How Logan Paul’s Best Video Was Made | Editing Breakdown

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Logan Paul’s Pokémon Series has made another impact on how to edit storytelling and retention on KZbin. As the editor, I break down the creative editing and story telling choices we made to generate 75% retention on the video.
Referenced Video: • I Bought The World’s M...
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I'm Hayden Hillier-Smith. On this channel I will break down what makes good editing...pulling back the curtain on how editors make the choices to keep YOU, THE AUDIENCE, engaged.
This includes showcasing the creative choices I have made.
I hope you can learn something new and inspire you to edit.

[@HillierSmith]

I have an editing class! Sign up here: hayden-hillier-smith.mykajabi.com/edit-like-an-artist

[@Scxptcal]

What song did you use at 0:37

[@DrewHacks]

I love how Hayden sounds like a supervillain when explaining all of his tricks to boost retention 😂

[@HillierSmith]

I'm an Avengers level threat.

[@lyzandergraphics]

Fr, its like when the super villain explains how all the menace was done

[@HillierSmith]

YOU SLY DOG YOU GOT ME MONOLOGUING!

[@aaronsalunke]

Bro is literally using 19th century supervillain music lmao

[@Repko01]

Yes, yes, it reminds me of Salieri's narration from movie Amadeus. Magnicifent 👏

[@CinecomCrew]

This was a 13 minute editing masterclass Hayden, wow!

[@HyperHrishiHD]

Yes I also love watching your videos for editing.

[@Sconnieification]

Yeah it was!

[@EvanNagao]

Now you gotta make a video explaining how you edited this one, then a video explaining how you edited that one.

[@Youraveragetechy]

And the next one. And can’t forget about that one.

[@DavidTheBaker]

The editing philosophies taught here are gonna stick with me forever 🔥🔥

[@Vocktile]

Fact. I feel that analyzing and understanding how he learns and thinks about edits helps me recognize my flaws and allows me to work on my worst areas in my own skills of editing, I suck, but im learning and improving each time I make an edit and hit record for future editing.

[@dashishim24]

Fr david the baker😬😳

[@weeklyfascination]

I'm gonna watch this again, and again, and again.

[@Melt]

Hayden you are a genius, Logan’s video was amazing and so was this one. Thank you for sharing your thought process while making this video

[@Camzlive]

This ^

[@christianbosse_]

for real. love how he basically edited this one the exact same way as the logan paul video. showing while telling while showing 🥲🥲

[@weeklyfascination]

What's amazing is that this video is just as exciting, if not more exciting, than the original video. Who else can make a video about editing that hooks the viewer like this?

[@finzar]

The Pokémon video itself is truly incredible. I absolutely love the film references you made, so well implemented. THIS VIDEO too is just unbelievable. The way you use music to set rhythm, pace and emotion is just astounding in both. I would LOVE to know where you get your tracks from! Anyways thank you for sharing your experience with us man! I learnt a lot today. Huge huge respect to you.

[@JT-sf9cc]

Nice last vid finzar

[@RealJustinZiegler]

Finzar you're an editing legend too

[@HillierSmith]

I used Clockwork Orange to characterise a Pikachu, I'm not sure Stanley Kubrick ever intended for that. However, it meant I was able to send a love letter to that phenomenal film. As for where I get my music, well that's my little secrets that maybe one day, I'll talk about...

[@uab333]

@@HillierSmith its like kfc secret recipy why you dont know but thats what makes the chicken so good

[@RealJustinZiegler]

@@HillierSmith Can you please share your favorite storytelling books? I just finished Save the Cat. Thanks. Justin

[@JoshPalerLin]

Unbelievable skill, unreal.

[@JackGordon]

Every time you think you're good at editing you watch a Hayden video and realize just how much better you could be

[@Aggressiv3]

Hi jack big fan

[@zekiwosdereje]

Absolutely

[@dabi_]

Dude, have literally been waiting for you to make this video. I sat down with a few of my KZbin friends and watched the original, taking a deep look at it, and we were all like “this video is amazing”. So cool to see you break down your thought process behind it. Thanks so much for this 🙏

[@HB-kl5ik]

Woah, and what were some of your takeaways from the Logan's video?

[@dabi_]

@@HB-kl5ik a lot of it was as Hayden described, except he put it much more eloquently. :) we talked about pacing, references, the hook, the mystery, music choices, animation, peak moment/“subdued” intensity (eg Clair de Lune on the reveal), conflict and obstacles, characterisation of Logan, hero’s journey. But there were a few missing pieces from our discussion which have been filled. Most importantly, contrast editing, and anticipation creation by getting close to goal but diving into pit of despair. All these fundamentals of narrative work for retention storytelling. We’ve seen it work in the charts. But, Hayden wraps it up so nicely, and the intentionality behind some choices (eg Clockwork Orange close ups) is out of this world. So much to take away and implement. This is one of my favorite videos about editing on KZbin now.

[@marsgizmo]

This storytelling is beyond impressive Hayden! 👏😌 Packed with extremely valuable insights!

[@ThomasFlight]

Extra Credit: Keep an eye on how Hillier often employs the same techniques he's talking about using while he's talking about them: For example at 04:38 when he talks about changing the rhythm of the LP video, he changes the rhythm of his own video.

[@joshemman]

You're on a whole new level. This is hundreds of hours of work in 13 mins ... getting well deserved credit.

[@MakeSomething]

I appreciate these more than you could ever imagine. Nobody else makes these types of vids. Thank you!

[@DiannaCarney]

I took a 15 minute break from work to watch this, I’m so pumped. I’m filming/editing a short documentary about nuclear waste dumping near me, and I’m using all these tips to help get my message across in an entertaining, digestible way. Thank you for taking the time to break these videos down, they’re such an amazing learning experience.

[@DaphneMarina88]

nuclear waste and digestible in the same sentence...hahah... maybe you should SHOW that?

[@ANDREWLEVITT]

When the video about engagement is somehow even more engaging

[@PlungerPapi]

this is straight up one of the best videos I have ever seen

[@NarcissisticAbuseHealing]

I love the small details. Such as when you at 1:07 say I just made you focus the camera comes from out of focus into focus. That is next level man.

[@TJHall]

I think the zenith cut was great because the rawness of the clip also showed the most emotion out of any clip, and in such a high production video, it felt like we (the viewer) are now on the same level (in the same room) as Logan because of how raw and slow it is after such intensity and build up. Really great job 👏 One of your best works

[@RishDude]

It’s crazy how much goes on in editing. The symbolism of small cuts and long shots can be so impactful. Been waiting for u to post Hayden! Keep it up!

[@CrowingHen]

I want to say this is so "next level" but it's way beyond that. Watching it the first time, I learned so much I can use. Watching it the second time, I see you use many if not all the techniques you're talking about. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@StevieSells]

This video is a masterpiece. Storytelling genius… learned a ton in this one 🙌

[@RobertEnterprises]

The original video's editing was pretty incredible so I was curious to see the workflow and perhaps get an idea for how the editor's creative mind works, so I decided to search and found this video. All I can say is that I am completely blown away. From the explanations of certain cuts and edits, to seeing you create an actual experience when you delve deep into the edit itself, and even doing that with this video as well, while keeping it professional and giving great advice, showing the incredible attention to detail you put into your edit, having a psychological perspective over how a viewer might react or feel while watching, thinking of how to keep their attention for the entirety of the video, drawing inspiration from legendary creators and artists, and just so much more, I did not expect to see this level of creativity, passion and dedication to making your product the best it can be. I always appreciate a great edit, trying to look out for all the subtle details, and this just took everything to a whole new level. Phenomenal job with both the original video as well as this one, you are an outstanding editor and creator overall

[@dreamscapeps]

There’s so much thought and talent in your videos. LOVE your storytelling and editing so much. One of the best on youtube

[@ajpinspired]

The story telling that you do in your explaining of your story telling is just so good!! I love that I know where that last track came from (or at least was used in) and that cheeky hard ending to this video making us want more is just genius 👌🏻

[@felipeandmichelleshorts]

Thank you for bringing the Hero's Journey back to KZbin, as most creators are over-optimizing, you are doubling down on the principles of cinema!

[@PierceJordan]

Absolutely incredible work, Hayden! Love how you implemented many of the techniques talked about into this video as well.

[@wotcanary7282]

One of the impressive things for me about your editing is your sound design and the ability to cut the music so perfectly to the visuals. Such a hard skill but it’s soooo crucial to the feel and pace of the video. Loved this video so much, thanks

[@Valorant_lifestyle]

i literally come back to this video to rewatch it, probably the most well edited video i have ever seen on youtube. and each time i go back to it im just as interested as the first time i watched it. as an aspiring full time editor i really appreciate watching the breakdowns like these aswell, really shows the thought that goes into a quality piece like this

[@YouCantEatTheGrass]

I cried while watching this video, and held my breath in anticipation multiple times - that's fucking powerful storytelling! Taking me on the heros journey, while describing how you edited the heros journey, about pokemon cards - and this is the beauty of youtube. Thank you!

[@DarioKesegiG0CA]

My man Hillier has been inspiration for years now! I grew my style of editing with you... but you are always 5 steps ahead 👏👏👏

[@FlorenceRyan]

I really appreciate how aware, analytical and articulate you are about all your editing choices. You’re a great teacher and the kind of person who would give me harsh but necessary feedback on my videos to improve. Keep making videos like these because you’re helping so many creators improve and that’s fantastic :)

[@NaturalCauzes]

Always absolutely love to see these editing breakdowns! Great work yet again Hayden! Fantastic breakdown and that retention is beautiful!

[@ItsScott]

Going through your channel and then this gem just gets uploaded, big W. Edit - I couldn't take my eyes of the whole video. Absolutely incredible.

[@roro6064]

The fact you can make an editing breakdown actually entertains just shows how much of a pro at this. Cause informative editing videos are usually just so boring

[@Georaga]

I bloody loved this! It takes me right back to when we'd sit in your kitchen in the early days or Tim's living room and just go through cuts of your latest projects and hype up how well they played... Or watch and pull apart the editing techniques in whichever Edgar Wright, Spielberg or Chris Nolan movie we were gushing over that week. Love this series!

[@lovekeego]

the thing you were talking about with contrast reminds me of high and low pitches in music and how they capture attention so its cool to see that works with videos too, thanks for the video hillier

[@static7616]

I’m so glad you’re starting to make more videos right as creator now is ending, you provide 95% of the value that class offers 🤝

[@kanin-life]

Idk if people realise just how geniuos Hiller is.. Not only did he explain exactly step by step how to make a brilliant video, but he literally did all these technics AGAIN within this EXACT VIDEO!

[@GroovyGavin]

My mind is blown this is probably the most interesting and helpful videos I’ve ever watched

[@MomiMuscle]

This is actually incredible information. I have always been fond of the tricks editors use to keep pacing and retention... but you breaking it down is super helpful :)

[@adamaddamus1327]

Hayden... After watching this I'm left... speechless... The video you're talking about maybe one of the best on Logan's channel, as well as this one is on yours! I felt like watching Da Vinci explaning every single move of his brush... The complexity, the connection, the thoughts behind every 0.1 second of the video just astonish me...That was just beautiful. I will remember this everytime I make an edit - "contrast", "variarity", and knowing when to let go, to build up to certain point and just let if flow by itself. Also I am always amazed how you play with the music. I would love if you could do someday a video where you show how you choose a music, when to change it and how to cut it. I remember when you said in one video that we shouldn't let music decide the rhythm, we should take control over it... but I still struggle with that... not knowing when to cut and how to cut so smoothly as you do - because it isn't just a fade out, it's like fading out with a reverb, making it so much more magical... I would love if you could talk more about it someday. Meanwhile I'm so inspired that I'm going straight to the editing;) Thank you Hayden, much love from Poland!

[@lucasmelor]

You're one of the most inspiring artist I look up to. Thank you for making this video, showing how incredibly important this invisible art is to convey messages, guide, and feel.

[@isightstrue]

I have watched this video 4-5 times so far trying to soak up as much information as possible, you motivate me so much hillier! Good work :)

[@MattandEric]

Valuable, valuable, valuable content for free! Not finished with our editing journey by no means, but just emplementing a fraction of your advice has increased our watch time / retention. Have learned so much from you and @Film Booth

[@Beesechurger_73]

That was beautiful 🥲

[@AIAdev]

It blows my mind to think about how you used these strategies to make a video about how you used this strategy. I usually tend to thinking about what the editor is doing when I watch a video and you have this amazing way of melting that away and I’m just glued to what I’m watching

[@ggaedits7493]

Wow, your thought process behind this video with the choices of what to emphasize/storytelling, so great - definitely well done.

[@IdeaShip]

Thank you so much Hillier. This is more interesting than the Logans original video. An amazing work 😍👌

[@BrettMaverick]

I didn't know 17 seconds was a long time to not have a cut lol

[@mrjonnymac]

What I admire most is the passion behind the explanation. Having the education to explain every step taken and WHY makes a huge difference between a beginning editor and an expert. Every step is CALCULATED. It is cultivated over hundreds of videos and hours of thankless work. Lucky for us, taking a moment to turn around and explain / inspire the next wave of editors isn't necessary, but given as an act of love for the art and the genre. It may sound trite, but from one student to another, Thank you. :)

[@JavierMercedes]

Amazing video, Amazing breakdown. Loved how you had to leave room to explain the pacing, show the pacing, and still get the natural video sounds/references to climax/hit at the right moments.

[@Zach2K]

idk why but the gatekeeping of the music in the timeline is so funny to me 😂

[@HillierSmith]

The music site wouldn't sponsor this video ;)

[@Zach2K]

Well that makes sense then lol

[@FilmBooth]

I remember thinking "show me the flipping card" 😆 🤣

[@bforblocky]

No way Film Booth 😱

[@Shanemvm]

I gotta say I feel like I grow as an editor with each video of yours I watch. You understand pacing, anticipation and execution so well and I feel like I'm watching a masterclass on how to achieve those well. I'm a huge fan. KEEP THESE UP!!! SERIOUSLY!!!

[@pokemonitishere202]

I can watch these breakdown videos of you all day. They are so informative & even in this breakdown video, looks like you followed the same principles you used while editing the original video.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

This was absolutely amazing. So well thought out and perfectly explained. I could watch this all day!

[@nachoyip18]

It’s truly amazing how you kept me interested on every single second of this video while you were explaining how you did that on Logan’s video.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

This is one of those teaching moments. Except I get to replay this "moment" as often as I like. What a great walkthrough of editing techniques. Thank you. :)

[@JapanJacques]

Phenomenal editing breakdown. Haven't seen the original video yet but you already know that's where I'm headed next. I feel like I want to go and make some videos now so I can implement some of these techniques

[@TopFlightFamily]

This was an incredible breakdown. Thank you for being so generous with sharing your knowledge! It’s really inspiring.

[@scartinmorsese7723]

Dude, your editing on this video itself gave me chills at the end. I'm so grateful I found your channel. So good!

[@eliasnieto_]

Thank you to you and Kevin for the amazing work you made. This one of the best KZbin videos ever edited. Powerful is the word.

[@KazamYoutube]

This was so awesome to watch, and so deeply informative. I still think I suck at storytelling, but with every bit of content you put out, I feel like it helps me suck less and less. Very grateful you are taking us on the journey in your mind, and peeling back the curtain so to speak. You’re process(es) is/are so beautiful, and I genuinely appreciate you sharing it/them every time you do. Lots of love to you sir! Hope to meet you someday irl and shake your hand to say thanks. Mega-respect.

[@Shiffo]

Thank you so much for sharing, This is the first time i ever heard about contrast editing and thanks for explaining the pacing and that the viewer needs to breath after a high pace.

[@cakeCrumbzz]

Bro the ad for your course played, I was so confused at first. Nice video very intuitive

[@JustRens.]

this video can honestly help SO MANY people understand editing, cuts, use of music, b roll and everything that's needed for good content creation. I fking love this vid dude already recommended it to some friends who are looking to improve

[@DavidMota]

Absolute GOAT of an editor you are Hayden.. thank you for this. Carefully studied the Pikachu illustrator video and was thinking to myself after watching it like 4 times saying " damn.. if only there was a editing breakdown of this so we can get Haydens viewpoint on it.." few days go by and you release it! ahahaha insane broski! Thank you so much for this! I learn so much with these videos!

[@simonkupec3918]

Bro it was amazing, I watched both videos till the end and that's exactly what we (editors) want, you have incredible talent and we still have a lot to learn from you, so please make videos more often! Good luck

[@ChrisVanVliet]

This is absolutely FASCINATING! Great work on this and the original video, Hayden!

[@lucbriedecooper]

WOW incredible Hayden. That video and this breakdown both are just inspiring. I want to get to this level of visual story telling!!

[@DemonsRow]

I love how critical you are. You hold people to a high standard.

[@OCAIOF]

I love how you're actually applying the same techniques again while also explaining it. Amazing!

[@sky.london]

Oh my word. Like the nuggets in this video are just plan dope. Wow. The contrast and pacing tips were my fav 👍

[@saadzainnn]

i don't know why but your philosophy of "the zenith cut" had me in tears with goosebumps and inspiration running through and through. yet another beautiful breakdown hayden, thank you so much :)

[@-Aimbot-]

I wish i could just watch you edit man, I feel like that would change my whole perspective🔥 Awsome Video Hillier

[@JamesIsDudePerfect]

Umm you are a genius! Love your breakdowns thanks so much for the insight and specific details about all of your choices in editing a masterpiece

[@HowtolucidOfficial]

This is genuine talent.. I have so much respect for this editing..

[@rodri1x339]

this is a master piece editing wise, i just learned more than in some weekly courses ive taken, truly an inspiration to one day edit like you

[@bryson1541]

I love how detailed and structured you are with your story based video editing! I rewatch your videos a lot because I want to learn so much from you!! I hope I can meet you at vidsummit in September!

[@BobsWoodStuff]

I'm glad to see you're publishing videos again, because I learn more about editing from your videos than from any other ones.

[@vishnurvt]

I usually never leave a like on videos but this was freakin amazing. Your breakdown was the best thing I've seen in a really long time and gave me new goals to strive for as a cinematographer. Splendid indeed :)

[@hernanmartinez3044]

Hayden this may be your best video yet. I've been a fan for a while and even got the chance to ask you a question in a CreatorNow workshop, and I think you should be very proud of what you have done here. I love how you use very effective storytelling techniques to explain effective storytelling techniques. This video was fast and to the point but didn't feel like an aggressive attempt to get a higher audience retention, and I thank you for that. I think you're going to be a very important player in reinventing the next KZbin meta, which hopefully pays more attention to quality and storytelling rather than idea-based content. Hope the video gets more views! You definitely deserve it.

[@headsauce]

Honestly incredible, I watched the video before I saw this breakdown and knew you were behind that magic!

[@playfulempowerment]

I found you from Film Booth's video where he interviews you, and I wanted to thank you for turning me on to learning story-telling and story-showing. I have learned so much from you already, and am excited to be on this journey. I just finished the first segment, where you set up the anticipation and the intention. Excited to see how the next segment plays out!

[@NakedSageAstrology]

A lot to learn that's for sure, thank you for helping us step into these creative waters. Great job on that video edit, truly beautiful.

[@CheemsBased]

Glad to see more breakdowns! These are always a help for me and I’m glad you’re doing these, keep up the incredible work!

[@ProWrestlingPsychology101]

The willingness to go into such great depths on your storytelling process WHILE maintaining an amazing editing style is truly a blessing for us learning the craft. Appreciate this channel so much.

[@DaphneMarina88]

Such Amazing concepts/cuts. Very cinematic for sure. BEAUTIFUL. Thank you Hayden. 😍

[@ed.progress]

Man, its so amazing how you create a video where you talk about an other video and it seems like this is even more interesting than the actual video! Great work!! :)

[@ESSARGEE]

just discovered your channel, can't believe how amazing the vids are, especially this one with the witches hat and the pit of despair applied to editing but it works so well!!!

[@griffinbeels]

Awesome insight Hayden! Definitely agree with the value of the Zenith Cut (or maybe you could call it the Apex Cut, because apex means "reach a high point or climax" -- we edit towards this ultimate climax. Could even be the Singularity Cut, since we're working towards a *single* moment that serves as the payout for the video). That's a massive retention device, because the viewer that's paying attention has figured out what the singularity should be, and they're anticipating it throughout the full video. The sub-plots serve to guide the viewer towards that final climax, and are super important for getting us there -- because even if the moment is phenomenal, we feel better if we were taken along a journey to get there, if we could anticipate our destination without being teleported abruptly. Thanks for sharing!

[@zrior8592]

Thank You for demonstrating and sharing your thought. I believe this is how to edit a video with SOUL. Ultimately delivered the content, the msg, the entire journey, the feeling. Everything just seems so right & perfect. 👍🏻

[@Derekquick1]

Editing is everything. Where the true battle for a film is told. Majority of peoples favorite moments in films were because of editors. Great work ;)

[@BhamProd]

What I found so interesting was that you were showing the techniques you explained for logans video, you literally applied it to this video itself. It's seemless and I didn't even notice until the end when you slowed down the pace. Incredible and can't believe that this is free lolll

[@averagehumanexperiment]

This is incredible, can’t wait to try and apply some of these

[@reebz182]

PLEASE post more often!! These videos are a literal gold mine.

[@royalvivace1]

Loving your videos. The way you approach video editing is genius

[@PatrikRasch]

This was beyond incredible to watch! Thank you for the great insights and the beautiful storytelling. There's A LOT to be learned from a video like this.

[@AstroExploring]

This is genuinely the best video I have ever seen on YT. Your editing is on another level! What an inspiration