How to Edit a Facebook Video Before and After Posting It

Editing a Facebook video is an essential step in creating engaging content that captures attention in a fast-scrolling feed. Facebook offers built-in tools to help you make basic adjustments. It allows you to optimize your video for better reach and viewer retention. In this post, you'll learn how to edit Facebook videos. In addition, we will introduce a third-party editing software to go beyond what Facebook editors can offer.

Part 1. Why Polished Facebook Videos Matter

In today's time, Facebook remains one of the leading platforms for video content. Millions of users scroll through their screens daily, often just to watch various content. However, simply uploading an unedited video isn't enough to stand out. A polished Facebook video matters because it captures attention and helps build credibility. In addition, well-edited videos can increase engagement in a highly competitive content space. Having a well-edited video encourages users to stop, watch, and interact with your content.

Part 2. Edit a Facebook Video Directly on Facebook

Uploading Your Video

The first step before you edit a video in Facebook is uploading it to the platform. You can upload videos directly from your PC or mobile device to your profile or Page. Simply click Photo/Video in the post composer and select the file from your device. However, Facebook has specific format and size requirements. Ensure the file is in MP4 format and does not exceed 10GB. Complying with these requirements ensures you avoid uploading errors.

Video too big for Facebook? Learn how to compress video for Facebook here!

Basic Editing Options (Pre-Publish)

Before you hit Post, Facebook provides basic tools to edit and optimize your video. Facebook video editor lets you trim/crop, add title and description, change thumbnail, add tags, add captions (CC), and even add call-to-action buttons. These added features help improve the appearance, visibility, and engagement of your content.

Trimming/Cropping

How to edit Facebook videos? Facebook video editor has provided the built-in editing features. The trimming tool lets you shorten your video by removing the beginning or end clip. It helps by removing unnecessary video parts, such as awkward silences, extra footage, or errors. This option enhances the viewer's experience by keeping content concise and focused. But here's the deal: This feature only works on the desktop version.

Adding a Title and Description

Giving a video a strong, clear title and a description is essential for context and discoverability. The title should summarize what your video is about in a compelling way. Meanwhile, the description can expand on it, include hashtags, or tag relevant accounts. These elements help viewers understand your content and improve search visibility on and off Facebook.

Choosing a Thumbnail

A thumbnail is the still image that represents your video before it plays. Choosing a good one can impact whether people click to watch. Facebook allows you to choose from auto-generated options or upload a custom thumbnail. A high-quality thumbnail with a clear subject encourages clicks and increases engagement.

Tags

After you edit a Facebook video, it's crucial to tag your friends. You can tag other Facebook users, Pages, or topics related to your video. Tags help increase visibility by notifying tagged parties and associating your video with relevant content categories. This makes it easier for Facebook's algorithm to suggest your video to users interested in similar topics or accounts.

Adding Captions/Subtitles

Captions are essential for accessibility and engagement. Many Facebook users watch videos without sound, especially on mobile devices. Facebook lets you upload an SRT file or auto-generate captions. Adding accurate captions makes your video more inclusive and boosts watch time and retention by keeping viewers engaged.

Call to Action Button

How to edit Facebook videos and reach broader users? For business pages, Facebook offers the option to add a Call to Action (CTA) button like Shop Now, Learn More, or Contact Us. This button appears below the video and directs viewers to a specific action or landing page. It's an effective way to drive traffic, generate leads, or convert views into tangible results.

Post-Publish Editing (Limited)

Once a video is published or posted, Facebook limits what you can change. This is why it's important to finalize most edits before posting them. Although there's an option for configuration, these changes are minor compared to editing the actual footage.

What You Can and Cannot Change After Publishing

After publishing the video, you can still edit some aspects, but not others. Some of the aspects you can edit are title, description, and thumbnail. However, features like trimming/cropping and replacing the video file are unavailable. You cannot modify the video content or update elements like captions or tags without deleting and re-uploading the video.

Primarily Title, Description, and Thumbnail

Can I still edit Facebook video after posting it? Yes! These three fields remain editable even after the video is posted. You can revise the title to improve clarity and update the description with new information. In addition, you can change the thumbnail if you want a fresh look. Use these options to keep the content relevant or respond to viewer feedback.

How to Edit a Facebook Video After It's Live - Know the Limitations

How to edit video in Facebook? On your FB profile or Page, you can easily edit a published video. Simply click the three-dotted button and select the Edit Post option. This action allows you to access limited settings such as title, description, and thumbnail. However, if you need to make further changes, you'll need to delete the video and upload a new version.

Part 3. Edit Facebook Videos with External Editing Software

If you're aiming to create more engaging content, Facebook's built-in tools aren't enough. With that being said, it's recommended to use external editing software. AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is your one-stop tool for this purpose.

Its name might confuse you, but it's actually a versatile software that also operates as a video editor. In addition to video conversion, it offers an MV Maker for editing your Facebook videos. It includes tools trim, rotate, crop, adjust effects, apply filters, insert watermark, transition, and more. What's more, you can export the video in a format supported by Facebook. On top of that, you can save videos up to 4K resolution, adding perfection to your videos.

Here's how to edit a Facebook video using external software:

1. Get started by downloading AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate for free. Install the one-stop external software and allow the installation process to complete. Once finished, run the software on your computer to begin the Facebook video editing.

2. As soon as it opens, the software will take you to the Converter tab by default. Switch to the MV tab and click the + Add button to import the video. You can add as many as you want and adjust their order according to your preference. Click the Edit button to do the following:

Rotate & Crop: In this section, you can rotate the video horizontally or vertically. Also, you can crop the video in various aspect ratios, including 16:9, 4:3, 21:9, etc.

Effect & Filter: In this section, you can adjust basic video effects: Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, and Hue. Also, you can apply video filters to enhance your video(s).

Watermark: In this section, you can upload custom images or graphics to your video. Alternatively, insert a text watermark into your video to prevent unauthorized copying.

3. If you need to trim videos, click the Trim button on the main interface. Adjust the left and right sliders to remove unwanted video portions. Otherwise, enter a specific duration value to precisely clip the video. Then, click Save to apply the changes.

4. Move to the Settings tab for additional video editing. Here, you can add your favorite music as your background or upload a sound effect. Check the Background Music box and click the + button to load the music you want to use as background.

5. Once all the edits are complete, proceed to the Export tab. In the Format field, select MP4 as your output to ensure compatibility. If needed, configure other output parameters or leave them default. Lastly, click Start Export to save the final video.

AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate provides a comprehensive solution for editing videos before posting them on Facebook. If you need more tools for editing your videos, explore the Toolbox tab to access over 20+ tools. Want to make a video collage on Facebook? Learn only right here.

Conclusion

Mastering how to edit Facebook video is a great way to enhance your content, increase engagement, and make a lasting impression on viewers. Facebook's built-in editor offers convenient tools for quick adjustments. However, its capabilities are limited for those seeking more creative freedom. Fortunately, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate enables you to craft highly polished, professional-looking videos with advanced features.