Trim and Cut Live Video in YouTube Studio | Step by Step Guide
YouTube Live is a powerful way to engage with your audience in real-time, but sometimes live streams include mistakes, pauses, or unnecessary content that you may want to remove. Fortunately, YouTube Studio provides a built-in tool to trim and cut your live video after it has been streamed.
In this guide, we will explain how to trim and cut live video in YouTube Studio step by step. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to polish your recorded live streams and make them more professional.
📺 Watch Video Tutorial
For a visual walkthrough, watch this tutorial video below:
Why Trim or Cut a YouTube Live Video?
Live streams are unpredictable. Unlike pre-recorded videos, you cannot always control every moment. Common reasons to trim a live video include:
- Removing awkward pauses at the beginning or end.
- Cutting out technical glitches or internet issues.
- Editing out off-topic discussions.
- Highlighting only the important parts for replay viewers.
- Improving video watch time and audience retention.
Step by Step: How to Trim and Cut Live Video in YouTube Studio
1. Open YouTube Studio
Log in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio. Make sure you are signed in with the channel where your live stream was uploaded.
2. Navigate to Content Section
In the left-hand sidebar, click on Content. Here, you will see all your uploaded videos as well as live streams.
3. Select the Live Video
Find the live video you want to edit. Hover over it and click on the pencil (Details) icon to open the video details page.
4. Open the Editor
On the left-hand menu of the video details page, select Editor. This will open the YouTube Studio Video Editor, where you can trim and cut your video.
5. Trim the Start and End
In the editor timeline, click on Trim. Blue bars will appear on both ends of the video. Drag these bars inward to remove unwanted sections from the beginning and end.
6. Cut Specific Sections
To cut parts from the middle of the video:
- Click on Trim & Cut.
- Move the playhead to the section you want to remove.
- Click on Split.
- Drag to select the unwanted portion and delete it.
7. Preview Your Changes
Use the Preview button to watch your trimmed video before saving. This helps you ensure nothing important is accidentally removed.
8. Save the Edited Video
Once satisfied, click Save. YouTube may take some time to process the edits. After completion, your live video will be updated with the trimmed and cut version.
Best Practices for Trimming Live Videos
- Always keep an original backup before trimming.
- Remove only unnecessary parts, not key information.
- Trim long intros and outros for better retention.
- Highlight main content for replay viewers.
Limitations of YouTube Studio Editor
While YouTube Studio is great for basic edits, it does have some limitations:
- You cannot add advanced transitions or overlays.
- Trimming may take hours to process depending on video length.
- Once saved, edits replace the original video (no undo option).
Alternative Tools to Edit Live Streams
If you need more advanced editing features, consider downloading your live video and editing it with professional tools such as:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- Filmora
- DaVinci Resolve
Conclusion
Trimming and cutting live videos in YouTube Studio is an excellent way to make your streams look professional, remove errors, and improve the viewing experience for your audience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly polish your videos and keep only the best parts.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced YouTuber, mastering the YouTube Studio editor will help you grow your channel and deliver high-quality content to your viewers.
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Tags: Trim live video in YouTube Studio, Cut YouTube Live, YouTube Studio Editor, Edit Live Stream

 
 
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