In today’s digital world, video content is more popular than ever before. From YouTube videos to corporate marketing campaigns, video editing skills are in high demand. But with easier-to-use video editing software and AI technologies emerging, some wonder if professional video editors will still have a place in the future. Here we explore the role of video editors today and whether they are still an essential part of video production.
What do video editors do?
Video editors take raw footage and assemble it into a final polished video. Their responsibilities include:
- Organizing and reviewing raw footage
- Deciding which clips to include and in what order
- Trimming clips and splicing together different shots
- Adding transitions between clips
- Inserting graphics, text, effects, and audio
- Ensuring continuity and flow
- Color correcting and adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation
- Exporting the final video in the desired format
The goal is to take all the raw material and create a cohesive, engaging final video that connects with the target audience.
What skills does a video editor need?
To succeed as a video editor requires both technical skills and creative ability. Key skills include:
- Technical expertise: Familiarity with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer. Understanding video codecs, formats, frame rates, resolutions, bit rates, etc.
- Storytelling ability: Knowing how to craft an engaging narrative and elicit emotional responses from viewers.
- Creativity: Having an artistic eye for elements like shot composition, transitions, effects, and color grading.
- Collaboration: Working closely with clients, directors, producers and other stakeholders to bring their vision to life.
- Time management: Meeting tight deadlines and managing work efficiently.
- Attention to detail: Spotting subtle issues with continuity, color, audio, etc. that impact the quality.
The precise blend of technical and creative skills may vary depending on the industry and types of videos being produced.
What industries employ video editors?
Some of the top industries employing professional video editors include:
- Television and film
- Advertising and marketing
- Corporate communications
- Online media and social media
- News
- Events
- Gaming
Any company, organization or individual producing videos for external audiences or internal use will need dedicated video editors. The entertainment industry relies heavily on video editors for post-production work on movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and more. But businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and even vloggers also require video editing services.
How much do video editors earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for video editors in 2020 was $59,300. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,810 and the highest 10% earned more than $118,260. Factors impacting pay include:
- Years of experience
- Relevant skills and training
- Industry and region
- Whether full-time, part-time or freelance
- Types of videos being edited (higher pay for film/TV)
According to Payscale.com, average hourly rates for video editors are:
| Experience Level | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $16.43 |
| Mid-Career (3-9 years) | $24.09 |
| Experienced (10-20 years) | $32.02 |
The earning potential for experienced video editors at the highest levels can be quite lucrative, especially for those working on major motion pictures or television series.
Is demand for video editors declining?
Some speculate that demand for human video editors will decline as AI and automated editing tools improve. It’s true that sophisticated software like Adobe Premiere Rush and tools like video templates make basic editing more accessible. But there are several reasons why professional video editors are still very much in demand:
- AI limitations: While AI can perform basic editing tasks, it still lacks the creativity, storytelling ability, and nuanced decision-making of human editors.
- Quality: The editing quality delivered by humans, especially experienced professionals, remains superior to fully automated approaches.
- Customization: Each video requires a customized approach based on content, desired style, target audience and other factors best addressed by human insight.
- Turnaround: Strict deadlines still necessitate human editing skills to quickly produce high volumes of content.
- Complexity: Videos are becoming more sophisticated, with complex transitions, motion graphics, 3D elements, etc. that require specialized human expertise.
- Growth in video: As video consumption explodes, so does the need for video editors.
In short, while automated tools are improving efficiency, they cannot yet truly replace the expertise and creativity of skilled video editors.
How is the role of video editors evolving?
Advances in technology are changing certain aspects of a video editor’s job but also introducing new responsibilities:
- Improved workflows: New tools like AI-assisted editing speed up workflows but don’t eliminate the need for human oversight and control.
- More focus on storytelling: With less time spent on routine technical tasks, editors can concentrate more on crafting compelling narratives.
- Expanded skillsets: Understanding newer tools like motion graphics, 3D, VR/360° video, etc. is becoming essential.
- Managing digital assets: Organizing large volumes of digital footage and assets is increasingly important.
- Collaborating remotely: Cloud-based workflows enable editors to collaborate across locations.
- Outputting for multiple formats: From YouTube to IMAX, editors must be able to optimize videos for different screens and resolutions.
In general, the role is shifting to require both a strong foundation in “traditional” editing skills and an adaptability to new technologies reshaping the industry.
What is the future outlook for video editor jobs?
Employment for video editors is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. Specifically, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11% growth in jobs from 2020 to 2030, more than double the average for all occupations.
Ongoing drivers of demand include:
- Expanding internet and OTT video platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.
- Video marketing growth, especially on social media
- Proliferation of niche content channels and platforms
- Higher video production budgets in the entertainment industry
- Corporate use of video for training, internal communications, etc.
- Improved workflows from new tools that increase demand for video
Video will continue dominating online content consumption and strategic visual communication for businesses going forward. So even as aspects of the job evolve, skilled human video editors will remain essential for the foreseeable future.
How can video editors future-proof their careers?
For video editors to stay relevant and in demand, they should:
- Actively learn new technologies like AI-assisted editing, 360° video, drones, etc.
- Build skills for emerging social/online video platforms
- Expand their toolkit with skills like graphic design, animation, VFX
- Stay updated on editing trends related to styles, pacing, transitions, etc.
- Learn to collaborate in remote/cloud-based workflows
- Understand how to optimize videos for different devices and screens
- Focus on great storytelling above all else
- Develop business, project management and client relations skills
- Build and maintain a strong portfolio and professional brand
Remaining adaptable, business-savvy and focused on the core creative aspects of the role will ensure video editors can continue thriving for years to come.
Conclusion
Demand for skilled video editors is poised for steady growth rather than decline. Though AI and automated tools are improving efficiency, they cannot replace the human creativity, collaborations, and expertise needed to produce engaging, quality video content. Video editors who flexibly evolve their skills while staying rooted in storytelling fundamentals will find no shortage of opportunities across industries. In today’s video-first era, the human touch remains highly valuable in transforming raw footage into compelling final products that connect with audiences.
