8 Ways to Monetize Your Video-Editing Skills

You have top-notch video-editing skills but are unsure how to use them to earn money. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Unfortunately, many people invest their time learning video software and making videos without really understanding how they can make money with these skills. In this article, we will talk about several ways to make a living out of video editing.

How Much Can You Earn?

The amount of money you can make is dependent on your skills and the demand for video editing. If you are experienced in video-editing software, then it's likely that people will hire you to create videos or edit existing ones.

Your income will also depend on the career path you choose: a freelancer, an independent contractor, or an employee.

Freelancing

If you want to work as a freelancer, start by advertising your services on websites like Upwork and Fiverr. You can also create a website or portfolio to showcase your skills and experience. In the US, the average national average income of a freelance video editor is $57,195 per year. When bidding for jobs, remember to factor in the cost of editing software, hardware, and other associated costs. 

Independent Contracting

Another option is to become an independent contractor. This path usually involves working with larger companies or organizations that need video-editing services on a regular basis. As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for setting your own rates, finding clients, and managing projects. One benefit of this route is that it often leads to long-term contracts with satisfied clients. The average rate for video-editing services in the US starts at $25 per hour and can go as high as $250 per hour.

Employee

The most obvious choice is to apply for a video-editing job. Although this can be challenging because of high competition in the industry, it's possible that your skills will allow you to land an entry-level position or internship with one of the companies. You can also consider taking up online courses on videography and post-production before applying for higher-ranking jobs.

Ways to Earn Money

No matter which job status you choose - an independent video editor or an employee - there are several possible applications of your skills.

1. Offer Video-Editing Services

The first way to make money with your video-editing skills is by becoming a videographer. If you have the time and equipment, you can offer services to people who need help editing their videos. You can find clients through social media or online job boards:

• Upwork - a platform that connects freelancers and employers
• LinkedIn - a professional community where you can find a job or a project
• Fiverr - a job marketplace for freelancers

If you're not interested in starting a YouTube channel yourself, consider working for someone else's channel instead. You can help them cut out unwanted footage, overlay audio, or add closed captions. There are also many companies that are looking for freelance editors to help them out with their video content for corporate vlogs.

2. Become a Creator

Take your love of creativity and turn it into a successful business. Create products that can be used in video projects, such as editing templates or fonts for logos, with the goal of helping others create professional-looking content on their own terms. Create an online store for your products or contribute to stock websites - this can be a great way to make passive income. Platforms like Pexels gave recognition for creators like Eberhard Grossgasteiger and Kelly L - and you can join them. You can also create tutorial videos that show people how to use your assets.

3. Start a YouTube Channel

Another great way to use your video-editing skills is to start a YouTube channel. This can be a great way to share your work with others, as well as make some money from ad revenue. Be sure to create interesting and engaging content if you want viewers to stick around! YouTube is not just about uploading random content and hoping it goes viral. There are many people making money by creating tutorials, reviews, reaction compilations, etc., around certain topics like cooking recipes or DIY projects. However, it may take a lot of time to get to the level of success you want. The case of KIM ORO is rather an exception to the rule, than the norm - the channel was launched in February, 2021 and now has over 5 million subscribers. You can also use your skills in video editing to create compelling tutorial videos for all kinds of niches - whichever suits you most. 

4. Sell Video Courses

Sell courses that teach the latest video-editing tricks to make money online. You can take advantage of sites like Udemy to promote your course, make sales, and earn money. Your video-editing skills can help you create high-quality courses that people will want to purchase. Offer time-limited free access, so customers have an opportunity to get the gist of your course before purchasing one-on-one counseling sessions.

5. Become a Tutor

You can share your knowledge and experience with others by becoming online tutors that teach people how to use video-editing software or enhance video quality. This can be a great way to share your knowledge and experience with others, and you can set your own rates. You can also work from home and have some flexibility in your schedule.

7. Become a Wedding Videographer

If you have video-editing skills and are passionate about weddings, then becoming a wedding videographer is a great option. This can be a very lucrative business, as there is high demand for wedding videos. You will need to invest in some quality camera equipment and learn how to use it well. You can start by shooting short promo videos to build up your portfolio, then start charging for full-length wedding videos. Three young enthusiasts started Focused Journey Media in 2019, and were included in the list of the top videographers of 2021 in San Jose, California.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, there is strong demand for video editors, but only if they have top skills and experience. It's likely that more people would want their videos edited by a professional than take the time to learn video editing themselves. No matter which path you choose, make sure to keep learning new techniques and software so that you can stay ahead of the competition. If you're willing to invest in your education and skills, one day, you may be able to make money with video editing as well.