Video editing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What video editing is

A video editor assembles footage, trims clips, adds music, graphics and titles, and corrects color and sound to produce a finished video. People hire an editor when they have footage and a clear goal but no time or software skill to turn it into a finished film.

Signs you need it

  • You have hours of footage and no clear way to cut it down to the message you need.
  • Your edit is too long, and viewers stop watching before the point of the video.
  • You need titles, lower thirds, graphics or captions added in a consistent style.
  • The sound levels jump between clips, and the music covers the speech.
  • You need the same video cut to several lengths for different platforms.
  • You have a finished video that needs a fresh edit for a new purpose.

What the pro does

  • Reviews your footage and the goal of the video, then agrees the structure and the length before cutting.
  • Assembles a rough cut, trimming the clips and arranging them into the order you agreed.
  • Adds music, titles, graphics and captions, with the style and timing you approved.
  • Corrects the color and sound, so the clips match and the speech is clear.
  • Shares a draft for feedback, makes the changes and delivers the final video in the formats you need.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the finished video and the amount of footage to review.
  • Number of versions, such as a long cut and short social cuts.
  • Complexity of graphics, animation or motion design.
  • Music and stock footage, and who arranges their rights.
  • Number of edit rounds and the feedback you give.
  • Turnaround time for the delivery date.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The length of the finished video and the number of versions.
  • The graphics, titles and captions included.
  • The number of edit rounds and how feedback is given.
  • Who arranges music and stock footage rights, stated in writing.
  • The delivery date and the file formats delivered.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How many edit rounds are included, and what counts as a change?
  • Can you show an edit from a project like mine?
  • Who arranges music and stock footage rights?
  • Will you match the color and sound across the clips?
  • Can you cut the video to several lengths for different platforms?
  • Do you deliver the project file, so I can make changes later?

Red flags

  • Promises the edit will go viral or bring a set number of viewers.
  • Will not show samples or explain its editing process.
  • Uses music or stock footage without confirming the rights.
  • Changes the message of the footage without checking with you.
  • Asks for full payment before the goal and the edit rounds are agreed.

What you can do yourself

You can cut a short video yourself with a free or built-in editing tool, starting with a clear order of clips and removing anything that does not help the message. Hire a video editor when the footage is long or complicated, when you need graphics and motion work, or when the final video must meet a standard you do not have the time or skill to reach.

Licenses and permits

Video editing is not commonly licensed, so a license is usually not required for this work. Check with your state or local licensing agency about business rules that apply to you, and ask the editor for a sample edit and a description of how they handle music rights as proof of skill.

Video editing questions

What is a rough cut?

A rough cut is an early version of the edit with the clips in the right order and the main length set. It lets you check the structure before the fine details, such as color, sound and titles, are finished.

Can I make changes after the final version?

Usually yes, within the edit rounds in the agreement. Ask whether you can get the project file, so changes can be made later by you or another editor.

Who handles the music?

The editor may suggest music, but the rights must be cleared before the video is published. Ask the editor to confirm who arranges and pays for each piece of music and stock footage.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer video editing remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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  3. 3. They reach out

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