Rhythm, Repetition: Video Editing Tips That Work

A few years ago, I stumbled onto some video editing tips that forever changed how I looked at editing. There’s a rhythm to video editing—a hidden language, almost like the backbeat of a good song. Once you catch onto it, you can’t unhear it. That rhythm becomes the lifeblood of your edit. Whether cutting a suspenseful trailer, a sappy commercial, or your next short film masterpiece, understanding that rhythm is one of the most crucial video editing tips you’ll ever get.

Now, let me just say—I don’t consider myself some high priest of editing. There are folks with degrees, awards, and probably way more caffeine in their system than me. But one thing I have learned through blood, sweat, and a few too many late-night renders is that audiences expect a particular flow. And if you miss that flow? You lose them. Fast.

Video Editing Tips: Learn the Rhythm, Nail the Result

When we were working on a feature film called Abigail Haunting, I cut the trailer. Rather than winging it, I did a little homework. Okay—a lot. I studied trailers from other films, especially blockbusters with similar tones. I downloaded them, broke them down cut by cut, and mapped out their pacing. I literally watched frame by frame to understand where the energy kicked in when it slowed down and how the emotional arc was built.

And surprise—it wasn’t random. It was orchestrated.

Every wide shot, every insert, every abrupt music cue was part of a recipe. A dance. And so, I borrowed that rhythm for our trailer. I edited Abigail Haunting’s trailer using that same pattern—guess what? That trailer crushed it. The film went on to hit the top of Amazon’s streaming platform, garner international attention, and fooled more than a few people into thinking we were a part of a massive studio franchise.

The takeaway? Structure works. Audience expectations are a real thing. And one of the best video editing tips I can give is this: don’t be afraid to emulate what already works. Especially in trailers, ads, and short-form content—your job is to hook viewers, not reinvent the wheel.

Video Editing Tips: It’s Not the Software, It’s the Storytelling

Let’s talk tools.

There’s this weird myth floating around filmmaking circles that your editing software defines your skill. Back in the day, it was all about Avid. If you weren’t cutting on Avid, were you even a professional? (Insert dramatic film school gasp here.)

Then Final Cut and Adobe Premiere came out, and suddenly, the scene got crowded and a little snobby. These days, editors still argue over platforms like it’s some kind of religion.

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter what you use—Final Cut Pro, Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, whatever. I’ve known 14-year-olds editing content on their phones making $20K a month. If that doesn’t prove it’s about technique over tools, I don’t know what does.

One of the best video editing tips I can give anyone starting out is to use what you’re comfortable with and focus on your technique. Smooth cuts, intentional pacing, emotional beats—those things matter way more than the logo in the corner of your screen.

Video Editing Tips: Borrow, Steal, Emulate—Then Make It Yours

Here’s a controversial one: steal—creatively, of course.

If something works, reverse-engineer it. When I say steal, I don’t mean lift someone’s video and slap your name on it. I mean, study successful edits. Ask yourself: What shots did they use? How did they pace the story? Where did the music swell? Why did that scene hit emotionally?

These video editing tips don’t just apply to film. They’re just as effective in commercials, music videos, corporate videos—you name it. If you’re cutting a 30-second ad for a sock company and find a killer Nike spot that gives you goosebumps? Study it. Learn from it. Then make your own sock ad that slaps just as hard.

Stop Worshipping Gear, Start Understanding Your Audience

Another pet peeve of mine—equipment snobs.

In this industry, we’ve all been conditioned to believe that gear equals greatness. But guess what? It doesn’t. You could shoot a million-dollar commercial on a RED camera with the best glass in the world and still end up with something lifeless if the edit sucks.

I’ve seen raw, gritty edits on iPhones outperform six-figure productions. You know why? Because they were honest. Relatable. The audience connected with it. In fact, we once had a client so obsessed with recreating a 20-year-old ad they loved that they spent tens of thousands on a bombed campaign.

You know what saved it? Cutting the footage into scrappy, influencer-style shorts with a DIY vibe. Crude. Fast. Effective. Boom—results.

So here’s one more of my favorite video editing tips: gear doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the goal. Stay focused on what your audience wants to feel—not just what you want to show off.

Final Thoughts: Practice, Play, and Know When to Break the Rules

As I wrap this up, here are two big ideas to keep in your back pocket:

1. Emulate success. Find a great video and dissect it. If it made an impact, there’s a reason. Discover it.
2. Stay flexible. Don’t get stuck in your ways. The industry changes, trends shift, and attention spans evaporate, so be ready to adapt. Some edits need polish, while others need to feel like they were made in a garage. Know the difference.

The best video editing tips aren’t just about cuts and software. They’re about knowing what you’re trying to say—and making damn sure people feel it.

So, go out there. Get weird. Experiment. Study what works. Break a few rules. Just remember to bring the rhythm.

And whatever you do—don’t bore your audience. Life’s too short for bad edits. Contact us if you need help with your video editing.

Peace out!

-Kelly