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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Create an adjustment layer
An adjustment layer lets you apply the flicker to several clips at once. In the Project panel, click the New Item icon at the bottom right and choose Adjustment Layer. Click OK in the dialog that opens.
One click with Mako: the free Mako panel adds an adjustment layer over the selected clips, at the playhead, on the first free track, in one click. Get Mako for free
Step 2: Place it above your clips
Drag the adjustment layer onto a track above all the clips you want the flicker on. Then drag the end of the adjustment layer to match the duration of those clips, so it covers the whole section.
Step 3: Add the Strobe Light effect
Open the Effects panel, search for Strobe Light and drag it from Video Effects > Stylize onto the adjustment layer. Because it sits on the adjustment layer, it affects everything underneath.
Faster with BetterFX: skip the Effects panel. Press your BetterFX shortcut, type the first letters of Strobe Light and press Enter to apply it to the selected clip. Get BetterFX
Step 4: Set the strobe color to black
With the adjustment layer selected, open Effect Controls and click the Strobe Color swatch. Change the color to black and click OK. By default the strobe flashes white, which blows out the picture. A black flash makes the footage dip into darkness instead, which is what gives a flickering lamp feel.
Step 5: Tune the blend, duration and period
Now set the three values that control the look:
- Blend With Original: around 90%. A high value keeps most of your original footage visible.
- Strobe Duration (secs): 0.01. This is how long each flash lasts.
- Strobe Period (secs): 0.02. This is the time between flashes.
Play it back and you will see the flicker running across your clips.
Step 6: Make it more subtle if needed
If the flicker feels too intense, raise Blend With Original to around 95%. That makes the flashes much gentler. You can also experiment with Strobe Duration and Strobe Period to change the rhythm, but always keep the Strobe Period higher than the Strobe Duration. If the duration is longer than the period, the effect will not work.
Tips
- Use it on dark, moody shots. The effect looks best on night scenes, close-ups and anything with a horror or thriller mood.
- Keep it short. A flicker works best as an accent for a few seconds, not across an entire video.
- Trim the adjustment layer. Only cover the clips you want to flicker, so the rest of your edit stays clean.
FAQ
How do I make a flicker effect in Premiere Pro?
Add an adjustment layer above your clips, apply the Strobe Light effect, set the color to black and use a very short strobe duration and period.
Why is my Strobe Light effect not working?
Make sure Strobe Period is higher than Strobe Duration. If the duration is equal to or longer than the period, the strobe never turns off and you will see no flicker.
How do I make the flicker less intense?
Increase Blend With Original to around 95%. This mixes more of your normal footage into every flash.
Want a warm, glowing light on top of the flicker? Try the free glow presets.
