The use of video as a marketing tool has reached an all-time high, and most companies believe it is an important part of their marketing strategy. Video can communicate your message more effectively, boost audience engagement levels, increase consumer trust, and ultimately, improve sales.
Despite its benefits, not everyone can get on board with this trend because creating video content can be very resource-heavy and requires a specific skill set that might be lacking.
It can also present scaling challenges, as storage and processing capacities can be prohibitive to companies without a specialized setup. The decision to outsource video editing can address these issues, especially if your company doesn’t have internal expertise or simply lacks the time.
In this article, we explain why you should outsource your video editing and how to do it efficiently. We also provide tips on finding a good outsourced video editor.
What Are Outsourced Video Editing Services?
Outsourced video editing services are services provided by professional external firms or independent contractors hired to handle your video creation needs. The services offered can range from simple cutting and trimming of footage or adding music or sound effects to complex tasks like:
- Animation
- Special effects
- Color grading
- Motion graphics
With video editing outsourcing, you send your footage, instructions, or a storyboard to these experts, who then craft a professionally edited video that aligns with your vision and objectives.
Why Should You Outsource Video Editing?
If you are a freelance content creator, small business, or start-up, finding a way to efficiently and effectively produce high-quality content can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t have a dedicated in-house department. Here are three compelling reasons to outsource video editing:
Professional expertise
Professional video editing service providers have experts who specialize in all aspects of video production. They have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to turn your idea into reality while maintaining high production standards.
Outsourced video editing professionals deliver high-quality finished products like:
- Marketing videos
- Training videos
- Event or corporate videos
- Social media content
Professional editors understand how to create visually appealing videos that resonate with your target audience and convey your message effectively. They are also up to date with the latest video editing tools, trends, and techniques, ensuring your materials are fresh and competitive.
Time-saving
Video editing is time-consuming and requires attention to detail. Explain Ninja, an animation studio focusing on product education, estimates that a 60-second animated video takes four to five weeks to create.
The time needed will change depending on the project’s style, complexity, and length, but high-quality videos will inevitably take a significant time investment.
By outsourcing to a professional editor, you can focus on building your audience or filming more content and let them handle the intricacies of polishing up the final product. This allows your team to remain productive without getting overwhelmed by additional responsibilities.
Cost-effective
Outsourcing video editing may initially appear as an extra cost. In the long run, however, it proves to be a more cost-effective solution.
Hiring an in-house full-time video editor is expensive—not just because of their salary. You must also consider the cost of purchasing and maintaining high-end video editing software (like Adobe Premier Pro) and equipment and training your staff to use it.
When you outsource, you only pay for the services you need when you need them. This can drastically reduce overhead costs associated with in-house video production.
How To Outsource Video Editing
Outsourcing video editing can be an easy and smooth process if done methodically. An inefficient workflow can result in confusion, delays, and a product that doesn’t meet your expectations.
Here’s how to make the process smooth and efficient:
1. Find a video editor
We are going to go into more detail on this step below. But in brief, today, there are numerous platforms where you can find skilled freelance video editors for hire from across the globe. Websites such as Near, Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are all ways to connect directly. They all provide access to a large pool of video editors with various skill levels and specializations.
2. Set up cloud storage
Cloud storage is an organized way to share and receive video content. Google Drive and Dropbox are excellent platforms that you can use to upload your raw footage so your hired video editor can access it.
Cloud storage makes file transfer more manageable and allows for:
- Version handling: You can easily access older edits to reassess changes or return to a previous version.
- Centralization: A cloud service helps to ensure that everyone working on the project has access to the latest version of the video files.
- Two-way oversight: Both you and your video editor can view the project’s progress, make changes, and provide real-time feedback.
Cloud storage becomes even more crucial when outsourcing with video editors in different countries, enabling instant access to files anytime, anywhere.
3. Communicate with the editor
Frequent and effective communication is vital in any outsourcing task, and video editing is no exception. Clearly define your project requirements, deadlines, and any specific directions beforehand.
A project brief will usually suffice, but to convey your vision, you could also consider other supporting documents like:
- Storyboards
- Scripts
- Mood boards
Regular check-ins throughout the editing process help ensure that work progresses as desired.
Don’t forget to discuss security and confidentiality with the video editor, particularly when dealing with sensitive content. Make sure they respect and comply with your security protocols.
Payment is another vital aspect to discuss at the beginning. Determine the fee, payment method, and terms, and ensure they’re set in the contract to avoid any future misunderstandings.
4. Define rules for revisions
Editing isn’t an exact science, meaning there may be times when you want to adjust something after seeing the first cut. Allowing for a certain number of revisions within the initial cost can prevent awkward (and potentially impossible) negotiations later. Also, remember to stipulate the deadline for revisions to be completed. This approach will ensure that the video meets your expectations.
5. Review the final product
Review the final product meticulously once the editor has submitted the finished video. Look for:
- Transitions
- Text
- Animation
- Color grading
- Sound editing
- Visual effects
Make sure it aligns with your initial instructions and goals and is targeted appropriately for your audience. Remember, it’s your video, so don’t hesitate to ask for revisions as needed.
Once you are satisfied with the work, finalize the payment per the agreed terms. By thoroughly reviewing the final product, you ensure your video is ready to publish and achieve its desired impact.
How To Find a Good Outsourced Video Editor
Not every video editor will be the right fit for your project. Even talented, experienced pros might not necessarily align well with your vision. So, how do you find the right outsourced video editor?
Read reviews and view portfolios
Reading reviews from previous clients can help you evaluate the competence and credibility of prospective video editors. Look for testimonials on their website or third-party platforms. It can give you an idea about their professionalism, reliability, communication skills, and quality of work.
Also, make sure you view their portfolio. This will showcase their style and capabilities and help gauge whether they align with your project’s needs.
Communicate with potential editors
Before hiring, have a good conversation or exchange to screen potential editors. Note the speed and quality of their responses, and check if their communication style is in sync with yours. Discuss their expertise, ask questions about how they would approach your project, or talk about any potential challenges they can foresee.
Consider language and cultural compatibility
If you outsource globally, it’s important to ensure language and cultural compatibility, as nuances can affect success with a specific audience. The last thing you want is a video that doesn’t resonate with the right people or offends due to cultural insensitivity.
Remember that cultures consume content differently. India, for instance, is by far the most active on YouTube because of its large population, with more than 460 million users of the popular platform.
Hiring a talented editor who understands these regional content consumption habits can be a game-changer. Similarly, humor, symbolism, and even popular color schemes can vary significantly from one culture to another.
Working with a video editing professional who is culturally and linguistically compatible with your target market will ensure your video content is well received and achieves its intended purpose.
Request samples or a trial project
If possible, ask for samples or offer a small trial project to assess the editor’s skills firsthand. It will give you a real-world understanding of their turnaround times, quality of deliverables, and how well they understand and implement your project brief.
Evaluate pricing and payment terms
Evaluate whether the pricing provided by the video editor is reasonable and within your budget. Also, discuss payment terms in detail, including any upfront fees, installment plans, or late fees. Don’t forget to inquire about the costs associated with revisions as well.
Review contracts and agreements
Finally, make sure you thoroughly review and understand any contract or agreement put forth by the video editing service provider. It should detail:
- The scope of work
- Timelines
- Payment terms
- Confidentiality
- Ownership terms
- Any other critical aspect of the project
If outsourcing from certain countries, additional regulation or legislation may protect or limit the transaction.
Mexico, for instance, is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which includes a comprehensive section covering intellectual property protection.
Ensure that both parties understand and adhere to these contracts and agreements to protect your interests and maintain a healthy professional relationship.
Final Thoughts
In today’s digital age, video content is vital to engaging and influencing audiences.
However, producing high-quality, engaging videos requires significant time, expertise, and resources—not readily available to every business, particularly start-ups and SMBs.
By outsourcing video editing to professionals, you can leverage their technical expertise, save time, and reduce costs, freeing you to focus on your core business activities.
Once you find the right fit, the benefits of having a dedicated editor can be tremendous for your brand’s growth and visibility.
Near can help you connect with pre-vetted video editing candidates, relieving you from the time-consuming aspects of searching and evaluating potential editors.
We’re committed to helping you find an expert who’s not just a quick fix but a long-term fit, ensuring you have consistent, high-quality video content at a price you can afford. Our teams can help pave the way for your successful video strategy.
Ready to start your journey to professional video content? Fill out this simple form and begin your success story with Near!
