How to Hire and Work With YouTube Video Editors
Learn how to find, hire, and collaborate with YouTube video editors to enhance content quality and grow your channel effectively.
Why Hire a Video Editor?
- Save Time: Editing can take hours. Outsourcing frees you to focus on creating content.
- Improve Quality: Editors polish your videos with color grading, audio refinement, and effects.
- Boost Growth: Professional editing enhances viewer retention and discoverability.
Where to Find Editors
- Freelance Platforms: Sites like Upwork (average $30–50/hour) and Fiverr ($15–100/gig) offer flexible options.
- Professional Networks: LinkedIn and YouTube creator groups can connect you with skilled editors.
- Editing Companies: For consistent results, companies charge $250+ per project or monthly plans starting at $350.
What to Look For
- Portfolio: Check technical skills, style versatility, and attention to detail.
- Rates: Basic edits start at $10/hour; specialized work can go up to $300/hour.
- Test Projects: Use paid tests to evaluate skills and communication.
Setting Up a Workflow
- Clear Guidelines: Share style guides, brand elements, and technical specs.
- Collaboration Tools: Use platforms like Frame.io or Google Drive for feedback and file sharing.
- Feedback: Be specific with timestamps and actionable suggestions.
Building a Partnership
- Align Goals: Set targets for quality, growth, and production schedules.
- Plan for Growth: Scale resources as your channel grows, adding backup editors if needed.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Rates | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | $30–50/hour | Long-term projects | Portfolios, time tracking |
| Fiverr | $15–100/gig | Quick edits/one-offs | Instant booking, clear pricing |
| Editing Companies | $250+/project, $350+/month | Consistent, high-quality results | Dedicated project management |
Hiring a video editor ensures professional content that keeps your audience engaged while saving you time to focus on growing your channel.
How to Find & Hire Video Editors on Any Budget
Where to Find YouTube Video Editors
A great video editor can make your YouTube content stand out. Here’s where to look if you’re searching for talented editors.
Top Freelance Websites
Freelance platforms are a popular choice for finding editors with a range of skills and price points. Here’s a quick comparison of some major platforms:
| Platform | Average Rates | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | $30–50/hour | Long-term projects | Detailed portfolios, time tracking, milestones |
| Fiverr | $15–100/gig | Quick edits/one-offs | Package deals, instant booking, clear deliverables |
| OnlineJobs.ph | $15–30/hour | Budget-friendly hires | Direct hiring, potential for full-time roles |
When using these platforms, be specific about your needs. Sharing clear requirements and offering a paid test project can help you identify the right candidate. Not into freelance platforms? Your professional network might be the way to go.
Professional Networks
Referrals and industry connections can lead you to skilled editors. Platforms like LinkedIn are packed with professionals who showcase their work right on their profiles. Additionally, joining YouTube creator groups or niche-specific communities can help you find editors who understand your audience and goals. If you prefer a more structured approach, video editing companies might be worth considering.
Video Editing Companies
Hiring a video editing company comes with a higher price tag but offers a streamlined process and consistent results. Here’s what to know:
- Pricing:
- Basic edits (e.g., jump cuts for YouTube Shorts) start around $50.
- Full-service editing typically begins at $250 per project.
- Subscription plans range from $350 to over $2,000 per month.
These companies often provide predictable turnaround times, dedicated project management, and backup editors to ensure reliability. On average, editing takes 30–60 minutes per minute of finished video, so keep this in mind when planning your schedule. While the costs are higher, the service and professionalism can be worth it.
With these options, you’re sure to find an editor that matches your needs and budget. Ready to move forward? Let’s explore how to choose the perfect candidate in the next step.
How to Choose the Best Editor
Once you've identified potential editors, the next step is picking the one that fits your channel's needs. Look for someone who blends technical skills with a style that aligns with your vision. Here's how to find the right match.
Check Past Work
Use these key indicators to evaluate an editor's portfolio and assess their abilities:
| Quality Indicator | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Skills | Color grading, transitions, audio mixing | Reflects professional-level expertise |
| Style Versatility | A variety of video types and formats | Shows flexibility in approach |
| Attention to Detail | Clean cuts, smooth transitions, consistent audio levels | Highlights high-quality standards |
Platforms like Marshall Street Editors let you browse individual portfolios, making it easier to find styles and specialties that match your needs.
Test Their Skills
Run a paid test project to see their abilities in action. Focus on:
- Technical execution: Look at pacing, graphics, sound quality, and how well they stick to your brand's style.
- Communication: Are they good at following instructions, meeting deadlines, and responding to feedback?
Set Pay and Terms
Be upfront about payment and expectations. Here's a breakdown of typical rates for YouTube editors:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Per-Minute Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Editing | $10–$30 | $1.25–$10 |
| Professional | $30–$100 | $10–$50 |
| Specialized | $100–$300+ | $50+ |
For project-based pricing, you can expect:
- Short videos (under 10 minutes): $100–$500
- Medium-length content: $500–$2,000
- Complex projects: $2,000–$5,000+
Create a contract that outlines the following details:
- Scope of the project and deliverables
- Number of revisions included
- Timelines and deadlines
- Payment terms and schedule
- File delivery format
- Rights and usage agreements
This ensures both parties are on the same page and helps avoid misunderstandings.
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Setting Up Your Editing Process
A solid workflow helps you maintain quality and stick to deadlines. Here's how to set up a system that works smoothly with your editor.
Write Clear Instructions
Provide detailed, easy-to-follow guidelines using a style guide. Here's what to include:
| Element | Details to Specify | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Identity | Visual elements and tone | Colors: #FF0000 for highlights; Fonts: Montserrat for titles |
| Technical Requirements | Format and specs | 1080p resolution, 60fps, H.264 codec |
| Standard Elements | Regular video components | 5-second intro animation; end screen template |
| Transition Styles | Preferred effects | Cross dissolves for scene changes; quick cuts for action |
"Without guidelines, you'll waste time with revisions. Clear guidelines lead to a smoother collaboration." – Keenya Kelly
Organize your assets into clearly labeled folders (e.g., raw footage, audio, graphics). Use descriptive names for clips and include timestamps and reference videos to avoid confusion.
Once your guidelines are ready, choose tools that simplify teamwork.
Pick Collaboration Tools
Use tools that make it easier to work together. Here are some popular options:
| Tool | Purpose | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Frame.io | Timeline-based feedback | $15/user/month |
| Descript | Text-based editing | $12/month |
| Wipster | Team collaboration | $25/user/month |
| Filestage | Review workflows | $129/month |
Frame.io, for example, integrates with Adobe Premiere Pro, allowing you to apply feedback directly. For file sharing, tools like Google Drive or Dropbox work well alongside these platforms.
After setting up tools, focus on giving clear and actionable feedback.
Give Better Feedback
Be specific when providing feedback to avoid miscommunication. Here's how to approach it:
- Timing and Pacing: Watch the entire video first, then give frame-accurate feedback. Mention exact timestamps where changes are needed.
- Visual Elements: Avoid vague comments like "make it pop." Instead, specify adjustments, such as "increase contrast by 15% and add a subtle vignette."
- Audio Balance: Use time codes to highlight audio issues. For example, "At 2:13, lower the background music by 3dB during the dialogue."
Use your collaboration tool to centralize all feedback, making it easier for the editor to implement changes.
Building a Strong Editor Partnership
With your editing process set up, the next step is creating a solid working relationship with your editor. A good partnership ensures your content remains consistent and aligned with your goals.
Align on Goals
Work together to establish clear priorities, such as content quality, growth metrics, and brand identity. Use analytics and project management tools to track progress in these areas:
- Growth Targets: Monthly goals for subscribers and views.
- Content Quality: Metrics like engagement rates and audience retention.
- Brand Standards: Style, tone, and visual identity guidelines.
- Production Goals: Upload schedules and content formats.
Regular strategy meetings and sharing analytics can keep everyone on the same page and ensure your creative direction stays focused.
Plan for Growth
Justin Knoop’s channel gained over 100,000 subscribers after partnering with a dedicated editing team. As your audience grows, you may need to scale your editing resources. While one editor might be enough at first, having backup editors trained in your style can help maintain quality during busy periods.
To manage this growth, consider adding specialized support to your team.
Use Fundmates Services
Fundmates offers scalable editing solutions to meet your growing needs. Their Fundmates Plus+ program includes:
- Vetted Editors: Skilled professionals ready to match your style.
- Thumbnail Design: Eye-catching visuals for better engagement.
- YouTube Expertise: Insights to grow your channel effectively.
- Content Distribution: Help reaching wider audiences.
- Channel Translation: Expanding your reach to global viewers.
With a revenue-sharing model that grows with your channel, Fundmates makes it easier to maintain high editing standards while increasing your output. Their mix of funding and production support ensures you’re ready for the next stage of growth.
Conclusion: Steps for Success
Building strong partnerships with YouTube editors hinges on clear communication and well-organized planning. These elements help improve video quality and support your channel's growth. Below are some practical tips to ensure smooth collaboration.
Quick Tips
"Video editing demands clear, direct communication and a collaborative approach." - Sophia Anderson, Flocksy
Set Clear Expectations
- Offer competitive pay: around $25–$30 per hour for standard edits, and up to $125 for specialized content like gaming.
- Share brand guidelines, including fonts, colors, and editing preferences.
- Centralize all editing instructions to avoid confusion.
Streamline Workflows
- Schedule regular check-ins to stay aligned on progress.
- Organize your assets to keep everything easy to find.
- Use collaboration tools consistently to avoid workflow interruptions.
Focus on Quality
- Monitor video performance using analytics.
- Provide actionable feedback to help editors refine their work (see earlier tips on giving effective feedback).
- Encourage open communication to welcome creative ideas.
"Clearly establishing who will be doing what clues the client into your process and brings them in as a collaborator, rather than an outsider"
Following these steps can help maintain high-quality videos and foster long-term channel growth.