how to edit a killer youtube video (for the 2025 algorithm)

[@DiakaMelendez]

I used one of your outlines from an earlier video when I started my channel last Spring. I am happy to share I am monetized and at 8500 subs!

[@AprilynneAlter]

that is so, so cool to hear!! major congrats on the growth - that's huge!

[@RadioSpec93]

Way to go!! That’s hopeful news for us new folks starting out!

[@DiakaMelendez]

@@AprilynneAlter thank you!

[@Cristina_Nina]

So good! I hope for the same in the future ☺️

[@hilmiakbarr]

Which video is that? I'm looking to learn how to do outlining

[@MSGrantMusic]

Your videos are always so beautifully put-together. Watching these videos is like getting a Master's Degree in KZbin Creation.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahhhh thank you so, so much!!! That really means the world to hear :)

[@KatrinaKubo]

Totally agree! And your scripting and voice delivery is SO easy to comprehend while maintaining professionalism

[@UnixGuy]

I like this edit, very clean. Good job

[@VidhathShetty]

As I was going through the video I realised that most of the advice really requires paradigm shifts in learning and how not to repeat what the crowd is doing and find your own reasoned out observation to be non linear. That's what got the result that people are frustrated with that they would want to see but don't yet know how to ask for it

[@AprilynneAlter]

That’s so true! So many people just copy others and then get frustrated when it doesn’t work I won’t tell you how to edit, but I CAN give you the building blocks to figure out how YOU want to edit

[@SlowColt]

wonderful video, Aprilynne! even as someone who's been editing for 10 years--and who's heard most if not all these principles before--combining everything into a complete and polished video is indeed a very complicated process. i really appreciate the advice you left us with at the end regarding being intentional about choosing one concept to work on each video. this is such a good way to master the complex craft of editing over time! thank you for the hard work you put into this video, it shows🤍

[@factbyabhishek]

Vote for sound design video

[@AprilynneAlter]

looks like I'm going to need to do it!!

[@MMohsin-x5q]

Make video about sounds design

[@lukaszpiernikarczyk]

I want it too😊

[@CoilyCode]

Aprilynne! You are a God-sent. I don't mean to offend you if I do by saying that, but I tell you, your videos have helped me in such a short time span than all the years of trying to grow my channel through trial-and-error. I finally got monetized after reaching the sub limit and watch hours, and I will say, it def helped that God led me to your videos. I've been applying the principles and all newer videos just start averaging 1k views :)

[@Auratix]

HELL YEAH FINALLY! I have been waiting for this after your thumbnail vid, great video ideas vid, and im so so so happy this one is out.

[@AprilynneAlter]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This one was a LONG time coming, and I'm so happy it's finally out there in the world!!

[@Hanthebananz]

Brilliant video once again! But we definitely need a ‘how-to’ on sound design!

[@AprilynneAlter]

right?! I might make one big video, or I might break it into a video about music and a video about sound effects. Any preference?

[@Cassandraa-lee]

@@AprilynneAlterboth

[@VikashRathee-kq3xh]

Go for one big video

[@UntoldTurtle]

@@AprilynneAlterwe gotta get like a 40 min video that breaks down sound design in different segments

[@miahan8988]

@@AprilynneAlterone biiig video, it’s going to be like a class!

[@rose_mlr]

i was taking notes when i looked up and realised i was 17 minutes in and not 3 minutes i was STUNNED. completely locked in, your 12 hour editing days were worth it 🌸

[@ramaken254]

You are really killing it. Just finished taking notes for the old video, and new knowledge is here. Thank you.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so, so much for watching!!! 💙

[@averagejae]

Wow I just came back to KZbin to make longform content and finished editing a video last night and after seeing this I know I missed a good bit. Definitely excited to use this template for my next video. I appreciate this video. Thank you!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much for watching! And good luck on your long-form content!! It's a whole different game, but it's so, so worth it 💙

[@JustinNathanielAdams]

I love the PDF checklists you put together. I have them saved in cloud storage for safe keeping. Another great video as always

[@slow_spokes]

This is everything it took me two years of trial and error and research to learn, and I only really knew it subconsciously. You made it all clear and explicit in less than 30 minutes. I wish I had this when I started. Well done, Aprilynne!

[@naomicotti]

Holy Smokes! The editing is top tier 🫨👏

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahh thank you so much! I really tried to pull out all the stops in this one 🎬

[@sebastienplante2430]

Your videos are simply amazing. Thanks for all the effort and value tou put in!

[@AprilynneAlter]

wow, thank you so much for the super thanks!!! I'm so glad you liked the video 💙

[@UttamSarvashreshth]

Aprilynne, your content is genuinely trustworthy, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about KZbin. You’re the first creator that comes to mind, and I never need to think twice about your work. Your hard work and in-depth research truly pay off-every single second of your videos is so valuable. I always end up watching them twice to fully appreciate the quality you deliver. As feedback, we absolutely love videos like this, where you dive deep into a topic and provide us with everything we need to know. Examples include this video, your video on thumbnails, and the one where you watched every single interview of MrBeast. Your dedication and effort shine through, and your work is truly invaluable. Thank you for sharing such amazing content with us!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Wow, thank you so, so much for the kind words. I REALLY appreciate it - especially because a TON of work goes into videos like these, it means a lot to know that someone out there appreciates them 💙 Thank you so much for watching, and for taking the time to leave such a kind note! I feel so honored to have earned your trust over time :) And let me know if you have any video requests for the future!

[@yesevoi]

If the thumbnail style ain't broke, don't fix it!

[@AprilynneAlter]

you know it!!

[@Sambalamba-bwst]

True

[@DanJames-m2e]

THIS WOMAN IS A GODDESS

[@sofiyosixo]

This came at the perfect time. After YEARS of overthinking and self doubt I finally posted my first one a week ago, but I'm feeling pressure (from myself) to make sure the next one is up to par. You break down everything so beautifully and make it easy to digest and refer back to which I really appreciate. Please keep going- looking forward to the sound design video!

[@CDCDC697]

Hey Aprilynne, it would be absolutely AMAZING to have a video from u on sound design! It would fit really nicely with the series as well, with the other videos on the title and thumbnail, intro, ideation and this one.

[@multiinc]

your videos deserve so much more love

[@AprilynneAlter]

thank you so much 💙 a lot of love goes into creating them!

[@smitinathan]

Excellent video Aprilynne!!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so, so much!

[@StephaniePlaysGames]

APRILYNNE! This is SO helpful! Seriously, as someone who had no idea how to start making videos/what makes a good video - your videos are always the single most helpful things I watch (and then watch again and again and again 😂). Thanks for all of your hard work!

[@PatrickMaitwe]

The most impactful thing was that simple advice you started the video with: "know who your audience is, know who you're editing for." Needed to hear that lol. Great video! 🔥

[@Anuj-jc5uu]

I'm super impressed to see someone actually using what they are teaching to actually blow up their own channel! Very inspiring to witness this 💙

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahhhh this means the world to hear!!! Thank you so much for watching 💙

[@jackblood00]

I just finished watching it, and it's pure magic. ❤ You did a really good job! Now the next step is to write the story based on the knowledge from this video and the other one about killing KZbin ideas💪

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so, so much for the kind words!!! You absolutely got this 💙

[@DanToruno]

You are so good at this haha. That Intro had me hooked and excited for the watch.

[@alexandragoenmph]

Wow! This went against everything I've ever thought about retention. But it makes SO MUCH SENSE! Thank you for this!

[@peteonthemove]

I cannot believe the amount of work that must have gone into this video ! Thanks so much. I watched it once, but I think another 3 times might be about right to digest all of this. Awesome stuff. 😃

[@gwcpas]

Fantastic video as usual, Aprilynne. Always worth the wait. This one makes it clear I will never be a killer editor, that's not where my highest contribution is for my company (subject matter expert for talking heads). I'd love a video on working with a team to bring all these pieces together across multiple stages.

[@AprilynneAlter]

ooh working with teams is such a big topic! It's something that I'm trying to figure out for myself as I scale beyond just using my own time I'll add it to my list of video ideas!

[@NiagaraThistle]

Great video as always, with excellent tips for a new KZbinr having issues figuring out how to edit a video worth watching. Well worth the wait!

[@LouisWorks]

Yay! Another banger! I can’t wait to watch this!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahhh thank you!! Let me know what you think of it!

[@LouisWorks]

@@AprilynneAlter This video was great to watch. To be honest I have learned some editing just by watching your videos. Continue doing what you are doing and stay encouraged. I think I heard you say in one of your videos that you almost quit KZbin. I want to encourage you that you have a unique style of videos that I haven't encountered in any other KZbin video, which makes you stand out! I started my KZbin channel a year ago and I have grown a lot because of the content you create. Thank you. 😊

[@AprilynneAlter]

This really means so, so much to hear. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind note 💙

[@diyg.gardening]

Aprilynne, your work is incredible. Thank you for spending the time and energy to bring us such deeply thought-through and analytical content.

[@aimbot_user19]

I never thought I would see a video 1 minute after release, but here I am!

[@AprilynneAlter]

welcome!! so happy you're here! 🎉

[@darshit_poriya]

In-depth as well as interesting 🙌

[@CatitoArce]

That B/W shot at 5:24. Chapeau !!!! Are you doing you graphics - Editing - scripting ? If so, Chapeau again. If you work with a team, well, you are doing inspiring, informative, and educational content. I do appreciate it a ton. Merci

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahhhh thank you so much!!! I do scripting and most of the graphics, and editing overall is a combination of myself and my producer! So glad you enjoyed the video 💙

[@Evieran]

The first 30 seconds of this video have taken you hours of work!! Great effort 👏👏👏🎬

[@WoogieTheBear-BrawlStars]

I've watched countless videos about editing and I have to say. This might be single handedly the most powerful video I've seen yet!

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhh this is such high praise!! thank you so much 💙

[@Variant404]

42 days. You have found the secrets ro the universe, congratulations!

[@tylerknowsanimals]

I love you thumbnail style I must say!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much!! 💙

[@jbarksdale227]

This video is 🔥! Great job! I’ve had to learn most of these tips and tricks the hard way. I wish I would have had this sooner!

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Another fantastic video from the awesome & beautiful Aprilynne. Great editing tips and advice in this video and love 🥰 it. Love 💖 Aprilynne and this channel.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much for watching David! Always appreciate your kind words 💙

[@ElsonnEstudioAi]

I was so amazed by the value you gave us for free!!! Killing it!!! Thanks a lot for your effort

[@WhitneyIb]

This was such a good watch! Thank you for this :)

[@PiasAhmed1]

You deserve more attention! you just placed an awesome video ❤ from Bangladesh!

[@kelly_browning]

Leaving a comment to help the algorithm. :) Great video as always!

[@AprilynneAlter]

woohoo thank you so much!!

[@TheTimedCarbGuy]

Thanks for all the time you pour in. I'm happy I found you over a year ago. Watching every one since then. 🎉😊

[@ThomasPanda-t3g]

I was wondering how much the quality of voiceovers matter. I'm satisfied with my script and editing but i don't have an expensive microphone so i try to do the best with the tools i have. A video on voiceovers would help out alot. Thanks

[@CrusherEAGLE]

Amazing!! Was waiting for this! Great work!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Hope it was worth the wait!! 💙

[@CrusherEAGLE]

@ are you kidding me? I’m still watching but i’m gonna have to watch this over and over and take notes. You outdid yourself for this one!

[@AprilynneAlter]

@@CrusherEAGLE ahhhhhh that makes me so happy to hear!!! So glad you’re enjoying it 💙

[@doctorsecrets]

Another terrific video. Happy I stumbled onto your channel. Cheers.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much!! I'm happy you're here :)

[@writersdetectiveschool]

This was soooo good on so many levels. Thank you, Aprilynne!

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhhh thank you so, so much!! 💙

[@YosielEthereal]

wow came here super early , knowing this is gonna be a gem 💎

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhh I hope you enjoy!! 💙

[@Swiftdogg]

Thank you for another banger. For me i knew alot of this stuff but it does feel REALLY GOOD to have the same views as someone I look up to! It just affirms im on the right path 😊

[@NisayYT]

I Cant believe that this doesn't have like 100k views already😭 I love the way you make your videos, even if I couldn't see your face on the videos, I would still know its you because you have such a unique edit style. keep grinding!💯

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhh that means so much to hear!! style is something that definitely takes a long time to develop, and I'm so happy that it's defined enough for people to recognize! 💙

[@NisayYT]

@@AprilynneAlter Ofc! keep on working hard! 😁

[@Beets_Creations]

Great video as always, lots of good information! I know I need to focus better on the emotion aspect. Thanks!

[@maskichef]

have been bingde watching videos about editing for weeks.... this is the best one yet. thank you for your effort to create this.

[@AprilynneAlter]

This means so, so much to hear - thank you!!! I'm so glad you liked the video 💙

[@thenoisywriter]

Wow! This was an amazing video, thank you!! Taking notes, I’m just beginning ❤️✨

[@FilmScoreandMore]

Thank you for the timeline visual at 8:41! I'm no stranger to editing, but when I see an edit like that I don't know how to do it myself.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahh so glad you appreciated that detail!! tbh I have no idea if the way I do it is the "right" way to do it, but it works for me!

[@FilmScoreandMore]

@ If you did it and works seamlessly isn’t that right?

[@Makeitwithkelly]

Familiarity bias I must say 🤝 I see your thumbnail,I click ❤

[@AprilynneAlter]

I'm honored 💙💙

[@highmanbong]

Thank you soooo much❤ love your videos and the effort you put into. Killer video again!

[@AprilynneAlter]

thank you so, so much for watching!! 💙 so glad you enjoyed the vid!!

[@RamenSupplier]

We’ve WAITED for this to drop!!

[@angelzheng]

*re-edits my entire youtube planning template to add in your new notes*

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahahaha sorry not sorry 😅

[@ShahzebSalahuddin]

This video itself is the perfect embodiment of all the advice you gave! Liked and Subbed. P.S would love a video on sound design 😀

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhh I appreciate you!! thank you! 💙

[@miahan8988]

Yes to detailed sound design video! ❤

[@peter_editing]

Great to see Hayden here!

[@ugolodev]

Ur underrated🔥

[@AprilynneAlter]

appreciate you 💙

[@mohdshahnawaz.australia]

You are one of the best! ❤

[@dark_viz]

you saved my channel

[@godwin_njoroge]

Going to be using this and your other videos in this series throughout the year. I’ve learnt so much from you! Thank you so much

[@Omar-Hamad]

I think you will reach a million subscribers easy with this content, just a matter of time. well done, really informative and excellent quality video.

[@BartTorfs]

Fantastic video, tons of value. Very underrated video. You earned that like and subscribe.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Ahhhh thank you so, so much!!! I really appreciate it 💙

[@VictoriaRoseTravel]

Beautifully edited video. Bravo for clear, trustworthy information

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 💙

[@R4geCs2]

was just going for the final edits of my first video, thank you for giving me the sign that it's time to do the thing I always wanted to do

[@SeekEndurance]

The amount of valuable information in this video is insane, thanks!

[@MaxMoments15]

This is really useful. Thank you very much! This is the first video ive ever seen from you and its led to watching some more now. Really good advice

[@BigA_bro]

How is your content free😭 this was so good

[@AprilynneAlter]

Because I love you guys, that's why 😭 but I'm so glad you liked the video!!

[@Cor333y]

Thanks for your hard work! You explain the process very well. Happy New Year Aprilynne!

[@AprilynneAlter]

Happy New Year to you too! I’m so glad you found the video helpful! 💙

[@barrywinata]

well done. nicely crafted and it certainly helped me with my own channel's growth.

[@AprilynneAlter]

yay I'm so happy to hear that! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@JustRomainYT]

Hey very informative ! As I am starting my KZbin Channel I made several experiments and choice mistakes from my first videos to my latest videos and this video resonate with my overall experience. Very informative and useful, thank you !

[@Cristina_Nina]

This feels a tiny bit intimidating but I love the end part of this video where you keep motivating us :)

[@AprilynneAlter]

it's definitely a LOT! I always go back and forth on how much is TOO much to put into a video. On one hand, I want it to be comprehensive, but on the other hand, I don't want to intimidate people too much. But what I said at the end of the video is 100% true - it's a lot, but I really try to focus on one particular principle in each video I make, and then build from there. Trying to apply all of it all at once can be very overwhelming!

[@tube-master]

awesome tips. thanks Aprilynne!

[@grandhustlemedia-LC]

This video is elaborate, and well put together. I've use all of your tips on my journey to greatness❤

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so, so much!! I'm so glad you've been finding the videos helpful 💙

[@riddlemeunknown6260]

Here within 1 hr to support your 2025 journey lesgooo🔥🔥🔥

[@AprilynneAlter]

Appreciate you so much thank you!!!! 💙

[@TheTimedCarbGuy]

Love your PDFs by the way. Saving all of them.

[@AprilynneAlter]

ahhhh yay that makes me so happy to hear!!!

[@jackblood00]

Thx for the content❤

[@AprilynneAlter]

thx for watching 💙

[@CP-dl4nc]

Nice work.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much! 💙

[@DirtyLittleRats]

I just got 100 subs TODAY! From using your tips and tricks! Love having a woman owned channel to follow for advice! (I also use men’s too but there’s just less women making content like this!)

[@MattShafter]

Hi friend. Your videos are well timed. I feel like I have a great addressable market, clickable ideas, good thumbs and titles, but how do I tell the dang story well???? I've heard of Cause and Effect story telling but I need to learn more about story telling types. No one outdoes your visuals btw.

[@CowCapz]

One technique I’m learning to apply in editing is storytelling and evoking emotion. I wonder how I’d be able to do it with Minecraft content though.

[@SiouxCityWeather]

Great video!!

[@djgraish]

Aprilynne, this was very helpful and full of insight as usual. I was kinda hoping you’d go more into how you do all the motion graphics, perhaps you could bless us with another video about that 😊 Are you doing everything in Davinci or do you use Adobe Aftereffects?

[@FeralVyrux]

Wow! Such a great and informative video! I learned so much. I'm going to have to re-watch and take some notes. Along with other videos you made in this series. I think a video specifically about sound design would be well received! thanks for pouring so much time and energy into these videos. For someone brand new to KZbin and the skills needed to make good (editing/titles/hooks/thumbnails/etc), it can be extremely overwhelming. Obviously, I hope to improve each aspect bit by bit until it's a good experience all around. Where would you say to put your focus at the start? Would you rank these in any order from most important to least important?

[@AprilynneAlter]

Thank you so much for the kind words, and I'm so glad you liked the video! One point in favor for a video about sound design :) Have you watched my video about how to make your FIRST KZbin video? I do think that the advice shifts a bit depending on where you're at in your KZbin journey In the beginning, I'd really just prioritize getting ANY videos out on a semi-consistent basis. Aim for once a week. Your biggest hurdle isn't titles tor thumbnails or editing - it's overthinking After making a few videos on a weekly basis, you'll get a much better sense of what you do and don't like about the process, and where you can improve. In the beginning, I'd focus on making videos to the point where you don't cringe at yourself nearly as hard. After you get there, then I'd focus on better TTH (titles, thumbnails, and hooks). After that, I'd get into more advanced concepts like story, retention, etc. Hope that helps!! 💙

[@FeralVyrux]

@@AprilynneAlter I did watch that video! I thought it was helpful as well. I am still starting out with everything, and I think you're right. I truly do overthink every aspect of it. I need to remember that I can't compare my first videos to top creator's 200th video. I will continue to work on just posting consistently and working on small improvements over time. Still not to the point of not cringing at myself but I'm sure I will get there soon lol. Thank you for providing a general order of importance, I will definitively keep that in mind moving forward. Thanks for the advice and support!

[@AprilynneAlter]

You got this!!!

[@DIY-Sensors]

Thank you for this great video and the free guide! I really hope it will let my channel grow.

[@AprilynneAlter]

Of course!! Hope they help you!

[@belosh_ant]

Wow, amazing and crazily helpful video! The only challenge is to implement all of this haha :)

[@AprilynneAlter]

Right?! That's always the hardest part. But I'd really recommend just focusing on applying 1-2 new principles per video, and going from there. Trying to apply it ALL all at once can get very overwhelming!

[@smalps-gaming]

Thank you! This was a great video. 99% of creators will be editing their own videos, but top creators all suggest outsourcing the editing because it can be one of the most time consuming parts of being a content creator. I know you have experimented with this, what are your thoughts on outsourcing this part, or when to do it, IF you want to do it. I enjoy the editing part, but the longer the video, it can take a WHILE(as you know)!

[@AprilynneAlter]

ooh this is a big question so I've been on all sides of the spectrum. I started out editing my own videos, like most people, and then once my old channel started making money I outsourced 100% of the edit. That carried through to the beginning of this channel. Then I took back 100% of my own editing myself, and that's when my channel blew up. And now, finally, I co-edit my videos with my producer Here are some unorganized thoughts off the top of my head: - don't outsource until you find your own style. style is HUGE when making a video feel unique, and if you haven't developed your own style yet, any editor you hire is going to default to the style they've done for other videos, and if you're not in the edit yourself, your style is not going to evolve and become more unique over time - I'm lucky in that I actually do really enjoy the editing process. It does take me a while, but I always enjoy getting to hunker down with some tea and just disappear into DaVinci. If you're someone who really hates the editing process, it's probably worth outsourcing editing earlier - I'm co-editing now with my producer because for the videos I want to make, they just take FOREVER (as shown from my upload schedule last year.) Being able to have some help on the edit side helps it go quicker - But also there's going to a be a learning curve with any new editor at first as they learn your style. If you edit something from your brain, you know it's going to turn out how you want it. But when someone else does it, there's a lot more time spent in revisions so that it ends up closer to your vision - I find it really useful to have a couple key anchors of things I for sure do myself, at least for now. One of those things is music. By doing my own music edit, I really dictate how the video feels. I also do a lot of the things that sets my videos apart, like the white screen illustrations/animations - If you do scripted content, there's no reason why you would need to do your rough cut - There's a difference between having a full editor and an assistant editor. This was a big unlock for me. I thought it had to be an all-or-nothing approach, but the currently blended approach I have with my producer feels really good to me - Even if you do fully outsource your edits, it's always worth doing a final polish edit yourself to "touch" the edit before you upload I know those thoughts are super disorganized, but I hope they help in some way!

[@smalps-gaming]

@@AprilynneAlter Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply and sharing your experience! These notes are all helpful. Thanks for another KILLER video :)

[@UntoldTurtle]

Also another check that if you have time for and that I’ve found super valuable is to take a break and come back a few hours later or even the next day and rewatch the video. You’ll find stuff to fix that you didn’t last time you looked at the video.

[@AprilynneAlter]

ooh this is a really good tip!! although usually I upload as soon as I'm done editing 😅

[@UntoldTurtle]

@ I used to but then whenever I watched the video back the next day I found little things I should’ve fixed so now I have to do it

[@SvenPiper]

This was very interesting and helpful.

[@AprilynneAlter]

I’m so glad you liked it!! 💙

[@BatshevaDueck.]

this video was phenomenal.

[@DrMwangaLabs]

2025 feels good on this channel

[@AprilynneAlter]

we're starting out strong!!! 💪

[@TifainHK]

I just finished editing and uploading my first KZbin video on this channel. Honestly, I’m not sure about the results-I wish I had seen your video earlier (even though it’s new, haha). I haven’t watched it yet, but based on your previous content, I already know your work is amazing!

[@AprilynneAlter]

HUGE CONGRATS ON THE FIRST UPLOAD!!!! 🎉🎉🎉