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Filler words have become the subtle saboteurs of video content. Those seemingly innocent “ums,” “ahs,” and “you knows” creep into our speech. While these linguistic fillers might be okay in everyday conversation, they can significantly diminish the impact and professionalism of video content – including video podcast appearances.
There certainly are several ways to edit them out…
A (partial) blast from the past: Manually
Just like in the old days, you could go through the videos and edit them out. Find the right spot, move across the timeline, split, and repeat. Ugh. A bit of a pain.
This option could include using a text-based video editor.
This could also include “long” pauses. For example, in Opus Clips, which I use to create short-form videos from longer videos, I can review and delete pauses. They are called out by how long they are here:
AI to the rescue
Artificial intelligence can help here as well with tools like:
Descript has transformed video editing by making it feel more like editing a document. The tool automatically transcribes video content and allows editors to remove filler words simply by deleting them from the transcript. This approach eliminates the need to manually scrub through timelines and make precise cuts.
For podcast creators who also publish video versions of their content, the workflow has become remarkably efficient. After completing a livestream or recording in Restream, the content can be imported directly into Descript for automated filler word removal. This integration streamlines what was once a multi-step process into a more manageable task.
OpusClips offers another innovative approach to handling filler words. The tool automatically creates shorter video clips based on the spoken content, allowing editors to refine the text and generate new, cleaner versions without unwanted fillers. This capability is particularly valuable for creating social media snippets or highlight reels from longer content.
The AI function finds and replaces them automatically.
The impact of AI on video workflows
The integration of AI into video editing has transformed several aspects of the content creation process:
Time Efficiency: What once took hours of manual editing can now be accomplished in minutes through automated detection and removal of filler words.
Precision: AI tools can consistently identify and remove filler words without affecting the natural flow of speech or important content.
Flexibility: Creators can easily experiment with different levels of editing, from removing all filler words to maintaining some for authenticity.
Batch Processing: AI tools can process content in bulk, significantly reducing editing time for creators working with multiple videos or long-form content.
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Beyond technical solutions: Improving speech patterns
While AI tools excel at removing filler words in post-production, content creators can benefit from developing stronger speaking habits. The goal isn’t to eliminate every “um” and “ah” but to minimize their frequency and impact. This is especially important when content is livestreamed.
Some effective strategies include:
- Practice using natural pauses instead of filler words when gathering thoughts
- Record and review content to identify personal patterns of filler word usage
- Focus on speaking more deliberately during recording sessions
- Prepare thorough outlines to reduce verbal hesitation
While AI makes it possible to create perfectly polished content, it’s important to maintain authenticity. Some verbal pauses can actually make the content feel more natural and relatable. The key is finding the right balance between professional polish and authentic delivery.
For content creators, the goal should be to leverage these AI tools effectively while developing stronger speaking skills. This combined approach leads to more engaging, professional content that connects with audiences while maintaining the speaker’s natural style.
The evolution of AI video editing tools has democratized access to professional-quality content creation. Whether producing product reviews, educational content, podcasts, or professional presentations, these tools enable creators to deliver cleaner, more impactful video content without spending countless hours on manual editing.