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If you’re a new or aspiring content creator, you’ve probably been there—staring at a messy timeline full of random clips, trying to edit your way into something that makes sense.
Here’s the harsh truth: if your video doesn’t have a story, no amount of editing wizardry can save it.
You can color grade until your eyes blur, layer in sound effects, and stack transitions like a pro—but if your footage is just a collection of “stuff that happened,” your video will still fall flat.
As an editor, I see this all the time. Creators hand over hours of footage, hoping I can somehow “make it work.” But editors aren’t miracle workers—we can only shape the story that’s already there. If your video has no structure, it’ll always feel disjointed, leaving viewers wondering, “Wait… what was the point?”
Let’s fix that.
Here’s the harsh truth: if your video doesn’t have a story, no amount of editing wizardry can save it.
You can color grade until your eyes blur, layer in sound effects, and stack transitions like a pro—but if your footage is just a collection of “stuff that happened,” your video will still fall flat.
As an editor, I see this all the time. Creators hand over hours of footage, hoping I can somehow “make it work.” But editors aren’t miracle workers—we can only shape the story that’s already there. If your video has no structure, it’ll always feel disjointed, leaving viewers wondering, “Wait… what was the point?”
Let’s fix that.
🎬 The Secret to a Solid Video: A Complete Story
Remember those elementary school writing lessons about every story needing a beginning, middle, and end? Turns out, that same rule applies to YouTube videos, TikToks, and even podcasts.
No matter the platform, your story should always:
1. Set the stage (context and motivation)
2. Show the action (movement or transformation)
3. Bring it full circle (reflection or payoff)
Here’s how that looks in action 👇
Remember those elementary school writing lessons about every story needing a beginning, middle, and end? Turns out, that same rule applies to YouTube videos, TikToks, and even podcasts.
No matter the platform, your story should always:
1. Set the stage (context and motivation)
2. Show the action (movement or transformation)
3. Bring it full circle (reflection or payoff)
Here’s how that looks in action 👇
1. Setting the Stage
This is where you give viewers context and emotion. Let’s say I’m filming a vlog about getting my business license. Sounds boring, right? But if I explain why I’m doing it—how it’s a big step, why it matters, what I’m nervous about—you suddenly care.
This part is all about telling:
What are you doing?
How do you feel about it?
Why does it matter?
This is where you give viewers context and emotion. Let’s say I’m filming a vlog about getting my business license. Sounds boring, right? But if I explain why I’m doing it—how it’s a big step, why it matters, what I’m nervous about—you suddenly care.
This part is all about telling:
What are you doing?
How do you feel about it?
Why does it matter?
2. The Main Event
This is where you show instead of tell. Footage of me parking, walking into city hall, waiting in line, filling out paperwork—on paper, it’s mundane. But with pacing, music, and movement, it becomes the journey. If I end this section with the moment I’m handed the license, you’ve now watched the story unfold and gotten your payoff.
3. Bringing It Full Circle
Now it’s time to reflect and wrap up. I’d film a closing clip—maybe back at home—talking about how it feels to finally have that license, what it means for my business, and what comes next. Maybe I’d even raise my coffee mug to the camera with a little “cheers to the future.” That final touch gives closure and a sense of momentum.
The Takeaway
Before you hit record, plan your story. You don’t need a full script—just a few bullet points outlining your beginning, middle, and end. When you reach the edit, you’ll thank yourself. You won’t be stuck trying to build a narrative from scraps—you’ll be refining a story that already makes sense. Because here’s the truth: You can’t fix bad storytelling in post. But when you capture a complete story from the start, everything about your content—from editing to engagement—gets easier.
Bottom line: Structure first. Shoot second. Edit last. Your audience (and your future self) will thank you.