Why I Refuse to Cut Every 4 Seconds: The Case for Slow and Intentional Editing

The Attention Economy Has a Problem

I was recently watching a tech podcast where the hosts shared their video editing philosophy: they never hold a shot for longer than four or five seconds.

Look, I get it. In today’s fast-paced, hyperactive digital landscape, where attention spans are shrinking faster than ever, rapid cuts have become the industry standard. But is this really the only way to edit videos? Or is this just another symptom of a larger cultural problem? A problem where the race to the bottom of Content Mountain is accelerating at breakneck speed?

The Fast Cut Epidemic: A Symptom of a Larger Problem

Let me be clear: I’m not here to attack anyone’s editing style. If fast cuts work for you, great! But personally, I believe in a different approach. There’s a time and a place for everything -- including quick cuts -- but blindly adhering to a rule like “never hold a shot for longer than 4 seconds” can do more harm than good.

Think about it. Why do we accept that viewers need this constant stimulation? If you’ve been paying attention, it’s no mystery: we’ve been conditioned by social media’s infinite scroll.

TikTok won

Our attention spans are fucked.

We don’t consume content anymore. We devour it in bite-sized, zero-calorie chunks, moving on to the next clip before we even have time to digest anything meaningful.

And that’s a big fucking problem.

Storytelling First, Rules Second

As a professional video editor and multi-hyphenate creative, one of my main pet peeves is hearing about hard-and-fast rules about editing. The best editors know that storytelling -- not arbitrary technical rules -- should always come first.

Yes, there are guidelines. Pacing, rhythm, and engagement all matter. But when a rule becomes a rigid framework rather than a flexible tool, you risk sacrificing artistic integrity. A compelling story might require a shot that lingers for 30 seconds. Another story might demand rapid-fire cuts. It all depends on the emotion, the pacing, and the message you want to convey.

If you put rules first, your story suffers. And if your story suffers, your content loses meaning.

Are We Part of the Problem or the Solution?

The attention economy is broken, but that doesn’t mean we have to blindly accept it. I’ve committed to creating content that pushes back against this trend -- content that helps people rediscover the joy of focused, immersive storytelling.

And I know I’m not alone.

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in people rejecting digital overload. The resurgence of dumbphones, the growing trend of social media detoxes, and the renewed appreciation for books, long-form videos, and thoughtful storytelling all point to a cultural shift. Some people want their attention spans back. Some people are fighting against the algorithm-driven, dopamine-fueled chaos.

And that’s the side I want to be on.

The Future of Creative Video Editing

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that we won’t fix our attention spans with 4-second clips. The future of creative video editing should be about balance -- using cuts intentionally, not out of fear that the audience will click away. It should be about crafting experiences that engage, challenge, and reward viewers for investing their time and attention.

So, if you’re tired of hyperactive edits and meaningless content, you’re not alone. There’s another way. And it starts with prioritizing storytelling over trends.

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