Why You Think You Can't Edit (And Why You Absolutely Can)
If you've ever opened an editing program, stared at the timeline, and immediately felt overwhelmed… you're not alone. At the Unspeakable offices, we've been talking a lot about editing lately, and it reminded me just how many creators believe they "can't edit."
Here's the truth: you're not bad at editing — you're just early in the process.
Whether you're cutting a short film, a TikTok, or a chaotic hide-and-seek vlog with your friends, editing feels overwhelming when you're starting out. I've heard every excuse:
- "The software is too confusing."
- "I'm not creative enough."
- "Editing just isn't for me."
I get it — I started exactly where you are.
Over the last 12 years, I've produced over 5,000 videos, trained dozens of editors, and worked across every type of content. What I've learned is this:
Editing isn't a talent. It's a skill. And skills are built through repetition, not born from some special gift.
Editing Is Like Riding a Bike — Awkward Until It Isn't
The only reason you believe you can't edit is because you haven't edited enough yet. That's it.
Editing becomes easier — and more enjoyable — every time you do it.
Think about learning to ride a bike. The first time, you're overthinking everything:
- "Where do my feet go?"
- "How do I steer?"
- "How hard do I press the brake?"
But once you practice, those thoughts disappear. You hop on and go without thinking.
Editing works the same way.
At first, you'll question every decision. Should I cut here? Is this transition too much? Does this music fit?
But over time, the cuts start feeling intuitive. You stop overthinking and start following your instincts. Repetition builds confidence. Confidence unlocks creativity.
My First Videos Had Zero Editing — and That's Fine
When I started YouTube in 2012, there was no editing. None. Just me, a camera, and raw enthusiasm.
No cuts. No music. No polish.
After my first 100 videos, I finally started removing the boring parts — the stutters, repeats, awkward pauses, and dead space. I edited using Windows Movie Maker. (Yes, that ancient relic.)
My process was simple: Film for 20–30 minutes, then edit for 20–30 minutes. Just trimming. Nothing fancy.
If you're new, start there. Master the basics before worrying about transitions and motion graphics.
Your Editing Skills Grow With Your Ideas
By year two, I had edited nearly 200 videos. That's when I got curious — adding music, simple sound effects, switching camera angles, experimenting with pacing.
Two more years passed, and I was editing full storylines built from 200+ clips. I learned how editing shapes emotion, tension, humor, and narrative flow.
But here's what everyone forgets:
Every great edit still starts with simple cuts. Fancy editing comes later. Foundation comes first.
So if you're just starting out, don't stress about:
- Complex transitions
- Advanced effects
- Motion graphics
- Detailed sound design
Focus on creating an entertaining, well-paced story. Everything else is optional.
The Most Important Editing Tool: Your Mindset
If you want to grow as an editor, here's what matters most:
Editing is 90% mindset and 10% software.
Most beginners get stuck because they expect perfection immediately. But your job isn't to be perfect — it's to get 1% better with every video.
Choose curiosity over intimidation. Give yourself permission to be bad at first. Every editor you admire cut hundreds of mediocre videos before they found their rhythm.
With time, you'll start to feel the natural rhythm of editing:
- When to cut
- When to hold a shot
- When to pause for comedic timing
- When to build suspense
- When to let a moment breathe
It won't feel like guessing anymore — it will feel like instinct. But instinct only comes from putting in the work.
If You Keep Going, You Will Get Better
You don't need natural talent. You don't need the perfect software. You don't need fancy effects.
You just need to keep going.
If you commit to improving just 1% with every video, your skills will grow automatically. Editing is the art of trying again — clip by clip, cut by cut.
So keep practicing. Keep experimenting. Keep learning.
Your future videos will prove what you're capable of.