vidding

Vidding is the practice of creating fan-made videos by editing together clips from films, television shows, video games, or other media to a soundtrack or audio track. Vids are typically produced to express interpretations of characters or relationships, to analyze themes, or simply to celebrate a work. Practitioners are called vidder or vidders, and the activity is common in online fan communities.

Most vidding centers on music videos, including AMVs (anime music videos) and other extracts assembled into a narrative or mood piece. Vids may tell a linear story, present a character study, or create an atmospheric montage. Techniques range from simple cuts to advanced editing, color grading, and visual effects, depending on tools and skill.

Historically, vidding emerged in fan cultures during the late 20th century, beginning with analog editing and home-video equipment. The rise of digital video editing in the 1990s and 2000s expanded access, allowing fans to craft more complex edits. The distribution shift to online platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo broadened audiences and participation.

Typical editing techniques include cutting the source material to match music beats, lip-syncing, cross-cutting, and montage sequencing. Editors often employ transitions, subtitles, and overlays to emphasize themes or relationships. Many vid makers emphasize pacing, emotional arc, and source continuity, while others experiment with effects and non-traditional structures.

Vidding sits within broader fan culture and raises copyright considerations. Most creators rely on transformative use arguments or seek permission where possible, and platforms have varying policies on fan videos. Communities often document practices, share tutorials, and organize events, contributing to a global, participatory craft.