They typically rely on editing applications like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to help with this process. Video Editors work in a wide range of different industries including film and television, marketing, and social media.
In the past few years, video content has become increasingly popular in almost every type of media, and as a result, video editing has become an in-demand job skill. In a recent Forbes article, the author explains, “Skills in micro-learning, video production/editing and using pictures to tell stories are skills needed today. This is an age where people are learning and shifting fast. Younger generations are accustomed to video games and video-based instruction (think TikTok/YouTube), and attention spans are condensed.”
The rising demand for Video Editors makes video editing classes a smart investment. This career also has good future job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects and analyzes data about the U.S. economy, and it predicts that video editing jobs will increase 12 percent in the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth rate of only 5 percent.
The 10 Best Online Video Editing Classes
- Emerson College—Digital Media Production (Live Online)
- Training Connection—Premiere Pro 2022 Bootcamp Training Course (Live Online)
- Boulder Digital Arts—Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Certificate Program (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Video Editing Certificate (Live Online)
- headTrix—Video Editing & Effects Certificate (Live Online)
- Certstaffix Training—Adobe Premiere Pro CC (Live Online)
- Digital Workshop Center—Video Design Certificate (Live Online)
- Ledet Training—Adobe Video 501–Adobe Video Professional Bootcamp Training Course (Live Online)
- Lumenbrite Digital Design Training–Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop–Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate (Live Online)
#1: Emerson College—Digital Media Production (Live Online)
Digital Media Production is a certificate program offered by Emerson College, which is based in Boston. It is designed to give students expertise in a range of different skills related to digital editing, including sound design, animation, and the use of Adobe Creative Cloud programs. Students need to complete at least 75 hours of instruction to earn the certificate, and can choose from a list of courses which include Editing with Adobe Premiere, From Script to Screen, and Advanced Video Editing and Sound Design. Students earn a letter grade for each course, and must earn a passing grade to complete this program.
Key Information
There is a flat fee for each class in this program, which is $465.Tuition is due upon enrollment, and can be paid online by credit card. Classes in this program are not eligible for financial aid. Each class has a total of five weekly sessions, which take place once a week, generally in the evening. Overall, each class takes five weeks to complete. In order to earn the certificate, all classes must be completed within two calendar years of initial enrollment.
No application is required to enroll in this program, however, students need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Most classes also require a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and some require students to have access to iMovie.
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Indeed has many positive reviews of Emerson College. A number of students mention that they found their instructors to be knowledgeable, and that they liked the focus on hands-on learning. For instance, one former student says, “Good combination of hands-on and lecture learning.” Another student comments, “Going to Emerson did exactly what I wanted it to: it gave me a chance to work with industry professionals and make connections to prepare me for a future in TV/Video Production.”
#2: Training Connection—Premiere Pro 2022 Bootcamp Training Course (Live Online)
Training Connection is based in Los Angeles, but offers live online training in addition to its in-person classes. The Premiere Pro 2022 Bootcamp Training Course is designed to help students master Premiere Pro, which is one of the most popular video editing programs. They will work through all of the stages of editing, from capture, to final production. Skills include titles, transitions, animating clips, adding video effects, rendering and exporting, color grading, color correction, and integrating elements from Photoshop and After Effects.
Key Information
This course costs $1,845. It takes five days to complete. Classes run from 9 am to 4 pm Pacific Time. Students can train on either Mac or PC. No prior Premiere Pro experience is needed.
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Students who enroll in this class receive a training manual. They also get a free class repeat within six months.
Former students have written good reviews of this school, however, they do caution that the bootcamp moves quickly. Hannah S. says, “If you're thinking about taking a class here—DO IT! I just can't say enough good things about my experience here…Drastically improved my skills—worth every penny!” Vanessa S. says, “ Enrolled in the Premiere Pro class and enjoyed every minute of it! Kristian was a great instructor…He had a lot of useful information and tips that help make you a better editor… what I liked most is that we were able to practice these new skills as the training was going on.”
#3: Boulder Digital Arts—Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Certificate Program (Live Online)
Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Certificate Program is a live online program focused on mastering Adobe Premiere Pro CC, which is used by a large percentage of video editors. Students will learn about the entire editing process, from working with raw footage to sound mixing and color correction. Course content includes color correction, sound mixing, adding titles, and dynamic linking. In addition to teaching students how to use all of the different tools in Premiere Pro, instructors make sure they also know how to determine when they should or shouldn’t use these tools. Finally, students learn how to use Adobe’s Media Encoder to export content correctly to the web.
Key Information
The price of this certificate program is $1,249. For students who are Boulder Digital Arts members (a $65 fee), it is $1,199. The school also has a payment plan option, where students pay 25 percent of the fee at the time of registration, and then another 25 percent each month for the next three months. There are no finance charges for this option.
The program takes 5 days to complete, with students attending Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Students should have a working knowledge of Apple computers, and access to a Mac or PC computer. Some experience using Photoshop or other Adobe applications is helpful, but not required.
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The school website contains a number of positive program reviews. Many students were particularly impressed with the quality of instruction. For instance, Scott says, “Mike was honestly a fantastic teacher. I have been a high school teacher for 20 years. I know that teaching is not his main job, but as far as his lesson plans, his pacing, real life application examples, and overall wisdom in the field go, he was truly an expert giving us direct instruction. He was able to handle veteran questions that I gave, as well as handling brand new people with very little experience.” Kirk calls the class, “Just an absolute gem of a resource.”
#4: Noble Desktop—Video Editing Certificate (Live Online)
Noble Desktop’s Video Editing Certificate covers all the skills needed to become a Video Editor, and includes instruction in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. Students work with Premiere Pro to edit video. They learn a wide range of skills within this application including adding music and voiceover, cleaning up audio, mixing audio, timing out video clips, and adjusting placement, speed, and color. They also learn how to add sound effects with Audition. The course includes instruction in a number of motion graphics skills such as creating motion graphics with After Effects, greenscreen removal, and adding animation to Photoshop or Illustrator files.
In addition to learning a wide range of video editing skills, students in this certificate program work on creating a demo reel from their projects. This demo reel can be used to showcase their skills to prospective employers or clients.
Key Information
This class is licensed by the New York State Department of Education. It can be taken either full-time, over a two-month period, or part-time, over four months. In total, there are 78 hours of instruction. Class sizes are small, typically between 8 and 15 students. There are no prerequisites.
The price is $2,995, however, Noble offers two different payment options, neither of which has any extra fees or interest charges. Students can pay a deposit of $299.50 at the time of registration, and then pay in four installments, each of which is due a week before the associated course. Another option–which is offered through Leif–is to pay a $500 deposit upon enrolling, and then make payments of $207.92 per month, for the next 12 months.
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The Video Editing Certificate also includes a number of unique benefits. Students have the option of a free retake within one year, which can be a great way for them to refresh themselves on course material without paying any more fees. Students in this program also receive five one-on-one mentoring sessions where they can get professional advice about their resumes, portfolios, and career goals.
Reviews from former students are posted on Noble Desktop’s website. Many students are impressed with how clear the instruction is, and say that Noble’s instructors do an excellent job of presenting complex content in a way that is easy to understand. For instance, former student Charlotte Mirkovich says, “This course has made learning a software as intricate as Premiere Pro extremely easy and fun!” Another student, Peter J. McGouran comments, “Between the first and last class my level of confidence working within the Premiere Pro, After Effects and Audition programs greatly increased. Jerron, our Yoda-from-a-distance (Zoom classes) instructor, answered all questions and brought a great sense of enthusiasm and excitement to every class.”
#5: HeadTrix—Video Editing & Effects Certificate (Live Online)
headTrix is a computer training company that runs Adobe Certified classes. It offers a Video Editing & Effects Certificate, where students learn to edit videos and add special effects. The program consists of five required classes: Photoshop Level I, Premiere Level I, Premiere Level II, After Effects Level I, and After Effects Level II. After that, students take either Photoshop Level II, Illustrator Level II, or Final Cut Pro Level I. Some of the specific skills that are covered in this course include using Photoshop to create and edit static images, editing and compositing video and images in Adobe Premiere, adding titles and transitions, and adding special effects, animation, and motion graphics in After Effects. The course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of video formats and video editing and effects.
Key Information
The Video Editing & Effects certificate costs $3,995. Taken separately, the courses in this program would total $4,970, however, the certificate program is discounted. Each class in this program takes two full days to complete. Most run from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
In order to take this class, students should have basic computer skills and file management on Windows or Mac. They also need an internet connection, and a headset with a mic.
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headTrix offers students a free repeat within six months of taking the class.
This school has numerous positive class reviews on its website. One common theme is that students feel like they learn a lot in the training sessions. For example, Maite B. says, “The class went really well and I felt we accomplished a lot in one day. Nathan was very professional and we covered the most important parts of Premiere that I wanted to learn.” Edwin S. says, “I have taken several classes with headTrix in the past year and plan on taking some more. They are really great at what they do–they're patient and very knowledgeable.”
#6: Certstaffix Training—Adobe Premiere Pro CC (Live Online)
Certstaffix Training offers training in a wide range of Adobe applications, including Premiere Pro, which is one of the most common tools used by Video Editors. In its Adobe Premiere Pro CC (2022) Course, students learn how to work on a project from beginning to end. Specific skills include basics such as organizing media, creating transitions, and adding audio, titles and effects. Instructors also cover more advanced skills like compositing footage, adjusting color, animating graphics, exporting, working with 360 video, and sweetening and mixing sound. This course can also be used to prepare for the ACP: Adobe Premiere Pro Certification exam.
Key Information
This course takes three days to complete and costs $1,330, which is due upon registration. Certstaffix accepts personal and company checks, direct deposits, or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.
There are no prerequisites. Students do need a high-speed internet connection, and a computer that has a microphone and speakers that can be used for voice over IP audio. Certstaffix provides any needed software. Certstaffix live online classes take place over Zoom, and students can talk with their instructor and see their screen. The instructor is also able to see the student’s screen if they needs assistance.
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Students who complete this course receive a certificate of completion. They also get a digital badge, which is a way to share their achievement online in a verifiable way. In addition, they have the option of a free online retake within six months.
Reviews of this class are positive, with students saying that they found it engaging, and would recommend it to others. For instance, Josie V. says, “The layout and structure of this course was very easy to follow and learn with. The platform that this course was taught on made learning much easier than I expected.” A reviewer on Indeed says, “Very well run and organized, didn’t have any issues through the entire process. Even got to finish early because our instructor was working at a much faster pace, in which we were all very comfortable with.”
#7: Digital Workshop Center—Video Design Certificate (Live Online)
The Video Design Certificate is designed to teach students how to create and edit video. It covers the principles of design, best practices and terminology, storytelling, marketing concepts, and analyzing metrics from social and digital channels. Students learn how to create videos with Adobe Premiere Pro, and design animations with After Effects. They also learn Photoshop and Illustrator. Specific classes in this program are: Design Fundamentals, Adobe Photoshop 1, Adobe Photoshop 2, Illustrator 1, Illustrator 2, Premiere Pro 1, Premiere Pro 2, After Effects 1, After Effects 2, and Video Marketing Strategy. Students also complete a capstone project, where they work on a real-world project–from concept to delivery–with the help of a mentor.
Key Information
Tuition for the certificate program is $5,955, with a $200 discount if it is paid in full, upfront. The Digital Workshop Center also offers four different payment options, which are provided by Credit Climb. For all options, students pay a $100 registration fee. Under the first option, there are 12 monthly payments of $469, starting on the first day of class, with no interest due. For the other options, students pay between 7.99% and 17.99% interest. There is an option to make 31 monthly payments of between $218 and $247, beginning on the first day of class. Another choice is to make 9 monthly payments of between $31 and $83, and 22 monthly payments of between $300 and $329. Finally, students can choose the “Pay Later” option, where they pay nothing for the first 9 months, and then make 22 monthly payments of between $335 and $372. The Digital Workshop Center also offers a number of scholarship programs, which are detailed on its website.
This certificate program takes about six months to complete, with an average of two class sessions per week. There are 137 hours of instruction in total. Students need to have basic digital literacy, and can complete an assessment on the Digital Workshop Center website. They also need to have the Adobe Creative Cloud suite installed on a computer before the beginning of class.
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The Video Design Certificate Includes one-on-one career counseling and mentoring sessions. In these sessions, students work on skills such as resume writing and conducting a job search, and even participate in mock interview workshops. The Digital Workshop Center also has a partnership with Dewey-Parker, and provides students with project-based micro-internships.
Google+ has numerous reviews for the Digital Workshop Center, and the majority are positive. Many students mention the school’s professionalism and say that they learned a lot and found the instructors and others there very easy to work with. For instance, Ashley Forker says, “My teacher was not only well versed in the program but also very articulate and patient as a teacher. I was surprised at home much information I was able to absorb and retain given the relatively light weight time commitment. All of my communications with the Digital Workshop Center were professional and cordial. I would definitely recommend and hope to take another course.” Juliette Rule says, “The organization is well organized…and the support for making sure students have the access to materials and tech support make this kind of study really inclusive.”
#8: Ledet Training—Adobe Video 501–Adobe Video Professional Bootcamp Training Course (In Person or Live Online)
Ledet Training is an Adobe Authorized Training Center, which means that its instructors are experts in Adobe applications. Students who want to learn video editing skills can enroll in its Adobe Video 501–Adobe Video Professional Bootcamp Training Course. In this class, students learn Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects, which are both widely used by Video Editors. The Premiere portion of the class is focused on producing professional-quality videos and covers best practices such as three-point editing and adding audio and video effects, and standard creation workflows. In the After Effects portion, students learn to create compositions for many different sources, including video and Photoshop and Illustrator files. Throughout the class, they work on a number of projects. Instructors also share shortcuts and common pitfalls with students.
Key Information
Tuition for this class is $2,199, and payment is required to reserve a spot in the class. Students also need to fill out and fax in a registration form, which is available on the Ledet enroll page. Payment can be made with a credit card, Bitcoin, or by mailing in a check. The class takes five days to complete, and is typically scheduled for five consecutive weekdays.
The class is appropriate for novice users of Premiere Pro and After Effects, however, Ledet recommends having some experience with Photoshop. Students also need to have access to the After Effects and Premiere Pro software.
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Indeed has a number of positive reviews for Ledet Training. Students report that instructors are thorough, and that Ledet’s hands-on training style is beneficial. For instance, one says, “The teacher taught step by step, and if any student got stuck, he encouraged them to ask questions. He wouldn't proceed unless everyone was caught up.” Another reports, “There was more hands-on than i expected and great resources to reach and work with a professional. Learning the tool bar and all of the set up options for different applications was more intensive than anticipated, but they are thorough.”
#9: Lumenbrite Digital Design Training—Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp (In Person or Live Online)
Lumenbrite’s Premiere Pro Training: Bootcamp is designed to take students from a beginner to an intermediate level in video editing. It covers a wide range of skills. Students begin with the basics of video editing such as three-point editing, adding transitions, and adding audio and video effects. They also learn more advanced techniques such as exporting to a variety of platforms, importing background music, incorporating different formats, and creating titles, credits, and animations. In addition, instructors share best practices and common pitfalls. This class can also be helpful for students who are training for an Adobe certification exam.
Key Information
This class costs $1,995, which can be paid by cash, check, credit card, or a qualifying purchase order. After enrollment, Lumenbrite staff contact students to arrange payment, which is due immediately. The course takes five days to complete, and classes run from 9 am to 4 pm central time each day. Students can also access a recording of the training after each session. The typical class size is 4 to 10 students. The only prerequisite is basic computer skills on Windows or Mac.
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Upon completion of this class, students receive a nationally-recognized certificate. They also get a conversional tools bookmark.
Lumenbrite’s website contains positive reviews from many former students. A number mention that they found the instructors very personable and engaging. One reviewer says, “I loved the interaction, instructor knowledge and patience, very engaging. I learned a lot and enjoyed working on all the projects. I feel I still learned just as well as an in-person training would've been.” Another writes, “I really appreciated the dynamic nature of the course. I could immediately apply the skills I used that day. My instructor was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and kept us engaged!”
#10: Noble Desktop—Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate (In Person or Live Online)
Noble Desktop’s Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate is designed to prepare students to work as Video Editors or Motion Graphics Designers. It covers video and audio editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro and Audition. Specific skills include adding music, voiceover, and dialogue, editing video, timing out video clips, removing background noise, cleaning up audio, mixing audio, adding sound effects, and adjusting video clip placement, speed, and color. Students also learn how to animate motion graphics and create visual effects in After Effects. Skills covered in this part of the course include greenscreen removal, rotoscoping, cell-phone screen replacement, background replacement, and adding animation to layered Photoshop or Illustrator files, photos, and videos. Students also learn how to make 3D models in Cinema 4D Lite, which is a free program included with After Effects.
In addition to receiving a comprehensive education in video editing and motion graphics, students in this course also work on a demo reel that showcases their skills. This can be used to show prospective employers or clients.
Key Information
This class can be taken either as a full-time program, over a two-month period, or part-time, over four months. Either option includes a total of 126 hours of instruction. Noble maintains small class sizes, typically between 8 and 15 students. There are no prerequisites, however, students need to be comfortable using a computer. Design skills and a basic knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator are helpful, but not required. The class is licensed by the New York State Department of Education.
The price is $4,995, due at registration. However Noble offers two different payment options, with no extra fees or interest charges. With the first option, students pay a deposit of $499.50 at the time of registration, and then pay the remaining balance in six installments. Each installment is due a week before the associated course. The second payment option is offered through Leif, and allows students to make payments over the course of a year. With this plan, students pay a $500 deposit upon enrolling, and then make monthly payments of $374.58 over the next 12 months.
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Students who take this certificate program have the option of a free retake within one year, which can be a great way to brush up on course material without paying any more fees. They also receive eight one-on-one mentoring sessions where they can get extra help with challenging concepts, or receive professional advice about their resume, portfolio, and career goals.
The class is highly reviewed by alumni, who frequently mention the quality of the teaching and the way that instructors helped them get a good understanding of complex topics. For example, Jennie Silverman says, “The class went through things in small steps so I was able to learn, understand and then practice what was being taught. After 3 days I have a great understanding of Premiere Pro.” Alicia Roderick says, “Noble Desktop’s staff is amazing! They really want to help you understand what you’re creating.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Video Editing Classes?
Online video editing classes come in a variety of formats. There are live online classes, which take place via a conferencing platform like Zoom. With this format, students attend by logging on at a specific time, and instructors lecture and answer questions in real time. In contrast, on-demand classes are not live, and participants access material and complete assignments at their own pace. In addition to live online and on-demand courses, students will also find a number of free or low-priced introductory video editing classes online. These are usually less comprehensive, and focused on troubleshooting specific topics, or providing a basic overview of the subject.
What Will I Need for an Online Video Editing Class?
Video editing is primarily done on a computer, so students who take online video editing classes need a computer with an internet connection. They also need access to the editing program(s) that will be used in the class. Fortunately, Adobe offers a free seven-day trial for its Creative Cloud, which includes all Adobe apps. It also allows a free trial for individual apps like Premiere Pro. Apple offers a free 90-day trial of Final Cut Pro. Avid Media Composer can also be downloaded for a free trial.
Can I Learn Video Editing Online for Free?
While a quick internet search will reveal a wealth of free online video editing classes, students will find that most of these options are brief overviews or focused on learning only one or two skills. Students who are serious about learning up-to-date video editing skills will probably need to enroll in a paid class, where they can receive comprehensive and reliable information.
Additionally, students who want to learn video editing need to consider software costs. While there are free trials for popular video editing programs like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, editors who plan to use these programs for more than a few weeks or months will need to invest in a paid subscription for continued access.
Is It Better to Learn Video Editing in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live and self-paced classes each have advantages and disadvantages, so the decision about which format to go with varies by student. Many students like live classes because they involve real-time instruction and there is immediate instructor feedback. Live classes also offer more opportunities for networking with fellow students. In contrast, students typically learn alone in self-paced classes, and this usually requires more self-discipline. However, a major advantage of the self-paced format is its flexibility, with students being able to pause or rewatch course material whenever they want, and work through the material at their own pace.