How to Become a Video Editor For YouTube

YouTube has turned into a powerhouse for content creators in the digital age. They have videos on various topics. You can’t deny that it places a top level in the education and entertainment sectors. It’s now a dream job for some people to work on youtube. So, many are interested to know how to become a video editor for youtube.

Do you wish to make waves as a YouTube video editor? We will do our best in this post to help you rise to prominence on this platform. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Understanding the financial condition is essential before involving yourself in any career path. YouTube video editing salary is widely based on experience, skill level, and geographic location. So, asking questions like, “Can I get paid to edit YouTube videos?” is normal.

Surprisingly, new YouTube editors earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually. 

Here is a table based on which types of YouTube videos will help you earn the most money as an editor. Look at the table below.

Starting to edit videos for YouTube is a rewarding journey. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, here’s a step by step guide to help you get started:

Computer: When it comes to editing a quality video, a standard backdated operator will not be of much help. Invest in a reliable computer with decent processing power and sufficient RAM

Explore online tutorials on platforms like YouTube or dedicated learning websites. Many experts share their knowledge, from basic tools to advanced editing techniques. Open your chosen editing software and start experimenting. Import footage, cut, and trim clips add transitions, and explore different effects. Practice is key to improving your skill

First things first: Create a YouTube account. Set up your own channel to showcase your work. Understand YouTube Policies. Especially those related to copyright, community guidelines, and monetization. You have to know all these from the beginning for long term success.

Edit a variety of sample videos to showcase your skills. This includes footage from your own life, stock footage, or creative projects. Compile your best work into a short demo reel. This reel should highlight your ability to tell a story through editing and showcase your range as an editor.

Reach out to the site creators who need video editing services. Collaborating on projects will not only build your portfolio but also provide valuable experience. Nonprofit organizations, local businesses, or content creators with small budgets may appreciate your help.

Stay updated about the latest trends in video content on YouTube. This includes editing styles, popular effects, and engagement strategies.

Without having a clear concept on your chosen niche can be a failure. Specializing in a particular type of content. Understanding your niche will help you to work on your editing style for the audience. In that case, analyze successful YouTube channels within your niche. Take note of their editing styles, pacing, and how they engage their audience.

A career oriented social profile helps you reach your goal or attract your target audience. Create social media profiles to showcase your work. Connect with potential clients. For example, platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Sign up on freelance platforms. These platforms connect you with clients looking for skilled editors.

Don’t be afraid to share your edited videos for constructive feedback. Online communities, friends, and mentors can provide insights that help you improve. Video editing is a dynamic field. Stay curious and keep learning about new techniques, software updates, and industry trends.

When you are seeing any youtube content you see ads too. You can add these ads after gaining a certain number of subscribers, and viewers. You need a certain number of viewers and subscribers to turn on monetization. As you gain experience, explore monetization options on YouTube. You need a certain number of viewers and subscribers to turn on monetization. Turning on monetization, you can join the YouTube Partner Program. There, you start to earn revenue through ads on your videos.
Once you’ve built a strong portfolio, start offering your services as a professional video editor.

If you do not know about making videos, don’t worry. There are so many learning sources available for you. So, take online courses. Many online platforms offer beginner friendly courses on video editing. Invest time in learning the basics of popular editing software. The most popular sites that offer video editing tutorials are the following,

1. Udemy

2. Coursera

3. Skillshare

4. LinkedIn Learning

5. Lynda.com

6. Pluralsight

7. Udacity

8. CreativeLive

9. Khan Academy

10. FutureLearn

11. MZed

12. Video School Online

13. Class Central

14. LearnVideoEditing

15. EditStock

16. Alison

17. Grow with Google

Above all, practice regularly. The more you practice, the more confident you become. Edit videos regularly, experiment with different styles, and challenge yourself with diverse projects.

The minimal configuration for editing videos you need are,

• Intel i3
• 4GB RAM
• 2GB VRAM GPU

Video editing can be heavy on resources. So, a powerful machine will enhance your editing level.

Editing Software: Choose a professional video editing software. The most popular software are,

• Adobe Premiere Pro, 
• Final Cut Pro, or 
• DaVinci Resolve. 

Familiarize yourself with the interface and basic tools.

Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of whether the mentioned video editing software is free or paid:

If you need a free edition with advanced functionality, this software will undoubtedly come in handy. The premium version is DaVinci Resolve Studio. This adds more features.

• HitFilm Express: Free with optional add-ons available for purchase.
• KineMaster: Offers a free version with watermarks. KineMaster Pro is the paid version without watermarks.
• Lightworks: Offers a free version but you can operate this with limited features. Lightworks Pro is the paid version with additional features.
• VideoPad: Provides a free version for personal use. VideoPad Master’s Edition is a premium version with more capabilities.

Some software like Blender, Avidemux, Shotcut, and Openshot are considered open source and free to use.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro: You can only use this if you have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.

2. Final Cut Pro X: They claim advanced organizing tools as well as reliable media management. It provides great performance on Mac computers. Furthermore, the ability to edit 4K and 8K videos, as well as advanced color grading and 360-degree video editing, is icing on the cake.

3. iMovie: iMovie’s professional equivalent is Apple’s Final Cut Pro X. It is pre-installed on macOS and iOS devices for free.

4. Sony Vegas Pro: Requires a one time subscription. You will get it in 3 different versions; Edit, Suite, and Post. Each of them offers a unique set of features. The good news is, you can use it for free for 30 days as a trial.

5. Filmora (Wondershare Filmora): Don’t be fooled by the free version because it includes its watermark. The video with the editing app’s watermark is disruptive. But there’s nothing you can do because it’s free of charge. The paid version is called Filmora X. This allows you to gain modified videos without watermarks.

6. Camtasia: Paid software available for purchase.

7. Adobe Premiere Rush: Requires a subscription as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.

Remember, the availability of free versions comes with certain limitations. Free software adds watermarks, reduced features, or usage restrictions. Additionally, software pricing models may change. So we advise you to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on pricing and features.

If you can’t afford a computer, edit videos for YouTube using a mobile phone. Yes! You read it right. Many video editing apps are available for both Android and iOS devices. Those offer many features. Also, these are convenient for users to edit and upload videos directly from their smartphones. Here are some popular mobile video editing apps:

• iMovie (iOS)
• Kinemaster (Android/iOS):
• Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS/Android)
• FilmoraGo (iOS/Android)
• InShot (Android/iOS)
• PowerDirector (Android/iOS)
• LumaFusion (iOS)
• Quik (Android/iOS)
• CapCut (Android/iOS)
• VivaVideo (Android/iOS)

For professional uses, we recommend Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Rush. They have more complicated features than the others. Additionally, If you don’t want to spend money right away, use free apps as a learner.

However, all these apps provide the best service with 720p and 1080p quality video. For a broader version, you need a computer. Mobile video editing apps don’t have all the features of desktop software. Mobile apps are suitable for quick edits, vlogs, and social media content.

As we mentioned above, the numerous online platforms offer courses in video editing. Take advantage of these resources. Learn the advanced techniques from the comfort of your home.

One more thing you can do is participate in online communities. Join forums, social media groups. Engage with fellow editors. Share your work. Learn from experienced professionals. Establish a strong online presence through a professional website. This attracts clients looking for skilled video editors.

Create a website or profiles on freelance platforms. the most popular sites are,

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer

Define your pricing structure based on the complexity of the project. Your expertise and the length of time also matter. Offer several packages to meet your client’s needs. Use social media and networking events. And online forums to promote your freelance video editing services. Positive feedback and testimonials from previous clients boost your credibility significantly.

After learning video editing, it’s certain that you want to deal with clients. You must provide samples of your work for this. So, a question has already popped into your head: where can you put them? Right? You can showcase your video editing portfolio on a variety of platforms. Here are some popular options:

YouTube:

Create a dedicated YouTube channel to showcase your video editing skills. Organize your videos into playlists. Use the channel as a portfolio that targets clients or employers can access quickly.

Vimeo:

This platform is designed for high quality video content. It helps you with customization options to present your videos professionally.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform. Here, create a detailed profile and showcase your video editing work. Upload videos to your profile. Also, provide links to your work in the “Featured” section.

Behance:

Behance, owned by Adobe. It is a platform for creative professionals. 

Create a personal website. By doing so, you can control the presentation. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace make it easy to create a professional level website.

Dribbble:

Dribbble is designed for designers. But it also supports video uploads. It’s a visually oriented platform. 

Adobe Portfolio:

Are you an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber? If yes, then definitely you have access to Adobe Portfolio. This tool allows you to create a customizable portfolio website using Adobe’s templates.

Carbonmade:

Carbonmade is a portfolio platform that allows you to create visually appealing creations. It’s user friendly. The good news for those who are allergic to code is that it doesn’t require coding skills.

When uploading your portfolio, ensure that your videos are organized. Labeled properly. Provide context for each project through description. Additionally, learned a bit of SEO. it will help search engines by using relevant keywords in your descriptions and tags.

Being involved in a journey to become a video editor is an exciting endeavor. Here, you will get a step by step guide at a glance that helps you get started:

• First, define your goals
• Secondly, get the right equipment
• Then, learn the basics,
• Choose your niche according to your field of interest and expertise.
• Select a specialized software. We already have mentioned the names.
• Practice Regularly. The more you practice, the more you will be perfect. 
• Build a Portfolio that shows your skill
• Seek Feedback from your family and friends initially
• Build a connection with others in the same working field.
• Explore Online Courses. Learning more will help you to be more efficient,
• Stay Updated on Industry Trends

This is the most important thing. Most people lose interest most of the time. This thing will not let you become successful. To become successful at anything, you must be consistent. Video editing is a continuously evolving field. Stay persistent, be open to learning new techniques, and adapt to changes in the industry. Remember, becoming proficient in video editing takes time and dedication. Start with small projects, gradually take on more significant challenges, and celebrate your progress.

We hope it’s clear now how to become a video editor for YouTube. To become a YouTube video editor, you must have technical skills. Most importantly you need creativity. Despite being creative the key is to constantly improve your skills, stay current on industry trends, and establish a strong online presence. By following the steps, start on a rewarding journey to becoming a successful YouTube video editor. Contribute to the dynamic world of online content creation.

Raihan Rifat

Raihan Rifat is the Founder & CEO of Powerful Tutorials, with a degree in CSE, and 3 years of experience in digital marketing, including SEO, Facebook Ads, and Google Ads. He is dedicated to helping people gain financial independence by teaching digital skills. Whether you’re interested in blogging, YouTube, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, or freelancing, Raihan’s goal is to guide you in turning your passions into profitable careers.