Cost guide
How much does video editing cost?
Last reviewed , published by Gjethe
The short answer
Video editing cost depends on the finished length, the amount of raw footage, editing style and pacing, graphics and animation, colour grading and sound work, the number of versions and formats, captions and languages, and revision rounds. A short, clean edit from tidy footage costs far less than a heavily stylised video with motion graphics. Gjethe includes two rounds of revisions and quotes each project after a free consultation.
Editing is skilled time: watching footage, choosing the best moments, building a story, polishing sound and picture and exporting the right versions. The more footage, complexity and versions involved, the more time it takes. This guide explains what affects the price, how per-video and monthly pricing differ, and how to brief an editor so quotes are accurate.
Common types of editing work
| Type | What drives effort |
|---|---|
| Short-form clips | Hooks, captions, pacing, volume of clips |
| YouTube videos | Length, retention editing, graphics, thumbnails |
| Ads and UGC | Variations, hooks, formats for each placement |
| Corporate and testimonials | Interviews, brand graphics, approvals |
| Weddings and events | Hours of footage, multiple cameras, music |
| Animation | Design and motion work for every second |
Which factors change the price most?
Raw footage
Hours of footage take longer to review and select from.
Finished length
Longer videos need more editing, review and export time.
Style
Fast cuts, effects and motion graphics take longer than clean edits.
Colour and sound
Grading mixed cameras and repairing audio add time.
Versions
Extra aspect ratios, lengths and languages multiply work.
Captions
Accurate captions and translated subtitles add effort.
Per video or monthly?
One-off projects are usually quoted per video. Creators and brands publishing regularly often prefer monthly packages: a set number of videos with consistent style, templates and a dedicated editor. Batches are more efficient, so the cost per video tends to be lower.
Monthly arrangements also make planning easier on both sides, because the editor knows your style and the workflow is already set up.
How to get an accurate quote
Share a few reference videos you like, the approximate amount of raw footage, the finished length, where the video will be published and any graphics or branding you need. If you can, send a sample of your footage so the editor can judge quality and audio.
Clear briefs also reduce revisions, which keeps costs predictable.
Costs outside editing
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Music licensing | Stock libraries or premium tracks |
| Stock footage | Licensed clips to fill gaps |
| Voiceover | Professional or AI voices with commercial licences |
| Filming | Videographer and equipment, if not done yourself |
Ways to reduce editing costs
- Film with editing in mind: clear takes and good sound
- Send organised, original files
- Agree a style and template upfront
- Batch videos instead of one at a time
- Consolidate feedback into each revision round
Example: one recording, several outputs
A company records a one-hour webinar. Editing it into a clean full-length video with captions is one job. Turning it into a five-minute highlight video with graphics is another. Cutting ten vertical clips for social media with hooks and animated captions is a third.
Each output takes different skills and time. Deciding which outputs you need, and in what order, makes quotes clearer and helps you get more value from each recording.
How style affects effort
| Style | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Clean edit | Cuts, basic colour and audio, simple titles |
| Retention edit | Tight pacing, zooms, captions, B-roll and sound effects |
| Branded edit | Custom graphics package, lower thirds and transitions |
| Motion-heavy edit | Animated text, data visuals and illustrated elements |
| Cinematic edit | Colour grading, sound design and music-led storytelling |
Planning a monthly video budget
If you publish regularly, think in terms of a monthly mix: for example a few long videos and a batch of shorts. A consistent template and workflow reduce effort per video over time.
Review results monthly and shift the mix towards formats that perform.
What a good brief includes
A good editing brief explains the purpose of the video, the audience, where it will be published, the desired length, the tone, reference videos you like and any brand assets. It also names who gives feedback and approves the final version.
A clear brief reduces revision rounds and gets you closer to what you want on the first cut.
In-house editor or outsourcing
If you publish a lot of video every week, an in-house editor may make sense. For irregular or varied work, outsourcing gives access to specialists (motion designers, colourists, sound editors) without full-time costs.
Many teams combine both: an in-house editor for daily content and external specialists for bigger projects.
Revisions and how to use them well
Two rounds of revisions are included in our video work. To get the most from them, gather everyone's feedback into one set of comments per round, pinned to exact moments on the review link.
Large changes of direction after the first cut take more time than detailed tweaks, so agreeing the structure early matters.
Frequently asked questions
How many revisions are included?
Two rounds of revisions are included in Gjethe's video projects, with time-coded comments on a review link.
Is music included?
We use licensed stock music suitable for commercial use; premium tracks may add cost.
Why does raw footage affect price?
Editors must watch and organise all footage before choosing the best moments. More footage means more time.
Do you charge per minute of video?
We quote per project based on effort, since a minute of complex animation and a minute of simple interview editing take very different time.
Is a monthly package cheaper?
Usually per video, because batches and templates make editing more efficient.
Do captions cost extra?
Basic captions are often included in short-form work; translated subtitles and accessibility captions are quoted separately.
Can you work with phone footage?
Yes. Good light and clear sound matter more than the camera.
Do I own the final videos?
Yes. Final videos are yours; project files can be provided on request.
Can you edit footage from different cameras and phones together?
Yes. Colour matching and audio balancing help mixed footage feel consistent, though very different sources take more work.
Do you charge extra for urgent edits?
Tight deadlines can affect the quote because work must be rescheduled. Tell us your date early so we can plan.
Can you add subtitles in other languages?
Yes. Translated subtitles are quoted per language and video length.
What file formats do you deliver?
Usually MP4, with other formats on request, in the aspect ratios each platform needs.
Can you create thumbnails too?
Yes, as an add-on, designed to match the video and channel style.
Can you edit vertical and horizontal versions?
Yes. We cut each version properly for its format rather than simply cropping one edit.
Related services
Video Editing
Professional editing for every platform and format.
YouTube Video Editing
Edits built for retention, with chapters and thumbnails.
Short-Form Video Editing
Reels, TikToks and Shorts that hold attention.
Video Ads & UGC Editing
Ad creatives and UGC cut for paid social.
Motion Graphics
Animated titles, logos, lower thirds and UI motion.
Subtitles & Captions
Accurate captions and translated subtitles.
Talk it through with us.
Tell us what you need. You get an honest assessment, a clear plan and a written quote. The first consultation is always free.
- What happens next
- 1You tell us what you need
- 2We aim to reply within 24 hours with questions
- 3You get a written quote for your project