5 in-camera video transitions to make your social content more engaging

Video transitions link one video clip to another, playing a vital role in the speed and feel of your finished product.

Broadcasted news packages tend to stick with simple transitions, such as the cut, dissolve or fade to black, as there is a danger some pre-made transitions can look cheesy or amateur when used between clips.

However, there are a range of exciting transitions that you can create yourself, shot with only your smartphone camera, that can add a touch of professionalism to any video project.

That is right – without the need for an expensive editing software, you can create slick effects that give your footage a faster pace and make your content look highly produced.

With more and more audiences engaging with content on social media, why not have a go with these simple, yet effective transitions?

The Whip Pan

Before you end your first shot – let's call it Shot A – whip your camera to the side (this can be in any direction). At the beginning of your second shot, whip your camera in the same direction before focusing on your subject or scene.

The blur created in each whip – at the end of Shot A and beginning of Shot B can be cut together, creating what looks like a seamless shot.

The Lens Cover

Once you have finished shooting Shot A, cover the lens using your hand, hat, or other object, completely blacking out any light. Start Shot B with the lens covered, before pulling your hand away to reveal the scene. Cut the two shots together where the videos are black to give the illusion of one continuous clip.

This effect also works well when you are using the camera facing away from you, and you are able to zoom in and out objects, creating the same effect.

The 360-degree Spin

Give the illusion of your scene flipping upside down, only to reveal your next shot swoop into position.

At the end of Shot A, turn your camera 180 degrees to the right or left, ending with it upside down. Begin Shot B with your camera in that same position – upside down – turning it another 180 degrees before your scene starts.

Make sure that you turn your camera in the same direction, otherwise the transition will not flow.

The Swipe

Swipe your hand, arm, finger or object across the camera once you have finished your piece to camera on Shot A. Start Shot B with that very same motion (again, in the same direction) and cut the two pieces together where the lens is covered on the two clips.

It will look like you have been transported to a new location, without the need for any complex masking in post production.

The Noise Cut

In this transition, the cut between the two clips is made on the noise – this could be a clap, finger click or whatever you like, as long as you produce the same noise and action in both shots.

At the end of your first shot, make the noise. Repeat at the beginning of your second shot, and sync in the edit.

How do you make your social videos stand out? If you use any in-camera editing techniques, let us know @journalismnews.

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