My Editing Process: How I Edit Short-Form Videos for Instagram (7/9)

Editing is where your content truly comes to life. But if you’re overcomplicating it, you’re wasting time. I keep my editing process fast, efficient, and simple—using CapCut Pro for everything. Here’s exactly how I do it.

Phone vs. Computer: When to Use What

I edit on both my phone and computer, but I use each for different reasons:

• Phone Editing (Quick & Simple Content)

  • Single-shot talking videos
  • Minimal cuts, quick captions
  • Edited in under 20 minutes

• Computer Editing (High-Quality, Polished Content)

  • Multi-shot videos, better storytelling
  • Easier workflow with a larger screen
  • 80% of my edits happen here

Since I switched to Mac, I use Airdrop to send files from my phone to my laptop instantly—no compatibility issues, no headaches. If you’re on PC, find a seamless file transfer method.

Step 1: Organizing Footage

Before I start editing, I stay organized to avoid wasting time searching for clips.

1. Create a Project Folder → Example: 75 Hard – Day 73
2. Drop All Footage Into That Folder
3. Keep Everything Inside a Master Folder → This keeps my content in order for future reference.

Step 2: Editing Software – Why I Use CapCut Pro

I’ve used Adobe Premiere for 20 years, but for short-form videos, CapCut Pro is just easier, faster, and smarter.

• Simple interface & timeline layout
• Auto-captions in one click
• Built-in effects, animations, and transitions
• All-in-one editing solution for short-form content

It’s free to use, but I recommend upgrading to CapCut Pro ($7/month) for extra features & a smoother workflow.

Step 3: Start with Audio First

Most people dump all their footage in and get overwhelmed. Instead, I start with the audio:

1. Drop the audio into the timeline first.
2. Cut out all dead space & filler words.
   • No pauses, no “uhh” or “umm”—keep it punchy.
3. Make sure the message is clear & tight.
   • If my raw footage is 1 minute long, I trim it down to 45 seconds for maximum impact.

Once my audio is locked in, I add visuals to match.

Step 4: Adding Video Clips

Instead of dumping all my footage in at once, I add one clip at a time to match the audio.

• Find the best visuals for each spoken section.
• Add B-roll footage when needed.
• If I don’t have the right clip, I shoot it on my phone instantly, Airdrop it, and drop it in the timeline.

Step 5: Enhancing the Edit

Once the rough cut is ready, I polish it up:

✅ Add text captions – CapCut auto-generates captions, then I clean them up.
✅ Include sound effects & music – Subtle background music keeps it engaging.
✅ Use zoom-ins & cuts – Keeps pacing fast & interesting.
✅ Add motion graphics if needed – But don’t overdo it. Simple edits > Over-edited videos.

Step 6: Creating the Thumbnail

Most people ignore thumbnails, but it drives views on Instagram & TikTok.

1. Hide all text & captions in CapCut.
2. Add big, bold custom text for the thumbnail.
3. Export a still frame from the video.

Now, when I post, my video looks more professional and clickable.

Step 7: Export & Upload

Final steps:

✅ Export at 4K for maximum quality.
✅ Double-check captions & visuals.
✅ Upload directly from my phone to Instagram/TikTok.

Final Thoughts: Why This Process Works

Editing shouldn’t take hours. If your workflow is slow, you’re overthinking it.

With this method:

🚀 I edit most videos in under 1 hour.
🚀 CapCut Pro handles everything seamlessly.
🚀 The process is repeatable & efficient.

If you’re struggling with editing, simplify your workflow and start executing. No excuses. Just action.

Now go edit your next viral video.