YouTube Editor: 7 Qualities To Look For

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

What you should look for in a good video editor

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

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.

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.

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.

5. Interview

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.

Shortlist: What makes a great video editor

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.