Outsource Video Editing Service 2024

The use of video for marketing is at an all-time high, and most companies see it as an important part of their strategy. Video can clearly convey your message, engage your audience, build consumer trust, and boost sales.

However, not everyone can adopt this trend easily because creating videos requires significant resources and specific skills that might be missing.

There are also challenges with scaling, as storage and processing can be difficult for companies without specialized setups. Outsourcing video editing can solve these problems, especially if your company lacks internal expertise or time.

In this article, we explain why you should outsource your video editing and how to do it efficiently. We also provide tips on finding a good outsourced video editor.

What Are Outsourced Video Editing Services?

Outsourced video editing services are provided by professional external firms or freelance contractors hired to manage your video production needs. These services can range from simple tasks like cutting and trimming footage or adding music and sound effects to more complex tasks, such as:

• Animation
• Special effects
• Color grading
• Motion graphics

When you outsource video editing, you send your footage, instructions, or a storyboard to these experts, who then create a professionally edited video that matches your vision and goals.

Why Should You Outsource Video Editing?

If you're a freelance content creator, small business, or startup, producing high-quality content efficiently can be challenging, especially without a dedicated in-house team. Here are three strong reasons to outsource video editing:

Professional Expertise

Professional video editing service providers have specialists skilled in every aspect of video production. They possess the necessary expertise to turn your ideas into reality while maintaining high production standards.

Outsourced video editors produce high-quality content such as:

• Marketing videos
• Training videos
• Event or corporate videos
• Social media content

They know how to create visually engaging videos that connect with your audience and effectively convey your message. They also stay current with the latest video editing tools, trends, and techniques, ensuring your content remains fresh and competitive.

Time-Saving

Video editing is time-intensive and requires meticulous attention to detail. For example, Explain Ninja, an animation studio, estimates that creating a 60-second animated video can take four to five weeks.

The time needed varies with the project's style, complexity, and length, but high-quality videos always demand a significant time investment.

By outsourcing to a professional editor, you can focus on building your audience or creating more content while they handle the detailed work of polishing the final product. This keeps your team productive without adding extra responsibilities.

Cost-Effective

Outsourcing video editing might seem like an additional expense at first, but it is actually a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Hiring a full-time, in-house video editor is expensive, not just because of their salary but also due to the costs of purchasing and maintaining high-end video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro) and equipment, as well as training staff to use it.

When you outsource, you pay only for the services you need, when you need them. This significantly reduces the overhead costs associated with in-house video production.

Also read: How Much Does a Video Editor Cost? (2024 Updated Rates)

How To Outsource Video Editing

Outsourcing video editing can be simple and efficient if done systematically. An unorganized approach can lead to confusion, delays, and a final product that doesn't meet your expectations. Here’s how to streamline the process:

1. Find a Video Editor

We'll discuss this step in more detail below. In summary, there are many platforms where you can find skilled freelance video editors from around the world. Websites like Near, Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour connect you directly to a large pool of video editors with various skills and specializations.

2. Set Up Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is an efficient way to share and receive video content. Platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox are excellent for uploading your raw footage so your video editor can access it. Cloud storage simplifies file transfers and offers several benefits:

• Version Handling: Easily access older edits to reassess changes or revert to a previous version.
• Centralization: Ensure everyone working on the project has access to the latest video files.
• Two-Way Oversight: Both you and your video editor can view the project's progress, make changes, and provide real-time feedback.

Cloud storage is especially crucial when working with video editors in different countries, as it allows for instant access to files anytime, anywhere.

3. Communicate with the Editor

Frequent and clear communication is essential when outsourcing video editing. Clearly define your project requirements, deadlines, and specific directions upfront.

A project brief usually works, but you can also use other supporting documents like:

• Storyboards
• Scripts
• Mood boards

Regular check-ins during the editing process help ensure the work progresses as desired.

Discuss security and confidentiality, especially with sensitive content. Ensure the video editor respects and follows your security protocols.

Payment is another important aspect to discuss initially. Agree on the fee, payment method, and terms, and include these in the contract to avoid misunderstandings later.

4. Define Rules for Revisions

Editing can require adjustments after the first cut. Allow for a certain number of revisions within the initial cost to avoid difficult negotiations later. Also, set deadlines for revisions to ensure the video meets your expectations on time.

5. Review the Final Product

Carefully review the final product once the editor submits the finished video. Check for:

• Transitions
• Text
• Animation
• Color grading
• Sound editing
• Visual effects

Ensure it aligns with your initial instructions and goals and is suitable for your audience. Don't hesitate to request revisions if needed.

Once satisfied with the work, finalize the payment according to the agreed terms. By thoroughly reviewing the final product, you ensure your video is ready to publish and achieve its desired impact.

How To Find a Good Outsourced Video Editor

Not every video editor will suit your project. Even experienced professionals might not align with your vision. Here's how to find the right outsourced video editor:

1. Read Reviews and View Portfolios

Reading reviews from previous clients helps you assess the competence and credibility of potential video editors. Look for testimonials on their website or third-party platforms to understand their professionalism, reliability, communication skills, and work quality.

View their portfolio to see their style and capabilities, ensuring they match your project's needs.

2. Communicate with Potential Editors

Before hiring, have a thorough conversation or exchange with potential editors. Pay attention to the speed and quality of their responses and see if their communication style matches yours.

Discuss their expertise, ask how they would approach your project, and talk about any potential challenges they might foresee. This will help you determine if they are a good fit for your project.

3. Consider Language and Cultural Compatibility

When outsourcing globally, it's important to ensure language and cultural compatibility. Nuances can impact the success of your video with a specific audience. You don’t want a video that fails to resonate or offends due to cultural insensitivity.

Different cultures consume content differently. For instance, India is highly active on YouTube with over 460 million users due to its large population.

Hiring an editor who understands regional content consumption habits can be a significant advantage. Humor, symbolism, and even color preferences can vary greatly between cultures.

Working with a video editor who is culturally and linguistically compatible with your target market ensures your video content is well received and achieves its intended purpose.

4. Request Samples or a Trial Project

If possible, ask for samples or offer a small trial project to assess the editor's skills firsthand. This gives you a real-world understanding of their turnaround times, the quality of their work, and how well they understand and implement your project brief.

5. Evaluate Pricing and Payment Terms

Ensure the video editor's pricing is reasonable and fits your budget. Discuss payment terms in detail, including any upfront fees, installment plans, and late fees. Also, ask about the costs associated with revisions.

6. Review Contracts and Agreements

Thoroughly review and understand any contract or agreement from the video editing service provider. It should cover:

• The scope of work
• Timelines
• Payment terms
• Confidentiality
• Ownership terms
• Any other critical project details

Be aware of any regulations or legislation related to outsourcing from certain countries. For example, Mexico is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which includes intellectual property protection.

Ensure both parties understand and adhere to these contracts and agreements to protect your interests and maintain a healthy professional relationship.

Also read: How to Hire a YouTube Video Editor: A Complete Guide

What Should I Charge for Video Editing Services?

When selecting a video editing service, it's important to consider the pricing structure. Discussing payment details upfront ensures transparency and aligns expectations.

Understanding different charging options, such as hourly or daily rates, helps both parties agree on costs. Freelance video editors often charge hourly rates based on location and regulations.

Some prefer daily rates for more stability. Project-based services offer a set amount per video, eliminating surprise charges but may have limitations on video duration or revisions.

Hiring an employee involves a salary with benefits, providing more control but incurring costs during idle periods.

Alternatively, you can use Leomodo's Best Unlimited Video Editing Service for a streamlined, cost-effective solution.