How Much Does Video Editing Cost? Freelancers vs Agencies vs Permanent
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Have you ever finished filming a video, thought you were done, and realized you still had work hours ahead of you? The editing process can be tedious, time-consuming, and even overwhelming. Ensuring your videos meet industry standards, convey the appropriate message, and grab your audience’s attention is also essential. To make matters worse, video editing can be costly. In this article, we’ll explore how much video editing costs, what affects this price, and how you can save money on video editing for your next video project.
As you read, remember that even the cheapest video editing services can produce the quality video content your next project needs to succeed. If you’re looking for the best deal on video editing, Moonb is here to help. As a video marketing agency, we specialize in video content creation and can help you achieve your goals.
What Is Video Editing?
Video editing organizes and improves video and audio elements to create a final product that flows well. It’s used in:
- Filmmaking
- Television
- Advertising
- Online content creation
- Corporate videos
Skilled video editors combine technical know-how with creative storytelling to turn raw footage into polished, engaging videos. It’s also a post-production process that involves responding to feedback on the final cut and ensuring it aligns with the client's requirements and expected outcomes.
The Video Editing Process and What Does Editing Involve?
A typical video editing process involves:
- Adding or removing clips
- Rearranging shots
- Adding transitions
- Applying filters
- Changing speeds
- Cleaning audio and more
How Much Does Video Editing Cost
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Video editing costs can vary widely depending on the editor’s level of expertise, the complexity of your project, and the pricing model you choose. There are three primary pricing models for video editing services:
- Hourly rates
- Video-based costs
- Subscription-based pricing
Each approach has pros and cons, and which one you choose can significantly impact your overall spending on video editing.
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates are common if you decide to hire a freelance video editor, for instance through platforms like:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- PeoplePerHour
Even though you’ll certainly find offers as low as $15 per hour, expect at least $30 per hour for quality work. Most professional video editors base their rates on the complexity of the edits and the extent of their own experience. Some charge as much as $100 to $150 per hour.
According to Upwork and discussions on Quora, rates for:
- Basic video editing services on their platform range between $20 and $45
- For intermediate work, including animations and montage sequences, you can expect to pay $45 to $100 per hour
- You’ll end up paying at least $60 per hour for pro services like storyboarding and live-action video direction.
Be wary of offers that look too good to be true. They usually are. Unless your video editor lives in a location with meager living costs, there’s usually a catch.
Video-Based Editing Cost
Fixed-rate agreements are based on projects or packages. Both deal, in principle, with a single piece of work.
- Project-based pricing means that the editor or company you hire gives you a quote for the project.
- While this quote may be in “hours,” the critical bit is that the price is fixed. However many hours the editor puts in. You’ll pay the quoted amount in the end, no more, no less.
- Video editing companies and sometimes freelancers offer package pricing. The freelancer or company provides a specific kind of work at a set price; you take it or leave it.
Usually, there are clear conditions for package pricing. They’ll specify the allowed length of:
- Original footage
- File size
- The number of included extras, such as thumbnail design.
There’s also often a strict limit on revisions. The upside of package pricing is that it’s often less expensive. This type of pricing allows for excellent advance budgeting for both you and the editor or company. You might even get a bulk discount if you buy credits for several edits in one go.
The main drawback is that these packages are often bare-bones. Frequently, you’ll have to pay extra for add-ons, like exporting into different formats. Shop around with an eye on the fine print. If you have any special needs, this probably isn’t the model for you.
Subscription-Based Pricing
If your content volume is predictable, opting for a subscription or retainer agreement could save you costs and ensure that a video editor will always be available.
Video editing companies like Moonb usually offer subscriptions. You pay a monthly or annual fee and receive a certain quota of videos to edit. The subscription price is fixed, making it ideal for those with large content volumes. Subscription-based pricing could help you save money on video editing.
Why Moonb’s Subscription Model Is the Future of Video Marketing Services
Moonb is a video marketing agency offering unlimited video editing subscriptions. We offer seamless project management integration via:
- Trello
- Slack
- MS Teams
We also have weekly strategy calls and a contract-free, full-service production approach. Moonb is a superior alternative to:
- Traditional video agencies
- Freelancers
- In-house production teams
Our flexible, subscription-based model, combined with our expertise in creating compelling video content, positions us as the ideal partner for companies looking to elevate their marketing and educational initiatives through the power of video. Start a 3-day free trial to take your content to the next level.
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Factors Impacting Video Editor Cost
The type of video you want to edit can impact your overall cost. For example, corporate videos typically require more editing than YouTube videos. They need to be polished and professional-looking to reflect well on the company. However, corporate video budgets are often much higher than individual budgets for YouTube videos, so the overall cost of editing may not be as different as you’d expect.
Regarding video editing, working with a professional who understands your vision and can help you bring your video to life is important. With the right team in your corner, you can create a stunning video that will impress your audience – no matter what kind of video it is.
How Long Is the Video?
The length of your video also affects video editing costs. In general, video editing is charged on a per-minute basis. The longer the video, the higher the overall cost will be. This is because it takes more time to edit a longer video. However, some video editors charge a flat fee regardless of the video length.
This can be a good option if you have a very long video that needs to be edited. Some video editors also offer discounts for larger projects. You may get a lower per-video rate if you have multiple videos that need to be edited.
How Complex Is the Video?
The complexity of your video can also affect editing costs. For example, a video that is simply a montage of still photos set to music requires only a few hours of work and costs a few hundred dollars. In general, the more complex the video, the higher the cost of video editing will be. On the other hand, a video that requires extensive editing, such as adding special effects or piecing together footage from multiple video sources, can take days or even weeks to complete and cost thousands of dollars.
Will You Hire a Freelancer or an Employee?
Your video editing costs can also be influenced by your choice to 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. 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 with sporadic projects or if you’d be better off finding a more permanent solution.
What Is the Experience Level of the Video Editor?
Your video editing costs will also change depending on the experience level of the editor you hire. Our advice here would be to remember that you get what you pay for. Also, you probably don’t need a Hollywood A-level type editor for your YouTube channel with basic tutorials. 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 six months of experience.
Hiring a beginner video editor who charges less may seem attractive. If you’re looking for intermediate or advanced edits, a beginner editor will quickly need double or triple the hours required 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.
What Type of Video Project Is This?
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.
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Freelancer vs Video Editing Agency
Freelancer: The Flexible Option for Video Editing
Hiring a freelance video editor often provides the most flexible and cost-effective solution, especially for short-term projects or businesses with sporadic video editing needs. Freelancers typically charge lower rates than agencies or full-time employees since they have lower overhead costs. You can negotiate project-based or hourly rates, which can save money if you don’t have constant video editing needs.
Salary.com says the median hourly rate is $41, with rates between $27 and $61. Freelancers are ideal for one-off projects or occasional work. You can hire them when needed and avoid the long-term commitment associated with permanent staff. Many freelancers focus on niche areas of video editing, so you can hire someone with expertise in a specific style or technique that matches your project.
Hiring Freelancers
Freelancers come with potential downsides. They often juggle multiple clients, so their availability might need consistency. If you have urgent or ongoing projects, delays may occur. While some freelancers are highly skilled, others may need to meet your quality standards. Finding the right freelancer who consistently delivers great work can take time. Freelancers may have access to:
- Tools
- Software
- Collaborative infrastructure
Video Editing Agency: The Best Choice for Large Projects or Ongoing Needs
Hiring a video editing agency is best suited for businesses with consistent video production needs or large projects that require a team of experts to deliver high-quality, polished content. Agencies often have a team of professionals with a wide range of skills, from storytelling and motion graphics to sound design. This ensures experts in every aspect of production handle your video project. Agencies can manage large projects and scale their services to match your growing needs. They’re ideal for businesses that need frequent video content or large campaigns.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Video Agency for Your Projects
Agencies usually have well-established client communication, revisions, and project delivery processes. This ensures smooth collaboration, meeting deadlines, and delivering on expectations. Agencies often have access to high-end software and equipment, which may result in more polished and professional videos.
That said, agencies do have some drawbacks. Due to their overhead, team size, and full-service approach, agencies generally charge more than freelancers, which can make them less cost-effective for small projects. While agencies are great for bigger projects, their services may need to be more balanced for smaller, one-off video needs.
They may also have stricter contracts or long-term agreements. Agencies work with multiple clients simultaneously so that you may have less direct control over the creative process. Their style or approach may only sometimes perfectly align with your brand vision.
In-House Video Editor: The Right Choice for Large Companies with Ongoing Needs
Hiring a full-time, in-house video editor makes sense for companies needing ongoing video content and complete control over their video production process. Having an in-house editor means they are fully dedicated to your brand and its video needs. This ensures consistency and allows them to develop a deep understanding of your:
- Goals
- Style
- Audience
You have full control over the creative process, from concept to final edit. The in-house editor will work closely with your team, allowing seamless collaboration and quicker turnaround times. An in-house editor ensures brand consistency across all video content and can adapt quickly to changes in brand strategy or marketing objectives.
Weighing the Costs and Limitations of Hiring an In-House Video Editor
Of course, having an in-house video editor has drawbacks. Full-time employees have additional costs, including salary, benefits, and equipment. For businesses that don’t need constant video production, the cost of a permanent hire may outweigh the benefits.
According to GlassDoor, as of January 2023, the average salary for a video editor is $54,911, ranging from $35,000 to $88,000, depending on the company. Different from an agency, where you can access a range of specialists, an in-house editor may need more skills or experience, such as motion graphics or sound design, requiring you to outsource these tasks. Hiring an in-house editor is a long-term commitment. If your video needs fluctuate, you may be paying for a resource you don’t always need.
How to Hire the Best Video Editing Agency
Experience & Portfolio: What To Look For When Hiring a Video Editing Agency
Look for an agency with a strong portfolio that demonstrates their expertise in handling various types of video projects, such as:
- Promotional videos
- Explainer videos
- Branded content
Their past work should align with your vision and quality standards. Ask for examples in your industry to ensure they understand your audience and the tone you're aiming for.
Creative Capabilities, The Importance of Storytelling in Video Editing
Video editing isn’t just about cutting and splicing clips together. It requires creativity to tell a:
- Compelling story,
- Enhance brand messaging
- engage viewers
Ensure the agency has the creative vision to bring your ideas to life, including knowledge of effects, transitions, sound design, and color grading. This is where their portfolio can help you see if their style aligns with what you envision.
Technology and Software Expertise: Why It Matters
An experienced video editing agency should be proficient in industry-standard software like:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- After Effects
- DaVinci Resolve
These tools are crucial for delivering high-quality, professional-grade video edits. Additionally, inquire about their workflow and whether they can work with your preferred file formats and video specifications.
Turnaround Time and Workflow Efficiency: How to Find a Reliable Video Editing Agency
Discuss timelines early in the hiring process. You want an agency that can meet your deadlines without sacrificing quality. Ask about their process for reviewing drafts and handling revisions. Agencies with efficient communication channels and feedback loops can save time and reduce back-and-forth delays.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Get the Inside Scoop on Your Video Editing Agency
Client testimonials and reviews provide insights into an agency's reliability, communication, and overall customer experience. Look for reviews that mention how well the agency adhered to deadlines, the quality of its work, and how it handled client feedback. Positive reviews from clients in similar industries to yours can give you more confidence in its ability to meet your expectations.
Scalability and Flexibility: Why Your Video Editing Agency needs to Adapt to Your Needs
Your video editing needs may change over time, whether you need more frequent edits or different types of videos. The best agencies are flexible and can scale their services according to your requirements. Ensure the agency can accommodate large projects and ongoing minor edits if needed.
Subscription-Based Pricing: A Cost-Effective Option for Video Editing Services
One of the most cost-effective approaches to hiring a video editing agency is choosing one that offers a subscription-based pricing model. This allows you to budget consistently while ensuring access to regular video editing services. Instead of paying large sums for individual projects, a subscription provides a predictable monthly or annual fee, helping you control costs while keeping up with your content demands.
Subscription-based pricing can save you money in the long run by giving you unlimited access to video edits, making it easier to scale your video production without worrying about overages or added fees for revisions. This pricing model is ideal for businesses that need ongoing video content for:
- Social media
- Marketing campaigns
- Product launches
It's an efficient way to ensure your video needs are met consistently while staying within budget.
Start a 3-day Free Trial to Take Your Content to the Next Level
The cost of video editing fluctuates based on several factors, including the:
- Project's complexity
- Video editor's experience
- Length of the finished video
For instance, a primary video editing job might involve cutting a few clips, making color corrections, and adding a transition. An editor could complete this task in under an hour, and it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
This means the job would cost around $50 to $100. In contrast, a more complex editing project might involve:
- Editing multiple hours of footage
- Creating a storyline
- Color-correcting each scene
- Adding special effects
- Producing custom animations
Depending on the editor's experience and location, this type of project could take days or weeks to complete and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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Have Questions?
Video marketing is absolutely one of the best investments you can make for your brand! It captures attention like no other medium, keeping your audience engaged and eager to learn more. Plus, it often delivers a fantastic return on investment (ROI), making it a smart choice for any business. In a world where social media is dominated by video content, using it effectively can help you connect with your audience in a memorable and impactful way. Don't miss out on this powerful tool to elevate your marketing strategy!
Marketing videos can be very expensive, especially with traditional agencies, where costs can reach $20,000 to $40,000 per minute. With moonb, we offer a flat monthly cost that provides you access to a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality videos quickly and efficiently, making the process more budget-friendly while still maintaining exceptional standards.
There are no limits to revisions during the process. We want to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the final product, so we’ll work with you until it meets your expectations.
The marketing video production process can vary widely depending on the brief. For short-form packages, it might take just a few days, while more complex advanced animations could require a few weeks to ensure quality and attention to detail.
For most marketing videos, aim for a length of 30 to 90 seconds. This duration is typically enough to engage viewers while conveying your key message effectively. However, depending on the content and platform, some videos can be longer, so consider your audience's attention span and the context of your message.
Of course! We smoothly manage your project from the initial idea to the final publication. We take care of writing, visuals, animation, voiceover, editing, sound, branding, and more. You can participate as much as you like or let us handle everything. We'll make sure your content is perfect for any platform that supports videos.
Once you subscribe, you will receive an email within a few minutes containing two essential links. The first link directs you to our production platform where you can access all your videos and request reviews. The second link takes you to your customer portal to manage your subscription. Your dedicated video team will contact you immediately to schedule a first call, during which we'll gather all the necessary information to get started. We'll then create a content strategy plan and begin working on your productions. We will develop a content calendar with precise deliverables and a review process. You can be as involved as you wish or leave it entirely in our hands.
If your dedicated team has started work on your designs or videos before you decide to cancel, you won't be eligible for a refund.
Absolutely, you'll receive the working files, and you'll own all the intellectual property created.
As soon as you sign up, you'll be assigned a dedicated video team, supervised by a Creative Director who will be your main point of contact. You will be onboarded to our production platform, where you can oversee the entire process and manage each video production.
Absolutely, your privacy matters to us. We can offer you our standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), or you are welcome to provide your own.
Not hard at all, we keep things simple: no documentation or extensive process is involved and you can cancel at any point in time. Just log in to your Moonb account and you can cancel with just a few clicks. Need a hand with this? No worries. You can request assistance via email or directly to your dedicated team.
