Once you have video recorded your best moments (hiking, jumping out of planes, cycling, etc.), you may want to take it to the next level—trim scenes, add music, and refine it to its best. A 360 video editor with the right features for 360 video editing will allow you to achieve that. It will give you everything you need to create and refine immersive videos.
What is a 360 video editor?
A 360-degree video editor is a non-linear editing tool that allows you to refine your footage to tell the story you want to show. It gives you the power to merge, trim, create, split, add music, and refine immersive videos. While the basics of editing 360 videos are similar to those of editing a normal video, there is a learning curve. However, once you understand where to start, 360 editing becomes a breeze.
How to edit 360 video?
Follow these steps to start editing a 360 video:
- Import your footage into your desired software and ensure it is set to 360 mode. Most 360 VR video editors will detect this automatically.
- If you have multiple clips, have them added to the timeline in the order you want them to play.
- Add a voiceover to tie the footage together if telling a story.
- Crop the desired length, remove anything else you don't need, and refine your video. Feel free to add text, effects, color and speed it up (or slow it down) to bring it to life.
- Once done with the edits, save and export it if you wish.
How to choose a VR video editor?
The video editor you select will depend on your budget, the learning curve, quality customer support, and how versed you are with editing videos. If you have watched or ever worked with a 360 video, you understand that there is a huge difference between editing a 360 video vs. a standard one. Here is the breakdown of what to consider when choosing in details:
Your budget
A good place to start is to decide how much you are willing to spend. If on a tight budget, the free editing software is ideal but will limit you to a few features. On the other hand, paid software comes with many features, some you will probably never use, and you might end up paying thousands of dollars for one. As such, choose one that will address your editing needs without breaking your bank.
Advanced editing capability
If you want to leave your audience patiently waiting for the next upload or your customers talking about your 360 editing skills, then consider an editing tool with advanced features to achieve that. For example, if you want to add special effects, music, and other perks, will it allow you to do that? Pinnacle Studio is one powerful tool that won't let you down when looking to take your videos to the next level.
Learning curve
We all hate spending a lot of time trying to learn something. While there is no editing software you use comfortably without a bit of learning, find one that is easy to learn and become proficient with it. Feel free to ask for support if unsure where to start or you're not well versed with video editing tools.
Exceptional customer support
Rarely will you need to use customer support, but you want it to be helpful when you need it. For that reason, make sure to find a company with quality customer support services such as product FAQs, phone support, and a community forum where you can get help from other users.
Lightweight
No matter how powerful a 360 VR video editor is, it is not worth using it if it is going to slow down your system (have a huge memory footprint). You may not realize that until you have multiple applications running at the same time. So to be able to use other programs alongside your VR video editor, consider choosing a lightweight one.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a 360-degree video editor, you can go out there and choose one that will address your editing needs well. The best way to know which is right for you is to check out the features included in the software.