For years, the entry point for aspiring video editors has been the same: search for "Lynda Premiere Pro training" (now hosted on LinkedIn Learning). Specifically, the Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training remains one of the most viewed courses in the platform's history.
Taught usually by industry veterans like Ashley Kennedy, this course is the gold standard for learning the interface, the timeline, and the export settings. However, many learners make a critical mistake: they watch the course like a Netflix series rather than treating it like a gym session.
If you want to make your learning experience better—faster, stickier, and more practical—you need to change how you consume this content. Here is the ultimate guide to getting the most out of the Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training.
1. The Graphics Panel Nightmare This is the biggest red flag. In 2020, Essential Graphics was clunky. In 2026, it is robust but different. The course walks you through creating text layers in a way that feels archaic now. It completely misses the modern "Captioning" workflow (which got a massive overhaul in 2023) and the new "Text-Based Editing" feature.
If you are learning to do titles, you will need a separate tutorial. lynda premiere pro 2020 essential training better
2. Exporting is Completely Wrong In 2020, you exported via the classic "Export Settings" dialog box. In 2023, Adobe introduced the "Export Mode" inside the main interface. The 2020 course does not cover this. While the codecs (H.264, ProRes) are the same, the interface is so different that a newbie will get lost looking for the queue button.
3. No AI Features This is the killer. Premiere Pro 2026 is an AI-driven tool.
If you rely solely on this course, you will learn to manually cut audio waveforms like it’s 2015.
P) directly on the clip in the timeline to create keyframes for Opacity and Volume. Use Shift + Drag on keyframes to adjust easing curves.Some users argue that newer courses are “better” because they cover 2024 features like text-based editing or AI scene detection. Let’s address that. From Watcher to Editor: How to Master the
| Criticism | Reality Check | |-----------|----------------| | “It doesn’t cover the latest beta features.” | Correct. But those features are unfinished. Mastering fundamentals on a stable 2020 build makes learning new features trivial later. | | “The interface looks slightly different.” | Minimal. Premiere Pro’s core layout (Project panel, Source Monitor, Timeline) hasn’t changed radically. You can adapt in one day. | | “It’s not free like YouTube.” | LinkedIn Learning is often free through public libraries (more on that below). And your time is valuable—no ads, no “smash that like button.” |
The course is not outdated. In fact, many professional studios stick to 2020 LTS (Long Term Support) versions for reliability. Learning on the version they actually use is a strategic advantage.
Yes, with one nuance.
If you need to learn brand-new AI features like Remix tool or automatic captions (added in 2022+), the 2020 course will not cover them. You’ll need a supplement for those. Enhance Speech: Doesn't exist in 2020
However, for core editing skills—cutting, trimming, audio sweetening, titles, color correction, and efficient workflows—this course remains the gold standard. It is better than most 2024 courses because its depth and pedagogy are unmatched.
Think of it this way: you would rather learn driving on a reliable 2020 Honda Civic with a professional instructor than learn on a 2024 Tesla from a random friend. The fundamentals never expire.
| User Profile | Recommendation | |--------------|----------------| | Complete beginner with access to LinkedIn Learning | Yes – The 2020 course is still a gold standard for fundamentals. | | Beginner with no subscription | No – Use free YouTube 2025–2026 tutorials first. | | Intermediate editor self-taught | Yes – It will fill gaps in proper workflow. | | Professional needing latest features | No – Take a 2025 or 2026 course instead. | | Student preparing for Adobe certification | Yes – Core concepts remain valid. |
Bottom Line: The Lynda/LinkedIn Learning Premiere Pro 2020 Essential Training is not the objectively “better” choice in 2026 due to software updates, but it remains one of the best-taught foundational courses ever made – and for structured learners with access, it still provides a superior learning experience compared to chaotic free resources. If possible, seek the same course for 2023 or later. If not, take the 2020 version and add a 1-hour “new features” update.