How to speed up
Turn Around Times
Guide Overview
We have general estimates for videos based on their length for Grow and Scale plans.
These estimates are intended as general guidelines. More complex edits will take more time, while simpler editing requests will take less time. You can also shorten the turnaround time as a client. The final turnaround time will depend on the production team’s estimate.
Once a few requests have been completed, you can contact your Editor or Account Manager. They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate and set the right expectations.
If you think that your video complexity is average, general estimates might a good starting point.
Our General estimates are influenced by the details, depth, and complexity of a request. While the production team sets the final timelines, they might fluctuate. However, we prioritize delivering your requests promptly without compromising on quality.
A fully edited video with a medium amount of engaging animations and b-roll throughout the video, subtitles, and transitions would fall under these general estimates in most cases.
Quicker turnaround times than the ones indicated would apply to requests that are short, simple, or do not require complex edits. In these cases, you may even get multiple requests edited per day, especially with a Scale plan.
What determines the complexity and scope of a video editing request?
There are numerous factors why a request could take longer than usual, but the 3 most common reasons are scope, complexity, and the details of your request.
Scope
Completion times might stretch if:
The raw footage you provide is much longer (say, 5 times or more) than the final video you want, or you provide us with lots of separate clips that haven’t been labeled/named properly, or you request several edits out of a single batch of footage.
To give you an idea:
- A 10-minute talking head video, taken from 80 minutes of raw footage.
- A 15-minute video compiled from 70 distinct clips.
- Requests to create a 1-minute ad, a 30-second ad, and a 15-second ad from the same 10 minutes of footage.
- If the footage for one task goes beyond 50 GB for our Grow plan or over 100 GB for our Scale plan.
Complexity
This comes into play when:
- Your video task comes with a long checklist of needs.
- You want lots of attention-grabbing elements, like text overlays or detailed graphics.
- You’re looking for tailor-made animations or have footage that demands heavy post-editing.
- Your video requires fancy visual effects, intense sound effects, 3D graphics, or when our team has to hunt for specific footage or images.
To give you an idea:
- An artistic music video aligned with the beats and rhythm, with special effects needed for various scenes.
- A YouTube video filmed with cameras that requires extensive post-production, audio correction and extensive animation;
- Professional video ad with color grading, 3D animation, custom animations;
- Reel that requires immense stock or video footage searching on your editor’s end.
The details of your request:
Our team might take longer to get started on or finish your request if it has some out-of-scope elements, needs additional information, or has broken links or corrupted footage.
In such cases:
- We’ll let you know if something doesn’t fit your plan or our scope of services and discuss potential alternatives.
- We might pause and wait if there’s vital info or materials missing, like specific files, branding guidelines, broken links, or clear instructions.
Feel free to check our Service Outline to see what’s included in your subscription and what might be extra.
How can you help speed up the editing process for your projects?
You, as a client, can play a key role in streamlining the editing process. This not only leads to faster completion times but may also allow for multiple project completions in a single day.
Tips to consider:
- Consider setting up a chat or call with your editor when you start out. This helps lay down the groundwork and set clear expectations.
- Be clear and detailed about what you’re looking for in the final edit.
- If you have lengthy footage, highlight the specific time stamps you want to be included. This helps pinpoint the exact moments your editor should use.
- Share the order you’d like your video clips to appear in the final edit.
- Sort and label your footage in the order you want it presented or by its role (e.g., primary clips labeled as video1, video2, supplementary scenes labeled clearly, images of individuals with their names, logos tagged with the brand).
- Share only the essential clips or files for the final edit.
- Understand that your editor may need a little time to get in sync with your vision. The first few projects might take a tad longer. But as they get familiar with your style, preferences, branding elements, and templates, the process will definitely quicken. The longer you collaborate with your dedicated editor, the smoother and swifter the editing process will become.
Additional F.A.Q
Why did it take longer than expected for my editor to finish?
If a single editing round doesn’t suffice to complete your request, it’s likely because of an expanded scope or greater complexity than typical. In this case, your editor will reach out to inform you that they’ll need additional time to finish the request.
Why was my request split into separate tasks?
Some requests that require multiple video edits might get broken down into individual tasks. In cases where the task or project is especially large with numerous video demands, our team may ask you to split the request on your side.
I was expecting X videos per week/month, but it didn't happen!
We cannot guarantee turnaround times or the number of videos you’ll receive per business day, week, or month. There are too many variables that influence each video request. This makes it almost impossible to give an exact turnaround time until we have seen your request and brief/instructions. If turnaround time was ever discussed, it was most likely an estimate.
Estimates change depending on how smoothly your request is processed and if revisions are needed, or if you want another request to be edited first as it has a higher priority. As we edit one video at a time, these factors affect the turnaround time of your requests.