In various examples, recordings of gameplay sessions are enhanced by the application of special effects to relatively high(er) and/or low(er) interest durations of the gameplay sessions. Durations of relatively high(er) or low(er) predicted interest in a gameplay session are identified, for instance, based upon level of activity engaged in by a gamer during a particular gameplay session duration. Once identified, different variations of video characteristic(s) are applied to at least a portion of the identified durations for implementation during playback. The recordings may be generated and/or played back in real-time with a live gameplay session, or after completion of the gameplay session. Further, video data of the recordings themselves may be modified to include the special effects and/or indications of the durations and/or variations may be included in metadata and used for playback.