REVEALING OUR SECRETS Behind Successful Gaming YouTube Videos

Mort sits down with Editor Riff of ‪@PixelGameSquad‬ to talk about creativity, editing, art, and the ins and outs of editing game hunting videos.
Riff's editing has ben seen more than 40 million times over a period of 11 years. An editor for huge channels - including his own very successful one - he gives many of his core ideas behind what makes for a great video!
Check out this video where Mort interviews ‪@PhoenixResale‬ about the analytics side of doing KZbin:
• ⁠@PhoenixResale ROASTS...
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[@PixelGameSquad]

Thanks for chatting with me Mort!!! ❤

[@MortsGarage]

Always!!

[@matts3137]

Dude, what you do is 100% art. It’s creative and fun and beautiful and challenging etc etc. Most importantly, your work illicit an incredible response from us viewers. We live for the vids; brings us joy and welcomed distraction from the world. But, at the same time we see the effort put in and really respect that. You’re a great personality and a modern day renaissance man! Keep it going, man! You rock! Mort, you’re awesome too! Cheers, y’all. 4my 🌞

[@jabaweejo]

Thank you for sharing, I’m tryin to convince myself to put out videos. If I do someday make content, it will be because of you guys teaching and motivating my appreciation of the gaming world.

[@JRPGLife]

The combined wisdom you two share in this video is truly a gift to the KZbin gaming community. Thank you for this! 😀

[@MortsGarage]

Thank YOU and your bride for gifting me with your time and energy on these beautiful thumbnails!

[@RetroGhetto]

2 of my favourite content creators. I'm watching this, when I can WATCH it. This is not play in the background whilst doing other things kind of content. 💯

[@MortsGarage]

You're one of the great ones. I hope to hang out face to face someday.

[@RetroGhetto]

@Mort's Garage it's going to happen 🙏

[@TripleplayTirado]

This is why we love the retro community, bringing our brothers and comrades together to help them get where they want to be genuinely. An awesome video, shout out to Riff for always be a humble and kind individual and always giving back to the community ❤

[@MortsGarage]

😊

[@Pacmancase]

Great advice dudes! I appreciate the deep dive into editing. I felt it all. Thanks for the shout out Mort!

[@MortsGarage]

Absolutely!

[@SaturdayMorningGamer]

I gotta say both this and the video with Caleb have been super helpful and motivational - especially at this stage of my YT career. These ones get me pumped to create content. I HAVE THAT SONY RADIO XD.

[@MortsGarage]

That's so rad! And your stuff is already awesome - let's get more VIEWS your way!

[@rollingretro]

Man, between this & the interview with Caleb I have been absorbing all this like a sponge! I've had comments/praise on my edits as well but I always feel like there is something missing and I personally don't believe there is ever a time where you are "done" learning. There's always something new to try and experiment with and that's what I love about editing! Storytelling has been a pain for me as I focus on what Riff said himself: I just try to have fun, find video games and sell off a few to recoup cash. I've been wanting to transition into a more "story telling" aspect but I have more work to do for sure. Great video by the way! You've really been growing and learning new skills and it's great to watch!

[@MortsGarage]

I love your edits - seriously a hidden gem of a channel. Hopefully that changes soon. Keep it up!

[@rollingretro]

@@MortsGarage Same with you! Would be killer to meet up with you some day and do some hunting✌

[@MortsGarage]

@@rollingretro It'll happen

[@johnfox7243]

Retro Liberty literally got me on this beautiful trip I’ve been on. Thank You Aaron and Ricky!!!!!

[@projectf20]

I, for one, loved the original intro because it was something different. I also appreciate the "Studio" intros and outros to frame the hunting videos because it mixes things up. Riff if you happen to read this, please tell Rick that the internet misses hearing what is up at the beginning of videos. 🤣

[@Driskel11]

"thats expensive carboard" is a great meme xD

[@MortsGarage]

One of my absolute favorites on the channel. Elisa is awesome too

[@SquarePegs]

Man, I legitimately loved this video. I've watched it twice now and have been taking notes on how to improve my channel. You guys are the best!

[@MortsGarage]

Backatcha - love your stuff!!

[@popculturepicker]

As a completely brand new editor to a channel this was great! I believe one of the reasons retro Rick & Phoenix resell are some of my favorites are your edits

[@MortsGarage]

He’s great at what he does

[@neo_ness]

As someone with a new YT channel and trying to navigate the world of editing. I definitely found this video amazing to watch. Very helpful information!

[@MortsGarage]

That was the goal! Cheers to your new adventures 🎉🎉🎉

[@neo_ness]

@@MortsGarage Thanks so much!

[@dubandtheoutdoors7239]

Mort!!! Another banger! Well done, loved the chemistry/energy in this one. I really fell like you and Riff/his whole crew and Retro Rick as well as a several others are really putting the right shine on modern gaming/collecting. I had a ton of fun, thanks for the laughs boys. Keep it up, I will be watching!

[@MortsGarage]

So glad you’re here!

[@megamob5834]

🎶 “smile like you mean it, oooooWEEEEoooo, ooooWEEEEoooo” 🎵 my fav Killers track… Got some genuine laughs and genuine insight from this one. Well done lads and thanks for continuing to do what you do. Appreciate all the entertainment you guys provide ❤

[@MortsGarage]

And thanks for your kind and uplifting comments!

[@RetroRivals]

You know how I feel about this video from our chat 😂 but I will say that this is exceptional for anyone in the KZbin space to watch. Love the fresh ideas and the positive space you’ve created on your little corner of KZbin that is getting bigger by the minute. Mort, you are a daily inspiration. Thank you for the amazing content.

[@MortsGarage]

You’re too kind :) This is gonna be a great week for you - I just know it!

[@theusualidiot124]

totally unrelated to anything in this video, but on my way home from work today i drove past a trailer park and saw 2 boys playing basketball and i instantly thought of 1990 and me and my brother playing outside and just the absolute carefree lives we had. we had an equal balance of outside physical activity and indoor video game time, as well as working on creating our own rpg (all on paper without a computer), and it was just so much fun. fast forward to today and all the stress that being an adult and parent can bring and it can be overwhelming at times. videos from creators like yourselves help me take a step back from all of the stress and just enjoy life. i absolutely love this nostalgia trip i’ve been on lately but due to work/life i can’t spend as much time as y’all do so your videos help me vicariously express some of that nostalgia. there have been several times when y’all have found things in the wild that i had totally forgotten even existed and it was just such a rush of emotion that it was so cool to me. thank you guys so much. sorry for the long rant.

[@MortsGarage]

Oh wow, this completely blew me away. I am SO GLAD you shared such meaningful and in depth thoughts. Enjoy life and family with all you’ve got. Peace ✌️ ❤️

[@theusualidiot124]

will do. i appreciate the response and look forward to all the future videos!

[@WhereIsSaul]

Riff is a goat & will succeed far after reselling/collection die off he is a man of many talents.

[@MortsGarage]

He has been super helpful to me on this journey

[@brianbrooks7884]

Riff if you see this. I love watching you and the boys. I found you by watching retrorick then I found you thanks to him. I love your goofiness. I love your editing style and sense of humor.

[@pluspixel]

Thanks Brian!!!

[@Stylishnerd]

just starting and this is such good insight. you guys make it effortless! Thank you Mort!

[@MortsGarage]

Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@joshsparrowchannel]

nice to have a peak behind the scenes of a great community, of passionate people!

[@MortsGarage]

Glad you enjoyed Josh!

[@TJacks23]

Give Mort and Riff their flowers..they are giving us free game. Let’s get it!!

[@MortsGarage]

🌹

[@zinaholmstrom8529]

Mort and pixels game squad are great together ❤

[@MortsGarage]

Like old times ❤️🤘

[@grass1077]

Love these vids!! I’ve come to love this space in KZbin and all the people in it. ❤

[@MortsGarage]

So rad!! Glad you’re enjoying :)

[@timwasylyszyn9838]

Loved this video so much guys! I just recently got interested in video editing and am having fun with it. These are some great tips from two legends in the game. Love what you both do with your channels. And congrats on your 1 year anniversary Mort. Looking forward to another great year 🎉

[@MortsGarage]

You’re a legend Tim! I hope you’ll upload something for us to enjoy one day

[@RussLyman]

Loved that intro ha. Congrats on 1 year. Editing certainly takes practice and you only get better with more time. I love to see how different my videos look from when I begin just with my MacBook Camera and iMovie lol

[@MortsGarage]

And your stuff looks great! Thanks for stopping by Russ.

[@RussLyman]

@@MortsGarage thanks so much

[@TheRetrollectors]

It’s art because all videos start as a blank canvas and we piece together a story with visuals. I watch some of my videos and I think like “what will make this pop” much like how an artist thinks about Color.

[@MortsGarage]

I like the perspective of everything being a blank canvas

[@RosscoSoletrain]

I wish I enjoyed editing more than I do. When I finish ~ I love the final product even when it doesn’t hit the audience I want it to hit. If I can get a couple of chuckles out of people…that’s what I love

[@MortsGarage]

I think your edits demonstrate an innate timing and rhythm that’s just hard to get down. I’m genuinely surprised you don’t have more people watching.

[@PhoenixResale]

What an awesome vid. Just so nice.

[@MortsGarage]

Thanks for participating as well!

[@Fundores]

Loved this video. Definitely made me realize a lot of things that can benefit me in the future!

[@MortsGarage]

I hope that’s the case!

[@7thangelad586]

Someone needs to edit some pants on Riff! I thoroughly enjoyed the talking-based discussion in this video. I wouldn’t mind more of it whenever you guys want to do it ;)

[@MortsGarage]

Good to know 😏

[@KayFabeMedia]

I'm super small channel, and I found editing is actually my favourite part, I discover most of my humorous bits in there I didn't think of during scripting. I would say Thumbnails and Titles are my biggest weakness. I haven't found how to crack that algorithm yet, but its definitely sensational titles. I don't appear on camera though, its all gameplay footage and cut aways, so I'm not about to put the KZbinr shocked face (which I hate, but totally understand its use).

[@MortsGarage]

That’s really the piece of it I still don’t totally get. Thankfully Dan from @jrpglife has taken the reins on that part, but it’s so challenging. Editing is expressive and has something genuine in that. Thumbnails and titles are marketing and that can feel disingenuous given that it’s accenting an aspect of the video, but is ultimately serving a different purpose than the video itself.

[@rayhorizons]

I’m gonna come back to this many years from now and appreciate this video, thank you for the advice this is something I’ve been thinking of doing but not sure if I wanted to pursue it so thank you

[@MortsGarage]

My unsolicited advice: Try it now. You'll only regret if you wait too long.

[@oldschoolgamer469]

A great video! I have been watching Pixel for a long time.

[@MortsGarage]

🤘🤘🤘

[@42calking53]

Riff you make great art and you have a style that's very distinguished and I can tell you've had a hand in making of the video. To me that's awesome it's like when you watch Terintino or a Guy Richie film you know Riff did it respect

[@MortsGarage]

I agree - Riff definitely has a signature style that you can spot without knowing who edited it

[@42calking53]

@Mort's Garage 100% and it's a good style

[@16bitgium]

Excellent vid ! thanks for this!

[@MortsGarage]

Our pleasure!

[@Gameboy_Steve]

Awesome video. Hope one day I can get to see you guys in person. Happy hunting and have a wonderful day

[@MortsGarage]

That would be great!

[@birdazoid]

I've been looking forward to this video and it really delivers! I've already bookmarked some of the recommended sites and techniques. A lot of this information rings true to any form of art. As a designer, I know the importance of taking elements of what others have done to make your designs better. You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time to create something great. Improve upon an idea and make it unique to you. Thanks for putting this together! It was great!

[@MortsGarage]

So glad you enjoyed this! Keep up the good work on your end as well. I enjoyed watching your stuff.

[@TheRetrollectors]

Thumbnails, Titles and Descriptions are the hardest thing about KZbin. You can have literally the best piece of content but if one of those three things are lacking it will destroy your progress sometimes screwing with the motivation to continue making content.

[@MortsGarage]

I hear that - it can be really deflating. However, I've come to appreciate that titles/thumbnails/descriptions are universal in all media. What's the title of the band? How does the cover of their new release look? How is it described? Same for movies, etc, etc. It all comes down to content. Some of the very best albums I own have covers/descriptions I'd not blink twice for...but when others are talking about it regardless of the marketing, that's the sweet spot.

[@edwardbarrera6772]

Great video Mort. Keep it up 👍

[@MortsGarage]

Thanks! 😀

[@RectWizard]

Dude amazing video one of my favorites for sure 😊

[@MortsGarage]

🤘🤘🤘❤️

[@SteveReesVR]

Yet another cracking vid. And more hints and tips to absorb into my sponge like brain. Great stuff🧠 🙌 p.s Riff @PixelGameSquad your a legend and I love your channel too 🔥🔥😘

[@MortsGarage]

🎉🏋️‍♂️🎉

[@MrWrightWay]

This video has me SOOOOO EXCITEDDDDDD!!

[@MortsGarage]

🤘🤘🤘

[@elishaisrael]

Great vid, thank you!!

[@MortsGarage]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@Sirretro]

Great video guys! And some great tips. Don't know if I got the time and talent to apply these tips to my own channel tho. 😅 But anyhow! I love to watch you guys. It almost feels like i'm part of your adventures. 😅🤯

[@MortsGarage]

And I’m glad you’re here!

[@adamessmyer4428]

That Killer's reference at the end lol underrated song

[@MortsGarage]

🤘

[@Neonblakc]

I love this video! You guys are inspiring me to start editing ❤

[@MortsGarage]

So great!!! Keep at it!

[@DonWafle]

Dayum! a learned a bunch today, thank you guys!

[@MortsGarage]

🤘✌️

[@vinylreckoning]

This was huge for us. Thank you! Could you link the services you use for music, transition and plug ins you spoke about?

[@MortsGarage]

Yessir: Music - Epidemic Sound Plug ins/music/graphics/etc - Envato Elements

[@MANNYSARCADE]

Another great video, very helpful tips

[@MortsGarage]

Keep up the great vids Manny!

[@RussLyman]

great tips indeed. I love always learning new tips

[@MANNYSARCADE]

@Mort's Garage Thank you brother, I always look forward to your videos.

[@rojas82]

Probably pixel game squad and wow i never wanted one of those, lol mort is just clowning on riff. Great video guys!

[@MortsGarage]

🤡

[@wasatchpop]

Great video! Question. Is there an easier way to search or find memes or video clips for videos? Seems like you guys both use a good amount and find them easier

[@MortsGarage]

I sometimes will search a sentiment - “movie clip of failing” for example, but it’s mainly that I’ve seen so many films and TV shows that moments will automatically recall them when in the midst of an edit.

[@RosscoSoletrain]

Mort ~ you’re CRUSHING it brother. I love your edits and your videos bossMan! I wanna be like you when I Benjamin Button myself 🎉

[@MortsGarage]

Firstly - means a lot coming from you my man. Second, I think we are in the same age bracket :) See you out there sooooon

[@jonpaul4787]

Great video Cool to mix things up once and a while and do some different.

[@MortsGarage]

I'd get quite bored if I could only do one type of video haha

[@jonpaul4787]

Love watching you guys do different things. Don’t get me wrong I love game it just seems like you all like a whole lot of the same things I like 👍

[@DannyGPro]

Great video!

[@MortsGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@ryanhudgins9004]

This video was great ! I have been wanting to make a channel about vintage toy collecting and other random things and there is a ton of useful information in this episode ! Literally getting awesome tips from my top 2 KZbinrs ... doesn't get much better than that !! I have no idea how to edit so I know it's going to be a bumpy ride ( not like you who has killed it from day 1 ! ) at first but I am up for the challenge.

[@MortsGarage]

Make sure and let me know when you upload your first video 👊

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

I need to take more time messing around with Filmora and editting. And I love My Retro Life so much. His video are literally the best and even almost brought me to tears sometimes the way he tells stories and his memories being somewhat similar to mine with us being around the same age.

[@MortsGarage]

So rad - keep growing, I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

@@MortsGarage I had a blast watching one of your videos blow up after the p resale critique video.. mentioned how you hadn't had a huge video yet and just averaged this much, yada yada. Games dying video in the 100k now!

[@RussLyman]

The more you edit the better you get. Best advice is to just keep at it, and don't be afraid to try something new

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

@@RussLyman Thanks Russ! I'll give it go and maybe watch some more videos on how tos on filmora!

[@MortsGarage]

Yeah, that blew me away. And it broken the conventional rules: The retention is around 35%. Crazy what things go big!

[@RunWithCurt]

Man, shorts thigh rise for the win 😮😅 … also: “what a fart” 😂 watch out for his crop dust mort

[@MortsGarage]

Hahaha

[@gray_g_gamer]

1 year happy 1 year 🎉🎉

[@MortsGarage]

Yahoooooo!

[@Kerby]

so when are y'all starting your podcast? this was a great conversation

[@MortsGarage]

I have one in development with another friend :)

[@codyrathman]

Riff is the best! Small complaint about this video - there's a high pitch ring coming from one of those TVs in the room I think. Made it difficult to watch the whole video. Just something to look out for in the future.

[@MortsGarage]

Thank you for saying so - someone else mentioned this but I didn't notice it on my end. I also have a pervasive, chronic high pitched ringing in my ears that may have masked it.

[@codyrathman]

@@MortsGarage all good! I'm surprised I can still hear in that range after years of High School Drumline and being in rock bands the last 10 years lol

[@MortsGarage]

@@codyrathman Yeah...live music killed me, but I was foolish and almost never wore ear plugs. One of my biggest regrets in life.

[@obsessed_druid]

great intro keep up the good work all of ya :) ps vid is great too

[@MortsGarage]

🤘😊

[@thepickinpreacher]

your videos are too good bro!! hahahahah

[@MortsGarage]

😊😊😊👊👊👊

[@saintburrito2082]

Mort or Riff is there a source like video, or class for editing you would recommend? Thinking about starting a channel but hesitant because I can't edit 🤔 Oh and Mort I love the multiple Morts.

[@MortsGarage]

My process was that Riff recommended Final Cut and I ran with it from there. I consumed every KZbin tutorial I could find. The best way to learn is to just do it. Start playing with the software. Use Davinci, Premiere, or Final Cut and you'll find mountains of info on KZbin. But truly, the best advice I ever received was from my friends Greta and Robin who said "whatever device/program/equipment gets you making stuff is the one to use". The differences aren't make or break with the way technology is working these days.

[@saintburrito2082]

@@MortsGarage thank you brother. I really appreciate the info. Stay blessed

[@42calking53]

Mort I asked you once if Riff edited for you and you answered me like you didn't know the guy at all. Lol

[@MortsGarage]

Oh haha - sorry not sure how that happened. Yup, I’ve known him for a few years and have been in a handful of PGS videos too :)

[@RetroGamingPandemic]

We know him as Boss Riff. 😂

[@MortsGarage]

BAWSS

[@RetroGamingPandemic]

@@MortsGarage Boss Riff wrote me up for watching this video on the clock. I’m in trouble!

[@RussLyman]

😂 the Man with many names

[@SamLuvsPizza]

Taking Notes 📝

[@MortsGarage]

📝

[@Joaquin-jz2gw]

Oh cool

[@MortsGarage]

🤠

[@darylbest7980]

Hey Mort that negative comment was taken out of context to a comment I made about Wata grade seal collectors. They have tried to destroy this hobby. So the comments still stands. That guy can go to hell. It's because of people like him that have caused the Retro Game markets prices to skyrocket. Make it almost impossible for new collectors to get into the scene. Especially that attorney. I like both your guys channels. But it goes a lot more deeper into manipulation of the markets. So I'm really not unapologetic about that comment...

[@MortsGarage]

I appreciate any critical comment that is made, so long as it is from a place of sincerity and with the right amount of respect. I’m glad you’re here!

[@darylbest7980]

It's a very harsh statement but it justified one. From the Carl's job video to the lack of population reports from Wata games to the interconnected relationships with that lawyer all points to manipulation and control of the markets. It's frustrating to see a hobby I so love get destroyed by folks that want to make it just about money with little remorse for people who gets played into the system. Between the people losing thousands of dollars for taking for a ride. So yeah this does stand. This guy and a few others tried to destroy this hobby of ours .

[@Datzreal]

I really feel what you guys are speaking on now I am a nerd and that’s ok 😂

[@MortsGarage]

You’re in the right place!

[@peterknighton2757]

Giggidy

[@MortsGarage]

😊

[@peterknighton2757]

@@MortsGarage always a Giggidy when I see your name pop up 😁🤣

[@brettrogames]

Studs ❤

[@MortsGarage]

🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♂️

[@dudewithaccent32]

Everyone prefers it raw 😉

[@MortsGarage]

🎮🎮

[@retrovintageaddict2492]

Yerrrr!!!!

[@MortsGarage]

ERRRRR 🎮🤘

[@eduardohernandezlopez3550]

Only a minute in but does anyone hear a high pitched noise when watching the video on their phone?

[@MortsGarage]

I checked on my phone but I don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. Let me know if that’s true in other contexts. There’s a music track in the background, hopefully it’s not too loud.

[@DCFatCat]

According to LA County, it doesn't exist

[@MortsGarage]

?

[@DCFatCat]

@@MortsGarage Riffs shack that's taxable square footage. (Sarcasm intended)

[@MortsGarage]

@@DCFatCat hahaha - NOW I get you

[@DCFatCat]

@@MortsGarage I think that's what everyone has said after they watched one of your videos Mort 😂 cuz I know this is a comment in a comment and I'm not sure if it's going to get red by most people. One thing I think you need to make sure that you take two heart, not just as it been a year. But I swear you have commented on every single comment in your videos. I can't think of anyone that actually has done that. And done it. Where you mean what you say in your comments, and not just a oh hey thanks for the watch but actually took it to heart and thank you.

[@MortsGarage]

I enjoy the community part SO MUCH. I'm sure there's a time where it will slow down, but comments like the one you made early on when you were dealing with some heavy medical stuff are the most meaningful parts of this experience for me.

[@OfficialSeth]

Something else, for people that are getting into editing please don't overdo it with memes. I watched a video the other day of a guy that was hunting for games at a flea market and it was like a 10-15 minute video and in just the first three minutes the majority of the content was memes. It was brutal to watch so I clicked off of it.

[@MortsGarage]

Sounds like a few of my first videos 😳

[@seanthegamer5552]

OMG!!! I am really the first LIKE!!! &, first VIEW 🪟 no lying... this Time... amazing!!!

[@MortsGarage]

…second, but the enthusiasm is everything!!!

[@SCtryingtoshuffle]

Finally a Riff and Mort vide 🥹

[@MortsGarage]

😊