How do you show the value of sound editing in your videos?

1 Choose the right music and sound effects

Music and sound effects can make or break your video, depending on how well they fit the tone, genre, and purpose of your project. You want to choose music and sound effects that support and complement your visuals, not distract or clash with them. For example, if you are making a horror video, you might want to use eerie, suspenseful, or sudden sounds that create tension and fear. If you are making a comedy video, you might want to use upbeat, quirky, or humorous sounds that create laughter and fun. You can use royalty-free music and sound effects libraries, or create your own sounds with software or hardware.

2 Adjust the volume and balance

Volume and balance are two key aspects of sound editing that affect how loud and clear your audio is. You want to adjust the volume and balance of your music, sound effects, dialogue, and narration, so that they are audible and consistent throughout your video, and do not overpower or interfere with each other. For example, if you have a scene with dialogue and background music, you might want to lower the volume of the music and raise the volume of the dialogue, so that the viewers can hear what the characters are saying. You can use audio editing software or hardware to adjust the volume and balance of your audio tracks.

3 Create a sound design

Sound design is the creative process of designing the overall sound of your video, using music, sound effects, and other audio elements. You want to create a sound design that enhances the mood and message of your video, and creates a sense of immersion and realism for your viewers. For example, if you are making a sci-fi video, you might want to use futuristic, electronic, or alien sounds that create a sense of wonder and mystery. If you are making a documentary video, you might want to use ambient, natural, or authentic sounds that create a sense of location and context. You can use sound design software or hardware, or collaborate with a sound designer, to create a sound design for your video.

4 Show the before and after

One of the best ways to show the value of sound editing in your videos is to show the before and after of your audio tracks. You can create a video that compares the original audio with the edited audio, and highlight the differences and improvements that you made. For example, you can show how you removed noise, added music, changed volume, or created sound effects for your video. You can use video editing software or hardware to create a before and after video, and share it with your clients, viewers, or collaborators.

5 Get feedback and reviews

Another way to show the value of sound editing in your videos is to get feedback and reviews from your clients, viewers, or collaborators. You can ask them to rate, comment, or review your video, and specifically mention the sound editing aspects that they liked or disliked. For example, you can ask them to tell you how the sound editing affected their emotions, engagement, or understanding of your video. You can use online platforms, surveys, or interviews to get feedback and reviews for your video, and use them to improve your sound editing skills and showcase your work.

6 Learn from the pros

The final way to show the value of sound editing in your videos is to learn from the pros. You can watch, analyze, and learn from the sound editing techniques and styles of professional video editors, sound designers, and filmmakers. You can also read, listen, or watch tutorials, tips, and interviews from experts in the field of sound editing. For example, you can watch how the sound editing team of a blockbuster movie created the sound design, music, and sound effects for the film. You can use online resources, books, podcasts, or videos to learn from the pros, and apply their knowledge and experience to your own videos.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?