The Real Cost of Hiring a YouTube Editor

"Get an editor," they said. "It’s the only way to scale, free up time for creativity, and be more strategic on YouTube."

I’ve heard this advice from so many bigger, more successful YouTubers. They claim that outsourcing editing was what set them free and helped them reach new heights. So, like many others before me, I decided to take the plunge. After all, if the pros swear by it, there must be something to it, right?

The Search for an Editor: Sticker Shock

I’d tried having an editor before on another channel. It was okay, but nothing special. Still, years had passed since then, and the idea of freeing up my time was tempting. So, I decided to give it another shot.

I started by searching for freelance editors. I browsed through different platforms—Upwork, Fiverr, and even some local options—but the costs were higher than I expected. Quotes ranged from $200 to $400 for a single long-form video. One editor reviewed my editing timeline and informed me that my five to eight-minute videos would cost at least $400 each due to their complexity. While it was reassuring to know that I was producing high-quality, complex content, the price was daunting.

This got me thinking: Was I really ready to shell out that kind of money for each video? Especially when I wasn’t even sure the editor would fully capture my style and vision?

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Unlimited Video Editing Services: The Catch

Since individual freelancers were out of my budget, I turned to video editing services. Some offered "unlimited" video edits for a flat fee. It sounded like a dream come true, especially for a content creator like me who wanted to produce more videos without breaking the bank. But, as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The problem with these "unlimited" services is that there’s no such thing as unlimited when it comes to quality work. The process was slow—painfully slow. It took weeks to get even a few videos to a satisfactory level. The back-and-forth was endless, and I quickly realized that I wasn’t just paying for edits—I was building a relationship. And like any relationship, it takes time to develop trust and understanding. But it also takes a commitment to learning - and that was feeling very one sided - at least in how that learning was being demonstrated.

Communication is Key

Speaking of communication, this is where things can make or break your experience. Some services were more organized than others. I found one that used monday.com to manage projects, which was a lifesaver. I could see exactly where my videos were in the editing process, submit feedback, and request revisions without getting lost in endless email chains. It was efficient and helped streamline the workflow.

But not all services are so organized. I had to pass on others that didn’t offer a solid project management system. If I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s that clear, efficient communication is crucial when you’re outsourcing creative work. You need to know that your editor understands your vision and can execute it without a dozen emails or calls.

Content Production Farms: A Warning Sign

One of the biggest red flags I encountered was when I noticed multiple companies offering nearly identical services, websites, and even testimonials. It became clear that these were part of a larger content production farm system, where creators are just cogs in a machine. This impersonal approach led to several issues, including language barriers and a lack of attention to detail.

For example, despite providing a detailed style sheet, the edits I received often missed the mark. Fonts, transitions, and even basic storytelling elements were inconsistent. It was clear that they weren’t taking the time to understand my content or my audience. They were churning out videos like an assembly line, and my unique voice was getting lost in the process.

The True Cost of Outsourcing

After all the revisions, miscommunications, and frustrations, I began to question the true cost of outsourcing my editing. Yes, the upfront fee was low—$500 for ten videos sounded like a steal. But the time I spent managing the process, the delays, and the stress added up quickly. It wasn’t just about money—it was about my peace of mind.

One of the most frustrating parts was the sheer amount of time wasted on revisions. I’d give detailed feedback, only to receive a revision that ignored most of my comments. I’d end up repeating myself over multiple revisions, sometimes up to seven or eight times, which was incredibly frustrating. By the time the video was finally “done,” I could have edited it myself two or three times over — and probably even done a better job.

Then there was the time lag. Living in New Zealand, I’d send revisions in the morning, but they wouldn’t be addressed until the next day due to the time difference. This 24-hour delay added up, slowing down my entire production schedule. It wasn’t just a matter of a few extra hours—it was days of waiting, which cut into my time for other projects and increased my anxiety about meeting deadlines.

The Silver Lining

One positive aspect was that the service offered a 14-day money-back guarantee, which they honored. This gave me some relief, knowing I wasn’t locked into a system that wasn’t working for me. I was able to get my money back and cut ties before things got any worse.

Through this experience, I also rediscovered my love for editing. It reminded me that, while outsourcing can be helpful, some parts of the creative process are too important to hand over to someone else—especially if you’re passionate about the work.

Editing, for me, is not just about piecing together clips; it’s about crafting a narrative, shaping the story I want to tell, and connecting with my audience on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts: Should You Hire an Editor?

If your videos follow a consistent, simple format and you need to churn out content quickly, hiring an editor might be worth it. However, if creativity and quality are your top priorities, be cautious. You might find that the cost—both financial and emotional—is higher than anticipated.

For now, I’m sticking to editing my own videos, with a renewed focus on finding a balance that works for me. If you’re considering hiring an editor, I hope my experience helps you make a more informed decision.