The trending Pygmalion Effect in video editing that is SMASHING Social Media in 2023 and the way we consume content!
In the realm of video editing, a captivating new technique has emerged, akin to the genius editing prowess of Ali Abdaal – a former doctor turned YouTuber.
This technique, known as the Pygmalion Effect, introduces a mesmerising constant movement that sets it apart from traditional video styles.
Not sure what it looks like? You can check out an example from Ali Abdaal here, then head on back to read the rest of this blog!
Drawing inspiration from the Pygmalion effect in psychology, which explores how expectations can shape outcomes, this video editing style thrives on complexity and dynamic visuals.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Pygmalion effect in videoediting, its popularity, and how it’s redefining the art of visual storytelling through short form content (video content that is around 60 seconds or so) and I will give you a short list of what I have discovered to be the most popular features used with this style of editing.
At its core, the Pygmalion effect in video editing is a dance of visuals that creates an entrancing and immersive experience for viewers.
It involves skilfully layering multiple overlays, animations, and effects to infuse constant movement throughout the video. This dynamic approach keeps viewers engaged and heightens the emotional impact of the content.
Even before this effect became popular, you may have noticed that many creators had started using far more movement in their videos. Changing the background, moving rooms etc, having constant movement helps keep your viewers more engaged.
You have to remember, people consume content in a busy world – on the couch while watching TV, while supervising kids, in between appointments, while cooking and yes, while on the toilet. So your content needs to have bursts of short and punchy catchy-ness to get the consumer to stop on your video. There is a lot of competition out there!
In comes Ali Abdaal – A Pioneer of the Pygmalion Effect
Ali Abdaal, a prominent YouTuber and content creator, is often credited with popularising the Pygmalion effect in video editing.
His videos are a testament to this technique’s effectiveness in capturing attention and conveying information effectively.
By seamlessly weaving together various elements and keeping the visual momentum flowing, Abdaal has created a signature style that resonates with audiences and elevates his content to new heights.
The Pygmalion effect in video editing has quickly gained traction across various social media platforms. At the time of writing this blog, we are really seeing it mostly on TikTok where contentcreators are incorporating this technique to craft visually stunning and engaging short videos.
YouTube content creators are also embracing the technique to differentiate their videos from the traditional norm, leveraging its ability to keep viewers hooked.
No doubt it will only be a matter of time before it also is trending on the other platforms.
Editing videos for this effect will take a little extra time and imagination!
You can take inspiration from Ali Abdaal and other creators and you can use tools such as Canva, CapCut, Filmora or InShot to edit or there are more professional editing tools like Premiere Pro you can use if you are a hardcore editor, but for the everyday content creator, the before mentioned are just fine.
What sets the Pygmalion effect apart is its departure from conventional video editing styles. Unlike traditional editing, which often focuses on linear storytelling, this technique weaves a non-linear tapestry of movement and overlays. The result is a visually rich experience that challenges the norms and captures the audience’s imagination.
I am no master video editor by any means, but from what I have researched, here is what I found to be popular features used in this style of editing –
Fonts
Monster Rad Extra Bold
Mom’s Typewriter
Tim R Air
Kamingo Code
Overlays
Experiment with blending modes, scale, and opacity. A trick is to right click and alter the speed and duration to slow or speed up overlays.
Colour
Harness the Lumetri Colour panel if you have Premiere Pro to modify hues and create a harmonious colour scheme that resonates with your content.
Animating
Consider position, rotation, scaling, and overshooting.
Rotoscoping
(Rotoscope animation describes the process of creating animated sequences by tracing over live-action footage frame by frame.)
Learn to roto yourself out of the frame for a seamless transition. Leverage the transform effect, manipulate keyframes, and tweak velocity settings.
The origin of the name
The term “Pygmalion effect” originates from Greek mythology and is derived from the sculptor Pygmalion, who fell in love with his own creation.
In the context of video editing, the name reflects the transformative power of this technique to bring static content to life, much like Pygmalion’s statue was brought to life by Aphrodite.
The Pygmalion effect in video editing represents a paradigm shift in the way content is created and consumed.
As it continues to gain popularity on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, it’s evident that the Pygmalion effect has ushered in a new era of dynamic and engaging video editing.
What are your thoughts on this style of content? Do you find it interesting? or perhaps ‘too busy’? I would love to hear your thoughts!
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