Video content is king these days. But that doesn’t mean finding the right video editor is easy.
The big question is: how do you hire one who will boost your video content and bring your vision to life?
The secret is finding one of the best video editors who doesn’t just cut clips together but knows your creative style and can turn your ideas into experiences for your audience.
Content creators can consider many things when hiring a video editor, but five will always make for a better decision in 2025.
But first..
What is a Video Editor?
A video editor is a professional who specializes in the post-production process of video content creation. Video editors assemble raw footage, sound effects, and graphics into a cohesive story using advanced video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
They have experience in a wide range of projects, from promotional videos and wedding videos to YouTube videos and feature films. By meticulously crafting each element, video editors ensure that the final product is visually appealing and effectively communicates the intended message.
How to hire a video editor in 5 steps
1. Define your needs and budget.
Before looking for an editor, you must know what you’re looking for. So, define your needs and budget first. A good editor can foresee potential issues and enhance both the quality and speed of editing, ultimately benefiting you by saving time and increasing content effectiveness.
The best way to define your needs is to consider the type of video content you’re creating, the frequency of your uploads, and the editing complexity required. Are you creating weekly vlogs, monthly product reviews, or quarterly high-production marketing videos for YouTube?
Review your content strategy and consider which editing skills you need for your video production. Then, with your needs in mind, you can set a realistic budget that matches the industry rates.
To do this, review your content calendar and production schedule. Estimate the hours of video editing per week or month and set a budget based on the rates for different types of video editors.
2. The cost.
Understanding the cost is essential. Video editors for hire are available at various prices, depending on their expertise and location. It helps you set realistic expectations and pay fairly for the skills you’re looking for.
But how do you negotiate the different pricing models in video editing? By breaking down the costs for distinct types of video editors and the factors that affect pricing.
These are the rates to consider when budgeting for a video editor. Professionals in the video editing industry charge anywhere from this.
Here’s the breakdown:
Full-Time Video Editors
Average Salary: $66,600 per year.
It includes payroll taxes and benefits
Freelance Video Editors (based on Upwork rates)
Beginner: $15-$30+
Intermediate/Advanced: $30-$150+
Global Perspective
In the Philippines, the average salary for a video editor is around $895+ per year.
The point is to know that rates can vary greatly depending on location, experience, and the specific needs of your video production. Making an informed decision on compensation increases the chances of finding a video editor who will respond to your job offer.
3. Local or Remote Video Editors
Personalization is critical when choosing between local and remote video editors—no debate about it.
The video editing world has gone global thanks to fast internet and file transfer. But that doesn’t mean local video editors are out of the picture.
How do you decide what’s best for you?
We weighed the pros and cons of each to see what works and what doesn’t. Here are the key points:
Local Video Editors
Pros:
In-person collaboration.
Easier handling of large files (>100GB).
Potential for dual expertise in videography and video editing.
Familiarity with local context and trends.
Remote Video Editors
Pros:
Access to the global talent pool.
Often cheaper.
Specialized expertise in niche areas like music video editing or podcast editing.
Flexible scheduling across time zones.
Remote video editors can efficiently handle video footage to create polished final products for various purposes, such as marketing and entertainment. The point is to make your choice specific to your video production needs, starting with the type of content and workflow.
After considering these options, your decision must match your video editing requirements and budget. Try to show yourself that you’ve thought of everything before you choose.
Here are some to consider:
Size and frequency of your video projects.
Your communication style.
Your budget constraints.
The importance of local knowledge to your video content.
Making this personal to your needs feels less like a business decision and more like a content creation strategy.
4. Look into different hiring options
These first steps are about more than just finding any video editor.
They’re exploring different channels to find the right video editor for you. Your search should be on platforms and methods matching your video production requirements and budget.
Look into different hiring options, such as freelance marketplaces, industry-specific platforms, or subscription-based services, to avoid wasting time and make an excellent first impression on potential video editing candidates.
Whatever it is, explore it — don’t limit yourself to just one option — in your search.
Freelance Marketplaces
Upwork. This is a massive platform with many video editors.
Fiverr. Services start at $5, and there are various expertise levels.
PeoplePerHour. Browse profiles and reviews for specific video editing needs.
Freelancer.com. Post your video editing and receive bids from editors.
Industry-Specific Marketplaces
StoryCrews. Directory connecting clients with video editors by location and specialty.
Viedit. A platform for video editing, animation, and video production pros.
Look into video editing agencies that offer subscription-based services for regular editing needs. These services often have a team of video editors, so you get consistency and quality.
5. Screen candidates properly.
Content creators are busy. They don’t have time to interview every editor. So, the more you screen candidates, the more chances you have of finding the right video editor.
When you start getting applications or exploring profiles, you can see part of their portfolio and a preview of their video editing skills. Remember that when you’re reviewing video editors.
Screening should be thorough but fast. The key areas to focus on should be specific and relevant to your needs.
Once you have a shortlist, you can dive deeper. Here are the must-haves for a video editor:
Software Proficiency.
Make sure the video editor is proficient in the software your team uses:
For Mac – Final Cut Pro
For Mac or PC – Adobe Premiere Pro
For Motion Graphics – Adobe After Effects
Portfolio Review
Overall quality and creativity.
Types of videos (YouTube video reviews, vlogs, product marketing, etc.)
Technical skills (color grading, sound design, storytelling)
Technical Setup
For remote video editors, check:
Computer specs.
Internet speed.
Power reliability.
Trial Project
Before committing to a long-term arrangement, consider assigning a paid test to evaluate the video editor’s skills and compatibility with your needs.
Payment structures: Getting the most value.
Content creators have options when it comes to paying video editors. However, not all payment structures are created equal.
So, the question is: how do you choose a payment structure that gets you the most value?
The answer is to align the payment structure with your video production needs and budget. Make it work for both you and the video editor.
Content creators have options for payment structures. But four will be the main ones in 2025.
Here’s how to understand and choose the proper payment structure for your video editing needs.
Hourly / Daily Rates
Before you decide on an hourly or daily, you need to understand the implications. You should consider the type of video projects you have and your budget flexibility.
The best approach to hourly or daily rates is to estimate the time required for your typical video projects. You can review your past videos or content plans and see how long the video editing process takes.
To do this, review your content calendar and production schedule. You can estimate the hours of video editing per week or month and calculate the costs based on different hourly or daily rates.
Project-Based Pricing
Project-based pricing might be better for some content creators. It allows for more precise budgeting and can encourage efficiency.
But how do you determine a fair project-based price?
It clearly defines the scope of work and knows the market for similar video projects.
It would help if you considered these when agreeing on a project-based price. Video editors have standard rates for different video projects, but there’s usually room for negotiation.
Here are some tips for project-based pricing:
Clearly define deliverables and expectations.
Consider the length of the final video.
Factor in any additional services like motion graphics or sound design.
Agree on the number of revisions included in the price.
Making each pricing specific to the work involved feels less like a generic fee and more like a service worth paying for.
Salary
Content creators with high-volume video editing needs might consider salaried positions—no question about it.
A full-time, salaried video editor can provide dedicated support and streamline your video content production, but this may not be the case for everyone.
How do you decide if a salaried position is for you?
We weighed the pros and cons to see what works and what doesn’t. Out of all the factors to consider, here are the key ones:
Pros:
Consistency.
Deep understanding of your brand and style.
Broader involvement in content strategy.
Cons:
Higher upfront costs (salary + benefits).
Less flexibility to scale up or down.
Not cost-effective for inconsistent workloads.
The point is to make decisions based on your long-term video content strategy and production volume.
Once you’ve considered these factors, your decision must align with your business goals and budget. Before you decide, show yourself that you’ve calculated the return on investment.
Here are some tips to evaluate a salaried position:
Calculate your average monthly video editing hours.
Compare the total cost (salary + benefits) to freelance alternatives.
The value of having a dedicated team member.
Long-term video content production plans.
Making this decision align with your content strategy makes it feel less like an expense and more like an investment in your video content.
Video Editing Subscriptions
These subscription services are more than just finding any video editor.
They’re about getting reliable, consistent video editing support without the commitment of a full-time hire. Your subscription should give you access to a team of video editors who know your brand and style.
So consider video editing subscription services to get out of the feast or famine cycle of freelance hiring and make the most of your budget. It could be a monthly plan with a set number of video editing hours or videos.
Whatever it is, evaluate it — don’t try to sell yourself on it — in the context of your needs.
Don’t include long-term commitments in the initial subscription. Then, say you have options to explore and would be happy to discuss them further if they’re interested. Only commit to a subscription with an understanding of the terms and don’t include hidden fees or unclear deliverables, which can lead to dissatisfaction and poor results.
At Vidpros, we follow this model. With a fractional editor subscription, you’ve got reserved time for at least 2 hours every workday. Watch out for some competitors claiming to be “unlimited.” Honestly, that’s not a real thing.
Read more about fractional vs unlimited subscriptions. Vidpros believes fractional subscriptions give the best value, especially for those with ongoing video projects.
Outsourcing video editing ethics
Content creators are global these days. But that doesn’t mean outsourcing video editing is easy.
The big question is: how do you navigate the ethical implications of outsourcing video editing?
The answer is to approach outsourcing with a balanced view of economic realities and ethical responsibilities. Make it a win-win for both you and the video editor.
Content creators can discuss the pros and cons of outsourcing. However, several key points must be considered when deciding the ethical implications of outsourcing video editing in 2025.
Here’s how to approach the ethics of outsourcing video editing.
Benefits of Outsourcing
Before you write off outsourcing, you must understand its benefits. Consider how outsourcing will benefit your video content creation process and the global economy.
The best way to evaluate the benefits is to consider your business needs and the broader economic context. For example, you can examine your video production workflow and see where outsourcing can create efficiencies.
To do this, go through your video content creation process. It will help you identify bottlenecks or areas where specialized skills can improve quality and efficiency.
Here are some of the benefits:
Freelancers can outsource less labor-intensive video editing tasks and potentially double business output.
Businesses only pay for the services they need, which can be more cost-effective than having an in-house operation.
Outsourcing can provide opportunities for skilled professionals in countries with lower cost of living.
Ethical Considerations
Fair treatment and compensation for all contributors to your video content are not just moral; they’re good business.
But how do you ensure your outsourcing is ethical?
By evaluating your hiring practices, compensation, and the impact of your decisions on local and global communities. Global workforce professionals deserve fair treatment and compensation regardless of their location.
Here are some tips for ethical outsourcing:
Research fair wages in the video editor’s local context.
Clear communication and expectations.
Opportunities for skill development and career growth.
Consider the long-term impact of your hiring decisions on local economies.
Making each outsourcing decision with ethical considerations makes it feel less like exploitation and more like a global collaboration.
Why outsource to the Philippines?
Content creators outsource to the Philippines—no question about it.
The Philippines is a popular choice for companies outsourcing video editing. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.
How do you decide if outsourcing video editing to the Philippines is for you?
We weighed the pros and cons to see what works and what doesn’t. Here are the key points:
Overnight turnaround. The time difference means your video editor works while you sleep and finishes the video fast.
Budget-friendly. Competitive rates without sacrificing quality.
English proficiency. Most Filipinos use English as their second language to communicate smoothly.
Cultural compatibility. Filipino culture is aligned with Western work ethics and expectations.
The point is to decide based on the bigger picture of your needs and the benefits.
After considering these factors, your decision must align with your video production schedule and communication preferences. Try to show yourself that you’ve considered the practicalities of working across time zones.
Here are some tips for outsourcing video editing to the Philippines:
Set up clear communication channels and schedules.
Invest time in building relationships.
Be aware of cultural differences and holidays.
Provide detailed briefs and feedback for quality.
Making this decision with a complete understanding of the pros and cons makes it feel less like a cost-cutting measure and more like a smart move for your video content.
Content creators have choices when hiring video editing talent, but not all options are equal.
Whether you hire a video editor or a video editing service is the big question. The key is to match your choice to your needs, budget, and long-term video content strategy. Make it work for you.
Content creators can go on and on about DIY hiring vs using a service. But each has its pros and cons to guide your decision in 2025.
Here’s how to choose between DIY video editor hiring and video editing services.
DIY Hiring
Before you start DIY hiring, you must be prepared for the process. So, it’s essential to know what’s involved in finding, vetting, and managing a video editor.
The best approach to DIY hiring is to define your needs and create a hiring plan. Then, look through your content strategy to see what skills and experience you need in a video editor.
To do this, review your video production process and identify the editing tasks involved. Then, create a job description and a set of questions to find the right person.
Pros:
Lower upfront costs.
Control over the hiring process.
Can build a long-term relationship with the video editor.
Cons:
Time-consuming recruitment and vetting process.
It is hard to assess technical skills if you’re not a video editor.
There are no backup options if the video editor is not available.
Taxes, payroll, and other administrative tasks.
The point is to decide based on your ability to manage the hiring process and long-term video editing needs.
After considering these factors, your decision must align with your time availability and management style. Try to show yourself that you’ve considered the full scope of responsibilities that come with DIY hiring.
Here are some tips for DIY hiring:
Create a job description.
Create a structured interview process with practical video editing tests.
Check references and review portfolios thoroughly.
Be prepared to invest time in onboarding and managing your new video editor.
Making this decision with a complete understanding of the commitment makes it feel less like a quick fix and more like a smart move for your video content.
Video Editing Services
For some content creators, video editing services might be better than DIY hiring. These services offer a hassle-free solution and access to a pool of video editors.
But how do you know if a video editing service is exemplary for you?
Evaluate your video editing needs, budget, and flexibility regarding the offered services.
Consider these when choosing a video editing service. Industry professionals prefer the convenience and reliability of established services.
Here are the pros and cons of video editing services:
Pros:
Access to a pool of pre-vetted, professional video editors.
Flexibility to match video editors to different requirements.
Less administrative hassle.
Built-in quality control and management.
Cons:
Higher upfront costs.
Less control over individual video editors.
Making each a part of your video content creation process makes it feel less like outsourcing and more like part of your team.
What to look for in a video editor
Content creators need video editors. But not all skills are created equal.
The big question is: What should you prioritize when hiring a video editor?
The key is to find the skills and attributes that match your video content style and production needs. Make your search specific to your requirements.
Content creators can list dozens of desirable qualities in a video editor. However, several key areas will always be important when evaluating video editors in 2025.
Here’s how you can find the most essential qualities of a video editor.
Software Skills
Before evaluating candidates, you must know which software is required for your video projects. So, it’s essential to identify the editing tools relevant to your video content type.
To assess software proficiency, look at your current video editing workflow and future needs. You can review your video production process and see which software is required and which is nice.
To do this, go through your video content types and editing requirements. Then, create a list of must-have and nice-to-have software skills.
Make sure the video editor is skilled in the software your team uses:
For Mac – Final Cut Pro
For Mac or PC – Adobe Premiere Pro
For Motion Graphics – Adobe After Effects
The point is to make your software requirements specific to your workflow, starting with the tools you use most often.
Once you’ve identified the critical software, your evaluation should go beyond just knowledge. Try to show the candidate you’re looking for actual proficiency and speed in these tools.
Here are some tips to assess software proficiency:
Ask for examples of video projects done with specific software.
Ask about advanced features or techniques they’ve used in Adobe Premiere Pro or Adobe After Effects.
Consider giving a small test video to test their skills in action.
How do they stay up to date with video editing software changes?
Making this assessment thorough makes it feel less like a tick-box exercise and more like finding the right fit for your video editing team.
Portfolio Review
These portfolio reviews aren’t just about looking at pretty videos.
They’re about testing the video editor’s ability to meet your needs. Your evaluation (at least most of it) should be focused on video projects similar to your content type and style.
So, to avoid being swayed by shiny but irrelevant work, consider these when reviewing portfolios: overall quality, creativity, variety of video types, and technical skills.
Whatever it is, analyze it — don’t just glance at it — in the context of your needs.
Include only a few videos in your evaluation. Consider whether the video editor’s style and skills would work for your content.
Then, mention you have specific areas to focus on and would be happy to discuss their most relevant work if they’re interested. Never judge a portfolio solely on its looks, and don’t ignore the importance of storytelling and pacing, as these are key to engaging video content.
Here are the areas to focus on when evaluating portfolios:
Overall quality and creativity.
Variety of video types (YouTube video reviews, vlogs, product marketing, social media videos, etc.).
Technical skills (color grading, sound design, storytelling ability).
Alignment with your brand style and video content type.
Technical Setup
Content creators need timely deliveries. However, not all video editors have the technical setup to meet your needs.
How do you check if a potential video editor has the technical setup for your video projects?
The trick is to ask specific questions about their equipment, internet speed, and workflow.
Ensure that a reliable technical setup is critical to your video editing collaboration.
Content creators assume all video editors have the proper setup. However, several technical factors can make or break a smooth video editing process 2025.
Here’s how to check a video editor’s technical setup.
Before you commit to a video editor, you must ensure its technical setup matches your needs. So, it is essential to discuss its hardware, software, and internet connection in detail.
The best way to check technical setup is to create a requirements checklist. You can review your video production workflow and see where technical limitations would cause issues. To do this, review your typical video specs and delivery requirements. Then, create a list of technical must-haves for your ideal video editor.
For remote video editors, check:
Computer specs (processor, RAM, storage).
Internet speed (upload and download capabilities).
Power reliability (backup solutions for uninterrupted work).
File storage and transfer methods.
The point is to be clear about your technical requirements, starting with the most critical parts of your video editing workflow.
After you’ve outlined your technical requirements, your conversation with potential video editors needs to be specific. Show the video editor you understand the importance of a solid technical setup.
Here are some tips to check technical setup:
Ask about their computer specs and how they handle big video file sizes.
Ask about their internet speed and reliability for video file transfers.
Discuss their backup and storage solutions for video files.
Consider asking for a test run of their video file delivery process.
Being thorough with this technical assessment makes it less like nitpicking and more like ensuring a smooth video editing collaboration.
Trial Project
These initial projects are not about getting free work.
They’re about testing compatibility and skills in a real-world scenario. Your trial should be similar to your video content.
Consider offering a paid trial to avoid misunderstandings and to be fair. It could be a shorter version of your usual video content or a more significant video segment.
Whatever it is, make it test the skills you need – don’t try to get the most out of it.
Include simple requirements in the trial. Ask if they would like to do a small pay as part of the evaluation process.
Then, say you have a specific task in mind and would be happy to provide more details if they’re interested. Never ask for free work for trials, and don’t make the trial so big that it burdens the video editor.
Here’s how to approach a trial:
Choose a task that’s similar to your usual video editing needs.
Set clear deliverables and deadlines.
Offer fair pay for the trial work.
Give detailed feedback and assess their response to your feedback.
Tips for working with a video editor
Effective collaboration with a video editor is crucial to achieving a high-quality final product. Here are some tips to ensure a successful partnership:
Provide clear instructions and guidelines. Clearly outline your expectations, project goals, and any specific requirements. This helps the editor understand your vision and deliver a product that meets your standards.
Share your vision and goals. Communicate the purpose of the video and the message you want to convey. Providing examples of videos you like can also help the editor grasp your style preferences.
Establish a timeline and deadline. Set realistic deadlines and milestones to keep the project on track. Ensure both parties agree on the timeline to avoid any misunderstandings.
Review and provide feedback. Regularly review the editor’s work and provide constructive feedback. Be specific about what you like and what needs improvement to help the editor make the necessary adjustments.
Be open to suggestions and ideas. Trust the editor’s expertise and be open to their creative input. They may have valuable suggestions that can enhance the final product.
Understand the editor’s role and responsibilities. Have a clear understanding of what the editor is responsible for and what falls under your purview. This clarity helps prevent any scope creep and ensures a smooth workflow.
By following these tips and understanding the role of a video editor, you can ensure a successful collaboration and a high-quality final product. Whether you’re hiring a freelance video editor, working with a professional video editor, or editing your own videos, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the video editing process and the skills required to produce a polished, engaging video.
Capping off
As we wrap up this guide on hiring a video editor, let’s recap the key points and provide some final thoughts to help you in your search.
Define your needs:
Clarify your video content strategy and goals.
Determine your budget and preferred payment structure.
Evaluate candidates:
Assess software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects).
Review portfolios and technical setups.
Conduct trial projects.
Make informed decisions:
Choose between local and remote editors.
Explore hiring options (freelance marketplaces, subscription services).
Build a productive partnership:
Set clear expectations and workflows.
Establish regular check-ins and reviews.
Provide clear briefs and timely feedback.
The right video editor can elevate your content from good to great, whether for YouTube, social media, or professional business videos. By following this guide, you’re well-equipped to find an editor who will enhance your content and help you succeed in video creation.
Ready to get started with video editing? Schedule a call with Vidpros now, and let’s turn your vision into captivating visual content!
