The 3 Things You Need to Cut Out of Your YouTube Videos

As a video editor or creator of any kind, one of the most important things you can learn is what to cut out of the edit.

“Editing is the process of removing all the unnecessary elements until only the essential parts remain.” — Unknown

By knowing exactly what to cut, you allow your story to just flow.

Cut 1: Um’s and Pauses

We’re all guilty of using filler words like “um” or “uh” when we speak, but they’re also distracting and can throw off the pace & overall rhythm.

This tiny change helps your viewers stay focused on what you’re saying and not get bored.

Cut 2: Your Ego

Cutting out your ego, also known as “killing your darlings,” is crucial for your longterm success.

Why?

Because if it doesn’t advance the plot, usually over time, it can actually kill it.

That’s why it’s crucial to check your ego at the door every time you edit. Ask yourself: does this shot or moment serve a purpose in moving the story forward? If not, it’s time to let it go.

Cut 3: Redundancy

The final piece of the video editing puzzle!

Redundancy is anything in your video that has already been established earlier in the video.

By cutting redundancy, you get to the heart of your message without wasting your viewers’ time. Attention spans are short these days, so every second counts!

Plus, eliminating redundancy can help you fit more content into a shorter video without overwhelming your audience.

🎬 Takeaway: When in doubt, cut it out.

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” — Thomas Jefferson