Like most things in life, video editing is one of those skills that, essentially, take a moment to learn but a lifetime to master. Well, not a moment, exactly, but anyone keen to learn should be able to get a basic grasp of how to operate Final Cut or Premiere Pro in an afternoon.

The thing is, though, and this is where it gets tricky, learning how to turn raw footage into something special takes tons of practice; be prepared to devote thousands of hours and many years. You'll always be learning. If this is your passion, then this shouldn't be a problem, however. But to really make the most of video editing software and to, essentially, know your chosen program inside out, you'll need a lot more time than just an afternoon.

Having an eye for what looks good and what makes a quality end product is something that not all people possess to begin with. That isn't to say it can't be taught, though. On the contrary, a comprehensive understanding of your chosen editing software, along with a well-rounded education on techniques and the dos and don'ts, will enable any not-so-instinctive filmmaker/editor to produce decent films.

Think about popular YouTube content creators; many of these people - in fact, most of them - had to learn how to increase the production value of their videos on the fly. And they're no doubt still learning.

The sheer quality of the tools that are up for grabs right now, however, means that it's still possible to make great-looking content without revealing how new you are to the whole process. What's more, many of these tools are directly responsible for making learning as you go along much quicker and simplistic.

Looking to improve your editing skills and fast? Keep reading to see which tools you need that can help you get great at your passion quicker.

Decent Editing Software

This is an essential tool featured in our list. You can't edit your footage without it, after all - unless you decide to go back to analogy methods, that is. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to editing programs, which means all competencies are well looked after. And as such, picking one of the best video editing software for 2021 relies largely on the skill level you're currently at, how far you aim to take your passion, and also how much you can afford to invest in it.

It's worth saying, though, that this is certainly one area that you shouldn't skimp out on. When you can afford it, making a one-time purchase on the best editing software, whether it's Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro if you're using Mac, will save you from getting familiar with a cheaper alternative when you'll only upgrade in the near future anyway.

Video Editing Hardware

Though not exactly essential, having an editing controller can really make your life a lot easier. Generally, the kit that's out there is designed to work with either select software - often from the controller manufacturer - or for all popular programs out there. Ultimately, the real benefit here is that you'll have your own watered-down editing station and can save so much time working through your footage.

If you're entirely new to video editing, it's probably best that you stick to your computer until you're familiar with the software. Editing controllers generally offer limited functionality; the important features can be hot-keyed, sure, but unless you know the features you'll use most and the ones you should assign, you're not really getting the most out of your equipment. Plus, it won't give you much of an opportunity to play around with the software and limit your scope.

Speakers/Headphones

The sound of your videos is almost as important as the footage itself. If you ended up butchering the audio or you wanted to tweak it in post, you're going to need decent speakers. If you play around with your audio on sub-par monitors or out of the built-in speakers in your laptop, it's very unlikely that you'll get the sound you're looking for when you play your film through some that are actually decent.

If you like to do a lot of your editing on the move, you'll also need a reliable pair of headphones that deliver on sound quality.