Use an editing program
Use a beginner-friendly editing program to make a short video: trim clips, add music, insert titles, and export a finished movie to share.
About this activity
Use a beginner-friendly editing program to make a short video: trim clips, add music, insert titles, and export a finished movie to share.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Open your editing program and start a new project with a fun name.
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Step 2
Import your video clips and your music file into the project media library.
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Step 3
Drag the first video clip from the media library onto the start of the timeline.
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Step 4
Play the clip and trim its start or end by dragging the clip edges so only the best part remains.
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Step 5
Add the next clip to the timeline in the order you want the story to play.
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Step 6
Trim each added clip so the whole video stays short and exciting.
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Step 7
Open the Titles or Text tool and create a title for the start of your movie then place it on the timeline.
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Step 8
Add short text labels between clips by creating new title clips and dropping them where you want words to appear.
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Step 9
Drag your music file onto the audio track under the video clips so it plays with your movie.
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Step 10
Lower the music volume or add a gentle fade so any speaking or sounds from the clips are clear.
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Step 11
Export or save your finished movie using the programās export or share option with a common setting like 1080p.
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Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child make a short edited video with a beginner-friendly program?
Start by picking a simple editor (iMovie, Clipchamp, CapCut, or OpenShot). Plan a short story or sequence, import clips, then show your child how to trim unwanted parts and arrange clips on a timeline. Add a title and background music, adjust volume so voices are clear, and preview together. When ready, export in a common format (MP4) and save a copy before sharing. Offer guidance but let them choose creative elements.
What materials and software do we need to make a short video with kids?
You need a device that records video (phone, tablet, or camera) and a beginner-friendly editing app or program (iMovie, CapCut, Clipchamp, OpenShot). Also have headphones, a charger, extra storage or cloud backup, and royalty-free music or sound effects. Optional supplies: simple tripod, storyboard paper or notes, and props. Ensure the software is updated and set parental controls if the device will be shared.
What ages is beginner-friendly video editing suitable for?
Young children (5ā7) can participate with heavy adult helpāchoosing clips and pressing play/trim. Ages 8ā12 usually handle basic trimming, adding titles, and picking music with supervision. Teens (13+) can learn more advanced features like transitions, color correction, and multi-track audio. Match tasks to attention span and motor skills, giving more independence as responsibility and ability grow.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for kids making short videos?
Video editing boosts storytelling, creativity, planning, and technical skills while encouraging teamwork. For safety, hide personal information, get consent before filming others, use privacy settings, and check shared content before posting. Try variations like stop-motion with toys, interview-style videos, photo slideshows with captions, or short documentaries to keep projects fresh and age-appropriate.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the exact editing program or a separate music file?
If you donāt have the listed editing program or a separate music file, use a free editor like iMovie, OpenShot, or Clipchamp and import video clips from your phone and royalty-free tracks (for example from the YouTube Audio Library) into the project media library.
Why can't I trim clips or hear my music properly during editing?
If you canāt trim a clip or your music drowns out dialogue, click the clip on the timeline (or zoom in and unlock the track) so you can drag the clip edges to trim, then lower the music volume or add a gentle fade on the audio track so spoken sounds remain clear.
How can I adapt this editing project for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, pre-select a few short video clips and one music file and have a parent handle import while the child drags clips and adds a simple title, and for older kids encourage tight trimming, multiple title clips, added transitions or a voiceover track, and export at 1080p.
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the movie before sharing on DIY.org?
Personalize the movie by adding a short voiceover, animated title clips and text labels between clips, a credit or custom thumbnail, gentle audio fades, and then export using the programās 1080p export or share option.