10 Adobe Premiere Transitions That’ll Liven Up Your Videos
Whether you’re looking to make your video footage more cinematic or are just getting starting with time remapping in Adobe Premiere, transitions are an essential editing technique which you can use on any video, regardless of the content.
These transitions can all be created quickly and easily in Adobe Premiere Pro. From the simple to the extraordinary, there’s something here for everyone. And all of them will liven up your videos.
1. J Cut
This transition by Justin Odisho is a basic one that everyone should know. This is possibly one of the most well known and popular Adobe Premiere transitions, and works with anything, from documentaries, to vlogs, and everything in between.
The basics are simple. Cut to the sound of your next clip before the image. This gives viewers an idea of what to expect, and prepares them for what is to follow.
This tutorial is clear and easy to follow—just like all of Justin’s tutorials.
2. Fade In/Out
Another editing staple is presented here by YouTuber SwiftSloth. By using keyframes and the opacity effect control, you can quickly and easily fade a clip in or out. This simple tutorial covers everything you need to know about this basic transition.
3. Ink Transition
Coming straight from YouTube tutorial channel Premiere Gal, this awesome ink transition will certainly liven up any edit.
By using a series of ink videos, along with some basic adjustment and a cross dissolve, this transition can be applied to any suitable footage, not just shots of ink.
If you’re looking for copyright-free stock videos to apply this transition to, then why not take a look at these copyright-free stock footage websites?
4. Light Leak
YouTube editor Brandon shares his own take on the popular “Light Leak” transition style. While this video does make use of pre-purchased video clips, it’s entirely possible to film your own bokeh shots.
You could even create a DIY filter for custom bokeh shots, which would really make your Adobe Premiere transitions stand out.
5. Spin
Coming once again from YouTuber Justin Odisho, this spin transition is sure to liven up any video, although it’s probably most at home on YouTube style vlogs or travel videos.
This transition can be created entirely using Adobe Premiere Pro effects, with no external video clips required. Just make sure not to overuse it—you may make your viewers feel queasy.
Take a look at these engaging YouTube vlogs for some inspiration for using this transition.
6. Whip/Pan
In a similar style to the spin transition above, this whip pan transition is very popular online. Used extensively by YouTube creators such as Sam Kolder, this tutorial from content creator tutvid will get you started.
The whip pan is another transition that can be overused, especially if badly edited, so make sure you study up and learn how to use it properly.
7. Luma Fade
Rising YouTube star Peter McKinnon presents the luma fade transition in his “Two Minute Tuesday” series. This transition uses Premiere’s built in effects, along with some simple keyframing to produce this unique effect.
A luma fade is a unique transition like no other. It involves a dark element from a clip (Peter uses birds flying in his example) appearing in a different clip, before the full video fades in. This transition merges two video clips together in an almost magical way, but keep in mind it won’t work for every shot—it needs certain types of footage to look its best. All of the intricacies and caveats are covered in the comprehensive tutorial.
8. Zoom
Kyler Holland shows you just how easy a zoom transition is. In less than two minutes his tutorial covers how to use the opacity and motion controls included with Premiere Pro.
You will need to film several different shots for this transition to work. As a minimum you’ll need a far away shot to start with, and then a close-up to transition to.
Alternatively, you could shoot one shot in 4K and “punch in” to mimic a second camera. Our article exploring reasons to shoot 4K video shows you how to achieve this.
9. Masking
Peter McKinnon once again shows you how to produce a unique Adobe Premiere transition. This tutorial is slightly more complex than most, but it’s easily achievable thanks to Peter’s clear instructions.
Masking uses a moving object in your footage to reveal the second clip. This could be a street light, plant, or a person walking past. When used correctly it produces a very natural looking transition.
This is once again a transition that needs to be considered before you start filming. It’s possible to produce with any footage, but the editing process becomes much easier if you shoot footage specifically for this transition.
10. Glitch
Justin Odisho shows you how to quickly and easily create a glitch effect transition. This is the third transition from Justin Odisho, and it’s easy to see why. Justin’s style is direct and to the point. This transition can be produced entirely within Premiere Pro, with no plug-ins, videos, or purchases required.
Peter Mckinnon also has a glitch effect transition tutorial in less than three minutes, which provides an alternative, and slightly condensed, overview of the same technique.
What Are Your Favorite Adobe Premiere Transitions?
As these tutorials reveal, it’s surprisingly easy to create your own transitions. These YouTube creators all have their own unique take on transitions. And once you’ve got these transitions down, you can then move onto making your own Adobe Premiere transitions.
If you’ve read this far you’re probably a fan of Adobe Premiere Pro, so don’t forget to take a look at our guide to editing videos faster in Premiere Pro.
