GAMING VOD EDITING BRIEF + REVIEW CHECKLIST
Aqua Edits | Version 2026-09-17
https://www.aquaedits.com/guides/
Use with any editor. Copy and fill in the fields; keep your completed brief private.
Blank fields are prompts, not included services or agreed commercial terms.

1. SOURCE AND ACCESS
Project / channel:
Recording date / game:
Source file or access link (never include account passwords):
Source duration / file size / format / resolution / frame rate:
Local backup saved and checked? [ ]
Speech, game audio, and sync checked at start, middle, end? [ ]
Separate audio tracks available? Describe:
Muted / missing / interrupted sections (source timestamps):
Source permissions / contributors / credit requirements:
Confirm transfer method and supported files with the editor: [ ]

2. THE STORY
One sentence: I tried to ___, but ___ got in the way.
Who is the intended viewer, and what do they already know?
Goal / setup timestamp and note:
Obstacle timestamp and note:
Strategy change / turning point timestamp and note:
Outcome / payoff timestamp and note:
Must-keep moments (including quiet visual events):
Exclude / redact (personal info, off-record moments, spoilers):

3. STYLE AND OUTPUT
Reference video links + specific choices you like:
Tone / pacing / caption preferences:
Names, game terms, and spellings:
Target duration to discuss:
Destination / aspect ratio / resolution / frame rate:
Audio needs / available music permissions:
Caption needs (styled on-screen, separate file, or both) to confirm:
Other deliverables to confirm (thumbnail, project file, etc.):

4. SETTLE BEFORE EDITING
[ ] Quote and what it includes
[ ] Source access, duration, size and format acceptance
[ ] Output assets and export settings
[ ] Delivery date or agreed turnaround
[ ] Included revision rounds and additional-work terms
[ ] Review channel and who approves the final cut
[ ] Publication permissions separately from permission to edit
[ ] Who handles upload, title, thumbnail, description, captions

5. CUT REVIEW
[ ] The goal is understandable without seeing the stream
[ ] Each reaction has its cause and each payoff has setup
[ ] Repetitions trimmed without implying a false sequence
[ ] Quiet gameplay cues and meaningful pauses preserved
[ ] Speech endings intact; cuts and audio transitions checked
[ ] Voice/game/music balance, sync, captions and names checked
[ ] HUD, key action and text readable on a phone
[ ] Missing media and private information checked

REVIEW NOTE FORMAT
Version | timestamp in this version | required change | reason
Example (illustrative): v02 | 03:12 | restore the loadout explanation |
The new strategy is unclear without it.

6. FINAL HANDOFF
[ ] Required corrections resolved
[ ] Creator approval recorded for the named final version
[ ] Export watched end to end
[ ] Upload settings and processed video checked before publishing
[ ] Source, final export, permissions and notes retained

MORE HELP
https://www.aquaedits.com/guides/twitch-vod-to-youtube/
https://www.aquaedits.com/guides/remove-dead-air-from-gaming-vods/
YouTube export guidance:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171?hl=en