How to Edit Gaming Videos for YouTube: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Gameplay videos are among the top types of content found on YouTube. Even if your video features the process of recording of the game, it doesn’t guarantee that viewers will watch your video to the very end.

Regardless of what type of videos you produce – it may be gameplay videos, funny scenes, walkthrough videos, video highlights, or tutorials, mastering the art of **editing videos about games for YouTube** will definitely boost the quality of your videos. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need complicated effects to become successful. Clean cuts, good sound, funny scenes, and proper timing are just a few things that may help you make better videos.

In this guide, let us look at a simple gaming video editing workflow that beginners can follow.

Choose the Right Video Editing Software

The first thing is to find an editor which will be appropriate according to your proficiency and computer.

Among them are:

•  Adobe Premiere Pro
•  DaVinci Resolve
•  CapCut
•  Final Cut Pro (for Macs)

As a novice user, your job would be to learn basic editing functions like clipping the clips, adding music, working with audio and texts. It is unnecessary to learn everything about the editor in one go.

If you filmed a two-hour video gaming session, the most important task is not to make some effects yet.Your first job is to find the best moments.

Organise Your Gaming Footage

Before starting the actual edit, organise your files properly.

Create separate folders for:

• Gameplay footage
•  Facecam footage
•  Microphone audio
•  Background music
•  Sound effects
•  Images or graphics
•  Thumbnail materials

This little practice may save much time.

When you have multiple video clips, name them appropriately. Rather than naming your video clips `REC_001.mp4`, name them `Minecraft Gameplay 01` or `Valorant RankMatch 03`.

Organizing your project will make editing a breeze.

Remove Boring Parts First

And another important technique of video gaming editing is the elimination of unneeded footage.

In general, any gaming session can include:

•  long-loading screens;
•  silent period;
•  repetition of actions;
•  menu exploration;
•  failed attempts;
•  long periods of waiting.

There is no need to display everything that happened in the game.

As an example, let’s assume that you have been traveling for five minutes across the game map. In case there is nothing exciting to see during that period of time, you can cut it and show only small parts of the footage.

So the video will be more dynamic without creating confusion in viewers.

Show Only the Best Gaming Clips

After deleting all unnecessary fragments, determine which moments are entertaining or useful.

Such moments can be:

•  funny reaction;
•  surprising moments;
•  winning or losing;
•  difficulties;
•  cool playing;
•  exciting discoveries;
•  funny dialogue;
•  important game moments.

Think about the viewer when editing.

Try to ask yourself: **"Would I like to watch such moment in this video?"**

If the answer is negative, then shorten or delete it.

Improve the Pacing

Pacing refers to controlling the speed at which the video goes from one scene to another.

Gaming video may seem boring when all clips are being displayed for an excessively long period of time. On the other hand, quick changing of all the scenes may lead to confusion.

Try to make the editing speed depend on the gameplay.

For an active fighting scene, the clips will be switched quicker. As for an important moment of the storyline, you may leave the footage visible longer.

It is possible to apply simple zooming, cutting, or transitions in order to emphasize the most important moments.

Ensure Clarity of Gaming Audio

Audio plays a crucial role in creating gaming videos.

Even if the gameplay itself is great, poor audio will cause the viewers to turn away.

First of all, make sure your voice is heard clearly. Try to avoid extra noises and adjust the volume level.

In addition, you should manage the following:

•  Microphone volume
•  Game sounds
•  Background music
•  Sound effects

Your voice should not disappear under the noise of explosions and game music.

If you use background music in your video, make sure it is not loud enough to obscure your commentary.

Use Sound Effects Carefully

Sound effects will increase the entertainment level of the gaming edits.

For instance, you can include small sound effects in your videos when:

•  You do something hilarious;
•  You commit a mistake;
•  You win;
•  Something strange shows up;
•  You tell an inside joke/meme;

However, do not use sound effects for each cut you edit.

An abundance of sounds will create a noisy video and distract viewers from what is going on. Use them only when needed.

Include Text and Subtitles

The inclusion of text into the video helps viewers understand what is going on, especially when you have to emphasize some joke, reaction, scores or provide some significant info.

For example:

"I DID NOT EXPECT THAT!"

This text could be displayed by you temporarily in case of surprise.

Subtitles are helpful in cases when your commentary is hard to perceive or when you want to provide viewers with some significant dialogue in a more clear manner.

Do not use too many fonts and colours in one video.

Use Zooms and Simple Effects

You do not need complicated visual effects to make a gaming video interesting.

Simple effects can work very well.

For example:

•  Slight zoom for a funny reaction
•  Quick zoom during a surprise
•  Screen shake for a powerful impact
•  Slow motion for an important moment
•  Freeze frame for a joke
•  Simple blur for transitions

What matters is the effective application of effects.

If your effect does not enhance the story, humor, or gaming scene, then you likely don’t require it.

Introduction to the Effect

The beginning of your YouTube gaming video is important.

Instead of starting with a long introduction, consider showing an interesting moment from later in the video.

For example, if you achieve an unexpected victory at the end, you could briefly show a few seconds of that moment at the beginning.

Then introduce the video.

This gives viewers a reason to continue watching.

Keep your introduction short and get into the actual content quickly.

Add Background Music

Background music can improve the mood of your gaming video.

Use different music depending on the situation:

•  Calm music for exploration
•  Energetic music for action
•  Funny music for comedy
•  Dramatic music for important moments

Always make sure you have permission to use the music. Copyright problems can affect your YouTube channel.

Do not make the music louder than your commentary or important game sounds.

Add B-Roll, Memes and Visual Elements

Gaming videos can sometimes benefit from additional visual elements.

You can use:

•  Screenshots
•  Game images
•  Memes
•  Reaction graphics
•  Simple animations
•  On-screen information

For instance, when providing an explanation for your loss of a game, you can stop the game from playing and insert text or zoom into the error part.

These features can facilitate your explanation.

Keep Your Editing Style Consistent

Try to have an identifiable editing style.

Not everything should be the same in all your videos. But there should be some consistent features, such as:

•  Font
•  Text Animation
•  Sound Design
•  Color Scheme
•  Opening Format
•  Thumbnail

Viewers might recognize your videos with their distinct editing style.

Common Editing Errors While Gaming Videos

A new editor makes some errors while working with gaming videos.

Over-usage of Effects

Many effects do not make the editing better. Transitions, animations, and other effects distract from the gameplay.

Keeping It All

Do not think you have to use all your video material. Cut all unnecessary pieces.

Neglecting Soundtrack

You cannot concentrate on just video part. Bad microphone will spoil even the best video.

Too Much Introduction

There is no need to make a very long intro because viewers usually want to watch the game. Make a short but useful intro.

Not Watching the Video After Editing

Watch the exported file from start to finish before uploading it. Look at audio, missed clips, mistakes in spelling, abrupt volume changes, and other errors.

Best Workflow for Editing Gaming Videos

A basic workflow may include such stages as:

Import video footage → Arrange files → Delete unnecessary content → Pinpoint the most important parts → Edit gameplay → Fix audio → Add texts and effects → Add music → Color correction → Review the full video → Export → Upload

Doing the same process every time would definitely make your life easier.

FAQ

Which software do you think will be good for video editing of games?

It all depends on your device and experience level. There is no one particular software for everyone. You can use Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and CapCut.

How long should a gaming video be?

It can be of any length. There is no fixed duration of a gaming video. Length entirely depends upon the video's content. A 10-minute video is better than a 30-minute one.

Should I edit all the gameplay videos?

Not always. Depending on the purpose of the video, you should delete unnecessary parts of the gameplay but keep those parts which add value to the story and entertaining part of the video.

Should I use facecam for gaming video?

No, it is not necessary. Facecam is just an additional tool which

Final Thoughts

Learning **to edit gaming videos on YouTube** involves improving the viewer’s experience. Here are some basic things that can help you: cut out uninteresting footage, select interesting segments, boost your audio quality, add easy effects, and make sure the pace is good.

You don’t require expensive gear or loads of effects to create a great gaming video. You just need time and regular practice and then you’ll be able to slowly create your unique style and edit game videos quickly.

If you liked this guide, **do not hesitate to tell your friend or fellow gamer how useful it is**. Remember to follow our blog to get more video editing tricks for YouTube.