The Terrible Truth About Retention Editing

That high-energy, in-your-face editing style is grabbing the attention of millions of viewers on platforms like YouTube. But while these videos might be effective at retaining viewers, do they truly provide an entertaining experience?

CREDIT
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#editing #videoessay

[lastmanstanley]

I love your quote "the creator doesn't trust the audience to keep watching".

[chuchushoeTW]

Retention Editing is just like mixing a bunch of shorts into one long video, it's really tiring to watch

[OsmanToplica]

It is crazy to me that this video didn't get viral. Every second of it was valuable. Thanks.

[conqueroroftheinternet]

This was needed to be said. Retention editing is the worst trend to come out of YouTube, there is no alternative to good storytelling and providing value.

[ludoviajante]

Thanks for this video. I think every creator has thought about this subject, but it's difficult to put into words. You did it masterfully.
Much love from Brazil.

[nikdg]

I'd love to see the retention rating on this video

[bnaqua]

THANK YOU for saying all of this 👏🏼 retention editing drives me NUTS. I immediately click away now when the editing is ridiculous and everyone is screaming in the video. I prefer unedited/low-edit chill videos from smaller channels these days tbh, hyper glossy edited videos are not the move rn

[nattieCSH]

its basically reality TV editing, that 15 second airport bit reminds me of the Gift Shop Sketch, where a mundane interaction is ratcheted 😆

[wamyy]

Absolute love this analysis. I feel constant pressure to stimulate my viewers constantly, even though my value is in inspiring and helping people become their best selves. The best way to do that is through storytelling and connecting. Thanks for this!

[AetherKosmos]

This is so relevant. I don't like this overuse of retention editing and since I'm just starting out in this YouTube journey, I often feel like I HAVE to incorperate some of it just to trickle in some views on my videos. But I refuse to, because it's not who I am as a person, it's not the kind of content I want to make or story I want to tell.

This trend (and trends like short form content) has such an impact on so many things in society nowadays and how we consume, I sincerely hope it will turn back around and give way for more thought-provoking styles of content.

[BricksburghPA]

Professional video editor here. Clients always want "retention editing" but have absolutely zero clue about how much time and effort go into it and like to pay as such. Good to know the tides are turning!

[secondchairmusic]

THANK YOU!! You’ve clearly laid out what I’ve felt for the longest time.

I’m glad the ADHD style of editing is going out!

[AkshatDAlly]

Thank You, Finally someone pointed it out well. I find it disgusting how people who hyper stimulate and fry the neurological receptors of viewers instead of giving them a fun time/emotional ride/true value, are bowed down to (metaphorically) and respected as if they are gods of video making. To be honest they don't even deserve to be called artists/creatives.

[MikeAzul]

It all starts with the thumbnails. I avoid any video I suspect has loud retention editing

I'm glad other people are aware of how annoying this trend is

[JayDeeMC]

You kept my attention. I watched 100% of the video. And I agree completely. A year later, I am seeing this trend of storytelling type videos growing, while retention editing is becoming less popular. It's tiring to watch, and a lot of people have told me that they're far more interested in watching something that's relaxing and has good story. I, too, welcome this change.

[Kelemen]

YES thank you for explaining this so well! It's become so unsatisfying to watch YouTube lately yet I find myself on here for hours each day. It does truly feel like a lot of creators are hacking my brain.

[antaresvasto]

This is a breath of fresh air. It's interesting how it contrast with the "everyone is quitting youtube" thing. It shows that there needs to be a change. People need to feel more fulfilled with the content they are making and consumers also need more quality content. I believe this will only benefit us all. Hopefully that will also translate in the economic sense so that the content can keep flowing.

[scartinmorsese]

One more thing... you embodied so many of us with your reaction to the "delayed flight" segment and the cut afterwards. So funny. The micro-dramas some creators want us to care about is insulting. Watching that segment made me start breathing out of my mouth. I'm convinced there's some sort of not-so-subtle hypnotizing effect with that type of editing.

[artofersuke]

As a newbie in video editing, I'm really tired of seeing the same types of videos on TikTok. Everyone's edits look the same with all the sound effects and movements. I hope more people find your video. Thanks for this!

[mendozaproductions]

Your channel is everything I didn't know I needed right now... binge watched all your videos in one sitting. Can't wait for more content from you!