It’s no secret that YouTube is literally one of the most popular websites ever conceived. The site receives more viewer traffic than any live television station, especially by way of the younger generations. Increasingly, and interestingly, through an unspoken trial-and-error, YouTube channels have built and maintained multiple formats for what hooks and sustains a channel’s following.
Since the site’s genesis in 2005, this coveted mass following is the coveted Holy Grail of the digital age.
A mass following is the dream for which every creator on the site strives to obtain. Yet, the creators who do achieve (and sustain) this following all have one unmistakable ace in the hole; the person behind the curtain. Yes, it can all be summed up (within reason) to a singular element needed for success BEYOND the viral cat meme: you need a rockstar Editor.
Now, mind you, there are caveats within the following applicable guidelines. As with all things in the film world, it is longevity you should seek within the market, and prepare yourself to be “wrong” often.
Failing your way to the top is essential within the entertainment industry, and whether you are choosing to create your own YouTube channel, edit YouTube videos for a third party, or looking to expand your clientele base through editing YouTube content in your spare time; it is ESSENTIAL for one to first accept that a following doesn’t happen overnight.
Adding onto that, when a video IS a viral sensation overnight, (*cough* cat memes *cough*) it doesn’t last long because this type of YouTube content often lacks any of the artistic integrity that you as a filmmaker are hopefully squaring up to achieve within your work.
With social media especially, there is no one right way to execute a plan of action, but after keeping my own lights on by editing YouTube videos for both personal clients and major brands over the last few years, I would like to share with you a few crucial pillars of support I wish I had been conscious of before I dove into the turbulent waters of content creation . . ..
What are YouTubers using to edit their videos?
YouTube videos are generally edited with the same programs used for feature filmmaking. Among the more popular editing interfaces are Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie.