Outsource Video Editing: The Ultimate Guide

As video content continues to dominate online spaces, brands are seeing huge payoffs from polished, well-edited videos. But let’s face it—editing takes time, skill, and a keen eye for detail. So, is it better to keep editing in-house, or can outsourcing video editing actually bring a strong return on investment (ROI) for your brand? Spoiler alert: outsourcing can be a game-changer.

This blog dives into the perks, cost savings, and strategic advantages of outsourcing video editing and how it could be the best move for your brand’s growth.

Why Video Editing Matters (and Why It’s Hard to Master)

Creating great video content isn’t just about hitting record. From refining raw footage to adjusting colors, sound, and pacing, editing shapes the whole viewing experience. Good editing turns ideas into stories, making videos more than just visuals on a screen—they become an experience for your audience.

But high-quality editing isn’t easy to master. It demands a lot of time, specific software, and the skills to craft footage that resonates with viewers. For most brands, handling it all in-house means one of two things: hiring a full-time editor or tasking a team member with editing on top of their main responsibilities. Here’s where outsourcing steps in to lighten the load.

The Financial ROI of Outsourcing Video Editing

Let’s talk numbers. Freelancers in the U.S. generally charge the following hourly rates:

• Entry-Level Editors: $20–$45 per hour
• Mid-Level Editors: $45–$70 per hour
• Experienced Editors: $70–$100+ per hour

For brands with ongoing content needs, these rates can add up quickly. An experienced editor working full-time (about 160 hours per month) at an average rate of $75 per hour could cost $12,000 per month. Even a part-time freelancer could cost between $2,500 to $4,800 monthly. Outsourcing through a dedicated service like Growth Spurt allows brands to avoid these high hourly rates while still accessing expert-level editing at a more predictable and affordable cost.

By outsourcing, brands save on several other costs that would otherwise add up fast:

1. No Equipment or Software Costs: Editing requires powerful computers, software subscriptions, and other gear. Outsourcing allows brands to skip these expenses entirely, as editing services handle the equipment.
2. Scalability Without Commitment: Outsourcing lets you pay only for what you need—whether it’s one-off projects, monthly support, or high-volume editing. This flexibility means you can adjust spending based on current needs without committing to a long-term hire.
3. Expert Skills Without Training: Outsourcing connects brands with seasoned professionals who know the latest trends and techniques. You don’t need to worry about training; experienced editors are ready to deliver results right away.

Boosting Productivity and Focus

One of the biggest, yet often overlooked, benefits of outsourcing is the impact on productivity. When brands outsource video editing, teams have more time to focus on other growth-driving activities—like content strategy, product development, and marketing.

1. Faster Turnaround Times: Professional editors work within structured workflows, meaning videos are typically completed faster than if an in-house team handled them. Quick turnaround times allow brands to keep up with fast-paced content trends.
2. Less Time Wasted on Software Learning Curves: Editing software is powerful but can be complex and time-consuming to learn. Outsourcing means brands avoid those long learning curves and dive straight into producing high-quality content.
3. Creative Freedom Without the Tedious Work: Outsourcing lets brands focus on the creative side, like content ideas and storytelling, while leaving the technical and time-consuming aspects to the pros. This division allows more room for creativity without the burnout of endless editing.

Quality and Consistency Across All Video Content

Quality and consistency are crucial for brand trust. With an outsourced editing team, brands benefit from:

1. Professional-Grade Edits: Seasoned editors bring experience, creativity, and technical expertise, ensuring that each video aligns with industry standards and brand expectations.
2. Consistent Style Across Multiple Platforms: For brands with a strong visual identity, maintaining a consistent editing style can be challenging, especially with limited resources. Outsourcing enables brands to establish a look and feel that stays consistent across platforms.
3. Access to Advanced Editing Techniques: Beyond basic cuts and transitions, outsourced editors can add animations, sound mixing, color grading, and special effects that elevate content from simple to standout.

Flexibility and Scalability: Grow Your Content at Your Own Pace

Every brand’s needs change over time, especially when it comes to video. Outsourcing provides flexibility to scale video production up or down as needed.

1. On-Demand Editing for Seasonal Campaigns: Brands running seasonal or product launch campaigns can outsource additional video content without straining in-house resources or hiring temporary staff.
2. Expand Without the Growing Pains: As a brand grows, so does the demand for content. An outsourced editing team is already set up to handle increased volume without the stress of training or adjusting workflows.
3. Creative Freedom to Test New Formats: Want to experiment with TikToks, YouTube shorts, or long-form videos? Outsourcing lets brands test different content styles without a heavy investment in new resources.

Why Freelancers Are More Expensive—and How Growth Spurt Offers a Cost-Effective Solution

Freelance editors often charge higher rates for several reasons. When hiring freelancers, brands are not only paying for editing expertise but also covering various indirect costs that freelancers need to manage. Here’s a closer look at what contributes to these extra expenses—and why Growth Spurt’s streamlined model eliminates these costs, making it a more budget-friendly option without compromising quality.

Where the Extra Costs Lie with Freelancers:

1. Operational Overheads: Freelancers are essentially running a small business. They’re responsible for their own equipment (like high-powered computers and editing software subscriptions) as well as any necessary upgrades. These overhead costs get factored into their hourly rates, often leading to higher fees for clients.
2. Time-Based Pricing and Revision Fees: Freelancers typically charge by the hour or by the project, which includes the time needed for revisions and adjustments. This often means brands pay more as projects evolve, especially if multiple rounds of revisions are required. Each revision or request can add up, making the final cost unpredictable.
3. Marketing and Administrative Costs: Freelancers handle all aspects of their business, from finding clients to handling invoicing and administrative tasks. These “hidden” costs often get folded into their rates, meaning clients are indirectly covering the time and effort that goes into freelancers’ business operations.

How Growth Spurt Eliminates These Extra Costs:

Growth Spurt’s dedicated in-house editing model is designed to provide high-quality editing without the extra overhead associated with freelancers. Here’s how it works:

• Centralized Resources: Growth Spurt operates with a fully equipped editing team, complete with professional workstations, up-to-date software, and all necessary equipment. By managing these resources internally, Growth Spurt removes the need for clients to pay for individual freelancers’ operational costs, making services more affordable.
• Flat Monthly Rates Without Revision Fees: Growth Spurt’s editing packages—Part-Time ($1,400/month), Half-Time ($2,400/month), and Full-Time ($4,480/month)—include unlimited requests and revisions. This flat-rate pricing gives brands complete cost transparency, allowing them to budget without worrying about unexpected charges for additional edits or revisions.
• Efficient Workflow and Dedicated Editors: With Growth Spurt, brands are paired with an assigned editor who learns their unique style and preferences, ensuring a smooth workflow and fewer rounds of revisions. This consistency minimizes back-and-forth and eliminates the indirect costs of time spent re-aligning on brand style—making the editing process faster and more efficient.

Growth Spurt’s approach provides the same level of expertise as high-quality freelancers, but with a more streamlined process and a pricing model that reduces unnecessary costs. This makes it possible for brands to get top-tier, brand-aligned video editing at a predictable monthly rate, making Growth Spurt a more budget-friendly choice for brands looking to scale their content without sacrificing quality.

Ready to See the ROI of Outsourced Video Editing?

If keeping up with video editing has been a struggle, or if the idea of turning raw footage into polished content feels overwhelming, outsourcing might be the perfect solution. With a streamlined process, access to skilled editors, and flexible packages, Growth Spurt offers video editing options designed to keep your brand consistent and engaging.

Learn more about how Growth Spurt’s packages can take your video content to the next level. Book a consultation and see how outsourced editing can deliver big results for your brand.