Hiring a Freelance Video Editor? 10 Questions You Should Ask First
10 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Freelance Video Editor
So, you need a freelance video editor. Maybe you’ve got raw footage piling up, maybe your in-house team is drowning, or maybe you just don’t want to spend hours figuring out Adobe Premiere’s 347 different export settings. We get it. Hiring a video editor can feel like rolling the dice, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Good news: we’ve got you covered. Before you sign that contract (or Venmo someone half your budget up front—please don’t do that), here are 10 must-ask questions to make sure you’re hiring the right editor for your project.
1. What’s Your Experience with Corporate/Branded Videos?
Not all editors are created equal. A killer YouTube montage editor might not be the best fit for your investor pitch deck or employee training video. Make sure they have experience in your industry—whether it’s corporate videos, explainer animations, or high-end event recaps.
Red flag: If their portfolio is all music videos and skateboarding montages but you need a sleek product demo, you might want to keep looking.
2. Can You Show Me a Portfolio of Similar Work?
A good editor should have a portfolio that speaks for itself. Ask for samples that align with your needs—this will tell you if their style, pacing, and attention to detail match your vision.
Bonus tip: If their portfolio is mostly hobby projects with no client work, dig deeper. Experience with paying clients shows they know how to handle deadlines, revisions, and feedback.
3. What Is Your Typical Turnaround Time?
Time is money, and “I’ll get it to you soon” doesn’t cut it. Be clear about your deadlines and make sure the editor can deliver on time without sacrificing quality.
Follow-up question: What’s your process for rush edits? (Because let’s be honest, there will be rush edits.)
4. What Editing Software Do You Use?
Most professional editors work with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro. If your project requires motion graphics or animation, they should also know After Effects or Blender.
Why it matters: If you need to make edits in-house later, compatibility can be a game-changer.
5. How Do You Handle Revisions?
Revisions are part of the game, but every editor has different rules. Some offer two rounds for free, while others charge after the first set. Clarify this before you start to avoid budget surprises.
Red flag: If they don’t have a clear revision policy or seem resistant to feedback, that’s a problem.
6. Do You Provide Color Grading and Sound Design?
Some editors just cut clips together. Others enhance the footage with color correction, sound design, and even minor motion graphics. Know what’s included so you don’t end up scrambling to hire someone else for these finishing touches.
Follow-up question: Can you fix bad audio? (Spoiler: Sometimes yes, sometimes no.)
7. Can You Optimize the Video for Different Platforms?
Not all videos are created equal. A full-length webinar isn’t going to work the same way as a 30-second LinkedIn teaser or an Instagram Reel. Make sure your editor can export in the right formats, aspect ratios, and resolutions for your needs.
8. What’s Your Pricing Structure?
Hourly? Flat rate? Priced per video? Pricing models vary, and clarity is key. Understand what’s included so there aren’t any surprise charges for things like extra cuts or format conversions.
Pro tip: The cheapest option isn’t always the best. If an editor’s rate seems too good to be true, there’s a reason.
9. Do You Offer Script Assistance or Storytelling Guidance?
Some editors simply assemble footage, while others help refine the narrative. If your video needs stronger storytelling, ask if they offer creative input on pacing, structure, or even script edits.
10. What Happens If There’s a Tight Deadline or Last-Minute Changes?
Rush jobs happen. Ask upfront how they handle urgent edits and what their policy is for expedited work. Some editors charge extra, while others prioritize flexibility.
Red flag: If they’re vague about availability or seem hesitant to discuss timelines, it might mean reliability issues down the road.
Final Thoughts (And a Not-So-Subtle Plug)
Hiring a freelance video editor doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Asking these 10 key questions will help you find someone who’s reliable, talented, and the right fit for your project.
And hey, if you’d rather skip the search altogether, we can help. At VideoQuickFix, we take the guesswork out of video editing—polishing your footage into professional, high-quality content with zero stress on your end.
Need an editor? Let’s talk.