Hiring Video Editors: In-House vs. Freelance vs. Agency

Video Editors for Hire: Where to Find the Best One and How to Pay Them

Find video editors by hiring a full-time employee from your local newspaper or job site.

Do you hire a freelancer from Upwork or Fiverr?

Do you engage an Agency to handle the process for you?

There are pros and cons to each.

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is the art of selecting, arranging, and modifying video footage to craft a cohesive and engaging visual story. This process involves using video editing software to trim, cut, and arrange clips, add transitions and effects, and adjust audio levels to create a polished final product. Whether you’re working on a short film, a commercial, or a YouTube video, video editing is a crucial step that can make or break the overall quality and impact of your content. With the right video editing software, you can transform raw footage into a compelling narrative that captivates your audience.

Understanding the Role of a Video Editor

A video editor is the creative force behind transforming raw footage into a refined final video. Using advanced video editing software, they meticulously edit video footage and add sound effects, background scores, text effects, transitions, and special effects to enhance the visual appeal. Video editors work across various types of content, including films, television shows, commercials, and online videos. Their expertise in video editing software and their ability to craft a seamless narrative plays a significant role in determining the quality of the final product. Whether it’s a music video or a promotional video, a skilled video editor can elevate your content to new heights

In-house video editor

This is great if you can get a local hire and combine the skill of videography.  The actual camera work isn’t going to be something you’d be able to get done with a remote worker.  

Cons can be the pricing of a full-time employee.  The BLS shows full-time video and camera operators average $60,000 per year.  

You’d also be on the hook for

Freelance video editors

This is good if you have an occasional project and don’t need ongoing work from a professional video editor.

The cons are you don’t build up a relationship with a specific person as they may take on other clients if not on a retainer with you.

Agency

The main advantages to an agency are scale and curation.

Let’s talk about scale. You may only need a few videos per month. By paying a monthly retainer you ensure consistent quality on all your videos and save yourself the time involved in contractor selection on each project. Agencies can handle various types of video projects, including promotional videos, ensuring your business’s marketing and advertising needs are met effectively.

Job Post Requirements

When hiring a video editor, it’s essential to clearly outline the job requirements to attract the right candidates. Your job post should include:

• Project Goals and Objectives: Clearly define what you aim to achieve with the video project.

• Required Skills and Experience: Specify the skills and experience needed, such as proficiency in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Project Timeline and Deadlines: Provide a timeline for the project and any critical deadlines.

• Budget and Compensation: Outline the budget for the project and the compensation offered.

• Specific Requirements or Constraints: Mention any particular requirements, such as working with specific types of footage or adhering to a particular style or tone.

By providing detailed and clear job requirements, you can attract qualified video editors who are well-suited to your project.

Job Post Tips

Writing an effective job post is crucial to finding the best video editor for your project. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling job post:

• Clear and Concise Title: Use a title that accurately describes the role and required skills, such as “Freelance Video Editor for YouTube Channel.”

• Detailed Project Description: Outline the scope of work, expected outcomes, and any specific requirements.

• List Required Skills and Experience: Include proficiency in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and any other relevant skills.

• Specify Project Timeline and Deadlines: Clearly state the project timeline and any critical deadlines.

• Budget and Compensation: Provide information on the budget and compensation to set clear expectations.

• Specific Requirements or Constraints: Mention any particular requirements, such as working with specific types of footage or meeting a particular style or tone.

By following these tips, you can create a job post that attracts skilled video editors who are a perfect fit for your project.

Evaluating Video Editor Candidates

When evaluating video editor candidates, consider the following factors to ensure you find the best fit for your project:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for candidates with experience in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and a strong understanding of video editing techniques.

• Portfolio and Samples: Review their portfolio and samples of previous work to assess their style and quality.

• Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to gauge their reliability and professionalism.

• Availability and Scheduling: Ensure their availability aligns with your project timeline and deadlines.

• Communication and Collaboration Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for a smooth working relationship.

By considering these factors, you can find a video editor who meets your needs and can deliver high-quality results.

You can start with a fractional video editor working up to 2 hours per day for as little as $1,000 per month. As your needs grow, an agency can scale your production from this fractional editor up to multiple full-time editors.

Another aspect is curation. You can hire a skilled video editor directly, but unless you have many years of experience you may not know what to look for in an employee.  Check out our post on How to hire video editors.  An agency’s sole business is finding and training capable editors. Agencies can also provide access to the best video editors, ensuring high-quality outcomes for various projects.

So the only con here is the added cost of using an agency vs going directly to the fulfillment.  Expect to pay a 3-5x markup vs going direct.  The agency is handling tax compliance, vacation days, and other fringe benefits workers expect with longer-term engagements.  This along with the benefits of scale and curation makes the added costs an easy decision for some business owners.