There is no single price for video editing, because the cost depends on how much footage there is, how long the final video runs, how much graphics and sound work it needs, and how many rounds of changes are included. The fastest way to an accurate number is to share your footage, a reference video you like and your deadline, and get a quote for that exact scope.
"How much does it cost to edit a video?" is the first question most clients ask, and it's a fair one. The honest answer is that editing is priced by the work involved, not by the minute of the final video. Two three-minute videos can take wildly different amounts of time to cut. Here's what moves the number up or down.
What Drives The Cost Of Editing?
- Amount of raw footage. An editor has to watch and organize everything before cutting. Ten hours of interviews and b-roll takes far longer to review than thirty minutes.
- Final length and number of versions. A main cut plus a 60-second version, a vertical cut for social and a 15-second teaser is four deliverables, not one.
- Story work. If you hand over a script or a paper edit, the structure is decided. If the editor has to find the story in hours of interviews, that's creative time.
- Graphics and animation. Lower thirds, titles, animated logos and on-screen text all add time, more so if they need to match brand guidelines.
- Color and sound. Basic correction is part of most edits. Full color grading, noise cleanup, music editing and a proper sound mix are extra steps.
- Revisions. Most quotes include a set number of review rounds. Changes beyond that, or a new direction after approval, add time.
- Turnaround. Rush deadlines usually cost more because other work has to move.
Is Editing Priced Per Project Or Per Hour?
Both models exist. Hourly or day rates suit open-ended work where the scope isn't clear yet. A flat project price suits jobs with a clear brief, because you know the total up front. Many agencies, including ours, quote per project once they've seen the footage and the goal, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
How Can You Keep Editing Costs Down?
- Send a clear brief. Who is the video for, where will it live, and what should viewers do after watching?
- Share a reference. A link to a video you like saves hours of guessing about pacing and style.
- Organize your files. Label interviews and b-roll folders, and include logos, fonts and brand colors.
- Consolidate feedback. One clear list of notes per round, from one decision-maker, keeps revisions tight.
- Plan versions up front. Asking for the vertical and short cuts at the start is cheaper than adding them later.
What Should A Quote Include?
A good editing quote spells out the deliverables (lengths, formats, aspect ratios), the number of revision rounds, what's included for music, graphics, color and sound, and the delivery date. If any of those are missing, ask before you approve it.
Want A Quote For Your Edit?
Send us your footage details, a reference video and your deadline, and we'll quote the exact scope. Book a free call and we'll talk through your project and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge by the finished minute?
No. Editing time depends on the footage, graphics, sound and revisions involved, so we quote each project on its scope after seeing the brief.
Are revisions included?
Our quotes include a set number of review rounds, listed up front. Extra rounds or a new direction after approval are quoted separately.
Can you edit footage we already shot?
Yes. Most of our editing work starts from footage the client or their production team has already captured.
