Edit Stories Not Videos

Ever wonder why your edits don't hit like the ones you admire?

I have the simple solution for you—story tell.

Stories have been the backbone of information sharing for millennia. Before YouTube, before TikTok, newspaper and even paper. And in turn, stories feel familiar, like home.

Here's the best part: every story has 4 key parts. As editors, we choose exactly how, when, and where to present them.

Edit Stories, Not Videos.

Step 1: Your Hook

FForget everything you've been told about hooks. This isn't just about flashy or trendy TikTok intros—it's deeper.. A hook is about building relatability and connection with your audience. It’s all comes down to two things: stopping your audience and asking what question are you getting your audience to ask? If you can successfully cause your viewer to ask a question after your hook, you’ll have them HOOKED.

Step 2: Your Body

Editing a successful body of your video comes down to reinforcing the reason the viewer is still watching the video. Answer this: what question did I want my viewer to ask in my hook and how can I tease the answer?

For example—in one of my recent YouTube videos, I tease how mastering these '12 effects' can transform you into a CapCut pro. Immediately, my viewers wonder, "Which effects will help elevate my editing?" Throughout the video, I reinforce and build anticipation around this question. This connects the body to their question, priming them for the next step.

Step 3: Your Climax

Your climax is the heartbeat of your video—it's the exact moment your viewers have waited for. It answers the burning question you've been building up to. It's effect number 11 out of 12—the one your viewer simply can't miss. As an editor, your climax isn't just the peak of excitement—it's the payoff. Make this moment unmistakable by editing with clarity and purpose: amplify tension, accelerate your cuts, or slow down dramatically. Whatever your approach, ensure the viewer feels they're experiencing something worth their full attention.

Step 4: Your Resolution

This is where we give the audience a moment to breathe, a moment to gather their thoughts and emotions. In the Resolution, you need to help the audience realise their question has been answered and they’re walking away feeling something. It’s also where you can influence action-subscribe, like, click the link, etc. This is because they’re hopefully walking away with value.

Pick and choose how you want to structure your structure. A great editor doesn’t always follow steps 1-4 in this order.

Want more in-depth editing skills and storytelling secrets? I just launched CapCut Lab—an editing course designed to turn you into a true CapCut master. Check it out! https://mattloui.teachable.com/p/capcut-lab

Catch you next week—keep telling awesome stories! 😀