Going viral feels incredible, but the true growth happens when your viewers stay on your channel, jumping from video to video, for hours at a time. How do you achieve that? You edit it in a way that the viewer wants to see more and more. Here’s how!
Why Sequencing Matters: The Psychology of Bingeing
Before we get into editing, let’s understand why it’s so important to get your sequencing right. The YouTube algorithm has evolved to prioritize watch time and session time over just individual video performance. This means that how your videos flow into one another can significantly impact your success on the platform.
When viewers are engaged in a video, they’re more likely to stick around and watch more of your content. The longer they stay on your channel, the more recommendations your content gets, which boosts your overall visibility. In essence, viewers who binge-watch your content signal to YouTube’s algorithm that your content is high-value, making it more likely to be pushed to other users’ feeds.
Let’s also not forget the human element: binge-watching is a cultural norm. Think about how Netflix or Hulu curates their shows. When you finish one episode, they automatically play the next. That seamlessness keeps you tuned in, turning one episode into ten. You can apply the same concept in your videos.
The Art of Editing: Insights From the Top
Editing on YouTube is its own art form. It transforms incoherent footage into something truly beautiful and binge-worthy. You want to make a video funnier? Insert memes. You want to engage viewers and show them what you’re talking about? A B-roll.
Hayden Hiller Smith, one of the top editors for big-name YouTubers like Logan Paul and MrBeast, breaks down the process into several components:
Editing With Confidence and for Emotions
One of the first lessons Hayden imparts is the importance of being confident in your edits. Over-editing, he explains, feels like insecurity. It’s like trying to cover up a weak foundation with flashy effects and chaotic cuts.
"The most important thing in any edit is confidence in the video you're making and that people will enjoy it," Hayden says. The focus should be on the story you’re trying to tell in your video, not on the flashy over-the-top edits.
Emotion is another central pillar of editing. Hayden emphasizes that great editing is all about feeling.
“How does this feel? What is this meant to feel?” He draws inspiration from legendary movie editor Walter Murch, who is famous for prioritizing emotion in his edits over everything else.
For Hayden, every edit is about ensuring the audience feels something, whether it’s excitement, empathy, or humor.
“Tone, emotion, feeling, that’s the priority. Anything outside of that is just tedious,” he admits.
The Power of Simple Edits: Why Less Is More
When it comes to edits, sometimes less is more. Hayden advises against overly aggressive editing, especially when it comes to using flashy motion graphics, bold subtitles, or rapid-fire cuts. These can overwhelm viewers. A simple edit, done with intention, can be far more powerful.
To make your edits feel professional, Hayden recommends mastering the J-Cut (a technique where audio starts a few frames before the video does). This smooths out transitions, making the video flow more naturally from one clip to the next.
“Try it yourself,” he challenges creators. “Take two clips of talking, put them together, and see how rough it feels. Now, try adding a J-Cut with the audio starting just before the video comes in, and add some fades. It will feel so much smoother.”
This is one of the most basic editing tricks that makes a huge difference.
Source: Think Media
If you struggle with editing or don’t like cutting out all the bad takes from the main material, consider implementing AI into your workflow. We have already compiled the best tools to make it easier!
> AI Tools for Bad Takes Removal
The Power of Series and Storytelling in Binge-Worthy Content
One of the easiest ways to make your content binge-worthy is to create a series or episodic content. You create a narrative structure that hooks in viewers and makes them want to watch more. A series can be a multi-part documentary, a theme-based collection of videos, or even a series of ‘episodes’ within a single video (think stream highlights).
The “Part 2” Strategy
A powerful way of generating bingeability is continuity. Creators and editors have mastered this approach by breaking their videos into multi-part series that flow into one another. It can be a breakdown of a stock investment strategy, a deep dive into personal finance, a fresh roll of celebrity drama, or even historical events. Viewers watch the first part, eagerly anticipate the next, and eventually commit to the whole series.
Pro Tip:
Bingeability can be achieved even in non-story-driven content. If your channel isn’t based on storytelling, you can create thematic video series by grouping related videos. A tech creator, for instance, could build a “Beginners Guide to Photography” series that covers everything from camera settings to advanced techniques, driving a deeper connection and encouraging viewers to watch all parts.
An example of good implementation of the ‘part-two’ strategy is the OverSimplified channel. The first Punic War video leads to a part two that leads to the Second Punic War (that’s also split into two parts), which continues into other significant events.
Source: OverSimplified
How to Sequence Your Videos
While thematic series create a solid skeleton for binge-worthy content, editing gives it the flesh. Here’s how you can make video sequences that keep people glued to your channel.
Transitions Between Videos
Your goal here is to make each video flow naturally into the next one, like a good TV show. You want to have a natural segue that hooks the viewer into the next video. Consider implementing these strategies:
- End with a teaser: a common practice in the editing world is to end your video with a hint about what’s coming next. It can be a short preview, a question, or an out-of-context clip, something that will compel the viewer to click the next video in the series.
- Use visual or auditory cues: You can have recurring visual elements, such as certain colors or icons that signal continuity between videos. A familiar intro or outro music helps solidify the feeling of a series.
- Add a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of each video: “If you want to see how this project ends, click here for the next episode!”
A good example of such editing is here:
Source: Make-up Designory
Notice how the creator ends the video that perfectly flows into part two?
Chunk Your Content into Digestible Segments
Binge-watching thrives on comfort. We like to watch content that’s not too overwhelming but also satisfying. If your video is too long, viewers might drop off early, but if it's too short, they may feel underwhelmed.
For example, in education-based channels, break your longer videos into bite-sized chunks. Instead of one giant, all-encompassing tutorial, split it into manageable sections:
- Video 1: Introduction and Basics
- Video 2: Intermediate Techniques
- Video 3: Advanced Tips and Final Thoughts
Each video should feel like a complete unit, but also leave enough suspense for the next video to feel like a continuation. The magic number for each video segment is typically around 8-12 minutes. Anything longer risks overwhelming the viewer, and anything shorter might not provide enough value to encourage further engagement.
This editor explains how to make the video edits so addictive and good that they would stay on your channel for a while.
Source: Learn By Leo
Retargeting & Re-engagement
Don’t forget to retarget the audience you’ve already engaged with. If a viewer watched your entire first video, they are your prime target for video number two. Use platforms like YouTube ads or Instagram stories to promote the next video in the series directly to these users, rather than waiting for them to discover it on their own.
In 2026, bingeability is all about mastering the sequence in which that content is consumed.
By focusing on sequencing videos, creators can build a content ecosystem where every video enhances the value of the next, driving up retention rates and maximizing session time. It’s the editing strategy that connects your videos seamlessly, encourages deeper viewer engagement, and optimizes your chances of being recommended by the algorithm.
Ultimately, bingeability, when done right, is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal for building a loyal, engaged audience that stays with you for the long haul.
Need help with making your content bingeable? Reach out to us! We’ve helped thousands of creators to boost their engagement and CTR; we can help you as well.
