The Philippines has become the world’s leading destination for hiring skilled professional video editors because they deliver professional-quality work at affordable rates while speaking excellent English– a rare combination hard to find elsewhere.
This guide shows you everything you need to know about hiring Filipino video editors. You’ll learn about all your options, see precisely how much it costs, and get a simple step-by-step process for finding the right editor. We’ve hired dozens of video editors from the Philippines ourselves, so we know what works and what doesn’t.
Whether you need editing for your YouTube channel, business videos, or social media content, this guide will help you hire with confidence.
Video Editing Services in the Philippines
Overview of the Philippine Video Editing Industry
The Philippine video editing industry is rapidly growing due to rising demand for digital content across streaming, social media, and marketing platforms. The sector features many local talents and studios competing with international firms, focusing on quality and innovation.
Why the Philippines?
The Philippines is a top choice for video editing outsourcing due to several key factors:
English proficiency. English is an official language, and most Filipino editors speak and write English fluently, making communication with Western clients smooth and easy.
Cultural compatibility. Filipinos understand Western markets, making it easier to grasp creative direction and consumer behavior.
Work ethic. Filipino professionals are known for their strong service mindset and dedication.
Cost advantages. Lower living costs mean you get quality talent at significant savings compared to Western editing rates– typically 60-70% less.
Content Types Filipino Editors Excel At
Filipino video editors have expertise across diverse content formats:
YouTube videos. Creating engaging, platform-optimized content for creators and brands.
Podcast videos. Turning episodic content into polished video episodes.
Corporate videos. Skilled in corporate video editing for professional presentations, training, and internal communications.
Social media content. Specialized in short-form video editing for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and native ads.
Real estate videos. Polished walkthroughs and promotional property videos.
Advertisements and music videos. Crafting compelling ads and creative content for diverse platforms.
What Sets Philippine Editors Apart
Technical skills. Filipino editors are proficient in industry-standard video editing software and post-production services, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects. They excel in audio editing, color correction, motion graphics, and video optimization.
Creative capabilities. Filipino editors offer sharp storytelling skills and create visually engaging final videos. They transform raw footage into compelling narratives that enhance brand stories and audience engagement.
Communication. English fluency enables clear, effective communication with global clients. They’re responsive and professional in handling feedback and project goals.
Time zone advantages. The Philippines’ time zone works well for clients in the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia, enabling round-the-clock progress on projects.
Outsourcing Video Editing to the Philippines (Pros & Cons)
The Pros of Outsourcing Video Editing to the Philippines
Cost savings. Labor costs are 60-70% lower than in Western markets. Filipino video editors charge $5-$25/hour, while US editors charge $50-$150/hour. This doesn’t mean lower quality– many Filipino editors deliver professional, high-quality work.
High-quality English proficiency. The Philippines ranks as the third-largest English-speaking country globally, enabling smooth communication and easy understanding of Western cultural nuances.
Technical expertise. Filipino editors stay updated on trends like YouTube editing styles and social media video formats, bringing creative problem-solving to projects.
Scalability. The large talent pool makes it easy to scale resources up or down. You can hire freelancers, build dedicated video teams, or contract agencies.
Time zone advantages. For Australia and Asia, real-time collaboration is easy. For US and European clients, work done during the Filipino day is ready by your morning.
The Cons to Consider
Communication challenges. Despite high English proficiency, some nuances can be missed. Clear briefs and regular video calls are crucial.
Quality variance. Skill levels vary, requiring careful vetting and test projects.
Infrastructure concerns. Occasional power outages during typhoons require editors to have backup internet and generators.
Cultural differences. Filipinos communicate indirectly, prioritizing harmony, which may require adjustment in feedback approaches.
Time zone gaps. Real-time collaboration with US/Europe clients can be difficult, and same-day rush projects can be challenging.
For most businesses, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a highly viable choice.
Your Options for Video Editing Services – Philippines
Option 1: Hire a Freelance Video Editor
Independent contractors you hire on a per-project or hourly basis. They work remotely, and you manage them directly.
When to choose: Occasional work, testing video content, one-off projects, paying only for what you use.
Pros: Flexibility to scale, pay only for completed work, find niche specialists, and no equipment costs.
Cons: Multiple clients mean you’re not a priority; they can disappear suddenly; no backup if you’re sick; your availability is limited; you handle all management.
Where to find: Online jobs.ph (Philippines-specific, direct contact, low fees), Upwork (largest platform, payment protection, robust reviews), Virtualstaff.ph, Freelancer.com, Fiverr.
Cost: Entry-level $5-10/hour, mid-level $10-20/hour, experienced $20-40/hour, experts $40-150+/hour.
Option 2: Hire a Direct Employee (DIY)
Hire full-time in the Philippines. You register your business or use an existing entity– complete ownership.
When to choose: Long-term commitment (3+ years), want complete control, need full-time editors, planning to scale a large team, have legal/HR resources.
Pros: Complete control, employee loyalty, set schedules and priorities, build long-term relationships, most cost-effective in the long term, you own all IP.
Cons: Legal complexity (register PH entity), compliance burden (labor laws, taxes, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG), required benefits (13th month, leaves), fixed costs, management time, 2-6 months setup.
Cost: Monthly salary $800-2,500+, plus 30-40% mandatory benefits. Total: $1,000-3,000+/month per editor.
Option 3: BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)
A third-party company handles everything —office space, equipment, staff, and management.
When to choose: Need a large, dedicated video team (5+ editors), want a turnkey solution, don’t want to manage daily operations, require a corporate environment, and have compliance concerns.
Pros: Fully done-for-you, no legal setup, they handle HR/payroll/benefits/office/equipment, scalable, professional environment, management included.
Cons: Most expensive option, less control over hiring, can’t build your culture directly, hidden costs, longer contracts, and less operational flexibility.
Cost: $1,500-3,500+/month per editor.
Option 4: EOR (Employer of Record)
EOR is a legal employer on paper. You control hiring and management. They handle HR, payroll, and compliance.
When to choose: Want control without legal hassle, SMB with 1-10 editors, testing the Philippines market, need a remote team, required to move fast.
Pros: No PH entity needed, legal compliance handled, you choose who to hire, direct management, faster setup (2-4 weeks), employees work remotely, easier to scale than BPO.
Pros: Monthly fee per employee adds cost; they’re technically the legal employer; you do recruiting/interviewing/training; you provide equipment; less hand-holding than a BPO.
Cost: EOR fee $200-500/month + employee salary $800-2,500+. Total: $1,000-3,000/month per editor.
Option 5: Use a Recruiter or Headhunter
A recruitment agency finds and vets candidates and presents a shortlist. You hire directly (or through EOR)– one-time service.
When to choose: Need specialized/senior talent, no time to screen hundreds, want pre-vetted candidates, first-time hiring.
Pros: Done-for-you sourcing, pre-screened talent, saves time, access to passive candidates, replacement guarantees (60-90 days), expert guidance.
Cons: Expensive (35-100% of first-year salary), may inflate salary recommendations, less control over screening, may not offer test projects.
Cost: Typically 35-50% of first-year salary. Example: $1,500/month editor = $18,000/year = $6,300-$9,000 fee.
Option 6: Partner with a Video Editing Agency
The agency provides dedicated editor(s) as a service. You submit footage and instructions. They handle editing, revisions, and delivery.
When to choose: Regular ongoing content needs, want a dedicated editor who learns your brand, prefer a monthly subscription, need backup support, don’t want to manage anyone.
Pros: Turnkey simplicity, a dedicated editor who understands your brand, unlimited revisions (most agencies), no management burden, team backup, scalability, no equipment costs, cancel anytime, money-back guarantee.
Cons: More expensive than direct freelancer/employee, less control than in-house, minimum turnaround time, and harder to customize the workflow.
Where to find: Vidpros (dedicated fractional video editors), Penji, Vidchops, EditMentor, Video Husky.
Cost: $500-3,000+/month, typically $1,000-1,500/month for a dedicated editor.
Quick Comparison
Option | Best For | Monthly Cost | Setup Time | Management |
Freelancer | Variable work | $400-3,200 | Days | Medium |
Direct Hire | Long-term team | $1,000-3,000+ | 2-6 months | High |
BPO | Large teams (5+) | $1,500-3,500+ | 1-3 months | Low |
EOR | SMB 1-10 editors | $1,000-3,000 | 2-4 weeks | Medium |
Recruiter | Finding talent | One-time fee | 2-8 weeks | Varies |
Agency | Ongoing content | $500-3,000 | Days | None |
How to Choose Video Editing Companies in the Philippines
No matter which option you’re considering, use this checklist to compare them.
1. Evaluate their portfolio. Quality should match your needs, and style should align with them. Check for recent work (6-12 months). Ask for 3-5 samples similar to your needs.
2. Assess communication. Quick response times (within 24 hours), clear English, and asks clarifying questions. Test their communication before committing.
When evaluating a video editing agency or company, always check the following:
3. Understand pricing. Transparent pricing upfront, clear what’s included, matches market rates. Get a detailed breakdown in writing.
4. Check reviews. Recent reviews (last 12 months), specific feedback, mentions communication/timeliness/quality. Check Google Reviews, Clutch.co, and Trustpilot.
5. Understand their workflow. Straightforward onboarding, file sharing systems, revision policy, and turnaround times. Ensure their workflow aligns with yours.
6. Test with trial project. The only way to honestly evaluate quality. Give a real project, provide a clear brief, include revisions, and pay fairly.
7. Verify technical capabilities. What software do they use? Can they handle your files? Fast internet and backup systems?
8. Check contract terms. Month-to-month vs. long-term contracts, easy cancellation, and a money-back guarantee—you should own all the work.
Trust your gut. Good companies are easy to work with, answer questions honestly, and communicate clearly. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling.
How to Hire a Video Editor in the Philippines (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Define your exact needs
Whether you’re searching for video editor hiring Philippines options or planning to outsource long-term, start by defining precisely what you need.
Determine: Type of content (YouTube, podcast, ads, social media, corporate), volume (videos per week/month), complexity (simple cuts or advanced effects), software preference, working arrangement (full-time, part-time, project-based), and budget.
Create a hiring document that includes the job description, must-have skills, style references, timeline, and rate range.
Step 2: Choose your hiring method
Based on Step 1, pick the right option:
Variable work = Freelancer
Ongoing content = Agency or direct employee
Large team = BPO
Control without hassle = EOR
Looking for specialized video editing experts = Recruiter
Step 3: Post your job or search
Looking for a video editor for hire Philippines?
For freelancer/employee: Post on Onlinejobs.ph, Upwork, Virtualstaff.ph, LinkedIn (Philippines filter), or Facebook groups. Include a clear job title, detailed description, required skills, content style sample, pay rate, and specific application instructions.
For agency/BPO/EOR: Research and shortlist 3-5 options. Ask for work samples, understand their process, check what’s included in pricing, and ask about trials/guarantees.
Step 4: Screen applications
First pass: Did they follow instructions? Clear English? Have a portfolio? Experience matches? Rate within budget? Shortlist 5-10 candidates.
Second pass: Review portfolio carefully for quality, style, relevant experience, and recent work. Check reviews/ratings. Shortlist 3-5 for interview.
Step 5: Conduct interviews
Video call recommended. Assess communication skills, English proficiency, personality fit, reliability, and internet quality.
Ask about their experience, favorite video types, software they use, editing process, how they handle feedback, turnaround times, availability, backup systems.
Show them your content or style references.
Step 6: Assign paid test project
Pay them fairly (half rate or small fee). Give a real project with a clear brief. Set a realistic deadline. Include one revision round. Evaluate quality, instruction-following, creativity, timeliness, communication, and how they handle feedback.
Test your top 2-3 candidates.
Step 7: Make a decision and onboard
Choose based on test project results, interview impression, portfolio quality, rate/value, communication, and gut feeling.
Set up file sharing, communication tools, project management (optional), and payment methods. Provide brand guidelines, a style guide, templates, an asset library, and a transparent workflow.
Start with a simple first project, an extra-detailed brief, and more time than usual. Set clear expectations for turnaround times, communication hours, the revision process, and the payment schedule.
Step 8: Build the relationship
First 30 days: Give detailed feedback, be patient as they learn your style, schedule regular check-ins, and adjust processes.
Ongoing: Provide consistent work, pay on time every time, recognize good job, be clear about improvements, and treat them as a partner.
Remember: First projects are 70-80% what you want. By project 10, it should be 95%+.
Video Editing Rates in the Philippines (2025 Guide)
Hiring video editors from the Philippines saves you 60-70% compared to the US, Canada, or Europe. But prices vary based on how you hire, the editor’s skill level, and video type.
Video Editing Rate Per Minute in the Philippines
What is it? Cost based on the final video’s edited length (not raw footage).
Example: 10-minute video at $15/minute = $150. Best for consistent video lengths and easy budgeting.
2025 rates:
Simple edits (cuts, transitions, color correction): Entry $5-10/min, Mid $10-20/min
Standard edits (B-roll, graphics, music): Entry $10-15/min, Mid $15-30/min, Pro $30-50/min
Advanced edits (motion graphics, VFX, animation): Mid $30-60/min, Pro $60-100/min, Expert $100-200+/min
What affects pricing: Amount of raw footage, camera angles, graphics needed, sound design, color grading, special effects, delivery specs, turnaround time (rush adds 50-200%).
Pros: Easy to budget, fair for both sides, scales with length.
Cons: Doesn’t account for footage ratio, may penalize long-form content.
Video Editing Rates Philippines Per Project
What is it? Fixed fee for the complete project, regardless of time. Scope defined upfront. Best for specific deliverables and predictable budgeting.
2025 rates:
YouTube (10 min): Simple $50-150, Standard $100-300, Advanced $250-600
Social media reel (30 sec): $20-75
Podcast episode: Audio-only $75-200, Video $100-500, Full production $300-700
Real estate: Basic $100-250, Premium with drone $200-500
Corporate (5 min): $200-600
Commercial (30 sec): Basic $200-500, Professional $500-1,500
Factors that affect pricing include: Video length, raw footage quantity, revisions included (typically 1-3), turnaround time, additional deliverables, and editor experience.
Pros: Predictable cost, encourages efficiency, easy to compare—cons: Scope disagreements are possible, revisions are limited, hard to adjust mid-project.
Hourly and Monthly Video Editing Rates Philippines
Hourly rates (2025):
Entry-level (0-2 years): $5-10/hour – basic skills, needs direction
Mid-level (2-5 years): $10-20/hour – solid skills, works independently
Professional (5-10 years): $20-40/hour – advanced skills, creative input
Expert/Specialist (10+ years): $40-100+/hour – mastery, specialized skills
Platform-specific: Upwork $5-150/hour (average $15-35), Onlinejobs.ph $5-25/hour (no platform fee), Fiverr similar to Upwork.
Monthly retainer (2025):
Part-time (20-25 hrs/week): Entry $400-800, Mid $800-1,500, Pro $1,500-2,500
Full-time (40 hrs/week): Entry $800-1,200, Mid $1,200-2,000, Pro $2,000-3,500, Expert $3,500-6,000+
Includes set hours or videos per month, priority scheduling, consistent availability, revisions, and direct communication.
Hourly pros: Pay for actual work, flexible, fair for uncertain projects—cons: Unpredictable costs, time tracking is tedious.
Monthly pros: Predictable budgeting, dedicated capacity, better value, priority treatment. Cons: Pay during slow periods, commitment required.
Video Editing Price List Philippines – Complete Snapshot
By hiring method:
Freelancer (Part-time): $0 setup, $400-1,600/month
Freelancer (Full-time): $0 setup, $800-3,200/month
Direct Employee: $2,000-5,000 setup, $1,000-3,500/month
BPO: $500-2,000 setup, $1,500-4,000+/month
EOR: $0 setup, $1,200-3,500/month
Agency: $0 setup, $500-3,000/month
Money-saving tips: Bundle projects (10-25% discount), longer commitments (10-15% savings), organized footage (saves 20-30% time), clear briefs, flexible deadlines, build relationships, and provide templates.
Payment methods: Wise (0.5-1.5% fee, recommended), PayPal (4-5% fee), Payoneer, Upwork/platform (10-20% fee), bank transfer (cheapest but slowest).
Pro tip: Pay on time. It builds loyalty and gets you priority treatment.
Specialized Video Editing Services in the Philippines
YouTube Video Editors in the Philippines
What makes YouTube editing different: Understanding algorithm and retention, pacing for engagement, thumbnail creation, analytics knowledge, platform specs, and trend awareness.
Skills needed: Fast-paced editing, text overlays/graphics, B-roll integration, sound design, color correction, thumbnail design, captions, SEO basics.
Specializations: Vlog editors, educational/tutorial editors, gaming editors, business/entrepreneur editors, review/unboxing editors, and commentary editors.
Where to find: Onlinejobs.ph (search “YouTube editor”), Upwork (filter by YouTube experience), YouTube editor agencies (Vidpros, etc.), Facebook groups.
Rates (2025):
Per video (10-15 min): Simple $50-100, Standard $100-200, Advanced $200-400
Monthly (4-8 videos): Entry $400-800, Mid $800-1,500, Pro $1,500-2,500
Pro tip: Best YouTube editors understand retention analytics. Ask: “How do you edit for retention?”
Podcast Video Editors in the Philippines
What’s different: Audio editing is primary; multi-camera syncing; long-form videos and content (30- 120+ min); remote guest integration; lower thirds/name tags; timestamp markers; audiograms; and social clips.
Skills needed: Audio editing (noise reduction, EQ, compression), multi-track mixing, multicam editing, long-form pacing, creating social clips, and podcast platform knowledge.
Where to find: Online jobs.ph, Upwork (specify “podcast editor”), podcast editing agencies, audio editing communities.
Rates (2025):
Audio-only: Simple $30-75, Complete $75-200
Video + audio: Basic $100-250, Multi-cam $200-500, Full production $400-800
Monthly packages: 4 episodes $500-1,500, 8 episodes $800-2,500
Pro tip: Test their audio editing first. If audio is bad, video doesn’t matter for podcasts.
Video Editing Virtual Assistants (VA) in the Philippines
What is it: Virtual assistant with video editing skills. Handles editing plus other tasks (admin, social media, email). More affordable than a dedicated editor.
When to hire: Early-stage business, simple editing needs, need 20+ hours/week of varied tasks, limited budget, editing accounts for 30-50% of the workload.
When NOT to hire: Complex editing needs, high video volume, brand-critical videos, specialized skills required, editing should be 80%+ of the workload (hire a dedicated editor instead).
Rates (2025): Hourly $4-12/hour, Monthly full-time $600-1,500.
Where to find: Online jobs.ph, Virtualstaff.ph, VA-specific agencies.
Reality check: Video editing VAs are generalists. For serious video work, hire a dedicated editor. For light editing plus other tasks, VAs work great.
FAQs
How much do video editing services cost?
Video editing rates in the Philippines vary widely by skill level and project complexity. Entry-level editors charge $5-10/hour, mid-level editors cost $10-25/hour, professional editors range from $25-50/hour, and high-end experts command $50-150+/hour. For typical YouTube-length videos (10-15 minutes), expect to pay $50 to $400+, depending on complexity. Monthly retainers range from $800 to $6,000+ based on the editing scope and experience level required.
What is the 80/20 rule in video editing?
It refers to the idea that approximately 80% of editing time is spent polishing 20% of the footage– such as key moments, transitions, and effects– while the rest involves basic cuts and assembly. This helps editors prioritize focus on areas that most impact viewer engagement and quality.
Is video editing in demand in the Philippines?
Yes, video editing remains highly in demand as content creators, businesses, and agencies increasingly outsource to Filipino editors who offer competitive rates and professional-quality work. The growth of YouTube, corporate videos, and digital marketing fuels steady demand.
How much to charge for a 2-minute video?
Typical rates for short, simple videos start around $20-$50 and can go higher with added complexity or effects. Pricing also depends on client type and usage; commercial projects command higher fees.
How much time for 1 minute of edited video?
Editing time typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours per finished minute, depending on complexity. Basic cuts and trims are on the lower end, while advanced editing with color grading, effects, and corrections requires more time.
Where to hire video editors in the Philippines?
The best platforms are Onlinejobs.ph and Upwork for freelancers, or video editing agencies like Vidpros and Vidchops for managed services. Virtualstaff.ph works well for full-time hires, and LinkedIn is good for finding experienced professionals with verified portfolios.
How to choose a video editing company in the Philippines?
Review their portfolio to match your style, check recent reviews on Google or Clutch, and test their communication responsiveness. Always run a paid trial project before committing. Look for transparent pricing, clear revision policies, and month-to-month agreements rather than long contracts.
How much for video editing services in the Philippines?
Most video editing services cost $500-$3,000 per month, depending on your needs. Freelancers charge $5-40/hour, agencies typically charge $1,000-2,000/month for dedicated editors, and full-time employees cost $1,000-3,500/month, including benefits. This represents savings of 60-70% compared to Western rates.
Capping Off
The Philippines offers top-quality video editors at 60-70% lower prices than Western countries. Choose the right option for your needs: freelancers for occasional work ($400-1,600/month), direct hires for long-term teams ($1,000-3,500/month), agencies for regular content without managing ($1,000-2,000/month), BPOs for large teams (5+ editors), or EOR for 1-10 remote editors without legal hassle.
Your success depends on three things: testing editors before hiring, communicating clearly with detailed instructions, and paying on time. The first few videos take time, but quality improves as your editor learns your brand.
Want the simplest option? Vidpros offers dedicated Filipino editors for $1,000/month, with no contracts and a 14-day money-back guarantee. Prefer to hire directly? Need help deciding? Book a free call with us!
