Most YouTubers think editing is about making it look cool.
But the truth? Editing is about making people stay.
If your editing doesn’t serve retention, it’s just decoration.
MrBeast is obsessed with watch time. He spends weeks in the edit, cutting anything that even smells like boredom. Hormozi calls this “removing calories without losing protein.” Keep what matters. Cut what doesn’t.
✅ 1.
Cut Faster Than You’re Comfortable With
If you think a clip is too long… it is.
If you’re explaining something for more than 10 seconds straight without a visual change? People are leaving.
MrBeast literally cuts milliseconds off clips to improve retention. The average shot in his videos lasts under 2 seconds.
📌 Rule: Every 2–3 seconds, there needs to be a visual change — cut, zoom, motion, B-roll, text — something.
✅ 2.
Cut the Setup. Start at the Drop.
Most videos die in the intro.
You don’t need:
- “Hey guys, what’s up?”
- “Before we get started…”
- “So today we’re gonna talk about…”
Start with the payoff, then explain only what’s needed.
This isn’t a story. It’s a retention machine.
📌 Example:
Instead of: “Today we’re testing the world’s spiciest food…”
Start with: 🔥 YOU: “I almost passed out eating this. Here’s why.”
Now they’re in. Now they care.
✅ 3.
Every Frame Should Earn Its Spot
Hormozi says: “If it doesn’t move the story forward, delete it.”
Ask this:
- Does this clip increase tension?
- Does it pay off a setup?
- Does it surprise, delight, or teach?
If not, cut it.
MrBeast deletes hours of footage per video. Why? Because attention is the most valuable currency online. If you’re wasting it, you’re broke.
✅ 4.
Editing = Emotion Control
Good editing isn’t just fast — it’s felt.
- Use zooms to increase intensity.
- Add speed ramps to build tension.
- Use sound effects to punch key moments.
- Use music to control emotional pacing.
📌 Example:
Watch any MrBeast challenge. The music builds during suspense. Stops during a twist. Hits hard on wins. That’s not random — that’s intentional emotion design.
✅ 5.
You Don’t Need Fancy — You Need Flow
A beginner mistake: overediting.
Wacky transitions, glitch effects, jump zooms every 2 seconds… it’s a mess.
High retention doesn’t come from effects — it comes from clarity + pacing.
MrBeast videos look simple — because they’re edited to feel smooth. Not flashy. Not distracting. Just efficient.
🧠 Final Word:
Great editing isn’t about looking good — it’s about staying watched.
Your goal isn’t to impress editors.
Your goal is to stop people from clicking away.
If your watch time sucks, it’s not the algorithm.
It’s your edit.