Creating videos provides many advantages for businesses, such as expanding brand awareness, improving conversion rates, and boosting revenue. More consumers are turning to video content to solve their problems and improve their lives. Videos help educate prospects and help companies communicate with viewers about how their products and services can make a difference.
Videos are also great at communicating stories. They work because they allow brands to convey emotions and draw out empathy. Storytelling through video helps audiences connect on an emotional level, and you can elevate your branding and grow your business by including powerful video content in your marketing strategy.
If you are working with a tight budget, it might make more sense to hire a freelance YouTube video editor rather than employ someone full-time, but how do you know if you are getting the best price quote?
The Basics
The price of video editing can often range from a few hundred dollars for a short film to several thousand dollars or more for longer, more complex jobs. Video editing costs typically range from $25 to $150 per hour, depending on the video’s intricacy and the video editor’s experience. A beginner usually charges $25 to $50, an intermediate level from $45 to $100, and an expert editor from $80 to $150. The average fee for editing a three-minute video, in which all the footage is provided upfront, is $350 to $400.
Before signing a contract, be sure you understand what factors affect the project’s cost.
Video Length
The length is one of the primary factors that determine video editing costs. How long is the raw footage, and what is the intended length of the final video? Does a video editor need to invest considerable time combing through footage and using a trained eye to select the best segments for a three-minute highlight reel? The editing cost will increase the more source material there is to edit. Also, because post-production processes like color correction and picture stabilization take time, the longer the final video, the higher the price.
Complexity of the Video
How polished you want the clip to be and how many extra elements you want to incorporate will also affect video editing costs. Simple projects like short clips stitched together with transitions and music may not cost much, but if you require animation, motion graphics, or voice-over, these will all add to the price.
Expertise and Experience
Technological advancements have made editing videos easier, but there is still value in hiring a professional for their critical eye and experience. Specific skills are needed to produce high-definition videos with elaborate transitions and timed cuts. A capable editor will possess abilities beyond knowing how to use editing software—they will know how to piece together a narrative from disparate materials.
If you want to promote your brand or product, don’t forget about the video editing process. Get the best quality your budget can afford so you can build credibility and earn the loyalty of your customers.
Equipment and Software
You may be wondering what YouTubers use to edit videos. Investing in professional video editing equipment can be expensive, and most experienced video editors have the latest software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. The same is true for various subscriptions—a competent video editor will have access to stock photos, videos, and audio resources required to improve a video’s quality.
Finding the Best Editor for You
Remember that there are several things to look for when searching for a reliable video editor. While cost is an essential factor, artistic vision, communication style, adaptability, level of expertise, and quality of their portfolio should also be part of your decision-making process.
If your goal is to produce content specific to social platforms such as YouTube, it’s best to get an editor that knows how to capture attention and hook viewers within the first few seconds. Check if the editor has worked on short promotions, infomercials, or advertising–even better if they have experience making videos specific to your industry.
Final Thoughts
Request quotes from a few freelancers to get an idea of the current market rate. Be sure to have a clear creative brief that includes information about your expected outcome to help you weed out candidates who don’t fit the bill.
If you need experienced video editors for your YouTube content, visit Guru to find high-quality freelancers to match your needs and budget. And if you’re looking for more information on how it all comes together—such as how Youtubers send their videos to editors—check out our recent article.
