution ProRes file and then use Compressor to create an H.264 file that is ready to upload to platforms like YouTube. Compressor is much faster and more effective than exporting directly from Final Cut Pro 10. It also comes in handy when exporting audio podcasts. While you don't necessarily need Compressor for video editing, it can save you time by compressing videos faster.
Epidemic Sound and Music Bed
When it comes to adding music to my videos, my go-to sources are Epidemic Sound and Music Bed. These platforms provide a wide range of royalty-free music that you can use without worrying about copyright issues. I typically search for music by genre and select tracks that fit the tone and pace of my videos. If I can't find the right tracks, I can always go back to these platforms to find what I need. It's important to be patient when searching for music, as it can take some time to find the perfect tracks for your video. If you're looking for a free alternative, you can also explore YouTube's audio library.
Using royalty-free music ensures that you can use the music in your videos without any legal consequences. You also don't have to worry about licenses expiring in the future. If you decide to use a popular song without proper licensing, you run the risk of being sued or having your video taken down from platforms like YouTube. In some cases, the video may simply be demonetized, with the revenue going to the record label. To avoid these issues, it's best to stick to royalty-free music from trusted sources like Epidemic Sound and Music Bed.
Soundly
Another fantastic tool I use is Soundly. This application helps me quickly find and add sound effects to my videos. With its accurate search function, I can easily locate the sound effects I need. The best part is that I can simply drag and drop the sound effects directly into my Final Cut Pro X timeline, making the editing process even more efficient.
These are just a few of the digital tools that I use in my video production process. Each tool serves a specific purpose and helps me create high-quality videos. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced video creator, these tools can make a significant difference in your workflow. Experiment with them and find the ones that work best for you.
Remember to check out the resources below for any discounts or special offers from Epidemic Sound and Music Bed. Happy video editing!
Streamlining Your Editing Process with Sound Effects, Stock Footage, and Optimization Tools
Streamlining Your Editing Process with Sound Effects and Stock Footage
When it comes to video editing, efficiency is key. Finding the right sound effects and stock footage can be a time-consuming process, but with the right tools and resources, you can streamline your workflow and save valuable time. In this blog post, we'll explore some options for sourcing sound effects and stock footage, as well as tips for incorporating them into your videos.
Finding Sound Effects
Previously, you may have relied on searching for sound effects on YouTube, which involved a multi-step process of converting videos to MP3, downloading them, and organizing them on your hard drive. However, there are now dedicated platforms like Soundly that offer a more convenient solution. For just over $10 a month, Soundly provides a vast library of sound effects that you can easily search, preview, and download directly to your editing software.
If you're on a budget and prefer a free option, YouTube can still be a viable resource. However, keep in mind that the quality and selection of sound effects may vary. Additionally, it's important to ensure that your usage falls within fair use guidelines to avoid any copyright issues.
Exploring Stock Footage
Stock footage can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your videos, but finding the right clips can be a challenge. While platforms like Epidemic Sound and Storyblocks offer extensive libraries, each with its own advantages, there are also free options available. Websites like Pixabay and Pexels provide a limited selection of free stock footage, which can be a good starting point if you're on a tight budget.
However, it's important to use stock footage sparingly and strategically. Overusing stock footage can make your videos look generic and detract from your unique content. Instead, use stock footage as supplemental content to fill gaps or emphasize specific points.
Optimizing Your Editing Software
Adobe Creative Cloud is a popular choice for video editing, offering a suite of powerful tools like Lightroom, Photoshop, and After Effects. While After Effects can be useful for animations, it may slow down your editing process. Consider hiring a designer or animator for complex animations, allowing you to focus on the core editing tasks.
Lightroom and Photoshop are particularly valuable for editing thumbnails. By shooting your thumbnails as raw photos, you can leverage the full potential of these software to enhance and polish your images. If you're looking for free alternatives, GIMP and Canva offer powerful photo editing tools that can help you achieve professional-looking thumbnails.
Optimizing Your Thumbnails with Thumbsup.tv
Before uploading your videos, it's important to optimize your thumbnails to attract viewers. Thumbsup.tv is an excellent online mock-up tool that allows you to preview your thumbnail with different title variations. By simply dragging and dropping your thumbnail and typing in your title, you can see how YouTube will present your video to potential viewers. This tool can help you make informed decisions about your thumbnail design and increase the chances of attracting clicks.
By incorporating these tools and resources into your editing process, you can streamline your workflow and save valuable time. Whether you're searching for sound effects, stock footage, or optimizing your thumbnails, there are options available for every budget and skill level. Remember to use these resources strategically and ensure that your usage complies with copyright guidelines. Happy editing!
