Content creation is a magical journey filled with excitement and adrenaline as you watch your subscriber count explode. It is important to note that a great editor can make or break your project. But how do you find the perfect editor with the right video editing skills for your YouTube content? Here are 10 tips to help you hire a video editor that’s perfect for your YouTube content.
Working With A Video Editor
When you use a video editor, they put together the different pieces of your YouTube video to make sure they flow together smoothly. No matter what your project may be, hiring someone to edit and improve your video can take many of the more difficult tasks off of your hands.
Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key tasks a video editor can help you with:
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- Footage selection: The editor reviews the footage and selects the best takes to use in the final video. They also consider how each clip fits into the overall narrative or theme of the video. This is the initial process of video editing.
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- Video editing: This is the process of assembling the selected footage into a cohesive and engaging video. This may involve trimming clips, adjusting the timing, adding transitions, and creating visual effects when they edit the video.
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- Audio editing: The editor is responsible for ensuring that the audio quality of the video is clear and consistent. They may adjust the volume, add sound effects, and mix in music.
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- Color correction: The editor may adjust the colors and tones in the video to create a cohesive look and feel.
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- Graphics and text overlays: The editor may add text overlays, logos, or other motion graphics to the video to help communicate the message or add visual interest.
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- Video optimization: Once the video is edited, the editor may optimize it for the YouTube platform. This could involve adding metadata, creating a thumbnail image, and optimizing the video for search engine optimization (SEO). This is what can make YouTube video editing extra worth it.
They also add special effects or transitions to improve the video quality. If you decide to hire a video editor, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you look into any professional video editing services.
What You Should Look For In a Video Editor?
1. Make sure you know what you want
Before you look for a professional editor, sit down and make a list of what you need for your project. What kind of YouTube videos do you make? How long are they? What kind of feeling do you want them to generate in your viewers? These questions help you find the quality video editor for your project.
2. Find someone with experience
Not all video editors are created equal. You want to find someone who has experience with the video editing in your specific niche. This will be different for the majority of video production companies. If you make YouTube shorts, you don’t want to hire film editors, or someone who usually edits wedding videos for example.
3. Look at their portfolio
Once you have found a few editors that seem like they might be a good fit, take a look at their portfolio. This will give you a good idea of their style and skill set. It will also tell you which video content creators they have worked with before, and what they are capable of before you hire them as your video editor.
4. Ask for referrals
If you know someone who has worked with a video editor before, ask them for a referral. They will be able to tell you about their experience and whether or not they would recommend the editor.
5. Read reviews
Once you have narrowed down your choices, take some time to read reviews of the different video editors. This will help you get an idea of what other people think of their work as a video freelancer.
6. Set up a meeting
Once you have decided on a few editors, set up a meeting with each of them. This will give you a chance to get to know them and see if you are compatible as team members.
7. Discuss your project
During your meeting, be sure to discuss your project in detail. Tell the editor what you are looking for and see if they are on the same page. You can even send them some raw video material to get some video production examples.
8. Ask about their process
Find out how the editor likes to work and what their process is. This will help you determine if they are a good fit for your project.
9. Get a contract
Once you have found a freelance video editor you want to work with, be sure to get a contract in place. This will protect both of you and make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the cost to hire and video production
10. Have fun!
Making YouTube videos is always fun, so be sure to find an editor that you enjoy working with. With the right video editor, your project will come together smoothly, and you’ll have a great time in the process.
What Tools Do Video Editors Use To Make Great Videos?
As mentioned, video editors can make average video footage into amazing film productions. Their skills are so valuable because they know how to use specific and high-tech digital software.
Video editors use a variety of tools and extensions to help them create high-quality videos. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:
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- Non-linear editing software: This is the main tool used by video editors to edit footage, add effects, and create a final video. Popular non-linear editing software includes Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
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- Color grading software: This tool allows video editors to adjust for video color correction to enhance the overall look and feel of the video in post-production. Popular color grading software includes DaVinci Resolve and Adobe SpeedGrade.
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- Audio editing software: Audio is an important part of any video, and audio editing software like Adobe Audition and Pro Tools are used to edit sound effects, music, and voiceovers for creative work on a YouTube channel.
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- Visual effects software: This tool is used to add special effects, such as explosions, fire, or other visual elements. Popular visual effects software includes Adobe After Effects and Nuke, a professional video editing company.
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- Stock footage libraries: Video editors often use stock footage libraries to supplement their own footage or to find specific clips they need. Popular stock footage libraries include Shutterstock and iStock amongst freelance editors.
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- Plug-ins: Plug-ins are extensions that can be added to editing software to enhance its functionality. Popular plug-ins for video and photo editors include Red Giant’s Magic Bullet Suite for color grading and Video Copilot’s Element 3D for creating 3D graphics.
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- Keyboard shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are used to quickly access commonly used editing functions, such as cutting, copying, and pasting. Video editors and video editing freelancers often customize their own keyboard shortcuts to speed up their workflow to edit videos.
These are just a few examples of the many tools, extensions, and free editing software that video editors use to edit YouTube videos. The specific tools and extensions used can vary depending on the type of video being created, the video file, and the individual preferences of the video producer.
How To Avoid Hiring A Bad Freelance Video Editor
When looking to hire a YouTube video editor, there are several things you should avoid to ensure you have a positive experience and get the results you’re looking for. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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- Don’t hire an experienced editor without seeing their portfolio or previous work: A portfolio can give you an idea of the editor’s style, level of expertise, and the quality of their work. It’s your responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient experience in video editing and the right video editor skills. Even checking out their social media can indicate whether they have enough experience for the video editing job.
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- Don’t ignore reviews or testimonials: Reviews from previous clients can give you an insight into the video editor’s work ethic, pay rate, communication skills, and ability to meet deadlines. Pro editors and full-time video editors will have more reviews. You can even contact their past clients on social media to ensure that they are a good video editor.
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- Don’t hire a video editor without discussing their rates upfront: Be clear about your budget and ask for their rates before starting any video editing to avoid misunderstandings later. Working with a video editing company can ensure more secure production rates as well as a higher video editing quality.
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- Don’t hire an editor who isn’t responsive: A full-time editor or video editor to hire who doesn’t communicate effectively can delay the project and cause frustration. This is another reason to opt for a trusted video editing company as opposed to freelance job sites.
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- Don’t assume a full-time editor can do everything: Make sure the video editing expert has experience in the type of video you want to create, whether it’s a vlog, tutorial, or promotion with video marketing. For example, if you want the video editor to use a specific professional software such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X, you should make sure that they are familiar with it and the software cost. Not everyone has the full-time editor skills of Ioana Vasile or Alexander Thomas, nor the access to amazing video editing software.
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- Don’t hire video editors online without discussing revisions: Make sure you understand the editor’s revision policy and how many revisions are included in their fees. Not all full-time video production services in the media business will have the same policy when it comes to the final cut.
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- Don’t hire a video editor without signing a contract: A contract can protect both you and the editor and ensure that you’re on the same page about professional editing, media content, deliverables, timelines, and fees. This will ensure the production of a dedicated video and thorough media production.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you can easily find a good editor for YouTube who can bring your video production vision to life using your camera footage.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Video Editor
When you hire a professional video editor, you are getting someone who has years of experience in the field. Freelance video editors know how to take your raw footage and turn it into a polished, final product. A professional video editor can also add special effects and transitions. This fine art will make the best videos with a higher level of organization.
If you want to produce a high-quality video that engages your audience and effectively communicates your message, hiring a great freelance video editor is a wise decision.
Video editing is a complex and time-consuming process that requires technical expertise, graphic design creativity, and attention to detail. A professional video editor will bring all of these skills to the table, allowing you to focus on other aspects, such as project management, while they take care of the tasty edits and producing amazing videos.
A great freelancer can help you create a visually stunning and engaging video that meets your specific needs and captures the attention of your target audience: whether this is for a music video, a business video, or even corporate videos. Additionally, a video editor can ensure that your video maintains a consistent professional quality and style, whether you’re producing a single video or a series for an online video platform.
Why You Need A Video Editor
Ultimately, hiring a video editor can help you save time, produce a high-quality video, and achieve your long-term video production goals.
Additionally, given their level of expertise, a pro video editor can provide you with advice on how you can make your videos more engaging when it comes to professional video editing.
Finally, good freelancers can incorporate useful keywords and trending songs into your video content. This small step makes your content rank higher in YouTube’s search results – allowing you to obtain your business goal of more viewers.
So What’s My Next Step?
If you’re looking to hire a video editor, following these 10 tips will help you find video editors that are perfect for your project. We can help you find the right person for your project. It is all about the right fit and building a good working relationship..
Our team of experienced video editors and media professionals work on hundreds of videos a week for YouTube creators. Our goal is to help you get better at creating awesome videos. If you want some advice on finding an editor, or if you’re not sure you need one just yet, get in touch. We talk to hundreds of video creators each month to help them make better decisions about video editing. Hit us up here!
