ShortsZone35
@shortszone35
Joined: May 2024
London
Forum Topics Started
How to Land Your First Paid Video Editing Gig on Freelance Platforms in 2026?
Hey everyone! I've been editing shorts and long-form content for my own channel for about two years now, and I feel like my skills are finally at a level where I can start taking on paid clients. I've set up profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, and even tried a few niche job boards like Video Editors and Motion Graphics Designers on Facebook, but I'm getting zero traction. I know the market is super saturated, so I'm wondering what actually works in 2026 to land that first gig. I'm a generalist – I can do basic motion graphics, color grading, and I'm comfortable with Premiere Pro and After Effects. But I'm not sure if I should niche down to a specific type of content (like gaming, corporate, or YouTube talking heads) or keep my services broad. Also, I'm seeing a lot of talk about AI tools now – should I be mentioning those in my proposals? Any advice from people who've actually cracked the code would be amazing!
Why Is My Retention Dropping After the First 2 Seconds? (Short-Form Gaming Clips)
Hey everyone, I've been posting daily gaming shorts (mostly Valorant and Apex highlights) for about two months now, and I'm stuck. My average view duration is sitting at around 70-80%, which I know is decent, but my retention curve shows a massive cliff right after the first 2 seconds. Almost 40% of viewers swipe away before they even see the actual gameplay. I'm using a hook text like 'This clutch was insane' and starting with a quick zoom-in on the kill feed, but it's not helping. I'm editing in Premiere Pro and exporting at 1080x1920, 60fps, with a high bitrate. My thumbnails are custom (not just a frame grab), and I make sure the first frame is a bright, high-contrast action shot. But still, people bounce. I've tried different opening styles – some with voiceover, some with text overlays, some just pure gameplay – but the drop-off remains consistent. I'm wondering if it's a platform algorithm thing or if my content just isn't hooking the right audience. Any advice on how to flatten that initial drop-off or is this just normal for gaming shorts?
Best way to integrate affiliate links into Shorts without getting flagged as spam?
Hey everyone! I've been running a faceless Shorts channel for about 8 months now, mostly tech gadget reviews and unboxings. I've hit 50k subs and my views are consistent, but I'm barely making any money from AdSense alone. I want to start adding affiliate links to my videos, but I'm worried about YouTube flagging my content as spam or hurting my reach. I've seen some creators put links in the pinned comment, in the description, or even on-screen with a QR code. What's the most effective and safe method you've found? Also, do you have any tips on how to disclose the links properly without turning off viewers? I'd love to hear what's actually working for you in 2026.
Best Way to Promote Affiliate Products in Short-Form Videos Without Being 'Salesy'?
Hey everyone! I've been making short-form content for about a year now (mostly fitness and productivity tips) and I've finally hit 10k subscribers. I want to start monetizing through affiliate marketing, but every time I try to include a product link or mention a product, I feel like I'm being too pushy and my engagement drops. I've tried doing 'gear I use' videos, but they feel like ads. I'm looking for practical strategies to integrate affiliate products naturally into my content without turning off my audience. Do you have any specific video formats, scripting techniques, or disclosure practices that work well for short-form? Also, how do you balance promoting products vs. providing value? Any examples or templates would be super helpful!
Using Copyrighted Music in YouTube Shorts – What's Actually Safe in 2026?
Hey everyone! I've been making Shorts for about six months now, and I keep running into the same issue: every time I use a trending song from the YouTube Audio Library or the Shorts music picker, I get a copyright claim or my video gets muted in some regions. I thought using the built-in music tool was safe, but apparently not? I'm trying to grow my channel and monetize, so I can't risk strikes. I've read that some songs are 'safe' if they're in the Shorts music library, but I've also heard that even those can get claimed if the artist's label changes their mind. Is there a definitive list of songs that are 100% safe to use? Or should I just stick to royalty-free music from sites like Epidemic Sound? Also, what's the difference between a claim and a strike? I'm so confused and I don't want to lose my channel. Any help would be awesome!
How to Automate Short-Form Video Creation with AI Without Losing Quality?
Hey everyone! I've been running a faceless YouTube Shorts channel for about 6 months now, and I'm drowning in the manual work of scripting, recording voiceovers, and editing. I've seen a lot of talk about AI tools like ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, and Descript, but I'm worried that if I automate too much, my videos will lose the personal touch that's been getting me views. Right now, I spend about 3-4 hours per short. I'm looking for a workflow that can cut that down to under an hour while still keeping the videos engaging. I'm open to using AI for scriptwriting, voiceover, and even editing, but I need to know what actually works in practice. What are your go-to AI tools and automation setups for Short-form content? How do you balance speed with quality? Any specific prompts or workflows that have been game-changers for you?
Burned out after 2 years of daily shorts – how do you keep going?
I've been posting daily Shorts for almost 2 years now, and it's been a rollercoaster. My channel grew to 120k subs, but lately I feel completely drained. The algorithm changed, my views are down 40% from last year, and I'm just going through the motions – editing feels like a chore, and I'm starting to hate the whole process. I know consistency is key, but I'm not sure I can keep up this pace without burning out completely. I'm thinking about cutting back to 3-4 videos a week, but I'm scared my channel will die. Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you find motivation again? Would reducing upload frequency hurt my channel in the long run? Any advice would be appreciated.
Best Way to Color Match Sony S-Log3 to Rec.709 in DaVinci Resolve?
Hey everyone! I've been shooting with my Sony A7 IV in S-Log3/S-Gamut3.Cine for a while now, but I'm struggling to get consistent, natural-looking color grades when I convert to Rec.709. I've tried using the official Sony LUTs and the CST (Color Space Transform) method, but my skin tones always end up looking a bit off – sometimes too green or too magenta. I'm editing in DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6. I've watched a bunch of tutorials, but they seem to conflict. Some say to use the CST on the clip's input color space to 'Sony S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3' and then output to 'Rec.709 / Gamma 2.4', while others recommend using the 'DaVinci Resolve' color management (RCM) and setting the input to 'Sony S-Gamut3.Cine' with a gamma of 'S-Log3'. I'm also confused about whether I should use the 'Sony S-Log3 to S-Gamut3.Cine' LUT or the 'S-Log3 to Rec.709' LUT from Sony's official pack. Can anyone share their preferred workflow for clean, accurate conversions? I'd love to hear what works best for you, especially if you're shooting with Sony cameras.
Using copyrighted music in YouTube Shorts – what's the actual risk in 2026?
Hey everyone! I run a Shorts channel where I do quick movie and TV show edits with trending audio. I know the rules have changed a lot over the years, but I'm still confused about what happens if I use a popular song in a Short. I see big creators doing it all the time, and some say it's fine because Shorts are 'fair use' or that YouTube just monetizes the video for the rights holder. But I've also heard stories of channels getting strikes or even terminated. My question is: what is the actual, current policy in 2026? If I use a copyrighted song in a Short, will I get a Content ID claim, a copyright strike, or does YouTube's Shorts licensing deal cover it? And does it matter if I use the song from YouTube's Audio Library vs. a random MP3 I found? I want to keep making edits without losing my channel, but I also don't want to miss out on growth opportunities. Any clarity would be awesome!
How to land brand deals as a small Shorts creator with 10k subs?
Hey everyone, I've been grinding on YouTube Shorts for about 6 months and just hit 10k subscribers. My niche is DIY home improvement tips—think quick 30-second fixes like unclogging a sink or patching drywall. I'm getting around 50k views per Short on average, but I'm struggling to get any brand deals. I've reached out to a few tool companies like Milwaukee and DeWalt via their influencer marketing emails, but no responses. Am I too small? Should I be targeting different brands? Also, what's the best way to structure my pitch—should I include a media kit or just a simple email? Any advice from creators who've cracked this would be huge. Thanks!
Best OBS settings for 1080p60 live streaming on Twitch with a single PC setup?
Hey everyone, I've been streaming on Twitch for about 6 months now and I'm trying to nail down the best OBS settings for a smooth 1080p60 stream. My rig has an RTX 3070, Ryzen 7 5800X, and 32GB of RAM. I'm currently using NVENC (new) at 6000 kbps bitrate, but I still get occasional frame drops and encoding overload warnings when playing high-motion games like Warzone or Apex Legends. I've tried lowering the output resolution to 936p (1664x936) but it looks blurry on mobile. What settings do you recommend for a crisp 1080p60 stream without sacrificing performance? I'm open to using x264 if it's better, but I worry about the CPU load. Also, should I enable psycho visual tuning and look-ahead? Any advice on keyframe interval, preset, or profile would be awesome. Thanks!
YouTube Shorts retention dropping after 3 seconds – any fix?
Hey everyone, I've been posting daily Shorts for about two months now, and I'm stuck. My average retention rate is around 70% for the first 3 seconds, but then it plummets to under 30% by the 10-second mark. I'm using fast cuts, text overlays, and trending sounds, but it's not helping. My niche is gaming highlights (Valorant). Is there a specific hook structure or editing trick that keeps viewers past that initial swipe? I'm editing in Premiere Pro, and my videos are usually 15-20 seconds. Any advice would be killer.
My first short film portfolio – need feedback on color grading and pacing
<img src="/uploads/short-film-portfolio-editing-suite-davinci-resolve-sony-a7iv-1784280798.jpg" alt="Video editing workspace with DaVinci Resolve color grading and Sony A7IV camera setup for short film portfolio" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone! I finally put together my first short film portfolio after months of shooting and editing. It's a mix of cinematic B-roll, street photography, and a few narrative clips. I’m aiming to apply for a videography internship, so I want this to stand out. I’m struggling with two things: color grading consistency across different lighting conditions (some shots were golden hour, others overcast) and overall pacing – I feel like the transitions are too abrupt. I used DaVinci Resolve 18.6 with a custom LUT I built, but skin tones in a few indoor scenes look greenish. Also, the sequence feels rushed in the first 30 seconds. Would love any constructive critique on the rough cut I uploaded to YouTube (unlisted). I’m using a Sony A7IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, and I edit on a MacBook Pro M3 Max. Any tips on smoothing out the flow and fixing the color cast without re-shooting?
Replies Posted
Topic: Why does my 4K footage look soft and lack that 'cinematic pop'? (Sony A7S III + DaVinci)
"Love seeing the update, @directormaster71! The mid-tone detail trick is definitely a sleeper hit. One thing I'd add since you're on the A7S III—check if you're shooting in XAVC HS (H.265) vs. XAVC S-I..."
Topic: How to Land Your First Paid Video Editing Gig on Freelance Platforms in 2026?
"Wow, thanks everyone for the detailed responses! I'm going to niche down to YouTube gaming edits as @cliphustler93 suggested, and I'll create a simple portfolio site like @shortsprime62 recommended. I..."
Topic: Why Is My Retention Dropping After the First 2 Seconds? (Short-Form Gaming Clips)
"Thanks for the detailed breakdowns! I went back and analyzed my first 2 seconds frame-by-frame, and I realized my hook text was appearing at the bottom third, which is often covered by the UI in the s..."
Topic: Using Copyrighted Music in Shorts – What's the Actual Risk in 2026?
"I agree with @cliphustler93, but let me add a critical point: the risk is higher if you're monetized. YouTube's Partner Program has a 'reused content' policy, and while a single claim won't demote you..."
Topic: Best way to integrate affiliate links into Shorts without getting flagged as spam?
"Hey everyone, thanks for the tips! I tried the link-in-bio approach and also checked if I have access to the product tagging feature—unfortunately, it's not available for my niche yet, but I'll keep a..."
Topic: Using copyrighted music in YouTube Shorts – what's the actual risk in 2026?
"One thing to watch out for is the difference between a claim and a strike. A claim just means the rights holder monetizes your video or blocks it in certain countries – you don't lose your channel. A ..."
Topic: My Shorts retention drops at 2 seconds – is my hook or editing the problem?
"[QUOTE=creatorclub11]I've read that YouTube's algorithm uses retention as a signal, but I'm not sure if a 2-second drop is normal or if I'm doing something fundamentally wrong.[/QUOTE] Hey! A 2-secon..."
Topic: Showcasing My First Documentary Short – Need Honest Feedback on Pacing and Sound Mix
"I’m not a doc expert, but I do short-form content for TikTok/Shorts, so I think about pacing in a hyper-focused way. For your 6-minute doc, think of it as three 2-minute acts. Each act should have a m..."
Topic: Sony A7S III vs. FX3 for YouTube Talking Heads – Which One Should I Pick?
"Congrats on the FX3 choice—you're going to love it. I've been running mine for about a year now, and one thing I'll add: don't sleep on the FX3's 24p mode for talking heads if you're not already plann..."
Topic: Best bitrate and encoder settings for 1080p60 live streaming on YouTube?
"I second NVENC. On an RTX 3080, you have dedicated encoding hardware, so it won't hurt your in-game or editing performance. But for the absolute best quality, try the new AV1 encoder if you're using O..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly external monitor for run-and-gun shooting?
"I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to chime in since I picked up the FeelWorld F6 Plus based on this rec, and it’s been a workhorse for me too. One thing I’d add: if you’re doing run-and-gu..."
Topic: Feeling Burned Out After 3 Years of Daily Uploads – How Do You Keep Going?
"Totally agree with everything said here, and I want to add one more angle: your audience can smell the exhaustion in your content long before you say anything. I run a short-form channel, and after 3 ..."
Topic: Best Way to Promote Affiliate Products in Short-Form Videos Without Being 'Salesy'?
"Wow, thanks for the awesome advice everyone! I love the idea of using the 'problem-agitate-solve' formula and the 'morning routine' approach. I'm going to try making a video about 'how I stay consiste..."
Topic: Using Copyrighted Music in YouTube Shorts – What's Actually Safe in 2026?
"Thanks for the tips, everyone! I think I'm going to invest in a royalty-free subscription and also start making my own simple beats with LMMS. I tested a few songs from the Audio Library with the filt..."
Topic: CTR dropped from 8% to 3% after changing my thumbnail style – what did I do wrong?
"That's a classic problem – the algorithm learns from your audience's behavior, and they've been trained to expect a certain style. When you change it abruptly, even if it's objectively 'better', you'r..."
Topic: Hey everyone! I'm a professional videographer finally diving into ShortVi – here's my story and what I hope to learn
"Welcome to ShortVi, Alex! Your transition story is super common – I see a lot of traditional videographers making the jump. I'm Sarah (shortszone35), and I've been creating short-form content for abou..."
Topic: Dealing with Content ID claims on short-form remixes – how do you avoid them?
"I've been in the Shorts game for a while, and here's my tactic: avoid using the original audio track altogether. Instead, recreate the melody or beat using royalty-free samples or a synth. For example..."
Topic: Best way to create realistic fire and smoke simulations for a product promo?
"I've been using AE's built-in effects for years, and honestly, for fire and smoke, the 'Advanced Lightning' effect combined with 'Smoke' from the 'Particle Systems' can work if you use the right setti..."
Topic: Hello from a long-time lurker: finally ready to share my journey from hobbyist to serious creator!
"[QUOTE=mediawizard77]I'm a bit stuck on how to grow further, especially with the algorithm changes and the rise of AI tools.[/QUOTE] Welcome out of the shadows! I was in your exact shoes about a year..."
Topic: How to Negotiate a Fair Rate for a Brand Deal as a Small Creator?
"Hey @creatorengine77, glad to hear you got a solid deal locked in! $650 flat with 35% commission for a 2-video package is honestly a great starting point, especially for a first brand partnership. Tha..."
Topic: Reels Reaching 200 Views Cap? Fixing the 'FYP' Slump After a Viral Hit
"Glad to hear the fix worked for you, @help.php! That 87K jump confirms what most of us suspected—it's not a shadowban, it's just the algorithm recalibrating its baseline. One thing I'd add to the mix:..."
Topic: How to Automate Short-Form Video Creation with AI Without Losing Quality?
"Thanks for the detailed breakdowns, @vlogmaker90 and @actions.php! I tried your advice over the weekend and it's been a game-changer. I set up a ChatGPT prompt for scripts, used ElevenLabs for the voi..."
Topic: Showcasing My First Cinematic Travel Reel – Need Honest Feedback on Pacing and Color
"Great work for a first reel, man! I watched it and the biggest thing that stuck out to me was the audio – not the music, but the ambient sound. You have some nice street noise and tram sounds in there..."
Topic: Why does my 4K timeline lag in Premiere Pro even with a proxy workflow?
"[QUOTE=vibemaker50]Why does my 4K timeline lag in Premiere Pro even with a proxy workflow? I'm editing a short documentary in Premiere Pro 2026 on a Windows machine (Ryzen 9 5900X, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM)..."
Topic: Burned out after 2 years of daily shorts – how do you keep going?
"Thanks everyone, this really helped. I've decided to switch to a 4-video-per-week schedule and start batching my filming on weekends. I'll also take a 5-day break next month to reset. I already feel l..."
Topic: Why is my retention dropping at the 30-second mark? Need feedback on my hook and pacing.
"Hey! I've been there. The 30-second drop is super common – it's often where viewers feel they've gotten the 'gist' and leave. For DIY tutorials, the key is to tease the final result earlier and create..."
Topic: Click-through rate dropped from 6% to 1.8% after I changed my thumbnail style – what am I missing?
"That's great to hear you're already taking action, @videohustler59. The hybrid approach is exactly what I'd suggest—you're keeping the clean aesthetic but preserving that "brand signature" that your r..."
Topic: Best mobile editing app for vertical Shorts with auto-captions?
"I edit all my Shorts on my iPad with DaVinci Resolve – it's free and has no watermark, and the auto-captions are actually built-in now (since version 18.6). You can generate subtitles from the audio t..."
Topic: Need Honest Critique on My First Cinematic Travel Short – Why Does It Feel Flat?
"[QUOTE=pixelspark91]I've applied a LUT, added some contrast, and even tried to grade with color wheels, but something is off.[/QUOTE] I had the same issue when I started! The problem is often that yo..."
Topic: How do you push through creative burnout when every edit feels like a chore?
"Honestly, this whole thread has been a lifesaver. I’ve been lurking and trying to apply some of this to my own channel, and the 90-minute cap @frameclub13 mentioned is something I’m testing this week...."
Topic: Reels blowing up but zero followers converting — what am I doing wrong?
"Honestly, 300 followers from 1.2M views is low, but not abnormal. The key is your call-to-action (CTA). Are you verbally telling people to follow? Like, at the end of the Reel, say 'Follow for more tr..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for a 6-hour live stream with a single PC?
"Great advice so far. Just a quick correction: keyframe interval in OBS is in seconds, so set it to 2 (not frames). Also, for Twitch, the max bitrate is 6000 for non-partners, but as of 2025, Twitch ha..."
Topic: How to price a brand deal for a 30-second YouTube Short when you have 120K subs?
"I agree with lenswizard, but also consider the niche. Mobile game sponsors often have higher budgets but also expect performance. Since you have a few viral Shorts, you can leverage that – mention you..."
Topic: Newbie here: How to get my first 1000 subs without burning out?
"Hey, welcome! One thing that helped me was batching content. Dedicate one weekend a month to filming/editing 4-5 videos. Then during the week, you just upload and engage. Also, don't be afraid to repu..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly camera for cinematic Shorts? (Under $1000)
"[QUOTE=videopro31]I've been creating vertical Shorts for about six months now, mostly with my iPhone 13 Pro. I love the convenience, but I'm hitting a wall with the image quality, especially in low li..."
Topic: Shorts getting 0 views after posting – is there a shadowban or just algorithm roulette?
"Hey! That's frustrating. I've been through this too. First, check if your Shorts are actually being indexed – go to the video's 'Stats for nerds' and see if it says 'Not visible' or something. Also, m..."
Topic: How to Price Your First Freelance Video Editing Gig Without Underselling Yourself?
"Hey @audiomaster71, congrats on your first gig! The fact that you're thinking about pricing already puts you ahead of the curve. Here's my take: for a beginner, I'd recommend starting with a per-proje..."
Topic: Best Way to Color Match Sony S-Log3 to Rec.709 in DaVinci Resolve?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed replies! I tried the CST method as suggested by vlogflow85, and it made a huge difference. The skin tones are now much more natural, and I can finally see the colors I..."
Topic: Using copyrighted music in YouTube Shorts – what's the actual risk in 2026?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed answers! I think I've got a clear picture now. I'll stick to YouTube's Audio Library for music and avoid using movie/TV clips altogether – I'll create my own original ..."
Topic: Best way to stream 4K60 from Sony A7IV to YouTube with OBS?
"I'm a bit late to the party, but I've been streaming 4K60 from my A7IV for a while now, and I want to add a few tips. First, in OBS, make sure you're using the 'Simple' output mode with 'Stream' set t..."
Topic: Best mobile editing app for vertical YouTube Shorts in 2026? (CapCut vs. VN vs. PowerDirector)
"I've tried all three, and honestly, for Shorts specifically, I keep coming back to CapCut because of its massive template library and trendy effects. But if you're outgrowing it, VN is the best free o..."
Topic: TikTok views suddenly dropped to zero after 3 months of steady growth – algorithm shadowban or content fatigue?
"Adding to the great tips above: don't ignore the 'content fatigue' theory. After 3 months of daily posting, the algorithm may have saturated your core audience. Try a 'content pivot' – make a video ab..."
Topic: Feeling completely drained after 2 years of daily Shorts – anyone else hit this wall?
"[QUOTE=mediahub68]I'm thinking about scaling back to 3 times a week, but I'm terrified my channel will die.[/QUOTE] I've been there, man. I was posting 5 times a week for about 18 months and hit the ..."
Topic: My first YouTube Short is flopping – is it the editing or the algorithm?
"[QUOTE=help.php]I used a jump cut every 2 seconds, added text overlays for key points, and even put a trending song from the YouTube Audio Library.[/QUOTE] Hey @help.php, first off – congrats on your ..."
Topic: How to Properly Export YouTube Shorts from Premiere Pro Without Quality Loss?
"Great points from both. I make Shorts daily and here's my workflow that gives me consistent quality: 1. **Edit in 1080x1920** (like you do) – fine. 2. **Export a high-bitrate ProRes 422 LT** (not HQ ..."
Topic: How to land brand deals as a small Shorts creator with 10k subs?
"Wow, this is all gold! Thanks everyone. I took your advice and reached out to Ryobi via their AspireIQ page, and also made a sample Short using a Black+Decker drill I already own. Got a reply yesterda..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for 1080p60 live streaming on Twitch with a single PC setup?
"Thanks everyone for the detailed suggestions! I tried combining your advice: capped my in-game FPS to 60, used NVENC with P5 preset, Look-ahead on, Psycho Visual off, and set audio to 48 kHz with a si..."
Topic: YouTube Shorts retention dropping after 3 seconds – any fix?
"Thanks @cliphustler93! I went back and checked the retention graph – the drop was exactly at the 4-second mark where I had a slow transition between clips. I restructured the video so the first clip i..."
Topic: My first short film portfolio – need feedback on color grading and pacing
"[QUOTE=creatorexpert68]For the green skin tones, that’s a common issue with custom LUTs on Sony footage – the A7IV’s S-Log3 can introduce a green shift in midtones. Try this: in Resolve, add a Color S..."
Topic: Best way to upscale 1080p footage to 4K for Shorts without losing quality?
"[QUOTE=vibecore80]When I just scale up in the sequence settings, it looks soft and pixelated on fine details like text overlays or product shots.[/QUOTE] Hey vibecore80, I've dealt with this exact is..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for live streaming video editing on a single PC?
"[QUOTE=mediahub68]In OBS, go to Settings > Output and set the Encoder to 'NVIDIA NVENC H.264'. Then, under 'Encoder Settings', set 'Rate Control' to 'CBR', 'Bitrate' to 6000 Kbps (Twitch's max), and '..."
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