Twenty years ago, aspiring video editors typically worked in a post-production house or for a broadcasting firm. Editors worked in a team with high-end equipment on-site that was usually out of the reach of the aspiring editor (see how much DaVinci Resolve used to cost). If you wanted such a career, there was a formal, established pipeline to follow.
However, the internet era dramatically reshaped the landscape. By the early 2010s, consumer-friendly software like Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut had propelled the rise of self-shooting producers and editors. It signaled the beginning of a more democratized industry that was pigeonholed by lower-budget media, freelance work, and self-financed projects.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the editing world looks completely different. With high-speed internet, cloud-based platforms, and collaborative tools, remote video editing jobs for professional clients are both possible and highly practical. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials for how to have an efficient workflow for remote editing, where to find remote editing jobs, and essential skills for success.
Is video editing a high-demand job?
Over the last fifteen years, video has become king. YouTube boasts over five hundred hours of footage uploaded every minute and has seen rampant success. Even Instagram, initially intended for sharing still photos, has become more video-focused in the last few years. TikTok, a platform driven almost entirely by short-form video content, has over one billion monthly users.
This shift has led to a significant increase in demand for video content and, consequently, video editing jobs. Even content creators who started by creating their videos are always looking for help with editing content. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 29% growth for video editor jobs from 2020 to 2030! High demand, indeed.
What does a freelance video editor do?
Traditionally, a video editor’s duties involved assembling a rough cut of the project to ensure it was heading in the right direction, with larger projects often requiring daily edits (called dailies). Editors were also responsible for syncing the audio and adding additional sound. Afterward, they would fine-tune the edit and prepare it for broadcast. Aspects like motion graphics, sound effects, and color grading were handled by entirely different specialists.
However, in 2024, a video editor’s role encompasses various specialties, whether you’re editing social media content or short films. Now, freelance editors are expected to handle the entire post-production process—from the offline edit to motion graphics and correctly mixed audio. Most modern cinema cameras, even budget-friendly models, shoot in a LOG profile, so many also expect editors to be proficient in color grading.
This shift has redefined the role, requiring editors to wear many hats and continuously update their skill sets to meet evolving client expectations. As a freelance video editor, I’m currently learning Blender, as I increasingly see on job listings that 3D animation is wanted alongside the edit.
How does this differ from an in-house editor?
A freelance editor often works on various projects, from music videos to corporate interviews. It’s also common for freelance editors to search for their next gig while still working on the current one; in fact, it’s recommended.
Freelance editors tend to be more hands-on with communication. From the initial client interaction to rate discussions and even requesting a review, the freelance editor is involved throughout the entire process. In contrast, an in-house editor typically focuses solely on the edit without handling aspects like budget or project scope.
Depending on the client and project, a freelancer may also have more creative input, especially if the client reaches out to the freelancer directly. In contrast, in-house editors often work within the constraints of company branding and style guides to ensure projects align with the company’s image.
Freelancers may take on multiple roles, such as color grading, sound design, or visual effects. An in-house editor typically has a fixed set of responsibilities—often limited to editing, but that can vary based on the team and company size.
Regarding payment, a freelance editor can and should negotiate additional compensation if the project exceeds the agreed-upon scope. Conversely, an in-house editor would be salaried and paid the same regardless of the project’s duration.
Essential Skills for Remote Video Editing
Technical prowess
While strong editing skills are essential for remote video editing jobs, the real focus is being a technical problem solver. Knowing how to troubleshoot issues on your own will come in handy on a regular basis, especially working remotely.
Imagine receiving 500 gigabytes of footage only to find that it was shot in a codec no longer supported by your system. It’s your responsibility to find a solution—installing the necessary codec or using an older transcoder to convert it.
Depending on the company’s size, it’s not uncommon to have more than one editor on-site. If you’re working remotely but collaborating as a team, and you’re using different software—for example, if you’re working in DaVinci Resolve and the other editor is using Premiere Pro—you’ll need to know how to export an XML file to ensure the timeline structure is preserved.
Outside of being able to edit a project proficiently, you should be able to handle:
- Technical problem-solving
- Codec management
- Audio troubleshooting
- Multi-software compatibility
- XML file export
- Transcoding skills
- Proxy file creation
- Resolution and aspect ratio management
- Media organization and workflow optimization
- Video compression and exporting
- Syncing video and audio
- Metadata management
- Multi-camera syncing and editing
- HDR and SDR conversion
These often-overlooked technical skills are crucial for any editor.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical expertise and business acumen, one of the most essential skills to refine is time management. When managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, it’s important to prioritize tasks and create a system to stay organized.
For instance, you could transcode one footage set while simultaneously downloading another batch rather than handling one task after another. Effective time management can significantly contribute to success.
One common challenge for remote workers is maintaining self-motivation and discipline. As many discovered in 2020, working from home isn’t always ideal. It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus.
A strategy I like to use as a remote video editor is having two separate office chairs at my computer desk (since my editing rig is also my main PC). One chair is for editing, and the other is for casual PC use. This allows me to associate the editing chair with productivity. Small solutions like this can make a big difference.
Finally, communication skills are equally vital, especially in a remote environment. Unless you’ve been an editor for a large firm, you might think content editing is an introverted career choice. But clear, frequent and concise communication with your team, client, or stakeholders is essential to ensure your projects run smoothly and avoid setbacks.
If communication isn’t your strong suit, I recommend reading the book How to Talk to Anyone About Anything.
Are formal qualifications necessary?
Gone are the days when you needed a formal education to land an internship at a post-production facility and slowly climb the editing ranks. Now, teenagers using the accessible version of DaVinci Resolve can create content that attracts millions of views.
While the previous example is vastly different from that of a professional, the accessibility of editing software has made video creation much more accessible and widespread. As a result, formal education in video editing has become less crucial than it once was.
Today, the most essential tool in your arsenal is a strong portfolio. When work opportunities start coming your way, clients and prospective employers will want to see examples of your previous projects.
How to set up your home studio for remote editing
While having the necessary skills is necessary, receiving professional workloads for video editing is quite different from shooting and editing your content. Therefore, you must be prepped with everything in your home studio. Before we even dive into hardware recommendations and potential software options, let’s talk about the most important thing: internet speed.
Fast internet
Having a fast internet connection is crucial and non-negotiable for a remote video editor. Speeds of 25 to 50 megabytes per second just won’t cut it. You need at least 500 megabytes, ideally up to 1 gigabyte per second, to handle the large files you’ll download. This is especially true if you’re working with dailies. As a side note, make sure you’re using an ethernet cable and not wifi for the fastest connection.
For some companies, the media is often stored on a central server, while the editing computers are located on-site. Your home setup functions as an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, connecting via remote desktop apps like Parsec or Jump. This allows you to edit remotely without needing to download or transfer files. With a fast internet connection, you can edit seamlessly without noticeable latency.
Storage space
Depending on the size of a project and the media, you need at least a few TB of storage space. If the project is upward of 30 minutes, a 40TB RAID system, for example, can help you manage large amounts of footage.
One aspect often overlooked that should be specified in client contracts if you’re a freelancer is who will keep the footage once the edit is complete. Given your storage limitations, keeping RAW footage for a prolonged time can cause issues.
In my contacts, I stipulate that I will hold onto the raw footage for up to 3 months after the project’s completion. This gives me leeway if the client wants an additional edit from the footage they sent over.
Calibrated monitors
Now, let’s discuss hardware. Unfortunately, an ordinary monitor won’t cut it. This could be one of your most essential investments. You’ll need a calibrated professional monitor to guarantee the color accuracy of your video footage.
Members of the Blackmagic forums recommend these monitors: EIZO ColorEdge CG319X, BenQ SW321C, Dell UltraSharp UP 3221Q, Asus ProArt PA32UCX, or the LG UltraFine OLED Pro 32EP950-B.
Having a calibrated monitor in any ordinary environment won’t be enough. You’ll need to optimize your workspace to prevent ambient light, wall colors, and other factors from affecting the on-screen colors. While this is typically geared toward colorists, you should take the same precautions.
The video below offers an excellent example of how to set up a space for video editing and color grading.
GPU and CPU
When it comes to your computer, while most modern PCs are powerful right out of the box, the data and resolution from even mid-range cinema cameras can put a strain on your system—mainly your GPU. You’ll need to ensure your GPU, CPU, and RAM can handle the variety of video clips you’ll be working with.
The market for GPUs and CPUs is endless, as is the information on the best options. However, those listed below are well-suited for editing 4-6k footage with minimal to no need for proxy rendering.
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 (VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X)
2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 (VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X)
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX A5000 (VRAM: 24GB GDDR6 ECC)
4. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (VRAM: 24GB GDDR6)
5. Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000 (VRAM: 24GB GDDR6 ECC)
For the CPUs, these five recommended steps can get you going.
1. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (16 Cores / 32 Threads)
2. Intel Core i9-13900K (24 Cores / 32 Threads)
3. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (12 Cores / 24 Threads)
4. Intel Core i7-13700K (16 Cores / 24 Threads)
5. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (12 Cores / 24 Threads)
The amount of RAM required depends on the type of work you’re doing. For tasks like motion graphics, especially when using software like After Effects, it’s ideal to have as much RAM as possible. I currently have 128 GB, and even then, I need much more.
Audio
Like ensuring your environment is suitable for color-accurate video work, it’s equally important to treat the room acoustically to minimize ambient reverb. This will help ensure the sound you’re hearing is accurate. The video below outlines how to achieve this.
Software requirements and tools
First, let’s briefly review a few video editing applications. Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are the four primary tools. Each application excels in different areas—some offer extensive third-party support, while others are tailored for professional workflows. Let’s take a look at the core principles of each software:
Final Cut Pro
- One-time purchase with no subscription fees.
- User-friendly interface aimed at beginners and semi-professionals.
- Limited third-party support compared to competitors.
- Best suited for solo projects or smaller editing workflows.
- Long passed its heyday, as it’s lacking many of the features you can find in other NLEs.
Avid Media Composer
- Industry standard for film and TV production.
- Deep customization options for professionals.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Subscription-based model.
Adobe Premiere Pro
- Popular with both professionals and content creators.
- Network integration with other Adobe applications.
- A vast library of online tutorials and educational content.
- Vast history of support issues online.
- Supports a wide range of third-party plugins.
- Subscription-based model, which becomes pricey when combined with other tools from Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
DaVinci Resolve
- Straightforward and friendly interface.
- Free version available, suitable for beginners.
- The studio version offers advanced features at a one-time cost.
- Known for its powerful color grading tools.
- Highly reliable compared to competitors.
- Several software packages in one.
- Not as much external support, but has plugins available.
Collaborative software for remote video editing
As an in-house editor, whether working for a media company or a company with a media division, it’s not uncommon for directors, producers, and other stakeholders to attend editing sessions. They offer feedback and ensure that the production has fulfilled the goals set out in pre-production.
However, as a remote video editor, this isn’t possible—at least not in the traditional sense. Fortunately, platforms like Frame.io, a cloud-based service, allow editors to upload video content and receive real-time feedback from stakeholders.
Similarly, Louper.io can live stream 4K, frame-accurate video, enabling clients to sit in on the edit, provide commentary, and offer frame-by-frame feedback. With video chat built into the browser, you can make creative decisions and edits on the fly, watching the edit live in real-time. This can be a great way to strengthen your relationships with your team in a remote environment.
These tools streamline the editing process, allowing for real-time collaboration in remote environments without the back-and-forth of uploading daily files.
How to find remote video editing jobs and gigs
Finding work as a remote video editor involves two key factors: discoverability and searchability. There are two types of clients: those who actively search for a video editor and those who post job listings for editors to apply to.
The first type of client is usually preferable for freelancers because they’re often in a pinch and need the work done quickly, giving you a stronger bargaining position. The second type requires you to compete against other editors, making it more challenging to land the job, but will typically be better for those looking for full or part-time work.
To improve your discoverability, you’ll need to focus on a few things, starting with your online presence. Having a website showcasing your portfolio’s scenes and elements is a great start. Another way to boost discoverability is through content marketing, such as creating a YouTube channel.
An old Premiere Pro tutorial I made in 2013 kicked off a lot of my career. That one video set me on a path to editing and video work; without it, I’m not sure I’d be in the position I am today.
The second factor is searchability. Besides making yourself discoverable, you have to seek out job opportunities actively. You can’t assume that gigs will come to you. This means heading to platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, FlexJobs, and UpWork, scouring social media, and exploring dedicated job boards. These platforms are essential for finding remote editing gigs—but be prepared to sift through numerous listings to find the ones that best match your skills and interests.
If you’re searching specifically for remote, full-time positions, it can help to be more targeted. Joining local or regional organizations for people in the industry can be a great way to connect with other editors and network. For example, as I’m based in Wales, I follow Screen Alliance Wales. They frequently post new vacancies from local Welsh media companies to blockbuster studios seeking fresh talent.
Building a niche network in your area or industry can significantly enhance your chances of landing a job that aligns with your career goals.
Conclusion
In today’s video-first landscape, your success hinges on both technical and business skills while staying adaptable to industry changes. However, video editors can thrive in the high-demand, remote work environment with the right tools, expertise, and portfolio. Creating a dedicated workspace, having a set routine, and establishing work-life balance will be key to avoiding burnout.
For remote video editors, having a resource like Storyblocks can be an invaluable tool for quickly and easily being able to find stock assets for projects. From 4K and HD footage to royalty free music, sound effects, and more, you’ll have unlimited downloads of over 2 million assets. Explore our plan options and sign up to start downloading instantly.
