A jump cut is an edit that removes a portion of a single continuous shot, causing a visible "jump" in the subject's position or the scene's continuity.
A jump cut occurs when a section of footage is removed from the middle of a single shot, causing the subject to appear to abruptly shift position. Traditionally considered a mistake in classical filmmaking, the jump cut has become a deliberate stylistic choice, especially in YouTube content, vlogs, and modern documentary work where it conveys energy and authenticity.
Jump cuts are effective for compressing time and removing pauses, filler words, or unnecessary moments from a speaker's delivery. A five-minute monologue can be tightened to two minutes while keeping the most impactful statements. This makes them popular in social media content where brevity and pacing are paramount.
When used with intention, jump cuts communicate a raw, unpolished aesthetic that many audiences find relatable and engaging. However, in more formal productions — such as brand films or executive interviews — they may feel too casual. Editors often soften jump cuts by inserting B-roll footage over the edit point, preserving the pacing benefits while maintaining visual smoothness.
B-roll is supplementary footage that is intercut with the primary footage (A-roll) to provide visual variety, context, and illustrative imagery that supports the main narrative.
A cut is the most basic edit in video production — an instantaneous transition from one clip to the next with no visual effect between them.
A rough cut is an early version of an edited video where all the major clips are assembled in sequence, but fine-tuning, effects, color grading, and sound mixing have not yet been applied.