SC-S26W1/Video Editing, Getting Started

_{Edited By Canva}

Hello Steemians

This is actually my very first time editing videos with the CapCut (mobile-friendly). I wanted to stitch together some photos and videos from my night out in Montreal into a concise story. I used only the tools from Lesson 1 (New Project, Import, Split, Aspect Ratio, Overlay, Delete, and Export) and I did it all over again consistently.

Step 1: New Project

The opening screen of CapCut. I directly chose “New Project”, the step you have to follow whenever you are set out on working with a video file. With this button, I can add an image or a video from the gallery available on my phone. The goal is to create a fresh slate and build a sequence slowly down the timeline.

Step 2: Import Photos and Videos

I chose three videos and three photos in all, shot on the same occasion. I selected them in order to make the rhythm of the project felt already by choice, rather than editing. CapCut by default sorts the chosen files and numbers them based on my tapping order, or the sequence in which I tap them, so it directly corresponds to the order they appear on my timeline later.

Tapping on “New Project” opens the gateway to my media library and initiates the editing journey.	Choosing six media files from my gallery – three short videos and three photos – to create a balanced visual story.

Step 3: Cutting and Cleaning Clips with Split

After loading clips into the timeline, I went through the clips with a fine-toothed comb. Other places were unsteady or off-topic, so I sectioned these out using the Split feature to chop the video into smaller pieces. I copied that, isolated the bit I did not want, and then highlighted it and pressed Delete. This process will remove some of that light and keep the video clear and clean.

Using the Split tool to divide a clip at the exact point where I want to remove extra footage.	After splitting, I highlight the unwanted section and tap Delete to keep only the useful part.

Step 4: Adjusting the Aspect Ratio

CapCut automatically adapts to the first media file’s ratio, but I wanted a professional look for YouTube. Therefore, I selected the 16:9 aspect ratio. To eliminate black bars around some photos, I zoomed slightly by pinching the screen with two fingers. This ensured all images filled the frame without losing quality.

Switching to the 16:9 aspect ratio for a cinematic and professional layout.

Step 5: Adding the Steemit Overlay

A fundamental requirement of the challenge was to add a Steemit logo overlay. I imported the logo from my gallery, resized it, and placed it in the top left corner. Positioning it here keeps it visible without obstructing important visual elements.

Step 6: Extending the Overlay Across the Timeline

Overlay Screenshot on Video (The default only covers the very beginning of the video). I desired a consistent branding, so I expanded the overlay bar in the timeline to cover the entire duration of the sequence. In this way, the Steemit logo can be overlaid on every frame from start to finish.

Step 7: Exporting the Final Video

I deleted the auto-ending screen of CapCut so that the video looks sleeker after reviewing the whole sequence. After this, I outputted the project at 1080p to ensure decent quality. Exporting, meanwhile, is simple but dramatic, it changes your timeline into a completed video that I could share.

Exporting the final video in high definition (1080p) for sharp visuals.	Watching the progress bar rise as my first edited video comes to life.

Why I Chose These Videos and Photos

I wanted my very first CapCut project to be personal yet simple. The selected media all belong to a single night in Montreal, which gives the video a coherent atmosphere. Starting with a selfie in a blue hoodie creates a personal introduction, while the crowd and night scenes provide a sense of energy and movement. The final portrait and illuminated passage close the story with a reflective mood.

Final Result: A 59 minutes video combining personal photos and night clips, framed in 16:9, branded with the Steemit logo, and exported in HD quality.