Video editing is in demand today in many areas – advertising, music videos, TV, the film industry, and social media platforms. Video editing is actively engaged by online school owners, artists, video bloggers, politicians, and public figures.
What’s the reason for that? Everything is obvious: the modern world makes considerable bets on video content. Everyone loves entertaining videos that provide an opportunity to learn something new. Traditional blogs where you need to flip through, take something into account, or memorize are a thing of the past. Now people watch YouTube or TikTok bloggers during lunch.
It has become clear that video editing is a good field to try in 2023. But let’s take a closer look at this issue.
Photo by Jakob Owens.
Demand for Video Content
Video content is now the best way to present information. Videos are great on all social networks, especially short ones: clips, Reels, Shorts, and Stories. According to Statista,
online videos had a 92% audience reach among internet users globally in 2021.
96% of video marketers find online videos effective and plan to continue investing in video content in 2023. And since video is everywhere now, so is video editing. Each video is necessarily edited before being shown – unsuccessful frames are cut out, background music is laid on, color correction is made, etc. Therefore, the demand for editors is high.
The video will remain on the popularity wave, even despite the sometimes high cost and complexity of production. Short animated clips, and 3D and video movies will continue to be the best way to capture the audience’s attention. So feel free to study video editing right now!
How to Become a Video Editor?
Profession basics
A professional editor can choose from numerous shots the fundamental ones that will form a new plot and set the character of the final product.
The responsibilities of a video editor include:
- viewing the footage;
- removal of unsuccessful frames;
- adherence to time code;
- adding text, subtitles, end credits, and splash screens;
- synchronization of video with sound;
- cutting and merging fragments;
- creating transitions with various video editing techniques, applying various effects;
- working with sound: overlaying music, dialogues, etc.
Tools & gear
First, the main working tool of a video editor is a powerful computer, video editing laptop, or tablet. Video editing is one of the most resource-intensive tasks a computer performs daily, especially if you work with 4K, 8K, or even higher-resolution video.
You need a high-end graphics card, a powerful processor, lots of RAM, and access to a high-definition monitor – a combination of all of the above will do the job best.
An editor will also need a package of highly professional programs – video editing software. They use software for video processing, applying special effects, correcting video quality, and solving other problems.
Additionally, a video editor may need software for converting video formats, especially when the footage is shot from different equipment or taken from different sources. It will be pretty beneficial for an editor to know how to play a VOB file, convert video formats taken from old cassettes or discs, and improve video quality.
Who Orders Video Editing on the Web and How Much Can You Earn on This?
Among the customers, the following groups can be distinguished:
- Private clients. They order video editing for weddings, birthdays, children’s parties, and travels. As a rule, they are not very demanding and sensitive to the price of the service. They are often clients of novice editors.
- Video productions. They include companies that create corporate films, presentation videos, clips, etc. They need the services of a video editor. Traditionally, they are demanding quality, so beginners may not be considered. However, when you gain experience, you can get such customers.
- Video bloggers. They usually order video editing for their future TikTok or YouTube clips. They can become regular customers. With the growth of the blogger channel, you can expect an enhancement of career prospects – an increase in the number of orders and income.
- Webmasters and SEO specialists. They order videos for websites to promote them in search engines. Usually, they buy services on the Upwork exchange that provides remote video editing jobs, where you can try to make money by editing simple videos.
Video editing rates
The typical hourly fee for video editing is between $50 and $60. Some specialists charge $75 to $150 per hour for their video editing services. The usual fee for editing a three-minute pre-shot video, in which all the footage is provided upfront, is $350-$400. This fee may also occasionally include simple 2D graphics, pictures, and audio enhancements.
The cost of video editing directly depends on the time that a specialist spends on work. You can make a long video quickly – then its cost will be low. You can spend half a day on a 3-5 minute video, and its price will amaze the customer.
How to Start Making Money on Video Editing?
- When you master the theory and video editing programs, try to edit something for acquaintances and friends. You will gain experience and be able to add your first works to your portfolio. When you feel that you have become confident working with top video editors, offer services to clients.
- Be sure to start a YouTube channel where you post your work. The link to the channel will be your portfolio.
- You can offer services to studios that are engaged in filming. Search for their contacts via the Internet and send portfolios to the studios. Get ready for the fact that not everyone will answer your letters. This is fine. However, even one studio as a client can provide a stable income from video editing.
- There is a myriad of video editing forums or Telegram channels. Try to search for orders there.
- You can find orders for video editing on freelance exchanges. It is also worth registering in the directories of freelancing video editors. They can become a source of orders and additional income.
- Set reasonable prices for your services, which will correspond to the level of your work, experience, and portfolio. At first, you can slightly reduce prices to gain customers and work on ratings and reviews. Then gradually increase the cost of services to get more.
Almost every person who has patience, perseverance, and can retain creativity can start making money on video editing. This can be both a good part-time job and the main source of income. It all depends on your desire and abilities.
Wrap Up
The profession of a video editor is a truly promising direction for someone who has a certain degree of perseverance, attentiveness, and creative vision. Almost anyone can learn a profession – both on a paid and free basis.
However, those who plan to become true professionals need to constantly be in the loop, follow video trends, and not be afraid of bold decisions and experiments. A demanded and competent video editor usually has a stable and high income.
