Video Editors can create content for many different purposes, and their skills are in-demand in a wide range of different industries including film and television, marketing, social media, and education. This career is also expected to experience strong growth over the next ten years.
Video Editing is an In-Demand Skill
Video content has become so popular that it is almost impossible to use any type of media without encountering it. Video engages and entertains, and many people now prefer getting their content in the form of video, rather than by reading it. The ongoing demand for new video content means that video editing is an in-demand skill. A recent LinkedIn article identifies 15 jobs that are in-demand and “on the rise.” Digital content creation, which includes video editing, is ranked at number nine.
Since the demand for video content does not seem to be slowing, this profession has a good future outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) between 2021 and 2031, video and film editing jobs in the United States will grow by 12 percent. The average employment growth rate is only 5 percent, so this is much faster than average. The BLS explains, “The number of online-only platforms such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth may lead to more work for film and video editors and camera operators.” In addition, it says, “More film and video editors are expected to be needed because of an increase in special effects and overall available content.”
The BLS reports that California, New York, Texas, Florida, and New York have the highest levels of employment for Film and Video Editors. Of those states, California employs far more people than any other state; more than 10,000 in total. California and New York are also top-paying states.
Editing is a Versatile Skill
Unlike some skills, which are used in very specific types of jobs, video editing is used in many different industries, so Video Editors have a wide range of different job options. Some video editors work in the film and television industry, editing movies, television shows, short films, and documentaries. This industry is the largest employer of Video Editors in the United States. Many of these jobs are based in Los Angeles, which is home to some of the biggest and most influential film and television companies in the world.
Other Video Editors craft content for websites and social media platforms, where video has become very common. In a recent LinkedIn article, the author reports that social media with video generates 1200 percent more shares than text and image content combined, and that adding video can increase conversions by more than 80 percent.
Some Video Editors work on educational content such as explainer videos, tutorials, or training videos. There is widespread evidence that students can learn better when video content is used in the classroom. For instance, in a recent study, researchers found that when video content was incorporated into the lesson, students got better grades. As a result of evidence such as this, video has become a popular teaching tool in recent years.
Another place where Video Editors commonly work is in the marketing industry, editing content that is used to sell various products and services. Surveys show that the majority of businesses now use video content as a marketing tool.
Video Content is Effective
One reason for the popularity of video is that research shows that video content is a very effective way to influence viewers. Video can get the attention of an audience, help them understand the information that is presented, and also encourage them to feel a certain way. It is thus a valuable tool for anyone trying to communicate with an audience.
In a recent Forbes article, the author explains that not only is video content an effective way to communicate, but audiences are changing to the point where they don’t respond to other types of content such as written content. The author says, “Skills in micro-learning, video production/editing and using pictures to tell stories are skills needed today. This is an age where people are learning and shifting fast. Younger generations are accustomed to video games and video-based instruction (think TikTok/YouTube), and attention spans are condensed.”
Video Can Be a Powerful Teaching Tool
Video is also a powerful teaching tool. Researchers have found that about two-thirds of people are visual learners, meaning that they learn more effectively by seeing information–such as in the form of a video–rather than reading it. However, even for those who are not primarily visual learners, video can be a highly effective teaching aid. Videos engage multiple different senses at once; viewers see images, read text, and hear sounds and audio enhancements. Researchers have found that people tend to process information faster when they receive it in this type of multi-sensory format.
Video content can also be beneficial to students because it can allow more control over the learning process. With a video, students can pause content, and they can rewatch it as many times as they want. This level of control means that each student can learn at their own pace.
Editing Jobs Allow Flexibility and Independence
Many video editors say they like this job because it provides flexibility and independence. Some people like to be employed by a specific company, and there are plenty of opportunities for that in the world of video editing. For instance, Video Editors work for marketing firms, film producers, and educational companies, to name just a few. However, some people prefer to work as freelancers, and there are many opportunities for that in video editing too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 36 percent of Film and Video Editors are self-employed.
Freelancers often have a lot of flexibility and freedom when it comes to their schedules. For instance, they can choose which jobs to accept, and they can set their own work hours. Freelancers also have the ability to work from any location that they choose, often from home. In a recent survey of more than 6,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that freelancers reported greater job satisfaction and a better work and life balance than non-freelancers, and almost half said they would not want to take a traditional job instead, even if they were paid more.
Editing Video Can Be Creative and Challenging
Many Video Editors enjoy what they do because it involves creativity and challenge. Video editing can thus be a good skill to learn for people who like to be creative. Further, every editing project is different, meaning that Video Editors rarely get bored with their work because they are constantly innovating and using their creative skills in different ways.
There is evidence that being creative is not just fun and challenging, but that it can make people healthier and happier. In a 2021 study, researchers investigated the connection between creativity and well-being by observing undergraduate students. They conclude that creativity can increase well-being, stating, “Individuals can improve their subjective well-being by fostering and strengthening their creativity.”
Video Editors Can Create Their Own Online Content
In recent years, an increasingly popular reason that many students cite for wanting to learn video editing is so that they can make their own creative video content. Websites and social media sites like YouTube and TikTok are wildly popular, and members who can accumulate a large following can make a lot of money posting videos on these sites. For instance, according to Forbes, in 2021, MrBeast–the highest-paid YouTuber–earned $54 million.
Video editing classes typically cover techniques like adding music, visual effects, and motion graphics. By learning techniques such as these Video Editors are able to make videos that are more appealing to their audiences and thus generate more likes and views.
Editing Skills Can Improve a Resume
Anyone working in a creative field that involves video can benefit from some editing knowledge, even if they are not actually doing the editing themselves. For example, people who work in the film and television industry can better collaborate with others if they understand something about the editing process. Because video editing knowledge can be helpful in a variety of situations, even people who don’t necessarily want to focus on video editing often learn this skill to bolster their resumes.
Is it Difficult to Learn Video Editing?
Every student has a different experience when it comes to learning video editing. The degree of difficulty varies depending on how much experience a student already has, how dedicated they are to learning this skill, and how they choose to learn. Most students have an easier time when they enroll in a formal video editing class, where they can receive training from an expert. Experts have extensive experience, and they can help speed up the learning process by sharing tips, tricks, and pitfalls to avoid; things that often take years to learn alone.
Video editing classes come in many different forms. Some classes can be completed in a matter of days. For instance, there are many introductory video editing classes that only take two or three days. However, these classes are usually not enough for someone who wants to master this skill. Bootcamps and certificate programs can be a better choice for those who want an in-depth video editing education. These types of classes take longer to complete, and are more comprehensive; bootcamps can typically be completed in a matter of weeks, while certificate programs usually take months to finish.
Another important part of learning video editing is practice. Most professional video editors say that in addition to taking classes, they spent hours practicing their editing skills. In a recent post about learning creative skills such as video editing, Adobe–the creator of the popular Premiere Pro editing program–stresses that even people who don’t feel like they are good at doing creative things like editing can learn these skills through practice. It says, “You shouldn’t feel you’re out of luck if you’re not used to flexing your creativity skills. Creativity and visual communication apply to almost any job and can be learned by anyone…Creativity is a muscle you can strengthen and train.”
Overall, depending on the experience, skill, and persistence of the student, learning video editing can take anywhere from a matter of weeks, to a number of years. However, while the time required to learn this skill may vary, with both education and practice, almost any student can ultimately master video editing.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Video Editing?
For beginning editors, one of the biggest challenges can be feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content there is to learn and how long it will take to learn it. This is common with learning anything new, and one way to deal with it is to learn good time management skills. By learning time management, students can do a better job of juggling the time requirements of classes, work, friends and family, and anything else in their lives. Time management can be particularly important in a creative job like video editing, where editors often report that they get caught up in the creative process and lose track of time. Effective time management skills will not only help students during the learning process, but will be a valuable asset throughout the rest of their careers.
Another common challenge that video editing students face is being able to feel confident in their editing skills. With so much professional-looking content out there, it can be easy for beginning editors to feel intimidated and unsure about whether or not their own work is good enough. One of the best ways to address this challenge is simply by starting small, and working up from there. Beginning editors can work on mastering one skill at a time, and then moving on to something more difficult. They should also remember not to be discouraged by mistakes, because mistakes are often part of the learning process, and through them, editors ultimately become stronger.
Skills Related to Video Editing
For people who want to work in video editing, it can often be beneficial to learn related skills. Knowing about things like motion graphics, animation, and graphic design can make a Video Editor more well-rounded and versatile, and give them a bigger toolkit to draw upon when working on editing projects.
Motion Graphics
Video Editors often work with motion graphics, so it can be helpful for them to understand something about this field. Motion graphics is about taking static design elements such as pictures or text, and turning them into motion graphics by adding movement. Motion graphics are distinct from animation, which is a term that covers all types of moving images, from cartoons to clay animation. In addition, motion graphics are usually less focused on storytelling than other types of animation; instead they are often used to communicate a specific message to the audience. As with video editing, working with motion graphics usually involves using one or more software programs. For example, many Motion Graphics Designers work with Adobe After Effects.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is the process of combining visual elements in a specific way to communicate particular messages and ideas to an audience. Graphic Designers learn about the principles of design, which is where every design choice has a specific effect on the audience. For instance, color or contrast can be used to evoke a certain mood. Graphic Designers learn how to use the principles of design to produce intentional designs that affect the audience in a specific way.
Animation
Video Editors often work with animated content, so it can be helpful for them to understand something about the principles of animation. For instance, Animators use lighting, color, and contrast to create a scene. They also learn about how physics affects the movements of animated objects and characters. Understanding these things helps Animators create more believable animations, and it can also help Video Editors work in a way that results in a better final product.
Soft Skills
To be successful in a job, soft skills like communication and teamwork are important, and Video Editing is no exception. Video Editors need to know how to interact with employers or clients, and typically need to be able to work as part of a team, and learning soft skills can help them be more successful with these parts of the job. For instance, a Video Editor might need to communicate with a film director to understand their vision for a specific project.
Choosing a Video Editing Class
For students trying to pick a video editing class, the first step is to think about what kind of education they want, and how much time and money they have to invest in that education. When it comes to learning video editing, there are many different class formats and depths of training. These different classes vary in how much personal interaction is included, the level of flexibility they provide, tuition costs, and time commitments.
When it comes to format, students will find in-person, live online, and on-demand video editing classes. Many students find in-person classes to be the most engaging, however, this format offers the least flexibility because students must attend at a specific time and place. Live online classes have become increasingly popular in recent years because they still include real-time interaction, but allow students to attend from anywhere with an internet connection. Finally, on-demand courses are the most flexible since they allow students to work through the material at their own pace, however, they do not include live instruction.
Students will also find that they can choose from a variety of different program depths, ranging from shorter introductory courses, to longer, more comprehensive bootcamps or certificate programs. Shorter classes are generally cheaper and quicker to complete, but they do not cover as much information as the longer courses.
After narrowing down their options, students can start looking more closely at the schools and classes that fit their needs. A great way to get a better understanding of the different class options is to read course descriptions and syllabi. Students can also look at school websites to find general information. Another way to get more information about a particular class or school is to read student reviews; almost every video editing school has been reviewed online.