Ranking Ways to Make Money as a Video Editor

Summary

This video script discusses various methods for video editors to make money in 2023, ranking them from a tier list. It covers freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, in-house editing, traditional media, personal brand videos, user-generated content, automotive videography, podcast editing, course editing, YouTube editing, and starting an agency. The speaker emphasizes the importance of positioning, portfolio quality, and adapting to trends, while highlighting the potential of YouTube editing and creating an agency as top-tier opportunities.

Takeaways

• 📈 There is a high demand for skilled video editors, offering various opportunities to make money in the current market.
• 🌐 Upwork is a good platform for beginners to start making money as a video editor, but it's competitive and can be challenging to find well-paying jobs for Western editors.
• 🎨 Fiverr is another platform for freelance video editing work, but it suffers from the same competitive pricing as Upwork, with a focus on low-cost services.
• 🔍 PeoplePerHour is similar to Fiverr and can be a good place to find long-term work, positioning oneself as a reliable, long-term editor.
• 🏢 In-house editing jobs can be stressful with high workloads and limited rewards beyond a fixed salary, making them less desirable for some editors.
• 🎬 Editing classic movies and shows is a traditional path that requires connections and a strong portfolio, but can be rewarding for those who break into the industry.
• 👥 Personal brand videos are in demand for social media and content creators, offering a high potential for income if one can offer trend-relevant and engaging content.
• 📦 User-generated content (UGC) editing for e-commerce brands is a growing niche, with high demand for converting user submissions into effective ads.
• 🏎 Automotive video editing, while potentially saturated, still offers opportunities for businesses looking to stand out with high-quality video content.
• 🎙 Podcast editing is an emerging field with potential, especially as podcasts gain popularity on platforms like YouTube.
• 🎓 Course editing for platforms like Skillshare can be lucrative due to the high ticket nature of courses, but it has a high barrier to entry.
• 📹 YouTube video editing is in high demand and offers significant earning potential, especially for those who can edit for viewer engagement.
• 🏅 Starting a video ad agency is a top-tier strategy for making money as a video editor, involving finding a niche, securing high-paying clients, and outsourcing work to a team of skilled editors.

Q & A

What is the current state of the video editing job market according to the transcript?

The video editing job market is experiencing a shortage of skilled editors, and there are numerous ways to make money as a video editor in 2023.

What is Upwork and how is it useful for video editors?

Upwork is a platform where video editors can offer their services. It's particularly beneficial for beginners to make some money, although it can be competitive and may not offer high-paying jobs for those in Western countries.

How does the transcript describe the experience of using Fiverr for video editing work?

Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can find quick work. It shares similar challenges with Upwork, such as price competition and the need for a strong portfolio, but allows for creative positioning of specific services.

What is PeoplePerHour and how does it differ from Upwork and Fiverr?

PeoplePerHour is another platform for hosting services, similar to Fiverr. It is suggested as a place to find long-term clients and build trust, which can help video editors stand out and secure more consistent work.

What are the challenges of working as an in-house video editor?

In-house video editing can be stressful with high workloads and limited rewards beyond a fixed salary. It may not be suitable for those who desire more recognition for their hard work or higher earnings.

How does the transcript suggest approaching work in the traditional film and television industry?

The transcript suggests that working in the traditional film and television industry is challenging and requires building connections and a strong portfolio. It is described as a classic and old-school way to work, with a slow progression.

What is the strategy for finding clients as a video editor for personal brands?

The strategy involves finding a niche, identifying top creators in that niche, and offering services to enhance their content and increase leads and sales. This requires staying up-to-date with trends and knowing what works in the market.

What is the role of a UGC (User Generated Content) editor and how can they profit from it?

A UGC editor works with e-commerce brands to re-edit user-generated content into ads. They can profit by approaching brands and offering to make their videos more native to the platform, thus increasing conversions.

Why is automotive videography considered a potentially lucrative niche for video editors?

Automotive videography is seen as lucrative because businesses in this sector often want to stand out with high-quality videos. There is a barrier to entry, but finding the right clients, such as performance car dealerships, can be very profitable.

What is the current trend with podcast editing and why is it recommended for video editors to get involved?

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular on platforms like YouTube. The trend suggests that there is a demand for visual storytelling, and podcast editing can be a profitable niche for video editors who can enhance the storytelling aspect.

How does the transcript suggest approaching the role of a course editor?

The transcript suggests that course editing can be profitable, especially for high-ticket industries like e-commerce, fitness, and real estate. However, it also notes that there is a high barrier to entry, and one might need connections to break into this niche.

What are the key attributes of a successful YouTube video editor according to the transcript?

A successful YouTube video editor should be able to edit for engagement, have a good understanding of comedic and informational timing, and be able to find good b-roll. They should also be able to approach creators with a clear game plan for improving their content.

Why is starting a video ad agency considered an S-tier opportunity for video editors?

Starting a video ad agency is considered an S-tier opportunity because video ads are in high demand and have a long-term market presence. The model involves finding a niche, securing high-ticket clients, outsourcing work, and reinvesting profits for growth.

What advice does the transcript give for video editors looking to grow their business?

The transcript advises video editors to actively outreach to potential clients rather than waiting for clients to come to them. It emphasizes the importance of having good verbal skills for meetings or finding someone who can do it effectively.