Looking for a video editor but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. With 82% of all internet traffic now being video content, hiring a professional video editor has become a common need – but figuring out the actual costs can feel like solving a puzzle.
Maybe you’re a YouTuber tired of spending hours editing your own videos. Or perhaps you’re a business owner who needs quality video content but doesn’t have the time to learn complex editing software.
Whatever your reason, understanding video editing costs will help you make a smart choice.
Here’s the thing: video editing prices can range from $75 to over $1,000 per video. But that wide range doesn’t tell the whole story.
The real cost depends on several factors – from the type of video you need to the level of editing required.
In this guide, we’ll break down: actual prices you can expect to pay in 2024, different pricing models editors use, what affects video editing costs, and how to get the best value for your money.
No complex jargon or confusing terms – just clear, honest information about video editing costs. Let’s get started with why you need a video editor.
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Why Do You Need a Video Editor?
Hiring a video editor can be a game-changer, whether you’re creating content for a YouTube channel, a business, or social media.
Think about it: raw footage on its own often isn’t enough to keep people engaged. A good editor can turn that footage into a story, highlight key moments, and add visual flair that captures attention.
Plus, they save you time—editing can be a huge time drain, especially if you’re not experienced with the tools and techniques.
With an editor on board, you can focus on what you do best, whether that’s planning new content, building your brand, or just staying in your creative zone.
And let’s not forget about quality. Professional editors know the ins and outs of color grading, sound syncing, and effects.
This polish not only improves the look and feel of your content but also helps make a solid first impression, keeping viewers watching longer.
So, while an editor might be an investment, they’re also an asset that can take your content up a notch.
Average Video Editing Rates by Type
When it comes to video editing costs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on a few key factors like who you’re hiring and the type of project. Let’s break it down:
Freelancers vs. Agencies
Freelance video editors may seem to be more affordable than agencies mainly because they have lower overhead costs. However, on a closer look, agencies may prove to be the more shrewd option especially with recurring video edits.
Freelancers usually charge between $25 to $75 per hour for basic editing, while agencies may start closer to $50 per hour and go up from there.
Agencies can offer a team approach, though, which might be ideal for more complex projects.
Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fees
Many editors, especially freelancers, charge by the hour, which can work well for smaller projects where the scope may change.
For hourly rates, you’re looking at roughly $20–$150 per hour, depending on the editor’s skill and experience level.
On the other hand, flat fees are common for larger projects or those with a fixed scope, like a series of YouTube videos or a short promotional ad.
Here, you might see prices ranging from $120 for simpler projects to well over $500 for high-quality, professional work. Agencies like Your Video Editor Charge $140 per video.
Project-Based Packages
Some editors or agencies offer packages tailored to specific needs. For example:
- Social Media Edits: These short, engaging edits for platforms like Instagram or TikTok can cost around $50–$200 per video, depending on the effects and length. With Your Video Editor pricing theirs at $60/video.
- YouTube Videos: Editing for a standard YouTube video (typically 5–15 minutes) can range from $100 to $400 per video, especially if you’re adding extras like sound balancing and visual effects.
- Commercial Ads or High-End Projects: This type of editing can be much pricier, often starting at $500 and going up to $2,000, depending on the complexity, length, and number of revisions.
In the end, finding the right rate depends on your budget and project needs. If you’re just starting out, hiring a freelancer might be the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for top-notch quality and a team approach, agencies might be worth the extra cost.
What Makes Video Editing Prices Go Up or Down?
When you’re looking to hire a video editor, you might notice prices vary quite a bit from one service to another.
This isn’t random – several key factors determine what you’ll pay. Understanding these elements helps you budget better and avoid surprise costs.
1. Raw Footage Length
Think of footage length as the foundation of your editing cost. A 10-minute video takes much less time to edit than a 30-minute one.
Most editors start with a base price for videos under 10 minutes. Once you go beyond that, prices typically jump 25-50% for footage between 10-30 minutes.
Videos over 30 minutes might even double the base price because the editor needs to spend more time reviewing, cutting, and organizing all those extra clips.
2. Turnaround Time
Time is money in video editing. Standard delivery usually takes 3-7 days and comes at the base price. Need it faster? Rush delivery in 48 hours typically adds 20-30% to your bill.
If you’re in a real hurry and need same-day editing, be prepared to pay up to double the regular price. The good news? You can easily avoid these extra charges by planning ahead and giving your editor enough time to work.
3. Editing Complexity
The complexity of editing needed plays a huge role in pricing. Basic editing, which runs about $140-200, covers simple cuts, transitions, background music, and basic color correction.
Step up to standard editing ($200-400), and you’ll get text animations, basic motion graphics, advanced color grading, and sound effects.
Complex editing starts at $400 and includes custom animations, green screen effects, multi-camera editing, and advanced motion tracking.
While this is the standard, some services like Your Video Editor offer most of these additions in their standard package of $140/video.
4. Additional Features
Extra features can quickly add up on your bill. Want subtitles? That’s usually $30-50 per video. Custom thumbnails cost around $25-50 each. Need stock footage or premium music?
Budget $10-30 per clip and $30-50 per track. These might seem like small add-ons, but they can significantly impact your total cost.
5. Editor’s Experience Level
Experience matters in editing quality and cost. Junior editors charge around $25-50 per hour, while mid-level pros ask for $50-100. Senior editors with years of experience command $100-150+ per hour.
While experienced editors charge more, they often work faster and deliver better quality, potentially saving you money in the long run.
6. Video Format and Resolution
Your technical needs affect the final price. While 1080p comes at standard rates, 4K editing usually adds 20-30% to your cost.
Need your video in multiple formats for different platforms? Each extra export format (like versions for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) typically costs $25-50 more.
7. Revision Rounds
Most editors include 2-3 revision rounds in their base price. After that, extra revisions often cost $50-100 per round.
You can minimize these costs by being very clear about what you want in the first edit. It helps to provide detailed feedback and examples when possible.
These factors work together to determine your final cost. Consider which elements matter most for your project, and budget accordingly. Remember, investing in quality editing often pays off through better engagement and results for your videos.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Before you sign up with a video editor, it’s smart to know about the less obvious costs that might pop up. These hidden fees can catch you off guard and blow your budget if you’re not careful.
- Rush Fees and Priority Editing
Need your video done quickly? That’ll cost extra. Most editors charge 20-30% more for 48-hour delivery and up to double for same-day edits. Always ask about rush fees upfront, and plan your timeline to avoid these charges when possible.
- Extra Revision Charges
Watch those revision limits carefully. Most editors include 2-3 rounds of changes in their base price. After that, you might pay $50-100 for each extra round. Some editors also set time limits on revisions – if you wait too long to request changes, you might face additional fees.
- File Storage and Transfer
Large video files need secure storage and transfer. Some editors charge extra for extended file storage beyond 30 days. Others might bill you for using premium file transfer services. Ask about storage policies and transfer costs before you start.
- Asset Licensing Costs
Think you’re covered for music and stock footage? Think again. Many basic packages only include simple royalty-free music. Premium music tracks can cost $30-50 each, while high-quality stock footage might run $10-30 per clip. Some editors mark up these costs, so ask if they charge handling fees.
- Export Format Fees
Need your video in different formats? That’s often an extra charge. While most editors include one standard export format, additional formats for different platforms (like Instagram or TikTok) typically cost $25-50 each. High-resolution exports or special file formats might also trigger extra fees.
- Cancellation and Change Fees
Planning to cancel or make major changes mid-project? Check the fine print. Some editors charge cancellation fees of 25-50% of the project cost. Major changes to your project brief might also trigger extra charges.
The Smart Way to Budget for Video Editing in 2024
After looking at typical video editing costs, one thing is clear – those extra fees can really add up. Most editors start with a basic rate between $140-200, then charge 20-30% more for rush delivery.
Extra revisions often cost $50-100 each, while multiple format exports add another $25-50 per format. Music licensing fees range from $30-50 per track, and project management tools can cost $50-200 monthly.
Your Video Editor has simplified pricing to help content creators save money. Their $140 per-video rate includes features that others charge extra for.
Clients get professional editing with motion graphics, three rounds of revisions, and access to a licensed premium music library.
The service includes multiple platform exports, 48-72 hour delivery, a dedicated account manager, and a secure client portal – all in the base price.
Smart budgeting for video editing isn’t about finding the lowest base price – it’s about avoiding hidden costs while getting professional quality.
With Your Video Editor, clients get what they see – no surprises, no hidden fees, just straightforward pricing for quality editing.
Content creators who need help with video editing can get started with Your Video Editor and see how much they can save while getting the professional quality their content deserves.
