VlogFlow85
@vlogflow85
Joined: Feb 2024
Istanbul
Forum Topics Started
Best way to create smooth speed ramps in DaVinci Resolve without optical flow artifacts?
Hey everyone! I've been editing my travel vlogs in DaVinci Resolve (free version) and I'm trying to nail those super smooth speed ramps that you see in cinematic edits. I'm using the Speed Change feature and applying Optical Flow for the retiming, but I keep getting these weird warping artifacts and ghosting, especially when there's movement in the frame. My clips are shot at 24fps and I'm slowing them down to around 40% speed. I've tried adjusting the Optical Flow settings (tried both Speed Warp and Enhanced Better), but nothing seems to give me that clean, buttery look. Am I missing something? Should I be shooting at a higher frame rate, or is there a better retiming method in Resolve? Any tips on getting smooth speed ramps without the artifacts would be hugely appreciated!
Shorts algorithm suddenly tanked after 3 months of steady growth – what changed?
Hey everyone, I've been posting daily Shorts for about 3 months now. I was getting consistent 10k-50k views per Short, with a few hitting 200k+. My channel grew from 2k to 18k subs in that time. But starting about a week ago, my views have crashed to 300-800 per Short. I haven't changed my content style, upload time, or hashtags. I'm using the same editing workflow (CapCut desktop, 9:16, 1080x1920, H.264, 30fps, 60-second clips). I've checked YouTube Studio analytics – my swipe-away rate is actually better than before (around 25% vs 30%), and average view duration is up to 85%. So why the sudden drop? I've read that the Shorts algorithm can be volatile, but this feels like a complete reset. Could it be related to the recent changes YouTube made to Shorts monetization (the new 'Shorts revenue share' that started in Feb 2026)? Or maybe my content is being flagged as reused? I do use some clips from other creators with heavy transformation (green screen, voiceover, custom text) – but I've been doing that from the start. Any insights would be hugely appreciated – I'm close to giving up.
How do I structure a brand deal for a video that isn't a dedicated review?
Hey everyone! I'm a small tech/gadget creator (about 35K subs) and I just got my first serious brand inquiry. They want to sponsor a video where I include their product as part of a 'desk setup tour' rather than doing a full review. I'm excited but also nervous about how to structure the deal so it's fair for both sides. How do you typically price a segment like this? Should I charge a flat fee, or is it better to do a base rate plus a performance bonus? Also, what deliverables should I outline in the contract (e.g., number of mentions, on-screen time, link placement)? I want to be professional but also keep the content authentic for my audience. Any advice from creators who've done similar integrated sponsorships would be super helpful!
Shorts getting 0 views after 3 hours – is my hashtag strategy killing reach?
Hey everyone! I've been posting daily Shorts for about two months now, and my average views were around 500-800. But the last five Shorts have flatlined at 0-10 views after 3+ hours. The content is the same style (travel vlog clips with captions), and I haven't changed my upload time (around 6 PM EST). I'm starting to think it's my hashtag strategy – I recently switched from 3 broad tags (#travel, #vlog, #shorts) to 5 niche tags (#travelshorts, #hiddenparadise, #vlogshorts, #backpackinglife, #adventuretime). Could that be triggering a spam filter? Or is this a shadowban? I've also noticed my last Short's 'swiped away' rate is 87% in the one video that got 12 views – is that the real culprit? Any advice would be amazing, because I'm about to pull my hair out!
Maximizing Affiliate Revenue: How to Promote Products Without Killing Your Channel's Authenticity?
So I've been growing my channel for about a year now, mainly doing tech reviews and tutorials. I've hit 50k subs and I'm seeing some steady watch time, but my affiliate income is almost nonexistent. I've added Amazon affiliate links in my video descriptions, but I rarely get clicks, let alone purchases. I feel like I'm missing something fundamental. I want to start promoting products more strategically, but I'm worried about coming off as too salesy and losing the trust I've built with my audience. I've seen other creators in my niche do it successfully without making their content feel like an ad. How do you balance authentic content with effective affiliate marketing? What's the best way to structure your videos and calls-to-action to actually convert viewers into buyers? Any advice on which platforms (Amazon, ClickBank, niche-specific programs) are worth the effort? I'd love to hear what's worked for you.
Best mobile video editing app for vertical YouTube Shorts in 2026?
Hey everyone! I'm a beginner trying to grow my YouTube Shorts channel, but I'm stuck on which mobile editing app to use. I've tried CapCut and InShot, but I'm overwhelmed by the options and want to make sure I'm using the best tool for vertical content. My main needs are: easy text overlays, auto-captions, and quick export settings for 9:16. I also want to avoid watermarks and keep the quality high. What do you recommend for 2026? I'm on an iPhone 15 Pro, if that matters. Also, any tips on exporting settings to keep sharpness when uploading to Shorts? Thanks in advance!
Best Way to Integrate Affiliate Links Without Killing Viewer Trust?
Hey everyone! I've been running my channel for about a year now, mostly tech reviews and tutorials. I've got a decent following (around 15k subs) and I'm looking to start monetizing more seriously. I've been thinking about affiliate marketing, especially for the gear I use in my videos. But I'm worried about coming off as too salesy and losing the trust I've built with my audience. I've seen some creators do it really well, and others just spam links in the description and it feels cheap. What's your strategy for integrating affiliate links naturally? Do you mention them on camera, put them in the description only, or use some kind of overlay? Also, how do you balance affiliate content with regular content so your channel doesn't become one big ad? I'd love to hear what's worked for you guys.
How to find reliable collab partners without getting ghosted?
Hey everyone! I've been growing my channel for about a year now (currently at 48k subs) and I really want to start doing collabs to break into new niches and cross-pollinate audiences. I've reached out to maybe 10 creators in my niche (travel vlogging + tech gear reviews) via email and Instagram DMs, and I've only gotten one response – and that one fell through after a few messages. I'm starting to feel like I'm doing something wrong, or maybe my pitch is too generic? I'm also wondering about the best way to structure a collab so it's mutually beneficial. I've seen some creators do full video swaps, others do shoutouts, and some do live streams together. What's worked for you guys? Any advice on how to find reliable partners and actually seal the deal without getting ghosted? I'd love to hear your experiences and any templates you use for outreach.
Affiliate marketing with video: How to disclose and not lose viewers?
Hey everyone! I've been creating tech review videos for about a year now, and I'm finally seeing some decent traction. My latest video on budget microphones got 50k views, and I got a few affiliate links in the description. I made about $120 from that video alone, which is awesome. But I'm worried about disclosure rules. I know the FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosure, but if I say 'this video contains affiliate links' at the start, will that make viewers click away? I've seen big creators just put a tiny text in the description and get away with it. What's the best practice that keeps you compliant but doesn't hurt your retention? Also, any tips on how to integrate affiliate products into the content without feeling too salesy? Thanks!
Should I Include Raw Unedited Clips in My Video Editing Portfolio?
<img src="/uploads/editing-portfolio-raw-vs-final-showcase-1785359838.jpg" alt="Video editing portfolio workspace with raw footage and final cut comparison on dual monitors" 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 currently revamping my editing portfolio website and I'm stuck on a specific question: should I include raw unedited footage alongside my final cuts? I've been editing for about 3 years now, mostly corporate gigs and some YouTube content, and I want to demonstrate my workflow transparency and problem-solving skills. My thinking is that showing the raw footage first, then the polished edit, could really highlight the value I add. But I'm worried it might make me look unprofessional or like I'm padding my portfolio. What's the standard practice here? Do clients actually care about seeing the raw material, or is it just the final product that matters? Also, if I do include raw clips, should I put them in a separate section or integrate them directly with each project showcase? Thanks in advance for any advice!
Best AI Tools for Automating YouTube Shorts?
Hey everyone, I've been trying to scale my YouTube Shorts channel without spending hours editing every single clip. I'm looking for AI tools that can automate the process—like auto-captioning, auto-zooming on speakers, and even generating b-roll from script keywords. I've tried a few but they either had terrible output quality or were too expensive. What's working for you guys in 2025? Specifically, I need something that integrates with DaVinci Resolve or exports directly to YouTube's preferred format. I'm also curious about AI voiceovers that don't sound robotic for faceless channels. Any recommendations? My budget is around $30/month max.
Replies Posted
Topic: How do you all keep your editing timelines organized when a project drags on for weeks?
"I feel your pain—long projects can turn into a nightmare if you don’t set up a system from the start. Here’s what works for me in Resolve: 1. **Use the Media Pool bins religiously.** Create a bin str..."
Topic: Thumbnail CTR dropped after YouTube changed layout – need advice on new design
"[QUOTE=audioexpert32]I've tried adjusting my thumbnails—using bigger text, brighter colors, and more contrast—but nothing seems to work.[/QUOTE] I feel your pain! I went through the same thing when t..."
Topic: How to match color between multiple cameras in DaVinci Resolve without looking flat?
"[QUOTE=soundguru54]if the waveform looks too low, you might need to add a slight contrast curve. For the flat look, it's often because the CST is set to a gamma that's too flat for Rec.709. Try 'Rec.7..."
Topic: How do you keep your creative spark alive after 5+ years of daily content creation?
"Honestly, I had to re-evaluate my 'why'. I was chasing numbers, but when I started making videos that I’d want to watch even if no one else did, the spark came back. Try a 'no-algorithm' video – make ..."
Topic: Affiliate Marketing for Video Creators: How to Disclose Properly and Actually Make Money?
"Great points! One thing I learned the hard way: don't stuff affiliate links everywhere. It kills trust. Instead, I only include links for products I genuinely recommend and that are relevant to the vi..."
Topic: Best way to create smooth speed ramps in DaVinci Resolve without optical flow artifacts?
"Thanks for all the replies! I took the advice and did a few test runs. Shooting at 60fps made a huge difference – I don't even need Optical Flow for the slow-mo parts now. And for the 24fps clips, I s..."
Topic: Shorts algorithm suddenly tanked after 3 months of steady growth – what changed?
"Thanks for all the input, everyone. I checked my channel status – no issues there. But I did notice that my last few videos had a 'limited' icon on the video details page. I think it was because I was..."
Topic: Why Does My Documentary Script Feel Like a List of Facts? Need Help with Narrative Arc.
"Honestly, this thread is exactly what I needed to stumble on today. I've been fighting the same fact-list demon on a short doc about a local food bank, and @help's logline trick is a game-changer. I s..."
Topic: Shorts algorithm tanked after 3 weeks of daily uploads – what changed?
"[QUOTE=framepro94]I've been uploading daily Shorts for about 3 weeks now, and the first two weeks were great – my videos were getting 5k-20k views each, with a couple hitting 100k. But this last week,..."
Topic: Is Using Copyrighted Music in Short Videos Fair Use? Need Advice
"[QUOTE=videomaker56]I've read that 'fair use' might apply to short clips, but I'm not sure if that's true for music in YouTube shorts. Can someone explain how fair use actually works in this context?[..."
Topic: Best way to create realistic fire and smoke simulations for a product promo?
"Another option is to use Houdini's free version, Houdini Apprentice, for the simulation, and then bring the rendered passes into After Effects. But keep in mind that Apprentice has a watermark on rend..."
Topic: Why does my travel vlog look flat and lifeless? Need honest critique on color and lighting
"[QUOTE=directorwave67]With S-Log3 on the A7 IV, you need to expose to the right (ETTR) by about +1.7 to +2 stops over what your camera's meter suggests.[/QUOTE] I agree with the exposure tip. But als..."
Topic: How do you push through the mid-edit slump? Losing motivation halfway through every video.
"[QUOTE=soundprime96]I switched my editing order. Instead of doing the whole video linearly, I edit the hardest part first (usually the intro or a complex transition), then the easiest parts. That way,..."
Topic: Hi everyone! Long-time lurker, finally introducing myself and my gear journey
"Hey welcome! I'm also a tech reviewer (gadgets, not cameras though). I feel your pain on the color grading. One thing that helped me a lot was learning to use the Qualifier tool to isolate the skin an..."
Topic: Why does my B-roll look so flat compared to big YouTubers? (Sony A7S III + 24-70mm GM)
"[QUOTE=pixelspark21]I've tried adding contrast and saturation, but it either looks overdone or still dull.[/QUOTE] Hey! I feel your pain. I had the exact same issue when I started with S-Log3. The ke..."
Topic: Why is my retention dropping after I added a hook?
"I had the same issue a few months ago. The fix for me was to remove the 'question' part of the hook. Questions can feel like a delay—viewers want the answer, not another question. Instead, I now start..."
Topic: How do I structure a brand deal for a video that isn't a dedicated review?
"Thanks @pixelspark91 for the detailed breakdown! That gives me a solid starting point. I'll definitely use the CPM multiplier approach and outline clear deliverables. I also appreciate the reminder ab..."
Topic: Shorts getting 0 views after 3 hours – is my hashtag strategy killing reach?
"Thank you @audioexpert32 – that makes a lot of sense! I checked my last Short and you're right, the first second is just a slow pan of a beach with no text. I'm going to re-edit it with a quick zoom a..."
Topic: Maximizing Affiliate Revenue: How to Promote Products Without Killing Your Channel's Authenticity?
"Thanks everyone, this is all incredibly helpful. I'm going to start by implementing the product shelf feature and creating a dedicated gear page. I'll also rewrite my CTAs to be more specific and test..."
Topic: Best mobile video editing app for vertical YouTube Shorts in 2026?
"Thanks for the replies! I tried the CapCut settings you mentioned and it worked great – the 4K export really helped with sharpness. Also, the tip about the black frame was a lifesaver because my first..."
Topic: Feeling invisible after 2 years of consistent uploads — how do you keep going?
"I feel this so hard. I hit the exact same wall at around the 18-month mark. What helped me was a brutal but liberating reframe: I stopped treating YouTube as a meritocracy. The algorithm doesn't owe u..."
Topic: Best Way to Integrate Affiliate Links Without Killing Viewer Trust?
"Thanks for the tips, both of you! I especially like the idea of using YouTube's Products feature—I didn't realize that was built in. I'll definitely set that up. And the 20% ratio for affiliate conten..."
Topic: Shorts algorithm tanked after 3 weeks of consistent uploads – what am I doing wrong?
"I had a similar slump, and it turned out my upload time was the issue. I was posting at 6 PM, but my audience was most active at 9 AM. Check your 'When your viewers are on YouTube' in your analytics a..."
Topic: Dialing in the Rode NTG4+ for outdoor interviews – what's your go-to gain staging?
"I've used the NTG4+ with a DR-60D for years. Here's my workflow: set the DR-60D's input gain to around 60-70% (about 30 dB on the dial) for normal speaking distance (12-18 inches). The NTG4+ has a hot..."
Topic: How to use AI to auto-generate captions and repurpose long videos into shorts without losing quality?
"I've been in the same boat! I use Descript for captions and it's pretty good, but for Shorts specifically, I've had great results with Opus Clip. It uses AI to find the most engaging moments based on ..."
Topic: How to find reliable collab partners without getting ghosted?
"Wow, thanks everyone – this is all super helpful! I'm definitely going to revamp my outreach approach. I think my mistake was being too vague and not offering a specific value proposition. I'm going t..."
Topic: Why is my YouTube Shorts retention dropping after 3 seconds?
"Glad that worked for you! I actually ran into the same thing a few months back and found another layer to this—checking where the drop is happening relative to your audio. Even with a perfect visual h..."
Topic: What's your go-to snack while editing? (Need ideas for late-night sessions)
"[QUOTE=vlogmaker90]I switched to using chopsticks for snacks like popcorn or pretzels.[/QUOTE] That's genius! I've been using a small spoon for yogurt-covered raisins, but chopsticks might be even be..."
Topic: Premiere Pro 2026: Why is my 4K timeline stuttering even with a powerful PC?
"[QUOTE=vlogpro73]I've heard about proxy workflows and I think that might be the solution, but I'm not sure where to start. Should I create proxies in a specific format (like ProRes 422 Proxy or H.264)..."
Topic: Hello from a New Creator: Need Advice on Starting a Tech Review Channel
"Welcome! I've been doing tech reviews for 3 years. My biggest tip: structure your review like a story – problem, solution, and why it matters. For example, if you're reviewing a power bank, start with..."
Topic: Best Way to Handle 10-bit 4:2:2 Footage in DaVinci Resolve on a Mid-Range PC?
"Hey @mediapro79, I feel your pain! I edit 10-bit 4:2:2 from a Fuji X-T4 on a similar setup (Ryzen 9 5900X, RTX 3070). The key is to use the right proxy format. DNxHR LB is good, but for 10-bit source,..."
Topic: How to Get Clean Dialogue Audio Without a Boom Operator?
"I second the wireless lav approach, but I'd add that you should always record a backup track. The DJI Mic 2 has internal storage and 32-bit float too, so you can have a safety track. For placement, I'..."
Topic: Best mobile editing app for vertical short-form content (2026)?
"[QUOTE=cutpro67]Have you tried LumaFusion? It's a bit of a learning curve, but it's a powerhouse on iOS.[/QUOTE] LumaFusion is great, but if you want built-in motion tracking and advanced effects, ch..."
Topic: Best Mobile Editing App for 4K Color Grading and LUT Support?
"[QUOTE=editormaster14]I've heard CapCut and DaVinci Resolve for iPad are game-changers. I need something that handles 4K 10-bit footage from my Sony A7IV (S-Log3) without proxies, has proper scopes (w..."
Topic: Reels getting stuck at 200-300 views – is my editing the problem or the algorithm?
"I think you're overthinking the algorithm. The 200-300 view plateau is normal for a small account – it's like a test group. Instagram shows your Reel to a small audience, and if they engage (likes, co..."
Topic: How to find reliable collab partners for YouTube without getting ghosted?
"I've had good luck using platforms like Collabstr and Upwork to find creators who are open to paid collaborations. It filters out the flaky ones because they've committed to a paid gig. But if you're ..."
Topic: Best Way to Color Match Sony S-Log3 to Rec.709 in DaVinci Resolve?
"Hey! I've been down this road with my A7S III. The most reliable method I've found is using the Color Space Transform node (not RCM) because it gives you granular control. Here's my exact setup: On th..."
Topic: Hitting a creative wall after 3 years of daily uploads – how do you recharge?
"I feel you, man. I hit the same wall after two years of weekly uploads. What saved me was scheduling a two-week break and letting my audience know in advance. I posted a short video explaining I neede..."
Topic: Affiliate marketing with video: How to disclose and not lose viewers?
"Thanks for the advice, @vlogwave41 and @directorspark50! I implemented the verbal disclosure at the start, and my retention actually went up a bit—I think viewers appreciate the honesty. I also starte..."
Topic: Shorts algorithm tanked after posting 3 videos in one day – is it a shadowban or just poor pacing?
"I've seen this happen to a few creators. Posting multiple Shorts in a day can confuse the algorithm because it's trying to figure out which video to push to your subscriber feed and browse features. I..."
Topic: How do you push through the 'it's not good enough' phase before publishing?
"Honestly, the 2x speed trick and the scheduling deadline are the two things that finally broke my cycle too. I used to sit on edits for weeks, and the weird thing was, the videos I agonized over the m..."
Topic: Should I Include Raw Unedited Clips in My Video Editing Portfolio?
"Thanks everyone, this is gold! I'm going to go with a 'Process' section featuring 2 before/after comparisons using split-screen wipes, plus a password-protected case study page for more detailed walkt..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for 1080p 60fps live stream on Twitch with a single PC setup?
"Glad you got it sorted! I’ve been running a similar single-PC 1080p60 stream on a 3060 Ti and hit the exact same wall with motion blur at 6000 kbps. Dropping to 936p is a lifesaver—Twitch’s encoder ha..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for 1080p 60fps gaming streams without dropping frames?
"Glad you got it sorted, @soundwave99! Just a heads-up—since this thread is a bit older, you might want to check if you're on the latest OBS version (30.2.3 dropped a few weeks ago). It includes a new ..."
Topic: How do you push through creative burnout when every edit feels like a chore?
"[QUOTE=zoomwave72]I've tried taking a week off, but that only made me feel guilty about the algorithm dropping my reach.[/QUOTE] I feel you so much on this. The guilt is real. But here's the thing—I ..."
Topic: Struggling with false copyright claims on YouTube – how do you handle disputed claims that don't get resolved?
"I feel your pain, man. I've been through this exact nightmare. The key thing I learned is that YouTube's Content ID system is heavily skewed towards the claimant, and disputes are often ignored becaus..."
Topic: Using Copyrighted Music in Shorts – How to avoid demonetization?
"Good point from @shortsprime62. I'd add that you can also use royalty-free music from sites like Epidemic Sound or Artlist – they have commercial licenses that cover YouTube monetization. Just make su..."
Topic: Thumbnail CTR dropped after YouTube algorithm update – any fixes?
"I’m a beauty and lifestyle creator, and I had the same issue. What worked for me was adding a human face with a clear emotion (surprise or curiosity) taking up at least 30% of the thumbnail. But the k..."
Topic: Best AI Tools for Automating YouTube Shorts?
"Thanks @videohustler59 and @editorwizard92! I tried Descript's free trial and paired it with ElevenLabs like you suggested—it's exactly what I needed. The auto-captioning in Descript is spot-on, and t..."
Topic: Thumbnail CTR tanked after 10K impressions – what am I missing?
"I agree with @audiocraft39 on the audience shift. But also check your YouTube Studio analytics for the "How viewers find this video" report. If a large chunk of impressions are coming from "Suggested ..."
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