How to Become a Video Editor for YouTube

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Yo, aspiring YouTube superstars! Are you wondering how to become a video editor for YouTube? Are you ready to dive deep into the world of video editing and take your content to the next level? Buckle up, ’cause we’re about to drop some serious knowledge bombs straight from the top dog himself, Hayden Hiller Smith—YouTube’s undisputed editing king with over 700 videos edited for legends like Logan Paul and Mr. Beast. Get ready to soak up some major wisdom and transform your editing game from meh to mesmerizing!

Before we start, let’s address the elephant in the room. How much a video editor for YouTube can make? Based on the article by QQtube an average annual salary can vary between $30,000 to $60,000.

Here is a breakdown of the potential earnings for video editors for YouTube per year:

Entry-Level Editors:

Freelance video editors starting out can expect to earn anywhere from $30,000 to $45,000 annually
The average salary for an entry-level YouTube editor in the United States is around $42,000 as of 2023

Experienced Editors:

Experienced YouTube editors in the United States can earn an average of $59,523 per year, with top editors making around $91,500 annually

Per Editing Job:

On platforms like Fiverr, YouTube video editors charge anywhere from $5 to $96 per job, with some experienced freelancers charging several hundred dollars per project based on complexity and experience level

Hourly Rates:

The average hourly rate for a YouTube video editor in the United States is $31.60 as of March 2024
Another source mentions an average hourly rate of $23, which translates to roughly $43,000 per year in 2021 for a YouTube video editor
Additionally, the average hourly pay for a video editor working for a YouTube content creator is approximately $22.61, which is slightly above the national average

how to become a video editor for youtube

Understanding the YouTube Editing Grind:

Listen up, fam! Ain’t no denying it—editing is the backbone of killer YouTube content. From vlogs to tutorials, every vid needs that magic touch to make it pop. And guess what? Hayden ain’t afraid to spill the tea—editing ain’t for the faint-hearted. But hey, if you’re willing to hustle, the rewards are lit AF.

Getting Lit in Post-Production:

Yo, who said post-production was a snooze-fest? Not Hayden, that’s for damn sure! While others dread it, homeboy thrives on turning raw footage into YouTube gold. Sure, there’s some grind involved—cue endless “Hey guys” intros—but for Hayden, the real fun starts when he gets to flex his creative muscles and turn nothing into something epic.

Crafting Killer Stories:

Yo, it’s all about storytelling, baby! Hayden’s secret sauce? Every cut, every transition—it’s all gotta serve the story. “Every cut that I make has to be heading towards that change.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of storytelling in video editing, emphasizing the importance of every edit contributing to the overall narrative arc of the video.

Whether it’s building hype with fast cuts or hitting you right in the feels with emotional moments, every edit should have a purpose. ‘Cause let’s face it—boring vids ain’t gonna cut it in this game.

Elevating Emotion Through Editing:

Emotion is the name of the game, my peeps! Hayden ain’t just slicing clips—he’s serving up straight-up feels. Drawing inspo from legends like Walter Murch, he’s all about tapping into those emotions and making you feel some type of way. ‘Cause at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you see—it’s about how you vibe.

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Mastering the Basics:

Yo, let’s keep it real—clean cuts are where it’s at. Hayden’s dropping knowledge bombs on the importance of smooth transitions and crisp edits. From J-cuts to seamless fades, mastering the basics is essential for leveling up your editing game.

Choosing the Right Tools:

When it comes to editing software, Hayden’s got the 411. Start with CapCut for that newbie-friendly vibe, then level up to Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve as you flex those editing muscles. ‘Cause let’s be real—the right tools can make all the difference in the world.

Finding Your Editing Swagger:

It’s time to find your groove, fam! Whether you’re all about that minimalist vibe or you’re bringing the creative fireworks, owning your editing style is key. So don’t be afraid to experiment, trust your instincts, and let your creativity run wild.

Navigating the Industry:

In a world flooded with wannabe editors, finding the real deal ain’t easy. Hayden’s dropping gems on using social media to connect with top-tier talent and build your editing dream team. ‘Cause let’s face it—collabs make the dream work, fam!

How to Become a Video Editor for YouTube, Conclusion:

So there you have it, squad—your ultimate guide to slaying the YouTube editing game. With passion, hustle, and a dash of creativity, you’ve got everything you need to carve out your own lane and make waves in the YouTube universe. So go ahead, fire up that editing software, and let’s make some magic happen. Your YouTube journey starts now—let’s get it!

And if you wonder where you can learn video editing for free, check out this article with free video editing courses.