How To Make Money Editing Videos

We live in a world where attention spans are shrinking every day, and good-quality videos have become the epitome of dopamine release. From travel vlogs to product demos and tutorials, we all seek information in video content. This is where we see a tremendous rise in the number of video content creators and their need to create good-quality videos. This is where you come in.

Did you ask – “Can I make money editing videos”? Yes, you absolutely can. Now, how to make money editing videos? Well, there are a bunch of options, and the field is super-lucrative. You can edit videos for creators, become a creator yourself, apply for full-time jobs, etc.

Now, as a soon-to-be video editor, you might be wondering if this is a profitable career path. I had this question, too. Hence, I started my research and came across this:

According to Zippia, an average freelance video editor earns $48,481/year. Sounds good? Let’s talk about the ways to achieve this number:

Developing Essential Video Editing Skills

Before you ask ‘how to make money editing videos’, you must ask ‘How do I learn video editing.’ If you’re eager to learn video editing, I’ve got you covered. I’ll turn you into a video editing wizard. Let’s start:

1. Know Editing Software: An editing software for video editors is like a canvas and brush to a painter. Learn about popular editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Don’t worry if the names seem scary; the tools are not. Also, do I need to tell you that the word ‘Pro’ means paid?

Source: SoftwareAdvice

Pick one editing software, learn the interface, and get acquainted. Your software has buttons and tools. Check out beginner tutorials to get familiar with them.

2. Grasp the Basics of Video Composition: A painter knows strokes, a singer knows pitches, and a video editor must know video composition. Ever heard of the rule of thirds? It’s like arranging things in a cool way that makes your videos visually appealing. Plus, learn other simple tricks like using lines and balance to keep viewers hooked.

3. Play with Colors: Colors aren’t just for artists. You’ll have to tweak them in your videos a lot. Learn about brightness, contrast, color tones, and how to adjust them all together. It’s like giving your videos different moods—warm and cozy or cool and mysterious.

4. Make Friends with Audio: A video without audio is like a video without audio (couldn’t think of an example). Anyway, you get the point. A good audio is like the secret ingredient in your video recipe. Learn how to improve your audio quality, add music in the background, and ensure optimal sound.

5. Add Some Pizzazz with Effects: Ever seen a cool transition from one scene to another? Those are the effects! Learn about different ones like fade-ins, fade-outs, and slides. They’re like the spices that add flavor to your video dish.

6. Storytelling 101: A great video tells a story. Storytelling is all about giving your audience a start, a finish, and a journey in between. Content without a story is destined to flop. Learn how to keep your viewers engaged from start to finish. Imagine you’re telling a friend what happened. Make sure the story flows nicely.

7. Feedback Time: Share your video with friends, family, or online buddies. Hear what they think, and improve based on their tips. The constructive feedback and keep it going. Keep learning. Edit more, learn more, and get better.

So there you have it—a sweet-and-short guide to getting started with video editing! Don’t stress if things feel a bit overwhelming at first. All you need is patience, curiosity, and the end goal of earning those $$$$.

How to Make Money Editing Videos

We know that video content is the king of online engagement. Videos have become essential for businesses and personal projects to tell stories and engage audiences. If you learn video editing, you’ll be sitting on a goldmine of opportunities.

In the last section, I mentioned the outer layer of video editing. In this section, we’ll explore the five best ways you can earn money through video editing.

1. Freelance Video Editing:

A no-brainer. Freelancing is a flexible and popular way to monetize your skills. You can either start with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr or do outbound. By outbound, I mean using social media and email to reach out to potential clients and ask for work.

I’ve already talked about this step in various other articles. Read this: Cold Outreach to sell services

Freelancing lets you work on different projects and build a portfolio that shows your skills. You can edit videos, make social media content, and more.

How to Start:

• Create a profile highlighting your skills, experience, and portfolio.
• Bid on relevant projects or reach out to clients that match your expertise.
• Deliver high-quality work on time and maintain clear communication with clients.

2. YouTube Channel and Content Creation:

Who said you can only edit for others? Nothing’s better than using your skills for your business! Starting a YouTube channel is more than just a hobby—it can be a substantial source of income. In fact, it has created many millionaires.

You can create your own content or collaborate with content creators who need polished videos. As your channel gains subscribers and views, you can earn money through YouTube’s Partner Program, brand partnerships, and even sponsorships.

How to Start:

• Choose a niche or topic that you’re passionate about and skilled in.
• Invest in good-quality camera equipment and editing software.
• Consistently upload high-quality, engaging videos that resonate with your target audience.

3. Video Editing Courses and Tutorials:

If you’re a video editing pro, why not teach others your magic? Create and sell online courses or tutorials on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. Many people are eager to learn video editing skills, and they’re willing to pay for comprehensive and well-structured courses.

‘Create videos to teach people about creating videos.’ (I wanted to write that xD)

How to Start:

• Plan your course curriculum, focusing on beginner to advanced levels.
• Use screen recording software to create step-by-step tutorials.
• Market your courses through social media, email marketing, and relevant online communities.

4. Social Media Content Creation:

Businesses and influencers are constantly on the lookout for captivating social media content. You can create short-form videos, animations, and promotional clips. They grab attention & drive engagement for your client. You get paid. Win-win.

How to Start:

• Showcase your skills by creating eye-catching social media posts and talking about it online.
• Reach out to local businesses or online influencers who might need video content.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their brand and message and deliver videos that align with their goals.

5. Event Videography and Wedding Videos:

Special events like weddings, corporate seminars, and conferences require skilled videographers and editors to capture and edit memorable moments. You can offer your services to shoot videos during events and/or edit them into polished final products that clients can cherish.

How to Start:

• Invest in quality camera gear and audio equipment for professional-grade footage (in case you want to shoot also)
• Build a portfolio showcasing your event videography and editing skills.
• Network with event planners, photographers, and other professionals in the event industry.

6. Editing and Selling Video Templates:

Another creative way to monetize your video editing skills is by creating and selling video templates. Most of the creators don’t have the resources to hire editors or the time to edit themselves. Hence, they turn to pre-edited templates. The market for selling video templates is not as crazy as other options, but once established, it can bring considerable revenue.

How to Start:

• Design video templates with eye-catching graphics and animations.
• Offer templates for different video editing software or platforms.
• Sell your templates on platforms like Envato Market, VideoHive, or your own website.

Ready to Make Money?

As a video editor, opportunities to earn money are as diverse as the projects you can work on. Whether you choose to freelance, create your own content, teach others, cater to businesses, sell video templates, or capture life’s special moments, each avenue has its own unique rewards.

Don’t even worry about the money! Doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time video editor or a freelancer; the average income in the US is between $36,000 and $83,000 (according to Glassdoor). Be it your passion or the motivation to earn good money, start learning video editing today and make money creating appealing visuals.

The above-mentioned 6 ways are the ones I see fit for people with less time, good expertise, and the best earning potential. I hope I’ve answered the question, ‘How to make money editing videos.’ Good luck now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make money from video editing?

Yes, you can make money from video editing by offering your services to clients, creating content for YouTube or other platforms, and selling video editing courses or tutorials.

How profitable is video editing?

Video editing can be highly profitable, especially as demand for video content grows. Experienced editors can charge premium rates, and successful YouTubers or content creators can earn significant revenue.

How to start a video editing side hustle?

To start a video editing side hustle, build a portfolio showcasing your skills, use freelance platforms to find clients, network with content creators, and continually improve your editing techniques and software proficiency.

Is video editing a good career?

Video editing is a good career with many opportunities in various industries, including film, television, advertising, and online content creation. It offers creative fulfillment and the potential for lucrative earnings.

Does video editing have a future?

Yes, video editing has a bright future due to the increasing consumption of video content across social media, streaming services, and digital marketing. The demand for skilled video editors is expected to grow.