If you’re a solo creator trying to keep up with the pace of content today, you already know: editing can be a bottleneck. You’ve got stories to tell, products to sell, and communities to grow—but if editing your videos takes forever, your momentum stalls before the upload ever begins.
I recently came across a video by Chrystopher Rhodes, aka YCImaging, titled “How to Edit Content 2x Faster!“ that felt like it was made for those of us doing everything ourselves. Chris (he’s a friend in my head, so we’re gonna call him Chris, unless he tells us he hates that nickname and from then on we act like we’ve been calling him by his government name the whole time, is a seasoned creator who’s spent over a decade in the trenches of video editing—and his time-saving strategies are worth implimenting. Below, I’m breaking down seven of his most actionable editing hacks that’ll help you produce content faster, maintain your quality, and preserve your sanity.
#1: Upgrade Your Tools Like Your Business Depends On It (Because It Does)
You’re not just editing a video. You’re building your brand. And you can’t do that efficiently on gear that slows you down. YC recommends investing in editing-specific tools like the MXM 3S mouse and MX Mechanical Keyboard, not because they’re flashy—but because they’re functional.
The customizable buttons on the mouse let you bind your most-used actions like cut or delete, so your hands never leave your mouse. The keyboard’s ergonomic incline and programmable keys reduce fatigue during long sessions. These are the kind of upgrades that pay you back every time you edit.
#2: Set Custom Shortcuts Where Your Hands Naturally Rest
One of the simplest but most overlooked hacks: reprogram your shortcuts to match the layout of your hand. If your left hand naturally rests on certain keys, those should be your go-to commands for cutting, zooming, lifting, and scrubbing.
This alone can shave hours off your editing over time, especially if you’re toggling between actions hundreds of times per project. Think of it like optimizing your desk for performance—every second saved adds up.
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#3: Pre-Production Is Your Secret Weapon
Here’s the truth: editing starts before you ever press record. If you don’t know what you’re trying to say or how you’re trying to say it, you’ll waste hours trying to piece together a story in post.
Rhodes suggests scripting or outlining your shoot down to the sentence. That way, when it’s time to edit, you’re just assembling clips—not searching for the story. This is especially useful if you’re batch recording or trying to scale your content production.
#4: Let Your Audio Waveforms Do the Work
If you’re still watching every clip from start to finish just to find the “good stuff,” stop. Waveforms are your friend.
Instead of scrubbing blindly, look for the natural breaks, gaps, or dips in the waveform. You can spot dead space, stumbles, or silence at a glance. This simple shift saves hours when editing talking-head videos, tutorials, or interviews.
#5: Stop Rewatching Your Timeline From the Beginning
We’ve all done it. You add a new clip and start watching from the top “just to make sure.” But those five-minute rewatches turn into full-blown time traps.
Instead, trust your sequences. If the clips before and after your new edit flow smoothly, there’s no need to keep rewinding. Move forward and save the full playback for your final polish.
#6: Reuse Assets and Lean Into Your Style
You don’t need a new transition every time. In fact, consistency is part of what builds your brand.
YC recommends finding assets—like transitions, color grades, or lower-thirds—that you love and reusing them. This doesn’t just save time; it creates a signature style that your audience will come to recognize.
So give yourself permission to reuse, repeat, and refine. You’re building a library of assets that’ll help you scale without burnout.
#7: Communicate Clearly and Early with Clients (or Yourself)
If you freelance or take on client work, you already know: revisions can kill your profit margin. The fix? Better communication upfront.
YC suggests showing samples, pitching ideas live, and using tools like webcam calls to gauge reactions early. Even if you’re only creating content for your own brand, consider this a reminder to clarify your vision before you begin—so you’re not second-guessing every decision halfway through.
Final Word
Time is your most valuable resource as a solo creator. These seven editing hacks aren’t just about working faster—they’re about working smarter. When you get intentional about your tools, your workflow, and your creative decisions, you buy back time that you can reinvest into more meaningful parts of your business—like connecting with your audience, launching offers, or taking that much-needed breather.
The game isn’t about who works the hardest. It’s about who ships consistently, without burning out. These tips help you do exactly that.
