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How to Edit Videos on YouTube Studio
If you’re new to YouTube and want to learn how to edit videos on YouTube, you’re in the right place. YouTube Studio includes a free built-in video editor that lets you trim, cut, and adjust your uploaded videos without any extra software.
You don’t need expensive editing tools for basic fixes. Whether you need to remove an awkward pause, cut out a section you didn’t mean to include, or add an end screen to promote your other content, the YouTube editor handles it all.
Why Use a Video Editor?
Every video has moments that don’t belong in the final cut. Maybe you stumbled over a sentence, accidentally recorded a location you didn’t have permission to film, or simply want to tighten things up for your audience.
Editing lets you remove those rough spots so viewers only see your best work. And YouTube gives you the tools to do this right inside the platform, at no cost.
Step-by-Step: Editing Videos on YouTube
Step 1. Sign in to YouTube Studio
Head to studio.youtube.com and sign in with your Google account credentials.
Step 2. Open the Content Tab
After signing in, click “Content” in the left sidebar to view all your uploaded videos.
Step 3. Select Your Video
Click the title or thumbnail of the video you’d like to edit. This opens the video’s detail page.
Step 4. Open the Editor
In the left menu, click “Editor.” This loads YouTube’s built-in editing interface with your video’s timeline.
Step 5. Trim the Beginning or End
Click the “Trim” button next to your video’s timer. Blue and white bars will appear on the edges of your timeline. Drag these bars inward to remove unwanted footage from the start or end of your video.
When you’re happy with the trim, click “Preview” to check the result. If it looks right, hit “Save.”
Step 6. Cut a Section from the Middle
Need to remove something from the middle? Click “Trim” again, then move the playhead to the start of the section you want to remove and click “Split.”
Move to the end of that section and click “Split” again. Use the blue bars on either side to fine-tune the cut points. Click “Preview” to review your changes, then “Save” once you’re satisfied.
Step 7. Add an End Screen
After your edit is done, you can add an end screen to promote related videos, playlists, or your subscribe button. Click “Add an end screen” in the timeline panel and follow the prompts.
End screens are a great way to keep viewers on your channel. You can link to your latest upload, a popular playlist, or simply ask people to subscribe.
Tips for Better YouTube Videos
Careful editing goes a long way toward growing an engaged audience. Cut the filler, keep the good parts, and make sure your audio is clean throughout.
Audio is actually the single most important element in YouTube videos. Viewers will put up with average video quality, but bad sound makes them click away almost immediately. If you haven’t invested in a decent microphone yet, that should be your next purchase.
See Also
