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YouTube Editor: 7 Qualities To Look For

Got a YouTube channel? Need a new video editor?

In this guide, we'll take a look at what you should look for in a video editor when hiring one.

This guide is about people, not video editing tools (apps).

With this out of the way, let's see what makes a great video editor.

What you should look for in a good video editor

When hiring a video editor, first set your goals and budget. Then, look for candidates on YT.Careers — it's currently the best platform to find and hire YouTube personnel.

There are 7 steps to check. Let's begin!

1. Pricing

Setting up a budget budget for a video editor
  • Estimate Costs: Research average rates for video editing services to create a realistic budget.
  • Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your budget based on the editor's experience, the complexity of your project, and market rates.
  • Payment Structure: Decide whether you will pay an hourly rate, a flat fee, or based on milestones.

2. Talent

On YT.Careers, you can post a listing or hire somebody who's already looking to for a job offer.
Over here, you'll find the great talent — including people who've worked with big names, such as Mr Beast.
Browsing talent on YT Careers
  • Online Marketplaces: Explore YT.Careers, Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer where many video editors showcase their services.
  • Professional Networks: Use LinkedIn to find professionals with a history in video editing.
  • Industry Referrals: Ask your network for recommendations of editors they've successfully worked with.
  • Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Vimeo, or YouTube can be excellent for discovering editors with a style that matches your vision.

YT.Careers has the actual best, curated YouTube Job Board where you can hire or get hired as a video editor for YouTube.

Without sounding biased, YT.Careers is the only dedicated board where you can find relevant jobs for everything YouTube-related.

Go have a look!

3. Options

Looking for YouTube editors on Upwork
  • Evaluate Past Work: Check out their previous projects to ensure their style aligns with what you're looking for.
  • Quality Check: Pay attention to the technical quality (like editing smoothness, color grading) in their portfolio.
  • Diversity of Work: Look for versatility in their work which can be beneficial for dealing with various aspects of your project/s.

Find the latest talent at YT.Careers.

On YT.Careers, you can post a job offer or hire somebody who's already looking for one.

4. Testimonials

Browsing reviews of Upwork video editors
  • Read Client Feedback: Online reviews can provide insights into the editor's reliability and quality of work.
  • Reference Check: If possible, contact their past clients to discuss their experiences working with the editor.
Put it this way: When you're looking for a new service or product, you're likely to first check its reviews to see what other consumers think of it.

Why not do that before hiring someone as well? Especially since it's for your YouTube channel, which we assume that it's pretty important to you.

Know what you spend your money on.

5. Interview

People who are open to talk are who you're looking for.
Illustration of an interview
  • Discuss Experience: Ask about their experience in video editing, particularly in projects similar to yours.
  • Understand Their Process: Inquire about their workflow, how they handle feedback, and their typical turnaround times.
  • Project Understanding: Ensure they have a good grasp of your project's needs and expectations.

6. Ethics

  • Ethic: You want to hire somebody who has the same working ethic/routine as you.
  • Detailed Brief: Give a brief including your objectives, target audience, and any specific requests.
  • Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback at various stages of the editing process.

7. Communication

Illustration - Communicating with your video editor
  • Regular Updates: Agree on a communication schedule for regular updates on the project's progress.
  • Availability: Ensure both of you are available for discussions when needed to resolve any issues promptly.
There you go!

Shortlist: What makes a great video editor

If you want the greatest video editor but you don't know what to look for, follow this checklist.

  1. Editing Skills: They should have a good grasp of editing techniques, understanding how to cut, transition, and sequence footage to create engaging content.
  2. Creativity: A creative editor can add unique elements to make your videos stand out.
  3. Understanding of YouTube Standards: Familiarity with YouTube's guidelines and trends is crucial for creating content that resonates with viewers and avoids policy violations.
  4. Software Proficiency: Ensure they are skilled in using a good editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools.
  5. Communication Skills: Good communication is essential for understanding your vision and providing feedback.
  6. Time Management: They should be able to work efficiently to meet deadlines.
  7. Portfolio/Experience: Review their past work to gauge their style and quality.
  8. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different content styles and feedback is important.
  9. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of video formats, compression, and uploading best practices for YouTube.
  10. Budget: Consider their rates and your budget constraints.

Go through this checklist to make sure you're hiring the right person to be in charge of most your videos.


Thank you for reading this,
YT.Careers

Find more resources for video editors on the YT.Careers Blog.

Alexandru Golovatenco

Founder of YT Careers