What is Clipping Videos and How to Do It

In a crowded digital space, you must find ways to stand out amongst the noise. But how do you ensure your content creation is getting noticed? As you explore how to get started as a content creator, you may discover that clipping can help you go viral. This article will explore what clipping is and offer valuable insights to help you get started.

Virlo’s virality analysis tool can help you achieve your goals and get noticed with your content creation. This tool enables you to understand why certain pieces of content perform well so that you can create trending content of your own. 

Table of content

• What is Clipping Videos

• Use Cases of Video Clipping

• How to Clip Videos in 4 Ways

• 10 Video Clipping Content Ideas

• Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

What is Clipping Videos

Video clipping involves extracting a shorter video from a longer video. Online, clips are often taken from established media sources, the community, and individually produced videos. Most clips are under fifteen minutes long. They first rose to prominence when broadband internet services became widely available, starting around 2005. 

What Video Clipping Looks Like

Video clips can be taken from movies or shows, but people also enjoy creating their clips and uploading them to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, and more. Many clips nowadays are made by people filming original content with their phones. Clips are often also used these days to carry out citizen journalism. Initially, citizen-created clips were carefully curated by news outlets. Today, people post their journalism clips on social media networks without curation. 

Vlogs and Video Clipping

Another popular use for video clips is vlogs. Video blogging, or vlogging, became extremely popular starting in about 2005-2006 and is still widely used today. Influencers earn money by posting regular, interesting content or sometimes by posting ads for products they're paid to promote. 

Corporate Use of Video Clipping

Corporate America was initially slower to adopt video, but today, video marketing, corporate vlogs, and video e-learning are invaluable tools for companies everywhere. They're able to reach many more people than they could with just text.

Related Reading

• How to Get Started as a Content Creator
• How to Clip Youtube Videos for Tiktok
• How to Create Youtube Shorts From Existing Video
• How to Make a Tiktok With Multiple Videos
• How to Make Faceless Youtube Videos
• How to Cut Out Parts of a Video
• How to Clip a Youtube Video
• What is Clipping
• Highest Paying Youtube Niches
• How to Cut a Youtube Video That's Not Yours
• What is Whop
• How to Make Reels With Existing Video
• How to Make Viral Youtube Shorts
• How to Make Faceless Tiktok Videos

Use Cases of Video Clipping

Snappy Social Media Content

Clipping makes sharing bite-sized content on social media easy. Also known as "video snippets" or "shorts," these short clips can be humorous, dramatic, or educational, depending on their intended use. Social media "shorts" can help boost engagement on your profile and grow your audience. 

For example, a fitness influencer could take a 60-second ab workout from a 30-minute YouTube video to share as an Instagram Reel. Or the NBA might post dunk highlights or buzzer-beaters as short Twitter clips right after games. 

Attention-Grabbing Marketing & Advertising

In marketing and advertising, clipping helps create engaging promos and teasers. These short video segments get straight to the point, delivering impactful moments that capture the audience's attention. 

For instance, Nike could clip powerful athlete quotes and action shots from a full interview for a 15-second Instagram ad. Or a SaaS company could cut a 2-minute product walkthrough into 20-second clips for use in LinkedIn ads. 

Focused Educational Segments

Clipping can also help educators deliver focused, digestible learning segments. Instead of forcing students to sit through long lessons, they can just watch the short clips that cover the exact topics they need to learn. 

For example, Khan Academy can take a 40-minute algebra lesson and clip out 2-minute portions for TikTok-style learning. Corporate HR teams can also clip onboarding Zoom calls to make 3-minute micro-training modules for new hires.  

Fast, Digestible Media & News Updates

In media and news, clipping helps deliver fast updates when audiences need them most. Clipping allows journalists to cut right to the chase, isolating key moments as short video segments, rather than forcing audiences to watch longer videos to get important information. 

For example, CNN can clip 30 seconds from a 10-minute presidential speech to highlight a key quote on Instagram. Similarly, BBC News can extract a 1-minute video of a breaking protest from more extended coverage and post it on YouTube Shorts. 

Engaging Entertainment & Streaming Previews

In entertainment, clipping video helps drive engagement and build hype for shows and movies. 

For instance, Netflix might clip a funny exchange from Stranger Things and post it as a teaser on TikTok. Similarly, Marvel Studios can cut epic moments from trailers into separate short clips to build hype on social platforms.  

Important Corporate & Internal Communication

In corporate settings, clipping helps share important internal moments without the need to watch full-length meetings. 

For instance, a CEO town hall can be summarized into three key message highlights that are shared with employees via Slack or email. In another example, a sales team records a lengthy client Zoom call and clips out a 90-second section for handling objections to use for training. 

Isolating Key Footage for Legal & Compliance

Clipping video is helpful for legal and compliance purposes, enabling teams to isolate key footage for investigation or as proof. 

For example, a retail store can clip 1 minute of CCTV footage showing a shoplifting incident for law enforcement. Meanwhile, a compliance team might clip a section of a Zoom webinar to review a potentially non-compliant product claim. 

Showcasing Top Gaming Moments or Tutorials

The gaming community can also benefit from clipping video, particularly for showcasing top gameplay moments or tutorials. For example, Twitch streamers can clip a hilarious or epic win during a Fortnite stream and post it on TikTok or YouTube. Esports teams like FaZe Clan also share 15-second kill streak clips on Twitter to highlight their players' skills. 

Creating User-Generated Content (UGC)

Finally, clipping makes it easy to create user-generated content, including memes, reactions, and remixes. For instance, a TikTok creator could clip a moment from the Love Island show and overlay text for a funny meme. Similarly, reaction YouTubers clip 10-second scenes from viral videos and respond to them in compilations. 

How to Clip Videos in 4 Ways

Snip, Snap, and Clip: How to Clip Videos Using VLC Media Player  

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that supports all major operating systems. In addition to playing nearly any type of video file, it features a proper clip-making function. The best part? It’s offline, which means you can create clips without uploading your videos to the internet. Here’s how to use VLC to clip videos:  

1. Open the video in VLC.  

2. Go to View > Advanced Controls.  

3. Move to the start point of your clip.  

4. Press the Record button (red circle).  

5. Play the video until the end of the desired clip.  

6. Press the Record button again to stop.  

7. The clip will save automatically (usually in the Videos folder).  

CapCut and DaVinci Resolve: Video Editing Powerhouses  

If you want more control over your video clips and the ability to add effects, transitions, and audio, free video editors like CapCut and DaVinci Resolve are excellent options. CapCut is exceptionally user-friendly and great for beginners. DaVinci Resolve is more advanced and offers professional-grade tools that can seem overwhelming at first, but are extremely powerful. Here's how to clip videos using both editors:  

CapCut (Easy & Fast for Beginners)  

1. Import your video.  

2. Drag it to the timeline.  

3. Move the playhead to the desired location and tap the Split tool (represented by scissors).  

4. Delete unwanted parts or keep only the segment you want.  

5. Export the clip.  

DaVinci Resolve (Pro-Level)  

1. Import and drop your video in the timeline.  

2. Use the Blade Tool to cut the start and end points.  

3. Highlight and delete the rest if needed.  

4. Export the selected section as a new video.  

Mobile Clipping  

Sometimes the fastest way to clip a video is on your phone. Here’s how to do it using CapCut and your mobile device’s built-in gallery app:  

Using CapCut (iOS/Android)  

1. Open CapCut and create a new project.  

2. Import the video.  

3. Drag handles on both ends of the clip to isolate the section you want.  

4. Optionally, split and delete other sections.  

5. Export the final clip.  

Using Built-in Gallery Apps (Simple Trimming)  

iPhone  

1. Open the video in Photos.  

2. Tap Edit > drag ends to trim > Save as New Clip.  

Android  

1. Open the video in Gallery/Photos.  

2. Tap Edit or the pencil icon > Trim > Save.  

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social environment.

10 Video Clipping Content Ideas

1. Use Virlo to Find Trending Content Ideas

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social landscape. Ideal for independent creators seeking to establish a sustainable side business. 

Virlo eliminates the guesswork from content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand not just when to post, but what combinations of elements are currently driving engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo's virality analysis tool.

2. How-To Videos

You can’t go wrong with step-by-step tutorials. People watch videos to learn, and how-to videos are perfect for breaking down complex processes into simpler parts. Keep the video length manageable and focus on answering the exact questions your viewers have. Sound how-to clips make it easier for new viewers to retain information, turning them into long-term followers.

3. Behind the Scenes Footage

Bring your audience backstage. Offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into your workspace or introduce them to the sales team handling their inquiries. An office tour video or a “day in the life” format can give viewers an honest look at your processes. Such videos humanize your brand, help build a personal connection, and foster trust.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage fans to share their short video clips using your products or by attending your events. Feature customer testimonials or reaction videos that showcase honest opinions. When viewers see real people using and enjoying your offerings, it feels relatable. UGC can fuel your social media strategy, spark fresh ideas, and turn customers into brand advocates.

5. Animated Videos

Not every concept is best shown through live footage. Animated videos allow you to visualize processes, illustrate data, or explain complex ideas with engaging visuals. These can transform existing content, such as blog posts, into animated infographics or whiteboard video explainers that capture attention and hold it.

6. Educational Content

Creating educational content involves producing informative videos that highlight industry trends, present solutions to everyday challenges, or break down complex topics. This could be a video series where you teach viewers how to solve specific problems step-by-step. By serving as a reliable source of valuable insights, you strengthen credibility and keep viewers coming back.

7. Promo Video

Showcase a product, highlight a service, or announce an upcoming sale. A carefully crafted promotional video can capture the attention of prospective customers. Keep it concise, add a clear call-to-action, and ensure your video marketing idea matches your overall content strategy. Well-produced promotional clips can attract new viewers and spark fresh interest among loyal followers.

8. Company Culture Videos

Let people see what makes your team tick. Culture videos can highlight how your brand operates, showcase your company’s values, or offer glimpses of social initiatives. These videos help viewers understand who you are behind the scenes, cultivating brand recognition and reassuring potential clients that they’re working with real, caring professionals.

9. Instructional Videos for Pain Points

Identify the most pressing issues your customers face and present step-by-step solutions. Instructional videos that address common pain points build trust. When viewers find tangible answers through your content, they’re more likely to appreciate your brand and explore your other offerings.

10. Review Videos

Offer honest opinions on products or services within your niche. You can test items relevant to your target audience and share your findings with them. This approach sets you up as a trustworthy voice. Review videos also help viewers make informed decisions, which can encourage them to keep checking in for more guidance.

Related Reading

• How to Make a Horizontal Video Vertical
• How to Edit Videos Like a Pro
• How to Hide Instagram Account
• How to Make Money on Youtube Without Showing Your Face
• Best Content Creation Tools
• How Much Does Tiktok Pay
• Best Faceless Tiktok Niches
• Faceless Youtube Channel Ideas
• Content Repurposing Tools
• How to Make Money on Tiktok Without Showing Your Face
• Tiktok Video Editing Tips
• Highest RPM Niches on Youtube
• Faceless Instagram Account Ideas
• How to Make Money on Instagram Without Showing Your Face
• How Do Influencers Edit Their Videos

Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo eliminates the guesswork from content strategy. 

We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand not just when to post, but what combinations of elements are currently driving engagement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo's virality analysis tool.

Related Reading

• How to Make Money on OnlyFans Without Showing Your Face
• How to Add Text to Tiktok Videos
• How to Repurpose Video Content
• How to Make Money Editing Videos
• How to Add Text to Reels at Different Times
• How to Trim Videos on Instagram
• How Hard is It to Make Money on OnlyFans
• OnlyFans Content Ideas
• What Content Makes the Most Money on OnlyFans
• Editing Software for Beginners
• How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other
• Short Form Video Editing
• How to Make a Video Collage
• How to Make a Video Longer