If you’ve ever worked on a video project, you know how important editing is to the final product. A great edit can transform raw footage into a polished masterpiece, while a bad one can make even the best content fall flat.
But if you’re asking yourself, “How much does video editing cost?”—well, the answer is, it depends. Costs can often vary widely based on the type of project, the complexity of edits, and the experience of the editor. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Affects Video Editing Costs?
The Project’s Complexity
First things first: how intricate is your project? A simple edit with a few cuts and transitions is much quicker (and cheaper) than something that requires advanced effects, color grading, or intricate motion graphics.
For example:
- A basic corporate video might only need clean transitions and some title screens.
- A music video with fast-paced cuts and effects, on the other hand, requires much more time and expertise.
How Much Raw Footage You Have
The amount of raw footage you bring to the table matters a lot. Two hours of source material will obviously take more time to sift through than, say, 20 minutes. Plus, the amount of footage can directly influence how many hours an editor needs to put in.
Length of the Finished Video
Interestingly, the length of the final video isn’t the sole driver of costs. A 5-minute video with straightforward scenes might be faster to edit than a 2-minute piece with dozens of cuts and special effects. That’s why editors often consider the source footage ratio—how much raw material needs to be processed for the finished product.
How Many Cuts Per Minute
The number of cuts per finished minute plays a big role in how much time (and money) the project requires. A simple video with 5-10 cuts per minute is far less time-consuming than one with 20+ rapid edits, transitions, or montages.
Extra Services
Need sound mixing? Color correction? Motion graphics? All these extras add to the cost. And don’t forget revisions! If you expect multiple rounds of changes, that’ll increase the budget, too!
What Does a Typical Video Editing Workflow Look Like?
Editing isn’t just about cutting clips and slapping them together. A professional editor follows a tried-and-true process to make sure your video is top-notch. Here’s how it usually works:
- Importing and Logging Footage
The raw video files are imported, organized, and tagged so the editor knows exactly where everything is. - Building a Rough Cut
This is where the initial structure of your video comes together. It’s not polished yet, but it gives you a sense of the story. - Incorporating Feedback
After you review the rough cut, the editor makes revisions to refine the video. - Color and Sound Enhancements
Things like color grading, audio mixing, and sound effects bring your video to life. - Final Review and Delivery
The last step is exporting the final version and delivering it in the format you need.
Each step takes time, and every detail adds to the total cost. Understanding this workflow can help you appreciate why editing costs what it does.
How to Estimate Video Editing Costs
Professional editors often use two main methods to estimate their time and rates: source footage ratios and cuts per finished minute.
Source Footage Ratios
This method considers how much raw footage needs to be edited:
- Marketing Videos: Typically require 5 to 25 hours of editing for every hour of source material.
- Music Videos: Can demand as much as 25 to 35 hours of editing per hour of footage due to their complexity.
Let’s say you have 2 hours of raw footage and want to create a 3-minute video. Using a 15:1 ratio (15 hours of editing per hour of footage), you’re looking at 30 hours of editing work.
Cuts Per Finished Minute
This method focuses on the number of cuts in the final video:
- A 5-minute video with 10 cuts per minute has 50 cuts total.
- If each cut takes about 6 minutes to implement, that’s 300 minutes—or 5 hours—of work.
Combining both methods gives you a well-rounded estimate. For instance, you could add the 30 hours from the source footage ratio to the 5 hours from the cuts-per-minute calculation, totaling 35 hours of work.
So, How Much Will It All Cost?
Professional editing rates often vary based on the editor’s experience, location, and the project’s complexity:
- Freelancers: $25 to $75 per hour
Great for smaller projects or if you’re on a tight budget. - Mid-Level Editors: $75 to $150 per hour
Ideal for businesses or projects needing professional polish. - High-End Editors or Studios: $150+ per hour
These are your go-to for big-budget productions or highly specialized projects.
To put this all into perspective, a 3-minute marketing video with 2 hours of source footage and 10 cuts per minute could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500, depending on the editor’s rate.
Freelancer vs. Subscription Service: Which Option Is Right for You?
When it comes to hiring a video editor, you’ve got two main routes: working with a freelancer or using a subscription-based service like Flocksy. Each option has its pros and cons, so let’s break them down.
Freelancers
Freelancers are independent professionals who can be hired on a project-by-project basis. They’re often a great fit if you’re looking for tailored work or want an editor with a particular style or skill set.
- Rates:
Typically ranges from $25 to $75 per hour for beginners or mid-level editors, while seasoned pros can charge $100+ per hour.
- Pros:
- Personal attention and customization
- Wide variety of styles and specialties
- Flexible pricing for smaller projects
- Cons:
- Rates can add up quickly for large or complex projects
- Availability may vary, especially for high-demand freelancers
- Communication can be slower if they’re juggling multiple clients
Subscription Services
Subscription services like Flocksy offer unlimited creative projects for a flat monthly fee. These services usually include video editing, graphic design, copywriting, and more, making them an attractive option for businesses with ongoing needs.
- Rates:
Subscriptions generally start around $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on the service and features.
- Pros:
- Flat monthly cost for predictable budgeting
- Access to a team of editors and creatives
- Ideal for businesses with frequent or recurring video projects
- Cons:
- Less personalized than working with a dedicated freelancer
- Quality and style may vary depending on the team assigned to your project
- Turnaround times may be slower during busy periods
Which Option Should You Choose?
It all comes down to your specific needs. If you’re working on a one-off project and want a highly tailored result, a freelancer is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you have regular video projects or need other creative services in addition to editing, a subscription service can save you time and money. Whichever route you choose, both options can deliver great results—it’s just about finding what works best for your goals and budget!
Ways to Save on Video Editing Costs
Not ready to break the bank? Here are some quick tips to keep your editing costs under control:
Plan Ahead
The more organized you are, the less time an editor will spend guessing what you want. Use storyboards, scripts, and shot lists to clearly communicate your vision.
Shoot Smart
Save time in post-production by only recording what you need. Logging your footage on set can also help streamline the editing process.
Choose the Right Editor
Not every project requires a high-end editor. For simple edits, a less experienced (and less expensive) freelancer can do the job. Save the pros for complex tasks.
Look for Packages
Some editors or studios offer flat-rate packages for certain types of projects. This can be more affordable than paying hourly, especially if your project has a clear scope.
The Bottom Line: How Much Does Video Editing Cost?
Ultimately, the cost of video editing depends on a mix of factors—how much raw footage you have, how complex the project is, and the level of expertise required. Rates range from $25 per hour for basic freelancers to $150+ per hour for high-end professionals. So, for most projects, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $10,000.
But, if you take the time to properly plan your project and understand how editing costs are calculated, you’ll be in a much better position to budget effectively. And remember, at the end of the day, regardless of whether it’s a simple marketing video or a high-energy music production, the right editor can make all the difference.