The Ultimate Video Editing Guide | From Raw Footage to Masterpiece

[Hennessy]

Hey everyone!

I’ve decided to put together a guide for anyone trying their hand at video editing—to make the process easier and pull you deeper into the craft. Trust me, after reading this, your editing skills will skyrocket almost instantly because the tricks I’ll share today will help you make videos way cooler. So grab some coffee or tea, maybe a few cookies, and let’s dive in.

This guide will be split into several big sections, each focusing on a different aspect: choosing software, editing, music, transitions, and so on.


Part 1: Picking the Right Recording Software
There are plenty of ways to record your gameplay (yes, even with cheats). Some programs are simpler and more flexible, while others are heavier but equally functional.
My personal favorite? Nvidia ShadowPlay, which I use to capture short 45–60-second clips after the action happens. Essentially, this tool is built into the Nvidia App and comes bundled with Nvidia GPUs.

Spoiler for Part 1:

Want more details on ShadowPlay? Check out:
nvidia.com/en-my/geforce/geforce-experience/shadowplay/?ysclid=mdcuwrbvfq130406733

And here’s a setup tutorial:

• 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=painpxyaxVs
• 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B786jQj_Lo

Second Place: OBS Studio
A fantastic tool for streaming, recording gameplay (or your desktop, if needed), and capturing high-quality clips for YouTube (handy for inserting footage into your main edits). It offers solid bitrate control and even lets you slap a watermark on recordings upfront—though I’d advise against that, since it limits your editing flexibility later.

Want to set up OBS? Check this out:

• 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RezNh9TllJc

Third Place: Xbox Game Bar
Built into every Windows PC, this lightweight tool makes screen recording a breeze. But it’s pretty barebones—so stick with the top two if you want more control.

Learn more here:

• 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJsGdl0-Svs

Other Options (Unofficial Tier)
Here’s a list of other programs, but fair warning: I haven’t used them myself, so you’ll need to dig into reviews:

• Wondershare Filmora
• Action! Screen Recorder
• FBX Game Recorder
• Bandicam
• Radeon ReLive (Nvidia ShadowPlay’s AMD cousin)
• Fraps
• Xsplit
• Dxtory
• Ezvid
• Camtasia

Pro Tip: Resolution Matters

Aim for 1080p (minimum)—but higher if your PC can handle it. 2K or 4K gives YouTube’s compression algorithms more to work with (unsure if Odysee does something similar). I’ll circle back to codecs later to explain the key differences.

My 4K Recording & Rendering PC Setup
Here’s the rig I use to capture and edit buttery-smooth 4K footage:

Core Components:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-13700F OEM (2.1 GHz)
• Cooling: DeepCool LT720 (liquid AIO)
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi
• RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 – 32GB (2x16GB)
• Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1TB NVMe SSD

Graphics & Power:

• GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GAMING SLIM (12GB)
• PSU: Gigabyte UD850GM PG5 (850W)

Peripherals

• Case: Cougar Duoface Pro RGB (White)
• Monitor: MSI Optix MAG281URF (27.9" 4K UHD)

Now, let’s tackle the real challenge: video editing. Buckle up—this is the toughest (but most rewarding) part of the guide!

Part 2: The Basics of Editing
This section will be split into multiple parts—there’s a lot to cover.

Spoiler for Part 2:

Choosing Your Editing Software
Picking the right editor is personal. I started with Sony Vegas Pro (now just Vegas Pro), but eventually hit its limits and switched to Adobe Premiere Pro (with After Effects for animating the Systemcheats logo to the beat). Photoshop comes in handy too, but I’ll cover other tools later.

Here’s a list of PC editing software (phone apps won’t cut it for the quality we’re aiming for):

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro
• Vegas Pro
• DaVinci Resolve
• Movavi Video Editor
• Shotcut
• OpenShot
• VSDC Video Editor
• Kdenlive
• Wondershare Filmora

Note: I won’t explain how to install or edit in these—instead, I’ll share pro tips to level up your videos.

Editing begins before you hit "record." Ask yourself: What story am I telling?
My goal isn’t just "get +10 days of subs"—it’s to create something visually memorable.
Your video should feel like a cohesive narrative, not just clipped gameplay.

Example: Breaking Down One of My Past Videos

• 
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNXDnS_xA6I

Step-by-Step Breakdown of My Editing Process:

1. Concept: Hybrid Montage

I wanted to create a video showcasing cheat-powered gameplay clips mixed with official game trailers—blending raw moments with cinematic flair.

2. Music: The Hunt for the Perfect Track
Struggle: Spent weeks stuck until I stumbled on SUMMER GAME FEST: Geoff’s Hype Trailer. Instant inspiration!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1BQw2mTlx0
Solution: Picked 5 games I already had footage for and synced them to the trailer’s energy.

⚠️ Copyright Heads-Up:
If you plan to monetize, avoid copyrighted tracks (YouTube will block/claim them).

Workarounds:

• Royalty-free libraries (like Epidemic Sound, Artlist).
• YouTube’s Audio Library (limited but safe).
• Partner programs (e.g., Lickd for licensed music).
• Pro tip: StreamBeats offers copyright-free tracks.

3. Footage: The Grind for Gold
No shortcuts: The best clips take multiple sessions—sometimes a full week of recording.

Patience pays off: Don’t settle for "good enough." Wait for those iconic moments.

Key Takeaways:

Music sets the tone: A killer track can redefine your edit’s vibe.
Quality > Quantity: 10 seconds of epic footage beats 10 minutes of filler.

My Step-by-Step Editing Workflow (Steal These Tricks!)

Step 1: Music First – The Backbone of the Edit
Drop the track into Premiere Pro and hit M to place markers on:

• Beat drops
• Bass hits
• Vocal pauses (or any standout audio moments)

These markers become your edit roadmap—they dictate where cuts, transitions, and clips should sync.

Step 2: Rough Cut – Chaos Before Order
Start slapping clips onto the timeline, aligning them with your markers.
Expect gaps: If footage feels weak, go re-record. (Seriously—if your first edit feels "perfect," you’re probably missing magic.)

Step 3: Transitions – Invisible Art
Every transition must serve the story. No random spins/zooms!

Pro tricks:

Match movement between clips (e.g., a gunshot in Clip A → a gunshot in Clip B or explosion in Clip A → explosion in Clip B).
Use J-cuts (audio from next clip starts early) to smooth jumps.

Step 4: Color & Polish (Optional but Powerful)

• Color grading: Subtle tweaks > overdone filters. Boost contrast/saturation just enough.
• Watermark: Place it where it’s visible but not distracting (e.g., top side with 10% opacity).

Step 5: Render Hell – Don’t Screw This Up

• (I’ll drop render settings later—but for now
• Test short clips first to check quality.

Golden Rules I Live By

Sync or sink: If the clip doesn’t feel right with the music, scrap it.
Transitions ≠ crutches: Bad cuts won’t fix weak footage.
B-roll is king: Mix gameplay with cinematic angles/trailer shots.

The Transitions I Use (And Why They Work)
My Go-To Transition Arsenal:

• Weapon Reload Cut - https://youtu.be/6m5i2jg7gf4?si=Unl1IwhvL27z_deP&t=43
• Aiming Crosshair Swap - https://youtu.be/Xh6dj8gziYU?si=JETdhBUTJmUfomyA&t=201
• Sniper Scope Transition - https://youtu.be/Xh6dj8gziYU?si=RgpdC9QaangAtYGe&t=80
• Smoke Fade - https://youtu.be/jDGkRPrWrCo?si=GqXzjLste-iFm41f&t=223
• Explosion Wipe - https://youtu.be/rNXDnS_xA6I?si=WKZZmCmPot9uu6lc&t=237
• Doorway Light Flash - https://youtu.be/JZYpEmFpnV0?si=ivZPMwOv5l2kWiAl&t=70

Key Idea: These aren’t random—they mimic real motion to trick the eye into seeing a seamless flow.

The Hard Truth About "Perfect" Transitions

• You’ll fail. A lot. Even after 1,000 hours, some cuts still feel clunky—and that’s okay.
• Celebrate small wins: When a transition does work, hype yourself up! (My inner monologue: "Sergey, nailed it!")
• Harmony > Gimmicks: If a flashy transition clashes with the mood, ditch it.

Pro Tips to Level Up
Study YouTube. Search:

• "How to edit seamless transitions in [Your Software]"
• "Best settings for [Game] montages" - (That’s how I learned!)

If your edit feels "meh" after 2 days, you’re improving.
If you still love it, you’re not critical enough.

Avoid Burnout:

• Take breaks between projects.
• Forced creativity = stale videos.

Where to Find My Work (Including My Cringe-Worthy Early Days)
�� Current Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Hennessy_gamer
All my latest montages, transition experiments, and color-graded projects live here.

�� Vintage "How Not to Edit" Archive:
https://www.youtube.com/@4tech956 (Old Channel)
Behold my rookie-era videos: janky transitions, overused effects, and audio chaos. A masterclass in what to avoid:

Compare 2014 vs. 2025 edits to see the glow-up.

Notice how music selection evolved (from "loud = cool" to beat-perfect sync).

Part 3: Post-Production
So, you’ve edited your video, uploaded it to YouTube, added a title and description—and you think you’re done? Not so fast!

Spoiler for Part 3:

One crucial aspect of video editing is often overlooked: the thumbnail. A great video needs a great thumbnail. I use Photoshop to create mine, making sure it gives viewers a quick idea of what to expect. If you think, "Eh, I don’t need one," I strongly disagree. A polished thumbnail isn’t optional—it’s part of the full production cycle.

How to Make a Killer Thumbnail
Here are a few ways to create one:

• From Scratch in Photoshop - Best for full customization (if you have it installed).
• Freeze a Frame from Your Video - Take a key moment, darken it slightly, add text, and slap on the Systemcheats logo.
• Use Canva for Quick Designs - Canva has templates that make thumbnail creation super easy. Link: https://www.canva.com/
• AI-Generated Thumbnails (ChatGPT & Similar Tools) - With the right prompts, AI can generate surprisingly good designs.
• ��Learn from Tutorials - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmtnI11kMgU
• ��Learn from Tutorials - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM8jVa_wJU4

Bonus: My Thumbnail PSD Files
Download my PSD files here: �� Download Link: https://mega.nz/file/tVxxkQiR#Dzm_ZE...JdIu8wOftbEouo

(Note: Some layer names are in Russian, but if you know Photoshop basics, you’ll figure it out!)

Don’t Forget the Description!
The fastest way? Pull key info from Systemcheats’ website and paste it into your video description.
A well-written description boosts SEO and helps viewers understand your content.

U]Part 4: Technical Settings (My Setup & Tips)[/U]
Let’s dive into the technical backbone of my videos—recording specs, bitrate tricks, and why YouTube hates your renders if you don’t play by its rules.

Spoiler for Part 4[B:

1. Recording Quality: Start Strong[/B]

• I record in 4K (though sometimes settings glitch, forcing me to upscale from 2K—painful and time-consuming).
• Tool: Nvidia ShadowPlay (screenshot of my settings below).

⚠️ Warning: Higher bitrate = better quality, but don’t max it out—your GPU/CPU will cry. Laggy footage ruins everything.

2. The 1080p Trick: Upscale to 2K
Always render 1080p footage at 2K resolution (even if recorded in 1080p).
Why? YouTube’s compression is brutal. Uploading at 2K triggers a better codec (VP9), giving you:

• Less artifacting.
• Sharper details.
• Free quality boost with zero extra recording effort.

3. YouTube’s Dirty Secret: Compression
YouTube re-encodes everything. Here’s how to fight back:

• Avoid rendering at 1080p (unless you’re okay with blurry hell).
• 4K > 2K > 1080p in YouTube’s priority list. Even if your source is 1080p, fake it till you make it.

4. My ShadowPlay Settings (Visual Reference)

• Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K).
• Bitrate: 65 Mbps (CBR).
• Encoder: H.264/HVEC.

YouTube Codecs Explained (And How to Game the System)
YouTube doesn’t treat all videos equally—your codec decides how badly it butcher your quality. Here’s the brutal truth:

AVC1 (H.264) – The "Trash Bin" Codec
Who gets it:

• 1080p or lower resolution.
• Low-view videos (even if uploaded yesterday).
• 30 FPS or non-viral content.

Why it sucks:

• 2x quality drop vs. your original file.
• Blurry in fast-paced scenes (disastrous for gaming videos).
• YouTube won’t upgrade it unless you force its hand.

VP09 – The "Free Upgrade" Codec
How to trigger it:

• Render your video in 2K resolution (even if source is 1080p).
• Works 95% of the time (vs. AVC1’s lottery).

Why it rules:

• Sharper details, less compression artifacting.
• Mandatory for dynamic scenes (e.g., FPS gameplay).

AV01 – The "VIP" Codec
Who gets it:

• Top-tier channels (e.g., MrBeast—even at 1080p!).
• Videos with millions of views.

The catch:

• Near-impossible to force as a small creator.
• Slightly better than VP09 (but not worth obsessing over).

How to Check Your Codec

Right-click a YouTube video.
Select "Stats for Nerds".
Look for "Codec" in the overlay.

Spoiler for Picture:

Pro Strategies

• ✅ Always upscale 1080p → 2K to guarantee VP09.
• ⚠️ Ignore AV01 unless you’re pulling MrBeast numbers.
• 💩 Never settle for AVC1—your gameplay will look like a potato.

Why This Matters for Gaming Videos
Fast motion = compression hell with AVC1.

• VP09 preserves:
• Muzzle flashes.
• Explosion details.
• Text clarity (e.g., killfeeds).

Ultimate Guide to Rendering High-Quality Videos for YouTube
For perfect renders, watch these essential guides:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqlNPAatPuA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHSw4yghUZs

Part 5: Final Thoughts
Congratulations—you’ve just leveled up your editing skills! �� Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, I hope this guide revealed some game-changing secrets you never knew before.

Spoiler for Part 5:

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Editing is storytelling – Plan your concept before hitting record.
• ✅ Technical details matter – From codecs to thumbnails, every step affects quality.
• ✅ Experimentation is key – Your unique style will evolve over time.

I’ve also prepared 4K intro and outro templates for those who want to edit in 4K. These are the same intros and outros, just combined into a single file and rendered in 4K resolution.
Download link: https://mega.nz/file/IdRAnYwb#iI-b_L...C-2j2AfRy1GmKQ

Need Help? I’ve Got You!
Ask questions below – Stuck on something? I’ll help troubleshoot.
Share your own tips – Your tricks might inspire others!

Pre-upload feedback? DM me your video—I’ll give honest, constructive notes.

This isn’t just a guide—it’s the start of your editing glow-up. And remember, we’re all here to grow together. #SystemcheatsFamily

What’s Next?
Future updates with new tricks & tools.

Thanks for reading—now go make something epic! ��

— Hennessy

[Psychopath]

Amazing tutorial, very detailed!
I've stickied it for reference.

That said, the use of AI is a bit all over the place and needs fixing in some parts.
I'll take care of it when I have time.

Still, I really appreciate it.
Even though you had to write prompts, it's a solid effort and should help anyone who wants to give it a try.

[Hennessy]

That said, the use of AI is a bit all over the place and needs fixing in some parts.
I'll take care of it when I have time.

Иногда, когда объем текста очень большой, использую его для быстроты написания. До сих пор не выучил английский для свободного общения

Sometimes, when there's too much text to process, I use it to speed up my writing workflow.