Whether you’re a video editor trying to determine your hourly video editing rates or you’re looking into hiring a video editor and you want to know the average cost of getting a video edited in 2024, here’s the basic rule of thumb:
It will take an experienced video editor, on average, an hour to edit one minute of a final clip.
The more videos you need, the more complex the edits, the tighter the deadlines, and the more raw footage you want your video editor to go through – the more money it will cost.
On average video editing rates range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on the size and complexity of the projects, as well as the type of employment, the editor’s skill level, and experience, and the pay structure.
What is video editing?
Before we dive into a video editing pricing breakdown and what factors affect your total video editing cost, let’s get clear on what video editing is and what it is not:
What video editing is:
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- Organizing and refining video clips to create a story or message.
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- Compiling different video clips.
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- Adding audio elements to videos.
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- Adjusting video and audio to form a cohesive narrative.
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- Creating a rough cut and refining it based on feedback.
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- Transforming raw footage into a polished final product.
What video editing isn’t:
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- Writing scripts for videos.
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- Recording or shooting the video footage.
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- Acting or directing scenes in the video.
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- Posting or promoting the videos on social media platforms.
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- Creating the initial concept or storyline for the video.
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- Handling the marketing or distribution of the finished video.
Factors that will impact the price of video editing
Scope and Complexity of Your Video Editing Request
The final length and complexity of your video edit directly affect the editing time. The longer your final video needs to be, the more raw footage your editor needs to go through and the more complex the edit, the more hours will be needed to finish the video. And those extra hours will be increasing costs.
Here’s an example of the same 1-minute clip edited at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, with respective editing times. Multiply those hours by the hourly rate and you’ll get a rough estimate of the video’s post production cost.
From left to right:
- Basic Edit: 30-60 min
- Intermediate Edit: 2 hours
- Advanced Edit: 4 Hours
Employment Type
Your video editing costs can also be influenced by your choice to either hire a freelancer on a per-project basis or offer your video editor a permanent position.
Freelancers typically charge higher hourly rates for short-term projects to offset job and pay instability. This approach helps them manage the inconsistent nature of freelance work.Â
In contrast, permanent employees usually have stable salaries but may earn less per hour. However hiring a permanent editor isn’t ideal if you have inconsistent video editing needs, as you’ll still have to pay them even if you don’t have any videos for them to work on.
Ask yourself whether you’re looking for a video editor who can help on sporadic projects or you’d be better off finding a more permanent solution.
Experience Level
Our advice here would be to remember that you get what you pay for. Also, you most likely don’t need a Hollywood A-level type editor for your YouTube channel with basic tutorials.Â
Don’t pay 250 USD per hour for a basic edit that a junior video editor could do. But also don’t try to get custom animations done by a video editor who charges 10 USD per hour and has less than 6 months of experience.Â
Although it may seem attractive to hire a beginner video editor who charges less. If you’re looking for intermediate or advanced edits, a beginner editor will easily need double or triple the amount of hours to complete the video than an experienced editor would. Which may cause you to pay more than if you’d hired an experienced video editor, with a higher hourly rate, in the first place.
Type of Project
Video editing rates can vary significantly by industry and project type. Basic YouTube edits are priced differently from complex custom-animated documentaries, as they require a completely different level of expertise and the time it costs an editor to acquire those skills.
| Weddings and Event Videos | The editing costs for these videos typically range from $25 to $200 per hour. Wedding video editing is a specialized field that often requires a cinematic touch and collaboration with professional videographers. |
| Commercials and Branded Storytelling | Rates for these projects can vary significantly, ranging from $40 to $100 per hour. These videos usually require adherence to strict branding guidelines and a distinctive style. |
| Social Media Videos (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc) | Editing social media videos can cost between $25 and $65 per hour. These projects often involve more basic editing but can vary depending on the complexity and platform-specific requirements. |
| Corporate Communication Videos | For corporate or branded content, editing rates can range from $30 to $150 per hour. These projects may include more complex requirements like animations or specific branding elements. |
| Documentaries | Documentary editing rates are typically between $55 and $150 per hour. These projects can vary greatly in scope and complexity, from simple storytelling to intricate narratives requiring extensive editing. |
| Motion Graphics or Custom Animation Videos | For motion graphics without characters, a 60-second video can cost between $2000 to $3500. Adding characters or 3D elements can increase the cost up to $5500. |
Choosing the Right Video Editor for Your ProjectÂ
When hiring a video editor, it’s key to match their skills with what your project needs. If you have a simple video, like one for social media, you might be okay with an editor who’s just starting out. But for bigger projects, like a detailed corporate video, you’ll need someone with more experience.Â
Look at the video editor’s past work to see if they have the right style and quality. It’s also important that they understand your ideas and can work well with you. Our guide to hiring a video editor offers more tips on picking the right person for the job, understanding how much it might cost, and making sure they fit your project well.
Negotiating Video Editing Rates
When you’re ready to talk rates with a video editor, remember it’s a two-way conversation. Start by clearly understanding their usual rates and how they match your budget. Be open about your budget limits and project needs. This includes how complex your video is and any special requirements you have.Â
It’s good to ask about different pricing options like hourly or fixed rates. Also, make sure to talk about revisions – how many are included and what they might cost extra. Don’t forget to discuss deadlines too, so you both agree on a timeline that works. Remember, a good negotiation is where both you and the editor feel happy with the deal.
