5 Things You Should Know Before You Hire a Video Editor

If you’ve ever tried editing your own videos, you know it’s not as simple as dragging clips together and calling it a day. A good editor can take your raw footage and make it look like it belongs on the big screen—or at least polished enough that people watch all the way through.

But before you hire someone, it helps to know what they actually do (and don’t do). A little prep on your end can save everyone time, money, and stress. So, here are five things worth keeping in mind.

1. A Video Editor Isn’t Always a Motion Graphics Artist

This is probably the number one misunderstanding. Editing is about arranging your clips, fine-tuning the pacing, adjusting the color, cleaning up the sound—basically making the footage you already have look its best.

Motion graphics? That’s a different job. That’s where the floating text animations, snazzy title sequences, and slick explainer diagrams come in. Some editors dabble in both, sure, but don’t assume it’s part of the package. If your project needs complex animations, you might need to bring in another specialist.

2. Figure Out the Style You Want Beforehand

Editors, like photographers, all have their own “signature style.” One might be amazing at dreamy, slow-paced storytelling. Another might crush it with fast TikTok-style cuts.

If you’re vague about the style, you could pay for a fully edited video… and not like it—not because it’s bad editing, but because it’s not your vibe. The fix? Watch videos you love, make notes, and even send links. A couple of examples go a long way.

3. Talk Formats and Platforms at the Start

Here’s a quick example: You film a great promo video and hire an editor, but only at the end do you realize you need it vertical for Instagram Reels and square for Facebook. Suddenly, you’re paying for re-edits.

Different platforms = different file sizes, aspect ratios, and sometimes even audio settings. Handle that conversation early so when your editor hits “export,” the file is ready to upload, no last-minute panic required.

4. Timelines Can Vary—A Lot

If your project is just a quick social clip, sure, you might get it back in a day or two. But if you’ve got a 10-minute documentary with three rounds of feedback, it’s not going to happen overnight.

Talk timelines before the project starts. Ask when you can expect a first draft, how long each round of changes will take, and when you’ll have your final version. Clarity here is a friendship-saver.

5. Revisions Are Normal—But Not Unlimited

Even the most talented editors rarely nail it on try one. There will be tweaks. But every editor has a revision policy: how many rounds are included, how quickly they’ll be turned around, and what counts as a “major change” (which may mean extra costs).

Knowing this upfront means you can adjust your feedback and avoid any “I didn’t know that would cost more” moments later.

Final Word

Working with a video editor can seriously level up your content—and learning these five things will make the collaboration smoother from day one. Be clear about your needs, respect their process, and remember: editing is a craft, not magic. If you need fireworks (literally or figuratively), that’s a whole different skill set.