Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Video Editor
What video editors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a video editor?
Ingest footage and organize bins. From there, the day usually includes organize and log footage, select shots and assemble cuts, and edit for story, pacing and rhythm. Hours can be long near deadlines; freelance work varies.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a video editor working full time.
- Ingest footage and organize bins.
- Build an assembly cut of an interview.
- Refine pacing and select B-roll.
- Review the cut with the director.
- Add music and sound effects.
- Color correct and export a review copy.
- Back up the project.
Where video editors work
Editors work in edit suites, studios and from home, at computers for long periods.
Hours and schedule
Hours can be long near deadlines; freelance work varies.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Organize and log footage
- Select shots and assemble cuts
- Edit for story, pacing and rhythm
- Add music, sound effects and graphics
- Color correct and finish
- Collaborate with directors and producers
- Export and deliver final files
Tools you’ll use every day
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Avid Media Composer
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
- After Effects
- Storage drives and servers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative storytelling
- Remote and freelance options
- Growing online video demand
- Work on exciting projects
What’s hard
- Long hours near deadlines
- Sitting for long periods
- Competitive entry
- Frequent revisions
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love film and video
- I’m patient with detail
- I enjoy storytelling
- I like working with software
- I can handle deadlines
- I want creative work
Not sure? Take the free Video Editor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ergonomic setups and take breaks
- Back up projects
- Respect music and footage licensing
- Protect client confidentiality