With so many people creating content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more, there is a huge demand for editors who can take raw footage and turn it into professional videos.
If you want to start a full-time business or make some money on the side, video editing offers a lot of options.
In this article, we'll cover 10 ways to make money with video editing skills. From editing for social media influencers to creating stock footage, you can choose the ideas that best fit your interests, skills and schedule.
1. Start a YouTube Channel
One of the best ways to make money from video editing is to start your own YouTube channel. By creating entertaining or informative videos, you can build an audience and monetize your content.
When starting a YouTube channel, pick a specific niche or topic you're passionate about. Make videos that provide value to viewers. Use your video editing skills to make high-quality content that keeps your audience engaged throughout the video, even with their short attention spans.
Use catchy graphics, create cliffhangers and do whatever it takes to keep viewers watching. The longer they watch your videos, the more ads they'll see, earning you higher revenue.
Once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours (or 10M short views), you can apply for YouTube Partner status. This will allow you to monetize your channel through ads, YouTube Premium revenue, channel memberships, merchandise and more.
2. Edit TikTok Videos for Clients
TikTok is the perfect platform to find video editing clients. Millions of creators are making content but need help optimizing it. Stand out by offering your editing services directly to TikTokers.
Start by creating your own TikTok showcasing popular editing techniques like quick cuts, text overlays, emojis and other trending visual effects. This demonstrates your skills.
3. Start a Course on Video Editing
Teaching others is a great way to monetize your editing expertise. Creating an online video course allows you to earn passive income while making an impact sharing your knowledge.
Start by outlining the key topics and skills you want to cover, from video editing basics to advanced techniques and trends. Structure the material into organized lessons and modules.
You can upload your course to platforms like Udemy, Skillshare or your own website.
4. Offer Your Service on Freelancing Sites
Freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms for offering your video editing services to a wide audience.
Start by creating detailed profiles showcasing your skills, experience and portfolio. Offer packages for different types of projects, from basic editing to animation and visual effects.
As you gain 5-star ratings, you’ll appear higher in search results, bringing you more business. Take advantage of site features like skills tests and targeting several languages to stand out and get found faster.
Read more on this article: How to Get Customers on Fiverr
5. Edit Music Videos
Offering music video editing services is a great way to build your portfolio while getting paid. Start by reaching out directly to independent musicians in your area.
Offer very affordable rates on music video projects for your clients. This makes you an appealing option for artists on a budget.
Show them examples of techniques like perfectly timed cuts, visual effects, transitions and text/lyrics integration.
As you complete more music videos, your portfolio will expand, allowing you to increase your rates and attract more clients.
6. Create Promotional Videos
Businesses are always looking for video content to promote their products, services and brand. As an editor, you can help fill this need by creating professional commercials, explainer videos, product demos and more.
Use your technical skills to edit eye-catching marketing videos tailored to each company.
Consider implementing animations, graphics, special effects and dynamic edits to make the content engaging.
Having a diverse promotional video editing portfolio will enable you to effectively pitch your services to businesses for paid projects. Start by offering discounted rates to build relationships and gain references.
7. Edit Real Estate Videos
Real estate agents and property managers regularly need high-quality video content to market listings and promote their services. This presents an excellent opportunity to offer your video editing skills.
Reach out to agents directly through email or cold calls. Offer to edit or enhance their property listing videos at a reasonable rate.
The good thing about this video editing niche is that there is a lot of money flowing in this business model. Real estate agents work with large amounts of money, so this is the perfect way to profit from that.
8. Film and Edit for Local Businesses
You can start a profitable side hustle by offering end-to-end video production to local businesses. This includes filming original footage based on their needs and brand, as well as editing it into polished content.
Show them examples of videos you’ve made for other brands. Explain how you can conduct any required interviews or B-roll shooting, then edit it together with graphics, music, etc. to match the results they’re looking for.
9. Edit for YouTube Channels
Offering your editing services to YouTubers is a win-win. You get paid to edit videos, while they get professionally edited content that helps grow their channel.
Search for smaller but serious YouTube channels in your niche. Reach out explaining you're building your video editing portfolio and offer discounted editing services.
It might also be worth joining a few freelancing discords and offering your service as there is a lot of demand for this among YouTubers.
10. Create Stock Footage
An often overlooked way to profit from video editing skills is selling stock footage. Stock videos of backgrounds, nature, cityscapes, events and constantly being purchased by a large audience.
Edit clips into clean, seamless footage optimized for stock sales. Upload to stock marketplaces like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock. Tag and title clips thoroughly so they surface in searches.
FAQs
How much money can you make with video editing?
The amount of money you can make with video editing varies widely depending on your skills, niche and target audience. Beginners can earn $15-25 per hour, while experienced professionals charge up to $180 per hour.
How do I promote my video editing business?
To promote your video editing business, create an online portfolio to showcase your best work. Use social media by posting examples and engaging with potential clients. It is suggested to offer free or discounted edits at first to build trust.
What is the best free video editing software?
The best free editing programs are DaVinci Resolve, Hitfilm Express and CapCut. Invest time learning the software deeply rather than jumping around. A skilled editor can create great work with free tools.
How long does it take to learn video editing?
It takes most people 1-2 months of regular practice to go from a beginner to an intermediate editor capable of high-quality client work. Study training courses, read editing blogs, watch tutorials and keep creating your own projects. You’ll see large improvements in skills within months of dedicated practice.
