7 Things You Didn't Know a YouTube Video Editor Does


A video editor’s role in the movie industry can seem pretty straightforward — cut together shots, make sure the story makes sense, add in the music and effects. At first glance, it doesn’t look like there’s that much more to it than that. However, when you take into account all of the aspects of video editing, you can see that there’s actually quite a bit going on behind the scenes! Whether you already work as a video editor or are looking to get into this career field, here are seven things you didn’t know about what goes into this job.


1) Create engaging videos

One of your biggest priorities as a video editor is to edit out mistakes or bloopers from videos you produce. This includes cutting out any ums or ahs from interviews, removing parts where people lose their place while reading, and making sure audio and lighting are consistent. If you’re not editing professionally yet, you can practice on your own videos until it becomes second nature to do so.


2) Think of ideas for your content

No matter who you are or what kind of content you’re creating, video editing takes creativity. Whether it’s editing a video for artistic purposes, adding graphics or effects to make your point, or using software like Final Cut Pro X to add your logo or website URL to your video—creativity is what makes those videos awesome. If you want to get into video editing, then it’s time to think about how and where you can apply that creativity.


3) Manage your projects from beginning to end

Every project manager knows their day-to-day tasks change with each new project, and that keeping track of what’s happening with each task can be challenging. To help manage all your projects in one place, go to our easy-to-use project management tool, Basecamp. There you can see everything you need to get done today, tomorrow and over the next couple weeks.


4) Work closely with the Director, Producer, and Other Stakeholders

Just because you’re editing doesn’t mean you don’t have to communicate with your colleagues. Successful collaborations start with open communication and clear expectations. Make sure you know how your video will fit into your company’s larger marketing strategy and what metrics need to be met for each department in order for it to be considered successful.

YouTube video editor job description


5) Collaborate with other staff members in your field

Even if you’re a writer by trade, it pays to get involved with other positions on your team. Not only will these other jobs allow you to see how things work from another perspective, but they’ll also increase your understanding of how everything fits together. Which brings us to our next point ...


6) Follow all submission guidelines provided by clients

It is important that you follow all guidelines provided by clients to ensure your submission is clean and professional. Your job is to ensure that all of your submittals are free of errors, spelling and grammatical mistakes, and unprofessional jargon. If you present an error free, professional product to your clients they will more than likely be more than happy with their final project.


7) Stay on schedule and within budget

Video editing is one of those jobs that has to be done within strict time and budgetary constraints. Make sure you’re not just keeping up with deadlines, but exceeding them! Being able to manage your own tasks and those of others means being able to negotiate changes when needed—as well as making it clear what you can (and can’t) do. In short, stick to your promises, and make sure they know you mean business by being friendly, professional, and respectful of their time.