VlogWave41
@vlogwave41
Joined: Feb 2024
Toronto
Forum Topics Started
How to structure a brand deal proposal when you're a small channel?
Hey everyone! I'm a small YouTuber with about 12k subs, mostly doing tech reviews and tutorials. I just got approached by a software company (they make a video editing plugin) who wants to sponsor a video. They asked me to send over a proposal with my rates and what I'd include. I've never done a brand deal before, so I'm totally lost. How do I structure a proposal that looks professional but doesn't oversell my reach? Also, what's a fair rate for someone my size? I don't want to undersell myself, but I also don't want to scare them off with a crazy number. Any templates or tips would be hugely appreciated!
Hey everyone! New creator from Berlin looking to connect and learn
<img src="/uploads/berlin-creator-davinci-resolve-sony-zv-e10-1785071058.jpg" alt="Young video creator Max in Berlin editing on DaVinci Resolve with Sony ZV-E10 camera setup" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey ShortVi community! I'm Max, a 24-year-old video creator from Berlin. I've been making short-form content for about a year now, mostly travel and lifestyle vlogs on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. I've got around 12k subscribers on YouTube and 8k on Instagram, but I feel like I've hit a plateau. My watch time is decent, but my retention drops off hard after the first 3 seconds, and I'm struggling to get more than a few hundred views per upload now. I'm using a Sony ZV-E10 with the kit lens and editing in DaVinci Resolve 18.6. I really want to up my game, maybe get into more cinematic storytelling, and eventually monetize properly (I'm at 800 watch hours, so still a ways to go). I'm here to learn from you all and share what I've picked up so far. What's the one tip that changed your approach to short-form video?
Best mobile editing app for color grading LUTs in 2026?
<img src="/uploads/mobile-color-grading-luts-ipad-2026-1784768592.jpg" alt="Color grading LUTs on iPad Pro mobile editing app with stylus and waveform monitor" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone, I’ve been editing on my iPad Pro (M4) using LumaFusion for a while, but I’m hitting a wall with color grading. I shoot in LOG on my DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and I want to apply custom .cube LUTs directly in the app without having to convert or transcode. LumaFusion does support LUTs, but the preview is laggy and the color space mapping seems off (Rec.709 vs HLG). I’m considering switching to DaVinci Resolve for iPad (since it’s free and powerful), but I’ve heard the mobile version still lacks some features like full LUT management. Is there a better mobile editor for accurate LUT preview and export? I need something that works offline and doesn’t require a subscription. Any recommendations?
Struggling with pacing in my storytelling videos – any tips?
<img src="/uploads/storytelling-video-script-pacing-tips-1784697017.jpg" alt="Video editor's desk with script and Premiere Pro timeline showing pacing markers" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone, I've been making storytelling-style videos for about six months now, but I always feel like my pacing is off. I write a script that seems solid on paper, but when I edit it together, the middle section feels draggy and I lose viewer retention. I'm using Premiere Pro and I've tried cutting out pauses, adding b-roll, and even changing the music tempo, but nothing seems to fix it. I think my issue might be in the script itself – maybe I'm over-explaining or not structuring the tension right. For example, my last video was a personal travel story, and the 'problem' section took up almost 60% of the runtime. I'm aiming for a 8-12 minute sweet spot. Any advice on how to structure a script for better pacing, or specific techniques to test in the edit?
Replies Posted
Topic: How to showcase my first short film on ShortVi without getting roasted?
"Glad to see the thread worked out for you, @pixelflow17! That's exactly how it should go when you set expectations upfront. I'll echo what @reelsspark26 said about the follow-up post—I've seen a few c..."
Topic: How to structure a brand deal proposal when you're a small channel?
"Thanks everyone, this is super helpful! I've put together a proposal using these tips—started with a friendly intro, included my media kit, outlined three deliverable options (dedicated video, integra..."
Topic: How to find reliable collab partners for YouTube without getting ghosted?
"I've been on both sides of this. As a creator who receives a lot of collab requests, I can tell you that the ones that stand out are those that respect my time. That means a clear subject line, a shor..."
Topic: Struggling to Keep Viewers Hooked in the First 30 Seconds – Script Advice?
"That's a solid improvement, 55% AVD is a massive jump from 25%. The cat metaphor bit was a smart move—it's relatable and self-deprecating, which builds trust fast. One thing I'd suggest now that you'v..."
Topic: Hitting a creative wall after 3 years of daily uploads – how do you recharge?
"[QUOTE=lensflow13]I've tried pushing through, but the quality of my content is starting to suffer, and I can see it in my engagement metrics.[/QUOTE] That's a red flag. I've been there, and pushing t..."
Topic: How to price your first freelance video editing jobs without underselling yourself?
"[QUOTE=directorzone58]I mainly do YouTube-style edits: talking head videos with b-roll, captions, basic motion graphics, and color correction. I'm efficient in Premiere Pro and After Effects, and I ca..."
Topic: Hey everyone! New here – editing on a laptop, need advice on color grading
"[QUOTE=frameclub13]I'm overwhelmed by all the color grading options – Lumetri scopes, LUTs, you name it. My videos look flat and washed out compared to what I see from other creators.[/QUOTE] Hey Jak..."
Topic: Affiliate marketing with video: How to disclose and not lose viewers?
"Great question! I've been doing affiliate marketing for 3 years, and disclosure is key. The FTC is cracking down on hidden affiliate links, and YouTube itself now requires you to check the 'contains p..."
Topic: Thumbnail CTR dropped after YouTube update – any fix?
"Hey @vlogguru97, glad to see the fix worked! I actually noticed something similar on my channel, and I wanted to add one more thing that took me a while to figure out. Beyond the CTR, check your "aver..."
Topic: Where to Find Royalty-Free Music for YouTube Videos in 2026?
"I totally get the struggle! I started with free music too, but after a while I switched to Artlist because the quality is just on another level. They have a lifetime license for videos, and the search..."
Topic: Anyone Else's YouTube Studio Analytics Completely Broken After the Latest Update?
"Hey everyone! I know this thread is a bit older, but I just wanted to chime in since I ran into a similar hiccup last week. That /beta URL trick @vlogmaker90 mentioned is still a lifesaver, but I also..."
Topic: Hey everyone! New creator from Berlin looking to connect and learn
"Wow, thanks @videowizard42 and @framepro94! I tried the pattern interrupt trick on my latest short — I started with a close-up of my hand slamming a coffee cup on a table with a loud 'clunk' sound eff..."
Topic: Best way to set up affiliate links in video descriptions without looking spammy?
"One thing nobody mentioned yet: timestamps. If you mention a product at 4:32 in your video, put the affiliate link right next to that timestamp in the description. Like: 4:32 - Wireless mouse I use: ..."
Topic: Best royalty-free music libraries for cinematic travel vlogs (2026)?
"[QUOTE=lensflow13]I’ve tried Artlist and Epidemic Sound, but their cinematic catalogs feel repetitive after a while. Any hidden gems or newer platforms that specialize in high-end, orchestral or hybri..."
Topic: Dealing with false copyright claims on YouTube – any recourse?
"I second what cutwave94 said about the counter-notification. But also, check if the track is actually from the YouTube Audio Library and not a third-party site. Some people upload 'free' tracks to the..."
Topic: Best mobile editing app for color grading LUTs in 2026?
"[QUOTE=directorexpert95]check out KineMaster. They added LUT support in version 7.5 (2025)[/QUOTE] Thanks for the tips! I tried DaVinci Resolve for iPad based on lensflow13’s advice, and it works per..."
Topic: Struggling with pacing in my storytelling videos – any tips?
"Wow, thanks @vibecore72 and @zoomwave72! I tried the three-act structure with the midpoint twist on my latest video, and it worked like a charm. The retention graph in YouTube Studio went from a steep..."
Topic: Best Affiliate Programs for Video Creators in 2026?
"I'll add a different perspective—consider partnering with smaller, creator-focused brands. For example, companies like Rode (microphones) and Elgato (streaming gear) have excellent affiliate programs ..."
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