How Much Does It Cost To Edit A Video?

Video editing costs varies project to project. Read our blog to learn how much video editing costs and which option is best for you.

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    Whether you’re a small business, a startup, or a large enterprise, we know that every business needs creative content to succeed. When it comes to digital marketing, videos are one of the commonly used assets in the digital marketing space. However, it’s essential to have engaging, professional, and eye-catching videos to market your business.

    Video editing facilitates us to combine visuals and sounds (voice-over, music, etc.) to evoke emotions in the audience. A well-edited video will keep viewers engaged for longer, allowing you to convey your message properly.

    But here comes the billion-dollar question: how much does it cost to edit a video?

    We are pretty sure this question will come to your mind because when it comes to video marketing, there is a misconception that it can cost you a bomb, especially with video editing.

    Keeping this query in mind, we created this blog post. Today, we will explore the video editing options available in the market and the various rates for video editing.

    So, without any further ado, let’s dive in.

    Option No. 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

    On this list, the first option we have on this list is also to edit the video by yourself (DIY).

    To some, this might be surprising because a lot of people think editing a video is an intricate task. Well, yes, I partially agree with this statement because if you have basic editing knowledge, you can easily edit your videos without spending a single penny.

    I know some of you will say this is impossible, but it’s not my friends. There are many options for free video editing software available online that you can easily download. Plus, there is no shortage of templates, tutorials, free transitions, overlays, and more. Your finished product might not be as polished as something professional, but it’ll be better than raw footage!

    Boons:

    Cost-Effective: Obviously, this option is the cheapest one, or you can be free because you don’t have to hire any video editing company or freelancer to do the job. Also, you can easily use a free editing tool.

    Creative Freedom: You will be in charge of the job so you can showcase your creativity. Also, you can control the time frame.

    Desired Results: Being in control helps you to experiment with your video. You can edit as many times as you please until you are satisfied.  

    Banes:

    Unpolished Final Product: Unfortunately, if you’re not a professional editor, then your final product will not be of the highest quality. Free software sometimes does not provide all the necessary editing features.

    Time-Consuming: If your video editing skills are rusty, it will take a good amount of effort and time. If you’re not an expert editor, then it will be a daunting task for you.

    Pricing:

    Due to the lack of financial outlay required and the availability of free editing tools, DIY video production has the potential to be entirely cost-free. However, you will have to shell out some cash if you want to get your hands on a top-tier editing program.

    Video editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere can cost anywhere from USD 49.99 to $89.99 per year or $24.99 to $99.99 for a lifetime subscription. If you’re interested in learning more about video editing, you may sign up for lessons for anything from $40 to $100.

    Option No. 2: Hire A Freelance Videographer (Nominal Video Editing Price)

    If the first option (DIY) is not suitable for you, then this alternative might work for you. Hiring a professional video editor is a great option if you want your video marketing strategy to become successful.

    If you search online, you’ll find innumerable skilled video editors who provide video editing services at different rates. You completely rely on them as they are capable of delivering top-notch results.

    Boons:

    Top-Quality Results: Of course, a professional video editor is capable of delivering high-quality results. To analyze their know-how, take a look at their portfolio to see the work they have done previously, what types of videos they create, and how many years of experience they have. If you’re hiring a freelancer, it’s a really good idea to check the reviews and ratings given by their previous clients.

    Time-Effective: When you’re hiring a video editor in your place to edit the video, then you save a lot of time. Why so? Because they are experts in the field and have ample experience and knowledge about tools and techniques. They are capable of completing your video project in very less time.

    Professional Working Style: When compared to amateur video editors, expert video editors focus more on delivering high-quality results. They understand the complexity of your project. The more experienced the video editor is the more quality results.

    Banes:

    Costly: One of the reasons why people often don’t hire professional video editors is because they charge a lot. Of course, they are experts who are spending their valuable time and putting in the effort.

    Conflicts: When you’re hiring an external video editor, there can be a lot of conflicts because sometimes they fail to deliver the desired results. And when you ask them for revisions, they either refuse or charge an additional amount that you cannot afford.

    Delays: When hiring a freelance video editor, you need to keep in mind that they receive plenty of projects every day and work under tight deadlines. As things go, there’s a probability that your task won’t get completed in time.

    Pricing:

    The typical hourly rate for video editing is between $50 and $60. However, this can vary widely depending on the complexity of your request and the experience of the editor.

    Video editing services from certain experts might cost $75 to $150 per hour. Depending on whether or not you want simple 2-D graphics, photos, and audio upgrades added, the average cost to edit a three-minute pre-shot film is between $350 and $400.

    But it all depends on the expertise and services offered by the editor. Be cautious about reading and comprehending all of the terms and conditions before signing a contract or making any payment upfront.

    Option No. 3: Hire A Video Production Company

    If you hire a production firm, they will assist you in every step of the process, from conceptualization to post-production, creating the perfect promotional video for your business.

    Boons:

    Time-Effective: To put it simply, hiring a video production company means less work for you and your team, as they will handle the most time-consuming and difficult aspects of creating the best video content possible. All you have to do is show up and recite your lines; they’ll take care of the planning and scheduling.

    Assists with Content Creation: Companies that specialize in production do more than just edit your films; they can help you make commercials and other promotional videos to showcase your brand and skills.

    Banes:

    Costly: Production businesses are more expensive than video editing services since they offer additional services.

    Challenges with Idea Communication: Even if you are working with a video production company, there’s always a chance that you won’t see eye to eye on everything. Be sure to give them a comprehensive portfolio evaluation and highlight certain pieces of theirs (or others) that you find particularly compelling.

    Schedule: The production companies are always available for projects. However, recording sessions must be scheduled in advance. You may have to make a trip to their studio or another set location.

    Pricing:

    It might cost $2,000 to $7,000 to generate a three-minute video. Producing a video typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000 per minute. The total cost of the video is so high because you have to pay for the full production crew.

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    Which is The Right Option?

    Given the prevalence of videography in today’s content-hungry culture, it’s understandable that video editing would incur financial burdens. When making a choice, you need to consider the following factors:

    • The price tag for not making high-quality videos might be an important question to ponder.
    • Is there a possibility that you may lose your audience’s interest and, by extension, your ability to attract new customers?
    • Could this lead to an increase in market share for your rivals?

    If you can find answers to all these questions, it will be much easier for you to find the suitable option.

    Overall, video editing is not as expensive. As mentioned earlier, it all boils down to your video requirements and budget.

    On this note, we end this insightful guide on video editing costs. We hope this will be of great help to you!