When you think of glitch video effects, bad TV static and RGB color split probably come to mind. Glitches are a fantastic tool to change the atmosphere of a clip — and are a great way to create a sense of discord, chaos, or simply a cool, off-beat effect. If you haven’t discovered the fun of using glitch video effects yet, this list will give you a good collection to start playing with.
Summary
Part 1: Top free and premium glitch effect downloads
There are plenty of amazing glitches out there that you can buy. If you’re learning the magic of glitches, though, there are also many free downloads that will give you the same quality.
Each of these is worth downloading and keeping for when you need it. Motion Array has many transitions, animations, and other glitch text effects you can explore. If you can’t find what you want on this list, we’ve also included a quick tutorial on creating your own from scratch. But first, let’s get downloading.
Premiere Pro
1. Free Mini Glitch Pack
This is an awesome video effect toolkit that includes some wonderful glitch transitions for Premiere Pro. It also features logos, sound effects, and more for your glitch-y editing pleasure.
Download Free Mini Glitch Pack Now
2. Urban Glitch Opener
A powerful combination of split screens, VHS, and glitch effects will give your videos a pro look and feel. Open and add your footage, and you’ll have an impressive glitchy edit.
Download Urban Glitch Opener Now
3. Glitch Text Animation Presets
Enhance your film trailers, sports promo, or TV show videos with this pack of 50 easy-to-use glitch text animation presets.
Download Glitch Text Animation Presets Now
4. Glitch Presets
These 5 stylish glitches can be applied to footage, static images, and text, so get creative on your next project.
5. Glitch Transitions
Here’s a more modern version of the TV glitch effect. This versatile pack includes 16 transitions that could be a catchy intro for a promo or event video.
Download Glitch Transitions Now
6. Glitch Kit
This MP4 glitch file can be used as a regular green screen. As the editor, you can key in any background you wish and have this glitch playing over it.
7. ERROR — 5 Glitch and Distortion Presets for Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro editors can download 5 easy glitch effects for their projects. Check out their tutorial (linked in the pack download) to get an idea of how to use them. The effects are free on a personal license, but there’s an upgrade option for commercial use.
Download ERROR: 5 Glitch and Distortion Presets Now
8. ERROR — 20 Glitch Transitions for Premiere Pro
Do you want a little more than in the previous free pack? Simply subscribe with your email address and you’ll receive these 20 eye-catching transitions. Watch the tutorial (on the download link) for instructions on how to import and use them. The software is free on a personal license, with a commercial upgrade available.
Download ERROR — 20 Glitch Transitions for Premiere Pro Now
After Effects
9. Cinematic 80’s Style
Try this simple yet effective glitchy title intro on your next film project to introduce your movie in style!
Download Cinematic 80’s Style Now
10. Fast Glitch Opener
This Adobe After Effects template contains 9 media placeholders and 9 editable text layers — all the glitch effects you need for a dynamic intro whose color can be adjusted in just one click.
Download Fast Glitch Opener Now
11. Glitch Slideshow
This cool glitch effects slideshow will draw your viewers in from the start. It’s simple, striking, and effective. Use it to create an interesting intro to your presentations, upcoming events, or Facebook and YouTube videos.
12. Urban Glitch Opener
Easily transform your footage with a hip-hop, grungy look. A stunning combination of smooth title animations with glitch transitions makes this a powerful introduction to your promos or event videos.
Download Urban Glitch Opener Now
13. Fashion Glitch
Contemporary text overlays and flowy glitch animations will make your fashion clips pop out of the screen. Create a catwalk trailer your audience will always remember.
14. The Glitch
Switch your clips into fast-moving, dynamic videos with angled screen animations and geometric element overlays. This is definitely a must if you want to level up your work
Final Cut Pro
15. Free Glitch Sport
Complete with sound effects, this glitch is perfect for a hardcore intro to your project. It will grab viewers’ attention and make your video look professional from the start.
16. Digital Glitch Effects
With 10 different glitch effects, these retro overlays will transform your clips. Use them to introduce your brand and products, or to work in a new, unique way in your social media posts.
Download Digital Glitch Effects Now
17. VHS Glitch Transitions
If you’re looking to give your clips or images a grungy yet modern feel, these transitions are exactly the detail you need. Drag and drop them between your clips to create something one of a kind.
Download VHS Glitch Transitions Now
18. Fast Glitch Transitions
This handy transition glitch pack includes 25 different transitions that can be modified with built-in effects controls. Just click the download button to get access to the pack.
Download Fast Glitch Transitions Now
19. Glitch Effects Pack for FCPX
Here you have another cool glitch effects pack, with 11 glitches for FCPX users. Instructions are provided on how to download and use them.
Download Glitch Effects Pack Now
DaVinci Resolve
20. Glitch Transitions
Dynamic and old-school static styles combine in this pack of 6 glitch transition effects. Drag and drop between 2 clips — it’s as simple as that.
Download Glitch Transitions Now
21. Modern Glitch Promo
Download this stylish template with fresh glitch effects, text animations, and impactful transitions. This easy-to-use promo includes 12 media placeholders and 12 editable text layers, perfect for your next YouTube intro or opener.
Download Modern Glitch Promo Now
22. Fashion Glitch Promo
Add a layer of color, energy, and glitches to your photos and media for your next fashion show teaser. This sleek project is a must-have for any editor.
Download Fashion Glitch Promo Now
23. Drag-N-Drop Glitch Transitions
If you’re wanting a different kind of transition, look no further than these 12 glitch transitions. Offering various styles of pixelation, colors, and speed that fill your screen, these transitions can be used in your tech presentations, sports clips, and action trailers.
Download Drag-N-Drop Glitch Transitions Now
24. Glitch Opener
This template uses text and color layers, and is ideal for a reel or music lyric video. Adding a vintage touch with glitch effects will make your videos stand out.
25. RGB Glitch Opener
Full of energy, the RGB Glitch Opener is perfect for your next events, sports, or fashion show intros. Take your audience on an exciting visual ride with this glitch video effect.
Download RGB Glitch Opener Now
Motion graphics
26. 10 Glitch Elements Pack
This pack of 10 glitch effects offers a mix of transition animations you can use as overlays. Drag and drop over your footage and change the blending mode to create professional-looking videos.
Download 10 Glitch Elements Pack Now
27. Modern Quick Glitch
Do you need a dark, glitchy motion graphic for your logo reveal? Motion Array has just the thing. With a rugged, edgy look, this glitch pack can be used for music videos, trailers, and sports clips.
Download Modern Quick Glitch Now
28. 8 Glitch Backgrounds Pack
These high-definition multicolor panes with different movement patterns will add something extra to your edit. Use them as a background or overlay to enhance the mood you want for your projects.
Download 8 Glitch Backgrounds Pack Now
29. Digital Glitch Overlays
Not only will you find some great glitch effects here, but you can also download them in HD or lower quality.
Download Digital Glitch Overlays Now
30. 20 Glitch Elements
Infuse your videos with cool glitch elements to add a layer of movement to your clips and give your social posts an energizing look.
Download 20 Glitch Elements Now
Part 2: How to create your own glitch video effect
If you want to make some glitches of your own, you can create simpler ones in Adobe After Effects. The process isn’t difficult, but it takes some time to learn. The steps can be a little confusing for a new glitch-maker, but you’ll be well on your way once you know how it works.
- Make a new composition and give it a glitchy name.
- Create a text layer with any text you want.
- Go to Layer > Precompose > Type.
- The next step is to set up the RGB channels.
- With Precompose selected, go to Effect > Channel > Shift Channels.
- Duplicate your Type layer twice so that you have three copies.
Shift Channel adjustments and creating the glitch
Now you need to make some adjustments under your Shift Channel tab.
- On one layer, set Take Red From to Red, and the other 2 to Full Off.
- On one layer, set Take Blue From to Blue, and the other 2 to Full Off.
- On one layer, set Take Green From to Green, and the other 2 to Full Off.
Lastly, set the blending mode to Add on all 3 layers. Now you’re ready to start shaping your new glitch effect.
- Go to Layer > New > Null Object. Name this something like Wiggle Control.
- Go To Effect > Expression Control > Slider Control.
- In one of your Type layers, type the letter P — this shows you its position.
- If you like, click the Stopwatch, which will add an expression. You’ll see a space for you to type something. Write ‘wiggle(20’. Yes, this looks very odd. Hang in there, you’ll understand soon.
- Next, click and hold the little spiral icon under Position, and drag it up to the Slider on your effects panel. You’ll see a long string of text added to what you began typing. Now you can close your bracket.
- Do this for the other two layers as well.
Wiggle control and distortion
You’ll now go back to your Wiggle Control and start adding keyframes to this layer.
- Set one keyframe at 1 second to a value of 1.
- Set another 5 frames ahead to a value of 40 or so.
- Lastly, set another keyframe 5 frames ahead, back to a value of 1.
You can add distortion by adding a new adjustment layer.
- Go to Effect > Distort > Wave Warp.
- Under the Effects panel, change the wave type to Noise.
- For horizontal distortion, set your angle to zero.
- Play around with wave width to find what suits you.
- Using the keyframes you selected previously, create new frames on Wave Height (first set on zero, next on 300, last on 0).
You’ve made your very first glitch video effect in After Effects! If you want to change text mid-glitch, you can check out the rest of the tutorial here.
Part 3: Bonus! 3 glitchy sound effects
1. Energy Glitch Effect
Use these high-quality digital glitch effects for your next video intros or transitions. Add a layer of intensity to create something unique and new.
Download Energy Glitch Effect Now
2. Trailer Glitch Logo
Create your next epic trailer with this cinematic hi-tech glitch track. It’s perfect for innovative projects that give your audience an emotional and intense feel.
Download Trailer Glitch Logo Now
3. Glitch
This short sound effects collection offers sci-fi and modern glitch elements for all your projects. Accent your visuals as you wish and adjust according to the duration. That’s all you need to do for amazing videos.
Glitches are some of the coolest effects you can use in your edit. They’re eye-catching and create a fantastic sense of unease when needed. It’s time to get your glitch on, editors! Be sure to let us know your favorite glitch effects in the comments, too.
