Published May 22, 2026 · Updated May 21, 2026

How to Edit Viral YouTube Shorts with HitPaw Edimakor AI Video Editor in 2026

YouTubeJoshua Kishaba·AI Mastery·Subscribe
45 minbeginnerfreemium

Learn how to create professional YouTube Shorts using HitPaw Edimakor's AI-powered video editing tools with step-by-step instructions for captions, music, effects, and more.

This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.

Introduction

HitPaw Edimakor is an AI-powered video editing platform designed to accelerate short-form content creation. This tutorial covers the complete workflow—from setup through export—enabling you to produce professional YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok videos 2x to 5x faster than traditional editing software. Every feature is demonstrated with practical examples you can apply immediately to your own projects.

Content creators working with vertical video formats will benefit most from this guide. Whether you're building an audience on YouTube Shorts or cross-posting to multiple platforms, HitPaw's AI-driven tools handle transcription, caption styling, music integration, and visual effects without requiring advanced editing expertise.

Core Actions
  1. 01Launch HitPaw and configure 9:16 aspect ratio project settings for vertical video
  2. 02Import your video file into the timeline via drag-and-drop or file browser
  3. 03Trim and cut clips to remove dead space, keeping total length under 60 seconds
  4. 04Generate AI captions automatically, then customize font, size, and color for mobile readability
  5. 05Add royalty-free background music and balance audio levels so it doesn't overpower dialogue
  6. 06Apply transitions, animated stickers, and effects at key moments to enhance visual interest
  7. 07Apply color grading or filters to match your brand aesthetic and mood
  8. 08Export the final video at your desired quality setting for upload to YouTube Shorts or other platforms
Step 01

Download and Install HitPaw Edimakor

Visit the HitPaw website using the download link provided in the video description.

Click the download button to start the installer.

Run the installer once downloaded and follow the on-screen prompts.

Visit the HitPaw website using the download link provided in the video description. This is your gateway to the installer for HitPaw Edimakor.

Click the download button to start the installer. The software runs on Windows and Mac; expect the download to complete within minutes depending on your connection speed.

Run the installer once downloaded and follow the on-screen prompts. After installation finishes, launch the application to begin your first editing project.

This step corresponds to the section from 0:00 to 0:42 in the video, where the instructor introduces the software and explains the initial download process.

Step 02

Configure Project Settings for Vertical Video Format

Click the button in the workspace to access the preferences menu.

Scroll down in the preferences panel until you find the aspect ratio settings.

Choose your preferred FPS (frames per second) setting from the available options.

Click the button in the workspace to access the preferences menu. This is your first action after launching HitPaw Edimakor, and it allows you to set up the proper video format for YouTube Shorts before you begin editing.

Scroll down in the preferences panel until you find the aspect ratio settings. Select the 9:16 vertical format, which is the standard dimension for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok videos.

Choose your preferred FPS (frames per second) setting from the available options. The instructor in the video selects 60 FPS for smoother motion, but you can choose 30 FPS or 24 FPS depending on your content style and target platform requirements.

Press the button to create your project with these settings applied. You will now see a clean, modern workspace with a timeline at the bottom and preview window at the top, ready for you to begin importing your video files.

This configuration step is covered from 0:42 to 0:59 in the video tutorial.

Step 03

Import Video Files into the Timeline

Drag and drop your video file directly into the HitPaw Edimakor timeline area.

Alternatively, click the plus button in the media panel and browse to select your file from your computer's file system.

Drag your video file from the media panel into the timeline track to begin working with it.

Drag and drop your video file directly into the HitPaw Edimakor timeline area. This is the fastest method for importing media, and the software accepts most common video formats including MP4, MOV, and AVI files.

Alternatively, click the plus button in the media panel and browse to select your file from your computer's file system. This method gives you more control when you need to import multiple files or locate files in specific folders.

Drag your video file from the media panel into the timeline track to begin working with it. The file will appear as a clip in the timeline, and you can now begin editing and manipulating it.

Zoom in and out of the timeline using the buttons located near the timeline controls or by adjusting the slider. This allows you to see more detail when making precise cuts or to view the entire project structure at a glance.

Zoom the video preview from the preview window controls to fit the screen properly. This ensures your vertical 9:16 video is displayed correctly and makes it suitable for YouTube Shorts or Instagram viewing.

This import process is demonstrated from 0:59 to 1:22 in the video.

Step 04

Record Screen Content (Optional Feature)

Click the screen record button if you need to capture screen content for your video.

The captured footage will be available to import into your timeline after recording completes.

The instructor mentions this feature at [1:24-1:30] in the video but does not use it in the main tutorial workflow.

Click the screen record button if you need to capture screen content for your video. HitPaw Edimakor includes a built-in screen recording feature that allows you to capture tutorials, gameplay, or other screen activities without using external software.

The captured footage will be available to import into your timeline after recording completes. This feature is particularly useful for creating educational content, software tutorials, or reaction videos that combine screen recordings with other footage.

The instructor mentions this feature at [1:24-1:30] in the video but does not use it in the main tutorial workflow.

Step 05

Trim and Cut Your Video Clips

Position the playhead at the exact point where you want your video to start.

Click the split button to cut the video at the playhead position.

Delete the previous part by selecting it and pressing the delete button on your keyboard.

Position the playhead at the exact point where you want your video to start. This is the first frame that viewers will see, so choose a compelling starting point that immediately engages your audience.

Click the split button to cut the video at the playhead position. This creates a separation in your clip, allowing you to remove unwanted footage from the beginning of your video.

Delete the previous part by selecting it and pressing the delete button on your keyboard. The remaining clip now starts exactly where you want it, eliminating any dead space or unnecessary introduction.

Keep your final video as short as possible, ideally under 60 seconds for optimal engagement on YouTube Shorts. The algorithm favors concise, punchy content that keeps viewers watching until the end.

Filter out bad parts from anywhere in the video by positioning the playhead, splitting the clip, and deleting the unwanted section. This technique allows you to remove mistakes, long pauses, or any content that doesn't serve your video's purpose.

Explore other trimming options in the toolbar according to your editing style. The flexibility of the cutting tools allows you to create precisely timed content that maintains viewer attention.

This trimming and cutting process is shown from 1:30 to 1:56 in the video tutorial.

Step 06

Add Background Music to Your Video

Navigate to the built-in music library by clicking the music icon in the HitPaw Edimakor interface.

Browse the music options according to your mood and category preferences.

Select the best track for your content, download it, and drag it into the timeline below your video track.

Navigate to the built-in music library by clicking the music icon in the HitPaw Edimakor interface. The software includes hundreds of royalty-free music tracks, eliminating the need to search external websites or worry about copyright issues.

Browse the music options according to your mood and category preferences. The library is organized by genre, mood, and energy level, making it easy to find tracks that complement your video's tone and message.

Select the best track for your content, download it, and drag it into the timeline below your video track. The music will automatically align with your video, and you can adjust its position by dragging it left or right.

Lower the music volume using the audio controls to ensure it doesn't overpower your video's dialogue or main audio. The background music should enhance the viewing experience without distracting from the primary content.

Play your video to check the audio balance after adjusting the volume. The music should be audible but not competing with any speaking or important sound effects in your video.

The music addition process is covered from 1:56 to 2:28 in the video, with a demonstration of how the music enhances the final product.

Step 07

Generate AI-Powered Captions Automatically

Click the AI captions button in the toolbar to access HitPaw's professional caption generator.

Select the "main timeline" option to generate subtitles for your entire video.

Choose your target language from the subtitle translator feature.

Click the AI captions button in the toolbar to access HitPaw's professional caption generator. This AI-powered feature will automatically transcribe your video's audio and create synchronized subtitles, saving you hours of manual typing.

Select the "main timeline" option to generate subtitles for your entire video. Alternatively, if you only want captions for a specific clip, you can select that individual clip before generating subtitles.

Choose your target language from the subtitle translator feature. The instructor selects English for an American audience, but HitPaw supports multiple languages, allowing you to create captions for international viewers or translate your content into different markets.

Click Auto subtitling and HitPaw will generate AI captions in seconds. The processing typically completes quickly, even for longer videos, and the accuracy is remarkably high for clear audio.

Review the generated captions and click any text layer you want to customize. You can change spellings, fix any transcription errors, or adjust the timing of individual caption segments to ensure perfect synchronization.

This automatic caption generation is demonstrated from 2:28 to 3:19 in the video tutorial.

Step 08

Customize Caption Styling and Appearance

Select all the caption layers at once by using the select-all function or by shift-clicking multiple layers.

Change the font from the text formatting panel to something that stands out and matches your brand.

Adjust the font size, color, and other styling properties to make your captions eye-catching.

Select all the caption layers at once by using the select-all function or by shift-clicking multiple layers. This allows you to apply styling changes to all captions simultaneously, ensuring visual consistency throughout your video.

Change the font from the text formatting panel to something that stands out and matches your brand. The instructor changes to an angular font that is bold and highly readable, which is essential for mobile viewing where most Shorts are watched.

Adjust the font size, color, and other styling properties to make your captions eye-catching. Remember that YouTube Shorts are typically viewed on mobile devices, so your text needs to be large enough to read easily on small screens.

Position the text somewhere in the middle of the screen so viewers can see it easily without it covering important visual elements. Avoid placing captions at the very top or bottom where they might be obscured by platform UI elements.

Browse the pre-made text templates available in HitPaw if you want to save even more time. These templates include animated text effects, stylized fonts, and pre-configured designs that can give your captions a professional look with a single click.

Caption customization is shown from 3:19 to 3:46 in the video.

Step 09

Access the AI Copywriting Tool for Scripts

Click on the AI copywriting tool icon if you need help creating compelling scripts for your videos.

Select the category that matches your content type from the available options.

Describe what you want your script to convey in the input field.

Click on the AI copywriting tool icon if you need help creating compelling scripts for your videos. This feature is particularly useful if you struggle with writing engaging video scripts or want to generate ideas quickly.

Select the category that matches your content type from the available options. HitPaw offers various categories including educational content, entertainment, product reviews, and more.

Describe what you want your script to convey in the input field. The AI will analyze your description and generate an enhanced, professional script that you can use as-is or modify to match your personal style.

Review the AI-generated script and copy the portions you want to use in your video. This tool can significantly speed up your content creation process, especially when producing multiple videos per week.

This AI copywriting feature is mentioned from 3:46 to 4:01 in the video tutorial.

Step 10

Insert Animated Stickers and Graphics

Browse the extensive library of moving animated stickers and PNG graphics built into HitPaw Edimakor.

Select stickers that complement your video's theme and message.

Drag your selected stickers into the timeline above your video track.

Browse the extensive library of moving animated stickers and PNG graphics built into HitPaw Edimakor. The software includes a wide variety of visual elements that can add personality and visual interest to your videos.

Select stickers that complement your video's theme and message. You don't need to download these from external high-paying stock websites, as everything is included in the software and ready to use immediately.

Drag your selected stickers into the timeline above your video track. You can position them anywhere in the frame and adjust their timing to appear at specific moments in your video.

Resize and reposition the stickers in the preview window to ensure they don't obstruct important content. Animated elements should enhance your message, not distract from it.

This stickers feature is discussed from 4:01 to 4:12 in the video.

Step 11

Apply Transitions Between Clips

Navigate to the transitions panel to access HitPaw's extensive collection of built-in transitions.

Select any transition effect you want from the library by clicking on it to preview how it looks.

Place the transition between clips by dragging it to the junction point where two clips meet in the timeline.

Navigate to the transitions panel to access HitPaw's extensive collection of built-in transitions. The software includes everything from smooth fades to wild creative effects that can add professional polish to your videos.

Select any transition effect you want from the library by clicking on it to preview how it looks. This preview function helps you choose the right transition style before committing to it in your timeline.

Place the transition between clips by dragging it to the junction point where two clips meet in the timeline. The transition will automatically apply to both clips, creating a smooth visual connection between scenes.

Adjust the transition duration if needed by dragging the edges of the transition in the timeline. Shorter transitions (0.5-1 second) work well for fast-paced content, while longer transitions create a more cinematic feel.

Experiment with different transition styles to find what matches your content's energy and pacing. From smooth fades to dynamic effects, there's something appropriate for every video style and genre.

The transitions section is covered from 4:12 to 4:25 in the video tutorial.

Step 12

Apply Color Grading and Filters

Access the color grading panel to transform the visual mood of your video.

Browse the available filters and click on them to preview how they affect your video.

Pick one filter that matches your vibe and brand aesthetic, then apply it to your video.

Access the color grading panel to transform the visual mood of your video. HitPaw includes professional-looking filters that can give your content a cinematic look, something dark and moody, or bright and colorful depending on your creative vision.

Browse the available filters and click on them to preview how they affect your video. You'll see the changes in real-time in the preview window, allowing you to make informed decisions about which look best suits your content.

Pick one filter that matches your vibe and brand aesthetic, then apply it to your video. The instructor chooses a subtle look to keep things balanced and not overwhelm the viewer with excessive color manipulation.

Adjust the intensity of the filter if the software provides that option. Sometimes a full-strength filter can be too intense, and dialing it back to 50-75% creates a more natural, polished look.

Play through your video after applying the color grade to ensure it looks consistent throughout. Color grading should enhance your video's mood and make it more visually appealing without distracting from the content.

This color grading process is demonstrated from 4:25 to 4:48 in the video, and the completed video is shown playing from 4:48 to 5:13.

Step 13

Explore Advanced Effects Panel

Navigate to the HitPaw effects panel to discover additional creative tools.

Browse through the extensive collection of 3D effects and other specialized visual enhancements.

Select effects that serve your creative vision without overusing them.

Navigate to the HitPaw effects panel to discover additional creative tools. This is where advanced visual enhancements become available, with effects described as "the cherry on top" of the editing process.

Browse through the extensive collection of 3D effects and other specialized visual enhancements. HitPaw includes effects like fisheye distortion, fireworks, blur effects, and halo effects that can add unique visual flair to specific moments in your video.

Select effects that serve your creative vision without overusing them. A few well-placed effects can elevate your content, but too many can make it look amateurish or overwhelming.

Apply effects to specific clips or sections by dragging them onto the timeline. You can layer multiple effects or use them sparingly for emphasis at key moments in your video.

Experiment with different combinations to discover unique looks that set your content apart. The effects panel provides creative possibilities that go beyond basic editing and can help your videos stand out in crowded social media feeds.

The advanced effects panel is showcased from 5:13 to 5:33 in the video tutorial.

Step 14

Review Additional HitPaw Services and Features

Explore HitPaw's additional services beyond the core video editing features.

Visit the HitPaw website to discover more related tools that can support your entire content creation workflow.

Consider your content creation needs and evaluate which additional services might benefit your workflow.

Explore HitPaw's additional services beyond the core video editing features. The company provides complementary tools including script writing assistance, text-to-speech voice generation, and video enhancement capabilities.

Visit the HitPaw website to discover more related tools that can support your entire content creation workflow. These integrated tools mean you can handle multiple aspects of video production within the HitPaw ecosystem without switching between different software platforms.

Consider your content creation needs and evaluate which additional services might benefit your workflow. Having access to multiple tools from one provider can streamline your process and reduce the time spent learning different interfaces.

This overview of additional services is mentioned from 5:40 to 5:50 in the video.

Step 15

Export Your Completed Video

Play through the entire project one final time to confirm that your video editing is complete.

Navigate to the export settings to prepare your video for upload.

Select your export quality settings based on platform requirements and your quality preferences.

Play through the entire project one final time to confirm that your video editing is complete. Check for any issues with timing, audio levels, visual elements, or transitions that need adjustment.

Navigate to the export settings to prepare your video for upload. Your video is now completely ready to publish to YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok, or other short-form video platforms.

Select your export quality settings based on platform requirements and your quality preferences. Higher quality settings will result in larger file sizes but better visual fidelity.

Click the export button to render your final video. The rendering process may take a few minutes depending on your video length, effects complexity, and computer specifications.

Consider uploading two videos per day for the next 3 months to establish momentum on short-form platforms. Consistent posting with quality content is key to building an audience on YouTube Shorts and similar platforms.

The final steps and upload strategy are discussed from 5:33 to 5:42 and 5:50 to 6:02 in the video.

Prompt Library

Copy-paste prompts that work

Each prompt has been tested and optimized for this workflow. Customize the bracketed sections.

Video Script Generation
Create an engaging script for a [5-second] YouTube Short about [topic]. Make it catchy, concise, and suitable for mobile viewers with hooks in the first second.
Automated Captioning
Transcribe and caption this [tutorial/gameplay/review] video in English, ensuring captions are synchronized with spoken dialogue and on-screen actions.
Music Selection
Suggest a royalty-free background music track suitable for a [energetic/calm/cinematic] YouTube Short about [topic].
Caption Copy Variation
Generate 3 variations of an engaging thumbnail-style caption text for a [product review/tutorial/entertainment] Short that pops on mobile screens.
Transition Selection
Recommend 2–3 animated transition styles for connecting a [fast-cut/slow-paced/comedic] montage in a YouTube Short.
Color Grading Decision
Suggest a color grade or filter aesthetic that works for [dark/bright/vintage/modern] YouTube Shorts targeting [audience].
Mobile Layout Strategy
What are the best practices for positioning captions and animated stickers in a 9:16 vertical video without obscuring key visual content?
Pre-Export QA
Create a 3-step checklist for reviewing and exporting a YouTube Short in HitPaw Edimakor before upload to ensure platform compliance.
Troubleshooting

Common issues

Expert Tips

Go further

Use keyboard shortcuts for splitting clips (likely 'S' or 'Ctrl+B') instead of clicking the split button repeatedly when editing multiple sections—this dramatically speeds up the trimming workflow for fast-paced Shorts content.

When you're editing dozens of cuts in a 60-second Short, reaching for the mouse to click the split button each time adds unnecessary seconds to your workflow. Power users rely on keyboard shortcuts to maintain editing flow and rhythm.

Before generating AI captions, record your audio in a quiet environment and speak clearly—the caption accuracy depends heavily on audio quality, and clean audio can mean the difference between 95% accuracy and needing to manually correct every third word.

Many beginners blame the AI caption tool for errors when the real issue is background noise, mumbling, or low audio levels in their source footage. Investing 30 seconds to ensure good audio before generating captions saves 10 minutes of manual corrections.

Create a custom text style preset with your brand fonts, colors, and positioning, then save it for reuse across multiple videos—this ensures brand consistency and eliminates the need to manually adjust caption styling for every new project.

Successful YouTube Shorts creators maintain visual consistency across their content library so viewers instantly recognize their videos. Rather than styling captions from scratch each time, power users set up templates once and apply them in seconds to new projects.

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This tutorial was created by Joshua Kishaba and produced using AI-assisted editorial tools. All recommendations reflect genuine editorial opinion based on hands-on testing. This page may contain affiliate links — see our full disclosure.