Video Editors work in a wide range of different fields including education, marketing, social media, and film and television. They typically rely on editing applications like Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro.
In recent years, video content has become common in almost every type of media. For instance, Wyzowl collects video marketing statistics, and releases a yearly report of its findings. It finds that video is used as a marketing tool by 91 percent of businesses. As a result of the continually-increasing popularity of video content, the ability to edit video has become a sought-after job skill. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, video editing jobs will increase 12 percent in the United States over the next ten years, a growth rate that is much faster than the average rate of only 5 percent.
The # Best On-Demand Video Editing Classes
- UCLA Extension—Editing with Final Cut Pro X: A Comprehensive Workshop
- Sessions College—Digital Video Editing I
- Udemy—Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass: Video Editing In Premiere
- UC San Diego Extended Studies—Introduction to Video Editing Using Adobe Premiere
- Inside the Edit—Creative Edit Training
- Ripple Training—Final Cut Pro Core Training
- Coursera—The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization
- UCLA Extension—The Art and Craft of Film Editing
- LinkedIn Learning—Final Cut Pro Essential Training
- Coursera—Mastering Final Cut Pro
#1: UCLA Extension—Editing with Final Cut Pro X: a Comprehensive Workshop
Editing with Final Cut Pro X: A Comprehensive Workshop is an online class taught by UCLA Extension, which is based in Los Angeles. The course is designed to help students master Final Cut Pro, which is a popular video editing program. The class starts with introductory skills, then moves on to more advanced features such as capturing and editing techniques, motion, audio editing, filter effects, and project management and organization. This class can also be taken as part of the Film Editing Program, however, some of the required courses in that program only take place in-person at the UCLA Extension campus in Los Angeles.
Key Information
This course costs $745, which is due at the time of registration. UCLA Extension accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. It also offers access to a number of different financial aid programs, including a variety of loans and grants.
Editing with Final Cut Pro X is an open enrollment class, meaning that students do not need to apply for acceptance prior to enrolling. After enrolling, they log in to Canvas, which is UCLA Extension’s cloud-based learning management system, and use this platform to access course material such as webinars, readings, and videos, and to connect with the instructor and classmates. While there are no required meetings, new course content is delivered weekly, and assignments are due regularly. Instructors also provide office hours through Zoom. According to the course website, this workshop can be completed in as little as 11 weeks.
In order to take this class, students need to have a Mac computer with at least 15GB of free space, and must have Final Cut Pro X installed and updated. They also need internet access and basic Mac skills. Some knowledge of editing is helpful, but not required.
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UCLA Extension classes have a number of good reviews online. For instance, a former student posted on Indeed, “The UCLA Extension Film/TV Certificate Program is a great course with great classes with great teachers in a great school. We learn a lot not only about the subjects of the classes but also about the Film & TV industry. It's a great way to do network too.” However, some former students caution that instructors were not as responsive or easy to reach as they would have liked.
#2: Sessions College—Digital Video Editing I
Sessions College is a professional design school based in Tempe, Arizona. It offers a class called Digital Video Editing I where students learn how to create video content for digital and social media applications. This course is project-based, meaning that students learn by completing a series of creative projects. There are six projects: The Role of an Editor, Cinematic Storytelling, The Power of Sound, Time-Based Media, Perception of Time, and Storytelling Strategies. The skills covered in these classes include story structure, different types of shots, scripting, editing sound, adding text and graphics, compressing and expanding time, and continuity editing.
Key Information
The price of this course is $999, which includes a $50 registration fee. The Federal College Affordability and Transparency Center has recognized Sessions College as having one of the lowest tuitions in its category.
This is an online class, which means that although it is led by an instructor, sessions are not live, and students work at their own pace. According to the school website, the course can be completed in about six to eight weeks. Students have three months to finish it after enrolling, however, extensions are available. There are no prerequisites, but students need a computer and an internet connection.
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There are a number of reviews online for this school. Overall, students rate it highly, noting its flexibility and quality of instruction. One reviewer says, “Sessions College was so great for the flexibility and accessibility it provides. While working full-time, not to mention having to care for my son as well, Sessions made it easy to do my courses without hard deadlines each week. The instructors were always helpful with their assessments and gave good advice.” Another writes, “My Instructors and Advisors were all very patient, provided great advice and encourage able. Initially when i started the program it was a bit challenging having had limited and in some cases no experience working with digital programs. However i was persistent and i received real time advice which enabled me to succeed.”
#3: Udemy—Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass: Video Editing in Premiere
The Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass is designed to prepare students to edit a video from beginning to end, using Adobe Premiere Pro. It covers transitions, titles and graphics, color correction, effects, speed, exporting, and greenscreen. Students also learn advanced style tips, and work on a bonus video project. They learn by watching on-demand video lectures. Students also have access to articles and downloadable resources.
Key Information
The regular price of this class is $109.99. Udemy also offers a monthly or yearly subscription plan, where students get access to a selection of its courses. There is a free seven-day trial for the subscription plan, and then monthly prices start at $16.58.
This class includes 275 lectures, with a total of 24 hours and 47 minutes of instruction. Students need to have Adobe Premiere Pro installed on their computers.
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Udemy offers lifetime access to its courses, meaning that once a student has purchased a particular course, they has access to it for life. Students can also access their courses on mobile devices. They receive a certificate of completion upon finishing.
Udemy has reviews from former students on its website. Many liked the format of this course. One explains, “The thing I loved about the concept is that the course is separated into segments, each segment has 10 or so videos which are all between… 4-10 minutes long. Which makes it fantastic for people to learn at their own pace, or to even skip to some other video if they're already familiar with the tools in other videos. All in all, would highly recommend.” Another reviewer says, “Really efficient and clear explanations of what works how and when, through, and easy to understand.”
#4: UC San Diego Extended Studies–Introduction to Video Editing Using Adobe Premiere
Introduction to Video Editing Using Adobe Premiere is an online class that is focused on using Premiere Pro to edit video. It covers Premiere Pro skills in addition to shooting and editing skills. Students learn how to shoot and edit digital video, media management, storytelling principles, color correction, and audio editing. They also learn about online publishing, including editing and compression techniques. In addition, students complete three projects: a narrative montage, a documentary short, and a commercial. They are required to shoot original footage for the montage. The class also includes group critiques of student work.
Key Information
Tuition for this course is $495. It is due at enrollment, and can be paid by credit card, check, or money order. The course runs for one semester.
There are no prerequisites, however, it is suggested that students have a tripod, headphones, and an external hard drive with a minimum of 256GB of storage. Students also need to be able to shoot high-quality video files with a cellphone, DSLR, camcorder, or another device, and they need to have access to a computer that has Adobe Premiere Pro installed on it.
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UC San Diego Extended Studies offers a number of other video editing classes as part of its Video & Editing Program. These include: Advanced Digital Editing Using Adobe Premiere, Comprehensive Final Cut Pro X, and Scoring and Sound Design.
Numerous students have posted online reviews of UC San Diego Extended Studies. Many report a positive experience. For instance, one writes on Yelp, “My class was taught by a highly accomplished professor. He knew exactly what he was talking about and all the books he authored backed that up. I felt confident that I received sound advice. Having an accomplished teacher is a big plus in my book.” However, some reviewers say that they did not learn as much as they had hoped. For instance, one says, “To maximize personal benefit expect you'll have to do more than just the assigned lectures, homework and projects.”
#5: Inside the Edit—Creative Edit Training
Inside the Edit is based in London. Rather than providing training in editing software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, this company provides instruction in what it calls “the art of editing.” There are three levels of instruction in the Creative Edit Training. Level 1 is focused on fundamental concepts including the mindset of an editor, organization, classifying and organizing footage, creating a sync structure, and picture cutting. In Level 2, students learn about perfecting nuances, pace and timing, cutting actuality, intercutting, and creating professional sync. Level 3 covers advanced video editing concepts, including visual correction and scoring. Inside the Edit also offers access to hours of raw footage, a collection of exercises in which to practice editing skills, and a series focused on the psychology of attracting clients.
Key Information
Students interested in this class can sign up for a free 14-day trial, where they have access to the first three chapters. After that, Inside the Edit offers three different types of access plans. The basic plan is £39 per month, and allows students access to Level 1 of the course, plus raw footage. The Pro plan is £399 per year, and gives students access to everything but the school’s 2TB 1080p Pro Drive. There is also an Elite plan, which allows students lifetime access to all school resources for £999. All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted for payment.
There is no defined time for completing this course. According to the school website, it depends on how much time students spend practicing. The site also states that a new tutorial is released weekly, and the longer students stay, the more they can learn.
Inside the Edit also streams a live bootcamp, which is a compressed version of its online classes, and intended for students who prefer a more interactive learning experience. The bootcamp streams from London at 3 pm British Summer Time. Students who purchase the bootcamp also have access to it online for 30 days after purchase.
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This school includes a number of customer reviews on its website. Students like that the classes are focused on teaching students to tell a story, rather than technical video editing skills. For instance, Laura Belinky says, “Invaluable resource for editing students and professionals alike. It’s something new; bridges a gap in the market.” Rodrigo Gomez says, “It’s not so easy to find programs that go beyond basic editing theory or ‘just’ software skills. This one is focused on the artform and the storytelling rather than the technology.”
#6: Ripple Training—Final Cut Pro Core Training
Final Cut Pro Core Training is a self-paced class where students learn how to use Final Cut Pro, which is a popular video editing application. Students who take this class learn to add effects, work with color and sound, customize the keyboard, use libraries, understand media storage options, import media from cameras and from folders, work with events, and work with projects. They also learn a long list of other skills including how to insert clips, remove unwanted material, retime effects, add captions, and track effects.
Key Information
The price of this class is $79. There are no prerequisites. Students can stream content, or download it for offline viewing. There is almost 7 hours of course content in total.
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Reviews for this class are positive, with students reporting that they learned a lot in a short period of time. For instance, one student says, “I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone looking for a solid base in FCP, this is exactly what the course delivers. It is of course there for you when you finish it, so if you need to go back and reference anything, you can do this with ease as the course is laid out in nice short segments with appropriate labelling.” Another student comments, “This training series is amazing! I am a complete beginner at Final Cut Pro and have learned SO much. The videos are easy to follow and I love the bookmarks. I am able to easily go back to a certain topic I want to view again. The downloadable files to follow along are very organized and really helps with learning.”
#7: Coursera—The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization
In the Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization, students learn to create a video project proposal, shoot video, and edit footage. They work with Apple Final Cut Pro to edit footage, match action, make seamless cuts, and mix audio. The first part of the course is focused on the pre-production process, and covers generating ideas, writing proposals and scripts, and drawing storyboards. After that, students learn about production, including basic camera functions, composition, depth of field, shooting for the edit, and exposure. Finally, they learn post-production techniques such as creating aesthetic graphics, avoiding copyright issues, and using editing programs like Adobe Premiere. The course includes quizzes, peer-reviewed assignments, and discussion posts, and ends with an applied learning project, which students can use for their portfolios. This class also prepares students for the Final Cut Pro X certification exam.
Key Information
Coursera offers three different ways to pay for its courses. Students can access a single course, for $49 to $79 per month. There is also a Coursera Plus Monthly plan, which is $59 per month, and offers access to more than 7,000 different courses. Finally, students can also opt for the annual plan, which is $399, and includes access to courses for a year.
The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization takes four months to complete, at five hours per week. Students should have a basic understanding of the Mac operating system and video terminology. Experience with video production and workflow is helpful, but not required.
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Coursera was founded in 2012, and has amassed a huge number of online reviews. Most students give it good ratings for its course content and quality, however, there are some negative reviews in relation to the quality of customer service that students receive. Students who had a good experience at Coursera frequently mention that they like the way classes are broken into small chunks that are easy to work through. For instance, one student says, “To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood." Another comments, "When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
#8: UCLA Extension—The Art and Craft of Film Editing
UCLA Extension is based in Los Angeles, but also offers some classes online, including The Art and Craft of Film Editing. This class is focused on editing as a process of telling a story. Students learn about the elements of storytelling as they relate to video, including performance, pace, continuity, emotion, and time manipulation. They also learn how to choose the best editing systems and technology. Instruction includes lectures, viewing exercises, and student discussions.
Students can choose to take this class as part of UCLA Extension’s Film Editing Program, however, some of the other required courses in the program only take place in-person at the school’s Los Angeles campus.
Key Information
Tuition for this class is $745, and is due at the time of registration. UCLA Extension accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. It also offers access to a number of different financial aid programs, including a variety of loans and grants.
This is an open-enrollment class, which means that students do not need to apply for acceptance prior to enrolling. After enrolling, they log into UCLA Extension’s cloud-based learning management system, which is called Canvas, and use this platform to access course material, and to connect with the instructor and classmates. There are no required meetings, however, new course content is provided weekly, and assignments are due on a regular basis. Students can also meet with instructors via Zoom during their office hours. The course website states that this class can be completed in as little as 11 weeks.
There are no prerequisites for this class. internet access is required to retrieve course materials. Students also need access to a video editing book, which is specified on the course website.
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There are a number of good online reviews for UCLA Extension classes, however, some students also warn that instructors for online programs were not as responsive as they would have liked. Students who posted positive reviews say that they found the classes informative and easy to understand. For instance, one former student posted on Indeed, “The UCLA Extension Film/TV Certificate Program is a great course with great classes with great teachers in a great school. We learn a lot not only about the subjects of the classes but also about the Film & TV industry. It's a great way to do network too.”
#9: LinkedIn Learning—Final Cut Pro Essential Training
Final Cut Pro Essential Training is a class that teaches students how to use Final Cut Pro, which is a popular video editing program. The instructor is a certified Apple trainer. The course covers all of the post-production phases, including organizing material, editing and refining clips, editing audio, and delivering a final product. Students also learn primary and secondary color correction and how to use effects. There are 14 chapter quizzes.
Key Information
The price of this class is $29.99. In total, there are 7 hours and 56 minutes of instruction. There are no prerequisites.
More Details
Students can access this class on either a phone or tablet. They receive a certificate of completion upon finishing.
The LinkedIn Learning website has a number of positive reviews of the class. A number of reviewers mention that the tips and tricks they learned were particularly useful. One reviewer says, “Super helpful to go back and look and review from time to time as I get better on the tool, this helps me get deeper into the software and helps with workflow.” Another comments, “Amazing so far, learning so many hidden tricks to make workflow a lot faster and more creative.”
#10: Coursera—Mastering Final Cut Pro
Mastering Final Cut Pro is a course designed to help students master Final Cut Pro, which is a commonly-used video editing program. Students start by learning how to import and organize media, and how to edit a rough cut. After that, they learn a wide range of other video editing skills including audio editing, transitions and effects, titles and motion graphics, and color correction. Finally, the course covers 360 video, and media management, exporting, and interoperability. This class also prepares students to take the Final Cut Pro X certification exam.
Key Information
There are three different ways to pay for Coursera classes. Students can get access to a single course for between $49 and $79 per month. Coursera also offers a Plus Monthly plan, which is $59 per month, and gives students access to more than 7,000 different courses. Another option is the annual plan, which is $399, and includes access to courses for a year.
Mastering Final Cut Pro is composed of approximately 40 hours of instruction, and is designed to run over eight weeks. Students who plan to take this class should have a basic understanding of macOS and video terminology. Experience with video production and workflow is recommended, but not required.
More Details
There are many online reviews for Coursera generally, and for this class specifically, and the majority are positive. Students mention that they liked the way this class is organized, and that they finished it with a good understanding of this program. One reviewer says, “Excellent course that explains everything you can do in FCPX. I love how they use example projects that gives you an idea on what can be done within the program. Great on ramp that allows you to go back at your own pace to build edits exactly like you want for your project.” Another comments, “I have been using FCP for several years and this course has covered areas that has truly helped to optimize my workflow. A very thorough and well organized course!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an On-demand Video Editing Class Worth It?
The choice of whether or not to enroll in an on-demand class will depend on the student’s scheduling considerations and learning style. Unlike in-person or live online classes, on-demand classes allow each student to work at their own pace. This makes them a good choice for those people who have busy schedules and need flexibility. Because there is no live instructor, on-demand classes are often cheaper too.
However, their flexibility can also make these classes more challenging for some people; they require a high level of self-discipline and motivation, and students who struggle with this might find themselves falling behind. In addition, while some students love that the on-demand format allows them to study whenever they have time, others find it more difficult to learn without the ability to interact with an instructor in real time.
What Will I Need for an On-demand Video Editing Class?
On-demand classes take place entirely online, which means that students need a computer with an internet connection. In addition, most on-demand video editing classes involve using at least one software program, so students also need access to whatever software is specified in the class description. Many companies offer free trials for their video editing software. Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular video editing program. Adobe offers a free seven-day trial for any of its individual apps, like Premiere Pro, or for its Creative Cloud, which includes all Adobe apps. Apple offers a free 90-day trial for Final Cut Pro, which is another popular editing program. Avid Media Composer also offers a free trial.
Can I Learn Video Editing On-demand for Free?
There are hundreds of free video editing tutorials online, and it is tempting to think that this skill can be learned for free. However, while it is true that there is a lot of free content out there, a closer look reveals that much of that content is composed of brief overviews, or short tutorials focused on learning only one skill or troubleshooting a particular problem. Students who are serious about learning video editing usually decide to enroll in a paid class. That way they can get comprehensive and reliable information.
When it comes to editing software, students will also find that they ultimately need to spend some money too. There are free trials for popular editing programs like Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, however, these typically only last for a few weeks or months. Students who plan to edit video for longer than that usually need to invest in a paid subscription.
Is It Better to Learn Video Editing in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live and self-paced classes both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which format is best varies by student. Live classes are typically a better fit for students who want real-time interaction with their instructor, and also feel like they could enhance their learning and networking by connecting with fellow students. On the other hand, some students find a live setting to be distracting or intimidating, and prefer to learn in a self-paced class. With the self-paced format, students are able to work through the material at their own pace, even pausing and rewatching sections if needed. In addition to pacing, another major difference between the two formats is flexibility. Live classes only work for students who can attend at the specific scheduled time, while self-paced classes allow a much greater level of flexibility.