10 YouTube Editing Tips to Instantly Boost Retention

When it comes to getting views on YouTube, high retention is KEY 🔑

Whether you’re an educational channel or you’re a pure entertainment based channel, here’s a guide with actionable tips to help you edit videos that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

//////////////////////////////////

For Educational Channels 📚

1. Hook Viewers in the First 10 Seconds 🕒

- Start with a compelling question, bold statement, or quick preview of what they’ll learn. Get straight to the value to avoid drop-offs.

- Use on-screen text or graphics to emphasize key points immediately.

- Use the Proof, Promise, Plan framework for hooks. (Give proof and establish credibility that you can teach the subject. Make a promise of what viewers will learn. Then present a plan for how you’ll deliver the promise).

2. Break Down Information with Visual Effects 💻

- Add diagrams, animations, or infographics to simplify your content. Use motion graphics to keep the visuals engaging.

- Show Don’t Tell. As much as possible you want to be showing the viewer what you’re saying, not just telling them.

3. Pacing is Key ⏩

- Cut out all the dead space in between sentences. Unless you want a moment to feel slower, cut out the pauses.

- Alternate between talking heads and B-roll to keep things changing.

- Don’t dwell too long on any one point. When you’ve made your point, try to move on sooner than later.

4. Constantly Open A Loop After Closing a Previous Loop ♻️

- Just like the thumbnail and title, you want to constantly create curiosity gaps in the video.

- Open a loop by asking a question that viewers will want to know the answer to.

- Then as you begin to close the loop by answering the question, raise another question that builds upon the previous loop and opens another curiosity gap (so 🔑).

5. End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) 🔚

- Transition into the CTA by acting like you’re making another point, and opening another curiosity loop.

- This could be a teaser for the next video, a question to spark comments, or a direct prompt to subscribe.

- Use the CTA as the thing that closes the loop. Often you’ll open a loop that makes people feel like they need to watch your next video to learn how to properly apply the information in the video they just watched.

//////////////////////////////////

For Entertainment Channels 🎥

1. Start with High-Energy Intro ⚡

- Start the video with exciting moments, humor, or intriguing storylines. Show them why they should stick around.

- Use the Proof, Promise, Plan framework but in a different way. Show Proof by showing clips of what’s coming up in the video, make a promise by explaining what the video is about, and then create a plan by explaining rules, or how the video will work.

- Use fast cuts, interesting b-roll, and energetic music to set the tone right away.

2. Tell a Story That Keeps People Hooked 📖

- Structure the video around a clear mission or narrative arc—even if it’s just a vlog or reaction video. Build up tension and curiosity to keep viewers engaged.

- As the video goes on, use foreshadowing / teasers to keep viewers guessing about what’s coming next. Similar to opening and closing loops for the educational channels.

3. Cut Out the Fluff ✂️

- Trim any moments that don’t contribute to the story or entertainment value. Every cut should contribute to the Emotion you want, the story you want to tell, and the rhythm you’re creating.

- Short and snappy edits help keep viewer interest.

- If a joke or bit isn’t landing, cut it and move on quickly.

4. Utilize Sound Design and Music 🎶

- Use sound effects to emphasize punchlines or dramatic moments.

- Change up the music based on the mood of the scene to keep things fresh, don’t have one track underlying 90% of the video.

5. Try Using Strategic Cliffhangers and Recaps 🔄

- At key points, you can drop a mini cliffhanger before cutting to something else—this can drive up anticipation.

- If the video is part of a series, briefly recap previous events or hint at future ones to keep viewers invested in the broader narrative.

//////////////////////////////////

General Tips for Both Types of Channels 💡

- Keep an Eye on Your Analytics 📊: Study where viewers drop off and adjust your editing style accordingly.

- Test Different Approaches A/B: Experiment with different hooks, pacing, and storytelling techniques to see what resonates most with your audience.

- Consistency is Key: Develop a consistent editing style that aligns with your channel’s brand. This builds familiarity and makes it easier for viewers to stay engaged.

//////////////////////////////////

These tips should help you keep high retention, no matter what type of content you’re editing.

Retention is all about keeping the viewer engaged and wondering what will happen next. The best way to do this is creating constant curiosity loops and making it clear what they can expect to come up later in the video.

I hope y’all found this valuable 🙏🙏

Let me know what things you’ve tried and your experiences below 👇

Love y’all!

- Norman

2 comments