4 Social Media Video Editing Red Flags
Want to avoid losing viewers with cringeworthy videos? Here are the top 4 social media video editing mistakes that will have your audience scrolling away fast.
We’ve all been there—scrolling through our feeds, only to stop, cringe, and swiftly move on from a poorly edited video. As a professional video editor, I notice these red flags pop up way too often, and they’re easy fixes that could save content creators from losing their audience's attention. Let’s break down the top social media video editing mistakes that make me scream “Why?!”
Understanding the Difference: Social Media Manager vs. Video Editor
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to blur the lines between roles like social media managers and video editors, but they are two distinct positions. A social media manager oversees the strategy—planning, posting, and engaging with followers—while a video editor is tasked with bringing visual content to life. Each has their own set of responsibilities, and when the editing isn’t on point, it reflects poorly on the entire social media effort. For video to truly engage audiences, the editing needs to complement the platform and the brand’s message. A great social media strategy can only go so far if the video itself is riddled with common editing mistakes.
The Pitfalls of Poor Video Editing
While a social media manager may excel at curating content and managing community engagement, poor video editing can undo all of that hard work in an instant. Video editors have the specialized skills needed to stylize content, ensuring that it’s not just visually appealing but also aligned with the brand’s voice and technical requirements. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many social media videos fall flat due to simple but glaring editing mistakes that are entirely avoidable. To help you avoid this pitfall, I’m breaking down the top 4 social media video editing red flags that every content creator should know.
4 Social Media Video Editing Red Flags
A well-edited video can elevate your brand, but a poorly edited one can do just the opposite. Small mistakes like incorrect dimensions, off-brand transitions, and visible watermarks can cheapen your brand’s look, deferring the entire purpose of social media marketing—capturing attention and building trust. Avoid these four common editing red flags to ensure your content reflects the quality and professionalism your audience expects.
1. Not Editing to Proper Dimensions
Have you ever watched a video that wasn’t formatted for the right screen size? Yeah, me too—and it’s the worst! Videos not tailored to the platform’s dimensions make it impossible to fully engage with the content. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It’s like wearing a shirt that’s too small and it fits you in all the wrong places.. If your video isn’t optimized for vertical viewing on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, your audience will scroll away faster than you can say “engagement drop.” Proper dimensions are the first step in keeping your viewers glued to the screen.
2. Leaving in the CapCut Outros
Let me say this clearly: not removing CapCut or other editing app watermarks is a video editor ick. An upscale and reputable brand would never do that. It would seem an eight year old is behind your social media. Sure, CapCut is a great tool, but leaving that outro in is distracting and cheapens the final product. Plus, it’s not doing you any favors for SEO. Trust me, if you want your brand to look polished and professional, that CapCut outro has to go.
3. Speeding Up Clips Without Scrubbing Through the Footage
Nothing says “low effort” quite like speeding up a clip at 100% without bothering to scrub through the footage to find the best part. This creates a choppy, jarring effect that makes viewers feel like they’ve just stepped off a rollercoaster. It’s not only superfluous but also gives people a headache. Just because TikToks are short doesn’t mean you should cram a 2 minute video at 100 speed. People like to take things in, edit according to the marketing strategy brief and cut out the wrong footage and leave in the important stuff. Fast forwarding is for commercials. Another alternative, use a speed ramp to create smooth transitions and thoughtful pacing. Your audience will thank you.
4. Using Off-Brand Stock Footage, Transitions, and Music
One of the biggest red flags in video editing is when content feels disjointed from the brand it represents. Off-brand stock footage, random transitions, or music that doesn’t match your brand tone can confuse your demographic. Consistency is key in all aspects of your brand. Don’t use a trending song just for the sake of it—especially if it doesn’t resonate with your audience or brand identity. Imagine a TikTok by a wholesome mom food blogger using an audio with sexual innuendo for a low calorie chili dip.Random, right? Exactly my point. Another great solution is to have brand photoshoots for personal digital assets so using off brand stock footage is a problem of the past.
Isn’t It Time Your Videos Got a Makeover?
Your brand deserves more than cringeworthy edits and sloppy mistakes. Let’s turn those red flags into scroll-stopping moments! Reach your demographic with content that serves your story. Connect with Scott Social and let’s give your videos the glow-up they deserve. Because in the world of social media, first impressions are everything!
If you want more personalized advice on how to elevate your social media video editing game, reach out to Scott Social. We curate content with long-lasting results that convert. Visit our website for more.