When you hit play on a YouTube video, the focus is usually on the person in front of the camera—the storyteller, the comedian, or the educator. But the real magic? That often happens behind the scenes, in the hands of a skilled editor.
Joe, known professionally as Joe Edits, is one of those magicians. He’s been the editing mastermind for creators like ClickForTaz and others, crafting engaging content that keeps audiences glued to their screens.
In this exclusive interview, Joe shares his journey from travel vlogger to sought-after freelance editor, the lessons he’s learned, and actionable advice for creators looking to up their editing game. Let’s dive into his story and uncover what it really takes to create scroll-stopping content.
1. The Humble Beginnings: How Passion Turned Into a Career
Joe’s editing career wasn’t born from formal training or a grand vision. It began with curiosity. He started creating travel vlogs for fun, learning the basics of editing as he went along. What began as a creative outlet quickly caught the attention of others, leading to his first paid gig.
“At first, I was just doing it for myself—uploading travel videos and learning along the way. Then someone offered to pay me to edit, and it clicked. I thought, ‘Wow, this could actually be a job!’”
Joe’s story highlights a critical point: you don’t need to start with professional-grade skills or equipment. What matters is getting started. Each project becomes an opportunity to refine your craft and discover your style.
- Actionable Insight: If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment” to start, don’t. The best way to learn editing—or any skill—is by diving in and creating.
2. Editing for Your Audience: A Lesson in Perspective
In the beginning, Joe made videos that he found interesting. But as he gained experience, he realized that editing isn’t about pleasing yourself—it’s about keeping your audience engaged.
“I had to learn to step outside of my own head and think like a viewer. What would make them keep watching? What’s the payoff they’re expecting?”
This shift in perspective became one of Joe’s guiding principles. Whether it’s the pacing of a montage or the placement of a punchline, every decision is made with the audience in mind.
- Pro Tip: When editing, ask yourself: Does this add value for my viewer? If it doesn’t, it’s time to cut.
3. Riding the Waves of Editing Trends
Joe has seen editing styles evolve over the years. From the polished daily vlogs of Casey Neistat to the hyper-dynamic cuts of TikTok, trends come and go. But one thing remains constant: the need to adapt to your audience and platform.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all. You have to figure out what works for the content you’re creating and the audience you’re serving.”
For example, YouTube audiences might prefer longer, narrative-driven videos, while TikTok demands attention-grabbing visuals within the first three seconds.
- Key Takeaway: Stay informed about trends, but don’t lose sight of your unique style. Blend what’s popular with what makes your content stand out.
4. Why Imperfection is an Editor’s Best Friend
One of Joe’s biggest lessons is the value of imperfection. Early in his career, he fell into the trap of trying to make every video perfect. But he quickly realized this approach stifled creativity and slowed growth.
“I learned more from editing five ‘okay’ videos than from spending weeks trying to perfect one. Quantity breeds quality over time.”
Joe encourages creators to embrace the messy middle. Not every project will be a masterpiece—and that’s okay. Each one is a stepping stone.
- Advice: Prioritize output over perfection. The more you create, the better you’ll get.
5. The Science of Engagement: YouTube vs. TikTok
Joe has worked across platforms, and he’s keenly aware of the differences in audience behavior.
- On YouTube: Audiences are more intentional. They’ve clicked on your video, so they’re invested—but you still need a strong hook and a compelling story to keep them watching.
- On TikTok: The challenge is stopping the scroll. You need bold visuals and immediate value to capture attention in the first few seconds.
“Both platforms are about engagement, but the strategies are completely different. For YouTube, it’s about storytelling. For TikTok, it’s about instant impact.”
- Pro Tip: Tailor your editing style to the platform’s strengths. For YouTube, focus on pacing and narrative arcs. For TikTok, think bold, fast, and flashy.
6. The Subtle Art of Sound Design
When asked what separates good editing from great editing, Joe didn’t hesitate: sound design. From subtle background music to perfectly timed sound effects, these details can make a video feel polished and professional.
“A well-placed sound effect can emphasize a joke or make a transition feel seamless. It’s those little touches that take a video to the next level.”
- Practical Tip: Experiment with sound layering. Use audio to guide the viewer’s emotions and enhance the story you’re telling.
7. The Reality of Big Projects
Editing for big-name creators like ClickForTaz sounds glamorous, but Joe is quick to point out the challenges. Larger projects often come with tighter creative constraints, as the creator usually has a clear vision.
“There’s less room to put your personal stamp on it, but you learn a lot about collaboration and delivering what the client wants.”
On the flip side, smaller projects offer more creative freedom, allowing editors to experiment and showcase their unique style.
8. Avoiding Burnout: A Balancing Act
Like many creatives, Joe has struggled with burnout. Balancing a full-time job and freelance editing meant late nights and high pressure. While the hustle paid off, he now prioritizes sustainability.
“At some point, you have to find balance. But I’ll admit, those late nights taught me a lot. Sometimes you have to push through the grind to reach the next level.”
- Advice for Creators: Know your limits, but don’t shy away from hard work. Growth often comes during those intense, all-in periods.
Final Thoughts: Editors as Storytellers
Joe’s journey reminds us that editors aren’t just button-pushers—they’re storytellers. Every cut, transition, and sound effect serves a purpose: to keep the audience engaged and the story flowing.
Whether you’re a creator looking to improve your editing or an aspiring editor yourself, Joe’s advice is simple: just start. The more you create, the more you’ll learn. And who knows? You might just edit the next viral sensation.
Theory of YouTube 