How Editing Videos Works As A Side Hustle [Explained]

Do you know how to edit videos to attract views?

Instead of just settling for social media clout, why not turn this talent into a side hustle that brings in some extra cash?

Editing TikTok and YouTube videos can get your work seen by thousands, sometimes even millions of people worldwide, and this can translate into some serious earning potential!

If you're curious about what it costs to get started and how to find editing gigs, this article will tell you all you need to know.

An Overview of Editing Videos: A Primer 

Video editing is a varied side hustle. You can assist social media stars, film or television studios, or even news teams.

You can work with an in-house team, or you might end up working with freelance videographers in solo editing projects.

During the editing process, you’ll receive raw video files and a creative direction from your client or employer about what the final project should look like. 

Some clients might want a video shortened, spliced together, or ask you to add transitions or visual effects and improve video quality.

Others might request editing audio tracks, adding sound effects, or background music using a video editing app or an online video editor.

You then go on to select a video format, save the video footage, and send it to the client for their review.

The freedom to create videos based on the footage you received is a major selling point of this gig, as is watching the clips go viral. 

You usually get a deadline for your project that you should always meet to stay in the client’s good graces.

You might have to make alterations to your edits to please the client, so save different versions of your work, ensuring high quality video for each.

How Much Can Editing Videos Earn You?

Becoming a video editor is a rewarding job opportunity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, video and film editors earn $29.02 an hour and $60,360 per year.

This assumes video editors work a full-time schedule, which might not always be possible.

An editor's level of experience and specialties can increase their earnings. Glassdoor estimates that video and film editors can make between $42,000 and $73,000 annually when working full-time. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start Editing Videos as a Side Hustle?

You need a video editing app to start working, which is the most expensive part of the job.

Capterra, a software resource, states that video editing software costs anywhere from $10 to $2,000.

Some editing software solutions charge monthly, others annually, and some charge a one-time fee for lifetime usage.

Just keep in mind that selecting the best video editing software with more advanced features can help you meet client demands.

Video-editing equipment like a quality computer can cost several thousand dollars.

If you do your job on the go, you should invest in a laptop or tablet to suit your lifestyle. These tools will be moderately less expensive.

You can learn to edit a video or sharpen your skills through online or in-person classes at a local community college or university.

You can also find free classes and video-editing tips online, but you'll learn more by paying for a class. The cost can be anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars per course.

You might pursue a certification such as Adobe Certified Associate to differentiate yourself and earn more gigs.

You will have to pay to take a certification exam, with the average cost between $100 and $400 per exam attempt.

Where Can You Find Gigs Editing Videos?

You have many options for finding your next editing gig. Here's an overview of avenues to pursue: 

Where to Independently Find Video Editing Gigs

Start searching for your next gig on the social media networking platform LinkedIn.

You can seek roles by location or search for editing jobs from home. The employers on the platform might offer single projects or longer-term work.

SimplyHired is another excellent resource for seeking an independent side hustle as a video editor. This job site allows you to search for specific criteria to narrow your results. 

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Video Editing Work 

Fiverr is one of the most popular freelance marketplaces.

Create your profile, upload samples of what you can do, and wait until someone requests your services for a video project.

People Per Hour should go on your shortlist. You can track projects by hourly pay and use the platform to send proposals. 

Try Upwork to launch your video-editing side hustle. Upwork has a similar structure to People Per Hour, in that you search for open roles and send your proposal.

You can pay to push your proposal nearer the top of the pile for the client's consideration.

Why You Should Consider Editing Videos as a Side Hustle

Editing video clips is a tremendous side hustle if you have the skills and passion. Here are some benefits your new gig can unlock:

• Make money doing what you enjoy: You will love the gratification of making money from video editing if you've done it as a hobby or passion project before. 
• Build your portfolio: You can add the projects you complete to your portfolio, impressing new clients and securing more work.
• Could launch a career: As you broaden your reach and add more editing projects to your resume, you might find it easier to break into a full-time video-editing job.

Problems with Editing Videos for Money

Just like with other jobs, video editing has a few downsides you have to know about before you begin:

• The burnout is real: Pouring hours into your video-editing projects can leave you burnt out and creatively uninspired. Your work quality might suffer, leaving you struggling to find new clients.
• Scope creep risk: Projects could grow in scope beyond the agreed-upon rate, known as scope creep. You can put a lot of time into a project but not earn what you should for all your services.
• Expensive: Between the costs of a professional computer and the ongoing video editing software fees, choosing video editing as a side hustle is pricey. It can take a while before you recoup what you spent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Easy to Edit Videos?

Video editing isn't easy for many people, but it has a straightforward learning curve. You can build your skills through hands-on experience in video editing tools, then, you might feel ready to take on your first video-editing gig after a few weeks.

Are Video Editors in High Demand?

According to BLS, film and video editing jobs totaled 81,700 in 2021. Between 2021 and 2031, BLS predicts the field will grow by 12 percent, which is faster than average. This data suggests that video editors are in demand.