How Much Does Video Editing Cost?
Video editing is where everything comes together. It’s the post-production stage where raw footage gets cut, polished, and turned into a finished video. Editors organize clips, correct and grade color, fix audio, and add effects or graphics when needed.
So, how much does it cost? The truth is—it depends.
Video editing rates vary based on the complexity of the project and the experience level of the editor. A beginner might charge less, but if your video needs a clean, professional finish, expect to pay more for someone who’s been doing it for years.
Common Pricing Structures
Editors typically charge one of two ways:
1. Per Finished Minute
This means you pay based on how long the final video is.
Example: If your final video is 5 minutes long and the rate is $200 per minute, the total would be $1,000.
2. Hourly Rate
In this case, the editor estimates how many hours the edit will take based on similar past projects.
Rates can range from $40 to $150+ per hour, depending on the editor’s experience and the work involved.
What Can Increase Video Editing Costs?
1. Sound Design
Sound design adds music, sound effects, ambient noise, and audio mixing. Done right, it can bring your video to life.
If advanced sound design is needed, or if it’s outsourced to a studio or sound engineer, expect the cost to rise.
2. Visual Effects (VFX)
VFX includes things like green screen background replacement, digital animations, or custom effects.
These edits are more advanced and usually require specialized software or an outside VFX editor.
Use case: action videos, product spots with 3D models, or stylized brand ads.
3. Color Grading
After basic color correction, color grading gives your video a “look”—cinematic, clean, vibrant, moody, etc.
Some editors handle this in-house. For more complex jobs, it’s often sent to a pro colorist. This ensures your video looks great across all screens.
4. Graphics
Graphics make your video more dynamic. This includes:
Lower thirds (name/title overlays)
Infographics or charts
Logo animations
On-screen text or callouts
Custom graphics take time to design and animate, so they’re often billed separately.
Realistic Editing Ranges by Project Type
| Type of Video | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Social Media Video (under 1 min) | $300 – $800+ |
| Corporate Interview/Testimonial | $1200 – $3,500+ |
| Event Recap or Highlight Reel | $800 – $1,800 |
| Brand Story / Company Video | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
| Product Demo / Explainer | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
| Training / Tutorial Video | $1,200 – $4,000+ |
Final Thoughts
Video editing isn’t just about cutting clips—it’s about shaping the final message. Prices vary based on time, skill, and what’s needed to get your video where it needs to be. Sound, color, motion, and graphics all play a role in the final price.
If you’re ready to get started or want a custom quote based on your footage, fill out our Quote Form. We’ll review your details and send over a fair and accurate estimate.
Get In Touch: https://shotbyseang.com/getaquote/
