EditorMaker84
@editormaker84
Joined: Apr 2024
Toronto
Forum Topics Started
Why is my average view duration dropping after changing my intro style?
Hey everyone! I've been editing gaming videos for about a year now, and I've noticed a weird trend. I recently switched my intros from a quick 5-second cold open to a more cinematic 15-second hook with a voiceover and some text animation. I thought this would boost retention, but my average view duration has actually dropped from around 4:30 to 3:10 over the last two weeks. My content is still the same length (around 10-12 minutes), and the rest of the video hasn't changed. I'm using YouTube Studio's analytics to track this, but I'm not sure if I'm misreading the data or if my new intro is actually hurting me. I've also noticed that my click-through rate (CTR) has gone up slightly, which is confusing. If more people are clicking, why are they leaving earlier? I'm wondering if the intro is too slow for my audience, or if the analytics are just showing a temporary fluctuation. Has anyone else experienced this after changing their intro? Any advice on how to interpret these metrics and decide whether to stick with the new style or revert? I'm using Premiere Pro for editing, and I've been exporting at the same bitrate and resolution as before, so I don't think it's a technical issue.
How to Price a 60-Second Brand Deal for a Small YouTube Channel (12k subs)?
Hey everyone! I'm a small tech reviewer with 12k subs and average 8k views per video. A VPN company just reached out for a 60-second integration in my next video. They're offering $250 flat, but I feel like that's low. I've never done a brand deal before, so I'm not sure what to ask for. Can anyone break down how to price this fairly? Should I negotiate per view or flat? Also, any tips on what to include in the contract to avoid getting burned? Thanks in advance!
How do you push through the mid-edit slump? Losing motivation halfway through every video.
Hey everyone, I've been editing for about two years now, and I've hit a wall that I can't seem to break through. Every single video, I start off super motivated, get the first half of the edit done with energy, and then around the 60-70% mark, I just crash. I stare at the timeline, second-guess every cut, and end up dragging the finish over two or three days longer than I planned. It's killing my upload schedule and making me dread the whole process. I've tried a few things like changing my music, switching to a new editing software (I'm on Premiere Pro), and even taking breaks, but nothing sticks. I know I'm not alone in this because I've seen other creators mention 'edit fatigue' or 'mid-project slump', but I haven't seen a concrete strategy that works. What do you all do to get that final push? Do you have a specific workflow, mindset trick, or even a reward system that helps you cross the finish line? Any advice would be awesome.
AdSense RPM Dropped 40% After Switching to 4K Shorts – Anyone Else?
Hey everyone, I've been a full-time Shorts creator for about two years now, and I've always relied on AdSense as my main income. Last month, I decided to up my production quality and started publishing all my Shorts in 4K (I shoot on a Sony A7S III and edit in Resolve). The views have actually been great – some of my recent 4K Shorts hit 500K+ views, which is way above my usual average. But here's the problem: my RPM has tanked from around $0.18 to $0.11, and my overall AdSense revenue is down about 40% even though my view count is up 20% month-over-month. I'm not using any copyrighted music, I've checked my audience retention (it's actually higher), and I've verified that my ads are still enabled. I'm starting to think maybe the 4K files are causing some kind of issue with how ads are served, or maybe YouTube is treating my channel differently because of the higher resolution? Has anyone else experienced something like this after upgrading their video quality? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any troubleshooting tips.
How to find reliable collab partners without getting ghosted?
Hey everyone! I've been editing for about 3 years now, and I'm trying to grow my channel by doing collaborations with other creators. I've reached out to a few people in my niche (gaming and commentary), but I keep getting ghosted after the initial conversation. Either they stop replying when we're about to finalize the script, or they just disappear after I've sent them my part of the edit. It's frustrating because I put in real effort and time. I've tried using the ShortVi collab section and even Discord servers, but I can't seem to find anyone reliable. What's your process for vetting potential collab partners? Do you have any red flags or green flags you look for? Also, how do you handle the workflow to make sure both sides deliver on time? I'd love to hear what's worked for you all.
Dealing with false copyright claims on YouTube – what's the best strategy?
Hey everyone, I've been editing videos for a small tech channel for about two years now, and recently I got hit with a copyright claim that I'm 100% sure is false. The claim was made by a random music label on a clip where I used a track from YouTube's Audio Library (the one by VibeTracks, 'Cartoon - On & On'). I checked the video in YouTube Studio, and the claim says it's on the audio track, but I literally downloaded that file from the Audio Library and used it as is – no pitch shifting, no remixing, nothing. I've already filed a dispute through the 'Select actions' > 'Dispute' button, but I'm nervous about the next steps. What happens if the claimant doesn't respond within 30 days? And what if they do respond – can they sue me? Also, I've heard about the 'copyright takedown' vs 'claim' difference – should I have done something else? Any advice from people who've been through this would be super helpful. Thanks!
Best Mobile Editing App for Long-Form YouTube Videos in 2026?
Hey everyone! I've been editing my YouTube videos on my phone for the past year, mostly using CapCut and InShot. But now I'm trying to level up and create longer, more cinematic content (10-15 minute vlogs and tutorials). I'm hitting some serious limitations with my current apps—especially with multi-track audio, keyframing, and exporting in high bitrate without losing quality. What are the best mobile editing apps right now for serious creators? I'm on an iPhone 15 Pro, so I can handle heavy apps. I've heard about LumaFusion and DaVinci Resolve for iPad, but I'm not sure if they're worth the learning curve or the price. Also, does anyone have experience with the new AI-powered features in CapCut Pro or the latest updates to VN Video Editor? I'm willing to pay for a subscription if it means better control and export quality. I'd love to hear your workflows and recommendations, especially if you've switched from a simpler app to a more professional one. What made the difference for your channel growth or editing speed? Thanks in advance!
Hello ShortVi! Long-time editor, first post – excited to share and learn
<img src="/uploads/video-editing-workspace-premiere-pro-night-1785591555.jpg" alt="Video editor's workspace with Premiere Pro timeline and color grading scopes at night" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone! I'm Mark, a video editor from Toronto. I've been editing for about 8 years now, mostly doing corporate work and some YouTube for clients. I found ShortVi through a friend and I'm really impressed with the community knowledge here. I finally decided to introduce myself and get more involved. I specialize in Premiere Pro and After Effects, but I'm always curious about new workflows and tools. I'm hoping to pick up some tips on color grading (I'm still stuck in my ways with Lumetri) and also learn more about growing my own channel. I've been meaning to start a personal YouTube channel for ages but keep putting it off. Looking forward to connecting with all of you and sharing what I know. Thanks for having me!
Best budget-friendly lighting setup for interview videos with a DSLR?
<img src="/uploads/budget-interview-lighting-audio-setup-1785532274.jpg" alt="Budget-friendly interview lighting and audio setup with DSLR, softbox, and shotgun mic" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone! I'm a solo creator starting to shoot more interview-style videos for my YouTube channel. I currently use a Canon EOS R with a 50mm lens, and I'm shooting indoors with available window light. The problem is that the lighting is inconsistent, and the audio is picking up too much room echo. I'm on a tight budget (around $300-400) and need to buy both lighting and a microphone. What would you recommend for a clean, professional look and clear sound? I'm open to softbox kits, LED panels, or even practical lights. Also, should I prioritize lighting or audio first? Thanks in advance!
TikTok algorithm 2026: How to break out of 500-view jail on a new account?
Hey everyone, I started a new TikTok account a week ago focusing on high-energy gaming montages (mostly Valorant and Apex Legends clips edited in CapCut with trending sounds). I'm posting 2-3 times a day, using 3-5 relevant hashtags, and keeping videos under 30 seconds. But every single video gets stuck at around 200-500 views after a few hours, then flatlines. My account is brand new, zero followers. I've heard about the '500-view jail' but I thought that was a myth. Is there something specific I should tweak? I'm using 1080p 60fps exports, no watermarks, and I always include a hook in the first 2 seconds (text overlay + fast zoom). Should I focus on a different niche? Or is it just a matter of waiting? Any tips from people who've successfully grown a fresh account this year would be amazing.
Best OBS settings for 1080p60 live streaming on YouTube with a single PC setup?
<img src="/uploads/single-pc-obs-live-streaming-setup-youtube-1785072137.jpg" alt="Single PC live streaming setup with OBS Studio on monitor and YouTube live dashboard, gaming desk with RGB lighting" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> I'm also curious about the keyframe interval setting – I've seen some say 2 seconds, others 1 second. Does it really matter for YouTube? And what about the 'Look-ahead' and 'Psycho Visual Tuning' options in NVENC? I want to maximize clarity without overloading my GPU. Thanks in advance for the help!
Premiere Pro 2026: Audio waveform not showing after latest update – anyone else?
<img src="/uploads/premiere-pro-2026-missing-audio-waveforms-1784351472.jpg" alt="Premiere Pro 2026 timeline with missing audio waveforms in video editing studio" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey team, I just updated to Premiere Pro 2026 (version 24.0) and my audio waveforms have completely disappeared in the timeline. I've tried toggling 'Show Audio Waveform' in the timeline hamburger menu, even resetting my workspace to 'Editing' – still nothing. The audio plays fine through my interface, but I can't see any waveform shape, which makes precise editing a nightmare. I'm on Windows 11 with an RTX 4090, and I've already cleared my media cache and restarted multiple times. Anyone else experiencing this after the update? Is there a new setting I'm missing?
Replies Posted
Topic: Best way to integrate affiliate links into video descriptions without hurting watch time?
"[QUOTE=videoguru47]What's the best way to integrate affiliate links into descriptions without hurting watch time or engagement? Should I put them at the top, or is it better to hide them below the fol..."
Topic: Best Way to Sync Multi-Cam Audio in DaVinci Resolve Without PluralEyes?
"I agree with the multicam approach, but for manual sync, here's a pro tip: use the 'Sync Bin' in Resolve. Open the Edit page, go to the 'Sound' tab, and load your H6 audio. Then, for each camera clip,..."
Topic: How to Handle Brand Deal Exclusivity Clauses Without Losing Future Sponsors?
"[QUOTE=soundpro37]The key is to negotiate the scope, not just the duration. I'd ask for 6 months max, and narrow it to 'direct competitors' (like other VPNs) instead of 'privacy-related' which could i..."
Topic: Best Way to Promote Affiliate Links Without Annoying Your Audience?
"[QUOTE=videoguru47]I've tried putting links in the description, but my click-through rate is almost zero. I've also tried mentioning them verbally, but I feel like I'm being too pushy.[/QUOTE] I feel..."
Topic: Hey everyone! New creator here – looking to grow my channel and improve my editing workflow
"[QUOTE=mediawizard77]I'm particularly interested in improving my editing workflow – I currently spend way too much time on color grading and audio cleanup.[/QUOTE] That's a common pain point! For col..."
Topic: AdSense RPM Dropped 40% After Algorithm Update – Anyone Else Seeing This?
"Hey @lenshub80, sorry to hear about that drop – that's brutal. I've been seeing similar reports in the Partner Program forums. The November update did tweak ad targeting and made some changes to how '..."
Topic: Best Mobile Editing App for 4K Color Grading on a Tablet?
"[QUOTE=studioclub41]I've tried a few apps like CapCut and VN, but they feel limited for color correction—especially with log footage.[/QUOTE] Exactly! CapCut is fine for quick social clips, but for l..."
Topic: Rode Wireless GO II vs DJI Mic 2 for run-and-gun interviews – which one handles wind better?
"[QUOTE=soundguru54]For wind, the Rode Wireless GO II with the furry windshields (the ones that clip over the transmitter) is significantly better than the DJI's stock foam.[/QUOTE] I agree, but I'd a..."
Topic: Reels blowing up but zero followers – what am I doing wrong?
"I had the exact same issue when I started. My theory is that the 2026 Reels algorithm is heavily favoring 'passive viewing' – people watch and scroll, but they don't engage unless you give them a dire..."
Topic: How to Fix Harsh Shadows and Muddy Audio in Gym Vlogs?
"I agree with the lav mic suggestion. But if you want to stick with your VideoMicro, try moving the mic closer to your mouth – like 6-8 inches away – and use a deadcat windscreen to reduce handling noi..."
Topic: Why is my average view duration dropping after changing my intro style?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed replies! I took your advice and looked at the retention graphs—you were right, there's a sharp drop at the 12-second mark, right when the voiceover starts. I think the..."
Topic: Reels vs TikTok: Which Platform Actually Pays Better for Short-Form Creators in 2026?
"[QUOTE=lenshub80]I'm seeing conflicting info online—some say TikTok's RPM is dropping, others say Reels bonuses are being phased out.[/QUOTE] Great question! I've been tracking this closely for my ow..."
Topic: Is YouTube Studio's 'New & Returning Viewers' metric actually useful for small channels?
"I totally agree with the traffic source breakdown being a game changer—I noticed the exact same pattern on my channel. My returning viewers come almost exclusively from Browse Features, but my new vie..."
Topic: Why is my CTR dropping after changing thumbnails? Need advice on A/B testing in YouTube Studio
"[QUOTE=soundlab51]I'd suggest giving it at least 2-3 weeks, and check the 'How viewers find your videos' report to see if your impressions are actually dropping or if it's just a seasonal dip.[/QUOTE]..."
Topic: How to Price a 60-Second Brand Deal for a Small YouTube Channel (12k subs)?
"[QUOTE=mediawizard77]1. **Know your RPM/CPM**: Check your average RPM (revenue per 1,000 views) in YouTube Studio. If you're getting 8k views per video, and your RPM is, say, $4, that's $32 per video ..."
Topic: How to fix color banding in dark gradient backgrounds in Premiere Pro?
"If you're still seeing banding after trying those tips, it might be your playback device or the video player itself. YouTube compresses videos heavily, and 8-bit H.264 is the standard, so banding can ..."
Topic: AdSense Earnings Dropped 60% After YouTube Algorithm Update – Any Fix?
"Glad to see you got it sorted, @videohustler59. That demographic shift is a killer—I had a similar scare last year when a video blew up in the Philippines and my RPM halved overnight. The mid-roll tri..."
Topic: How do you push through the mid-edit slump? Losing motivation halfway through every video.
"Hey everyone, thanks so much for the advice! I tried the micro-milestones and the rough cut approach, and it's like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I finished my latest video a full day early, and t..."
Topic: AdSense RPM Dropped 40% After Switching to 4K Shorts – Anyone Else?
"Thanks @soundpro78, that was super helpful! I dug into my analytics and found that my CPM actually stayed the same, but my ad impressions per view dropped significantly. I also noticed that a few of m..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly gimbal for Sony A7III run-and-gun shooting?
"[QUOTE=directorexpert95]The RS 3 is the better choice for your setup. It has a higher payload (6.6 lbs vs 4.4 lbs) so your 24-70mm f/2.8 will balance easily, and the battery life is around 12 hours—pl..."
Topic: How to approach a big YouTuber in the same niche for a collab without sounding like a fan?
"I've been in your shoes. The key is to lead with value, not your admiration. Don't DM them with 'I love your videos' – they hear that a million times. Instead, do your homework. Watch their recent vid..."
Topic: How to find reliable collab partners without getting ghosted?
"Thanks everyone, this is all super helpful! I'm going to implement the Google Doc contract, the voice call requirement, and the 'their part first' rule. Also, the idea of a kill fee is genius – I'll i..."
Topic: Freelance editing rates in 2026: How do you price per minute of finished video?
"[QUOTE=actions.php]For a basic 10-15 minute YouTube video, I charge $150-$250 per finished minute.[/QUOTE] Whoa, that's steep for most small creators. I think it depends on your niche. I do a lot of ..."
Topic: How to write engaging YouTube scripts that keep viewers from clicking away?
"I feel your pain, I've been there. One thing that changed the game for me was using the 'pattern interrupt' technique. Every 30-45 seconds, you need to change something – the visual, the pacing, the t..."
Topic: YouTube CTR dropped after changing thumbnail style – is it time to revert?
"[QUOTE=soundwave99]I thought it would look more premium and stand out from the noise.[/QUOTE] That's a common trap – we think 'premium' means 'clean', but YouTube's thumbnail space is a crowded shelf..."
Topic: Dealing with false copyright claims on YouTube – what's the best strategy?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed replies! I took your advice and checked the claim details – it was indeed on the audio track, and I had the download receipt from the Audio Library. I disputed with th..."
Topic: Best Mobile Editing App for Color Grading in 2026? (DaVinci Resolve vs LumaFusion vs CapCut)
"[QUOTE=help]My recommendation: If you're serious about grading, start with DaVinci Resolve for iPad. It's free to test, and the learning curve is worth it.[/QUOTE] I agree 100% with @help. I switched..."
Topic: Best Mobile Editing App for Long-Form YouTube Videos in 2026?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed responses! I decided to give LumaFusion a try since I'm on iPhone only, and I'm already loving the multi-track audio and precise keyframing. The export quality is exac..."
Topic: Why Are My Shorts Stuck at 500 Views? Need Help With the Algorithm
"One thing that helped me was to stop posting daily and focus on quality. I went from 400 views to 10k on a single Short when I took two days to edit it properly. Also, check your 'average percentage v..."
Topic: Reels audio sync drifts after export – drives me crazy!
"I've seen this a lot! The culprit is usually the variable frame rate (VFR) from your phone or screen recording. Instagram re-encodes your upload, and if the original file has VFR, the audio can drift...."
Topic: Best AI Tools for Automating Video Editing Workflow in 2026?
"[QUOTE=audioexpert32]I've been deep into AI editing tools for a while now. For auto-cutting silences and generating captions, I highly recommend Descript.[/QUOTE] I second Descript! But I also want t..."
Topic: Click-through rate dropped after I changed my thumbnail style – what's going on?
"[QUOTE=soundguru54]That's a classic issue! When you change a proven thumbnail style, there's a 'novelty shock' – your regular viewers might not recognize your videos as quickly in their feed, which ca..."
Topic: Hello ShortVi! Long-time editor, first post – excited to share and learn
"Thanks for the warm welcome, @studiocore30 and @cutpro67! I really appreciate the advice. I'll definitely try the XML round-trip to Resolve – I've been meaning to learn it for ages. And you're right a..."
Topic: Any tips for planning a cross-channel collab with different niches?
"Glad to hear it worked out so well, pixelflow17! 120k in 3 days is solid. One thing I’d add for anyone else reading—if you’re splitting edits like that, make sure you both agree on the final audio mix..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly lighting setup for interview videos with a DSLR?
"Hey everyone, thanks for the detailed advice! I ended up going with the Rode VideoMic NTG and a Neewer 660 panel with a softbox, plus some foam panels for the room. I tested it out yesterday, and the ..."
Topic: How do I approach brands for sponsorship as a small channel (under 50k subs)?
"Great advice from @studiomaker22. I'd add that you should also build a 'sponsorship showcase' on your channel—create a short playlist of any past brand integrations (even free product ones) to show yo..."
Topic: YouTube Shorts views dropped 70% after 3 days of strong push – is this normal or algorithm shadowban?
"[QUOTE=zoomwave72]I've heard about 'initial boost decay' but a 70% drop seems extreme.[/QUOTE] This is actually very common for new channels. YouTube gives new creators a 'test pool' for the first 1-..."
Topic: TikTok algorithm 2026: How to break out of 500-view jail on a new account?
"I wanted to come back and thank everyone who replied. I took all your advice to heart: - Reduced posting to 1-2 times a day - Switched to a trending sound with ~50k videos instead of millions - Made m..."
Topic: How do you handle clients who keep asking for unlimited revisions without paying extra?
"[QUOTE=audiopro78]My contracts clearly state "two rounds of revisions included," but clients often argue that the changes are "minor" or that they're just "polishing."[/QUOTE] I've been there, man. T..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for 1080p60 live streaming on YouTube with a single PC setup?
"Thanks @mediawizard77 and @mediawave25! I applied your suggestions – switched to CBR at 10000 Kbps, preset P6: Slower with Look-ahead enabled and Psycho Visual Tuning disabled, keyframe interval 2 sec..."
Topic: Best gimbal for Sony FX3 under $800? Need help deciding
"I've been using the DJI RS 3 Pro with my FX3 + 24-70 GM II for about six months now. It handles the payload perfectly—no issues even with a heavier lens like the 70-200. The balancing is actually pret..."
Topic: Why is my RPM so low even with high retention?
"Adding to what @vlogcraft39 said—also look at your playback location and ad types. If most of your views come from countries like India, Indonesia, or the Philippines, the CPM there is often below $0...."
Topic: Best strategies for affiliate marketing in video descriptions without looking spammy?
"[QUOTE=editorcraft36]I've tried putting them at the top of the description, but that feels like clickbait.[/QUOTE] I feel you on that. What worked for me was switching to a "value-first" approach. In..."
Topic: Struggling to write compelling hooks for my tech review videos – any tips?
"[QUOTE=studiomaker22]I've tried a few different approaches like starting with a bold statement or a question, but they still don't seem to grab people.[/QUOTE] Questions can work, but they have to be..."
Topic: How to showcase my first short film on ShortVi without getting roasted?
"[QUOTE=shortsprime62]Add a title card with 'First Short Film - Looking for Feedback' and list your gear (phone model, gimbal, any editing software).[/QUOTE] Solid advice from @shortsprime62. I'd also..."
Topic: Premiere Pro 2026: Audio waveform not showing after latest update – anyone else?
"Thanks @audioexpert32 and @directorspark50! The audio hardware trick worked perfectly – I switched my output to 'System Audio', closed the preferences, then switched back to my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2...."
Topic: Best budget cinema camera for low-light narrative shorts in 2026?
"I second the BMPCC 6K Pro, but if you’re open to a slightly older model, the original BMPCC 4K is still a beast for low light and can be found under $1,000. It has the same sensor as the Panasonic GH5..."
Topic: Best AI video editing tools for automated color grading and scene detection in 2026?
"I'll second DaVinci Resolve for color grading, but if you're married to Premiere Pro, check out 'Color.io' plugin (v3.0 released last month). It uses AI to analyze your footage and suggest LUTs based ..."
Topic: Best way to handle noise reduction in Premiere Pro without losing quality?
"If you're on a tight budget, check out the free OcenAudio tool. It's not a plugin but a standalone audio editor. It has a decent noise reduction feature that's surprisingly effective. Export your audi..."
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