Crosscutting: your shortcut to keeping viewers engaged

Hey ,

Welcome back! Starting with a quick update from my end: New MVC material is coming together, I have been doing a lot of new research, and working with a few big creators to optimize their strategies. Also getting ready to speak at a bunch of events this year. Will I see you at VidCon? Let me know on the MVC Discord or send me a DM.

But let us get into some practical tips. Here is what we break down in this edition:

• 10 ways to improve your YouTube videos

• A serious message: retention percentages on YouTube

• A big YouTube update on Shorts views

• Creator Comments Shoutouts

• Advice from my LinkedIn

NEW ON YOUTUBE: 10 Ways To Improve Your YouTube Videos

I’ve helped top YouTubers fix their retention, and these are the 10 tips I always give them. These strategies are simple but powerful and they can make your videos more engaging right away.

Hit play!

💡 LIVE ON X (TWITTER) 💡

UPCOMING EVENT:

MVC Live Session – MrBeast Video Breakdown

Date & Time:

CET: Tuesday, May 28th at 7PM

ET: Tuesday, May 28th at 1:00PM

You’ve seen MrBeast’s videos. But have you studied them like this? Mario will drop his first full breakdown in this session! Lots of things to learn, get ready!

Retention Tips & Tricks with Mario

Date & Time:

CET: Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:00PM

ET: Tuesday, June 3rd at 1:00PM

Mario watches hundreds of minutes of YouTube footage every week — breaking down pacing, structure, and viewer psychology behind top-performing videos. In this live session, he’ll walk you through the small changes that lead to massive retention gains.

Video Breakdown – Humor & Entertainment

CET: Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00pm

ET: Tuesday, June 10 at 1:00pm

In this session, we’re analyzing a fast-growing channel that blends humor, relatability, and storytelling — without relying on big budgets or high-stakes challenges. Think Ryan Trahan–style content: chaotic, clever, and deeply watchable.

We’ll break down:

• How personality-driven creators build retention

• What makes comedic edits actually land

• The pacing tricks that keep viewers engaged without stunts

• How to structure episodes for long-term audience growth

  If you're focused on building trust, laughs, and loyal fans, this breakdown is for you.

PAST EVENTS:

Video Breakdown + QA: Education Creators

📆 Monday, April 22 | 🕙 1PM ET / 7PM CET

on Discord exclusive for MVC members (also members that are testing via the 14-day Trial)

Helping others learn through YouTube is an art, and this session will help you master it. In this session, Mario will break down videos from educational creators inside the Million View Club. We’ll dive deep into what makes an explanation stick — from structure and clarity to pacing, visuals, and emotional connection.

If you want feedback on your video, send it to the general chat before the session!

PAST EVENTS:

MASTERCLASS: How to make engaging stories: ‘The element of change’

When was this? April 2nd

Where: MVC Member Discord (member-only)

What actually makes a story memorable? It’s not necessarily the hook or the edit – it’s the element of change. In this masterclass, we broke down how to make your audience feel something by showing real character development.

This was a members-only event (and a valuable one). Stay tuned for the next session!

What is MVC Beta?

This is for creators who want proven, practical strategies for growing on YouTube, accessing a community of top creators, and staying ahead with regular exclusive MVC content.

As one member put it:

• John Hammond [1.8M]: “Mario is absolutely unmatched in his knowledge of Youtube analytics and audience retention. His teaching is top-tier and I would 1000% recommend it to any creator.”

What’s stood out to you the most? Let us know - we’re always listening

A huge thank you for your support during last month’s Beta launch of MVC. The response has been incredible, and we’re just getting started.

📣 CREATOR SHOUTOUTS 📣

💬 ADVICE FROM MY LINKEDIN

Struggling with retention? It’s usually not the algorithm — it’s the video.

• Inside jokes confuse new viewers. Keep it accessible.

• Don’t show the full payoff in your teaser. Hint, don’t spoil.

• Long travel scenes = dead screen time. Cut them to 2–3 sec max.

Tiny edits, huge difference. Respect their time and they’ll stay.

I’m always curious - what’s been your biggest win or struggle with retention lately? Got a tip I missed? Or something you'd like me to dig into next?
Let me know. I’m all ears.

Mario Joos