Want music video effects you can add in Premiere Pro without building every look from scratch? This tutorial includes 25+ free music video presets you can drag onto your timeline, plus a walkthrough of subject cutouts, layered effects, and a faster way to assemble a music video rough cut.
Download the free music video preset pack (email required).
Watch the Premiere Pro music video presets tutorial
How to install the free Premiere Pro presets
- Download the preset pack from the link above.
- In the AutoEdit panel, open the menu (the hamburger icon) and choose Import Presets.
- Select the
.prfppreset file from the download. The tutorial notes that this is the correct file format for importing these presets. - Search for Auto Edit in Premiere Pro’s Effects panel to find the imported effects, then drag a preset onto a clip or timeline layer to preview it.
Try the flash, thermal, chroma blur, warp, shake-spin, and slide looks on different shots. You can also stack effects to build a more specific look; preview each combination and adjust it to fit the footage.
Make a subject cutout with Premiere Pro’s Object Mask
For an effect that follows the performer, duplicate the clip and use Premiere Pro 2026’s Object Mask on the upper copy. Let Premiere identify the subject, select it, then use the tracking control in Effect Controls to follow the subject through the shot. With the performer isolated, you can apply a preset to a separate layer and combine the effect with the cutout for an outlined, thermal, or distorted look.
Depending on the shot, you may want to nest an intermediate duplicate before adding a second effect. That gives you more control over which layer receives the treatment while you keep the original footage available for adjustments.
Build a music video rough cut with AutoEdit Music Video Mode
Effects are only one part of a music video edit. You still need to sync performance takes, cut to the beat, choose between takes, and place B-roll. In the video, Devin also demonstrates AutoEdit Music Video Mode, a Premiere Pro plugin that helps assemble a first-pass music video rough cut.
- Import the song and performance footage. Use performance shots that cover the full length of the song to avoid gaps.
- Select the performance clips and use Premiere Pro’s Synchronize command.
- In AutoEdit Music Video Mode, add the music track and synced takes. Let the plugin detect the BPM or enter a known BPM manually.
- Choose whether to keep the timeline uncollapsed for later editing, select a pacing option such as Variation, and proceed to build the rough cut.
- Review the beat cuts and take changes, add B-roll where it helps, and make the creative decisions needed to finish the edit.
The plugin also includes controls for adding visual effects, overlays, camera-shake adjustment layers, and film treatments. Its AI placement option can analyze the timeline and place selected overlays or effects on a track. Review those placements and refine the edit to match the song and your intended style.
What’s in the free music video preset pack?
The tutorial demos a range of drag-and-drop looks, including flashes, thermal treatments, chroma blur, warp distortion, shake-spin, slide effects, CRT glitches, and film-burn-style overlays. The exact effect names shown in the video include “Shake Spin 1”; other presets are presented visually. Import the pack and test the effects on your own footage to see which ones fit.
Frequently asked questions
Are the music video presets free?
The preset pack is offered as a free download. The download page asks for an email address.
What file do I import?
Import the .prfp preset file through the AutoEdit panel’s Import Presets menu.
Do I need After Effects to make a subject cutout?
The tutorial demonstrates Premiere Pro 2026’s Object Mask for isolating and tracking a subject, so you can create the shown cutout effect in Premiere Pro. After Effects is still available when your project needs its other tools.
Does AutoEdit finish the entire video for me?
AutoEdit Music Video Mode helps create a rough cut from the song and performance takes. You review the timeline, choose the final creative direction, and finish the edit.
