Overview
If you are searching for how to become a video editor, the short answer is a strong showreel and fluency in professional editing software, built through a course, an apprenticeship or work as a runner or assistant. Video editors assemble footage into finished films, programmes, adverts, social videos and online content. The work ranges from feature films to fast-turnaround brand content. This guide covers what editors do, the official routes in the US and UK, and how careers progress.
What a Video Editor actually does
Editing is storytelling through selection: deciding what to cut, what to keep and in what order. Most of the time is spent logging and reviewing footage, building rough cuts, taking notes from directors or clients, and revising. You will manage media, fix sync problems, deal with exports and versions, and often handle basic sound, colour and graphics yourself on smaller projects. Deadlines are constant, especially in news, social and advertising work.
A typical week
- •Ingesting and organising new footage so it can be found quickly.
- •Watching rushes and marking the best takes.
- •Building or revising a cut against a script, brief or story outline.
- •Taking feedback from a director, producer or client and making changes.
- •Doing a basic sound mix, colour pass or graphics for smaller projects.
- •Exporting deliverables in the formats and versions required.
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The career path
Runner / Assistant Editor
Zero to around two yearsYou ingest, log and organise media and support the editor. The National Careers Service lists starting as a production runner or editing assistant.
Junior / Online Video Editor
Roughly one to four yearsYou cut shorter pieces such as social content, trailers or corporate videos with growing independence.
Editor
Around four to eight yearsYou cut longer or higher-profile work and are trusted with story decisions.
Senior Editor / Supervising Editor
Usually eight years or moreYou lead edits on major projects, supervise assistants and shape the final film or programme with the director.
The skills that matter
Storytelling and pacing
Knowing where a scene drags or what a moment needs is the heart of editing.
Professional editing software
The BLS says employers often train editors on their software and that beginners should be familiar with as many types as possible.
Media management
Well organised projects save hours and prevent lost footage.
Sound, colour and graphics basics
On smaller productions the editor often finishes the piece, so wider skills make you more useful.
Taking direction
Directors and clients have the final say. Editors who interpret notes well are rebooked.
Speed under deadline
News, social and advertising often need turnarounds measured in hours.
How to break in
- #1
US: the BLS says film and video editors typically need a bachelor's degree in a field such as film, broadcasting, fine and performing arts or communications, and that editors can show software proficiency through vendor certification exams.
- #2
UK university and college: the National Careers Service lists foundation degrees, HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses in film, media or creative arts, and college options such as creative media production or the T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
- #3
UK apprenticeships: places such as Production Assistant - Screen and Audio (Level 3) or Post Production Technical Operator (Level 4) with production companies.
- #4
UK work route: start as a production runner or editing assistant at a post-production company, or through entry-level schemes from the BBC, Channel 4, ITV or the BFI Film Academy. ScreenSkills offers careers information.
- #5
Cut a showreel of your best short pieces, and include at least one with a clear story.
- #6
Volunteer on student, community or charity films to build credits. The National Careers Service suggests PACT and The Knowledge for finding companies to approach.
What drives pay
Compensation varies too much by country, sector and company size for a single figure to be useful. These are the factors that actually move it.
Sector: feature film, TV, advertising, corporate and social content differ.
Staff versus freelance, and day rates versus project fees.
Seniority and credits on recognised productions.
Additional skills such as colour grading, motion graphics or sound.
Location and access to production hubs.
Where demand is heading
Video is used by broadcasters, streamers, brands, agencies, educators and creators, so editing work is broad. Automated tools now handle transcription-based rough cuts, captions and simple social edits, which reduces some entry-level tasks. Editors who bring story judgement, client handling and finishing skills remain in demand, and the volume of short-form content keeps creating work for fast, versatile editors.
Roles this transfers to
Motion Designer
Many editors already add graphics; specialising in motion design builds on that.
Producer
Editors understand how footage becomes a finished product, which helps in planning productions.
Social Media Manager
Short-form editing skills and platform knowledge are valuable for social teams.
Colourist or Sound Editor
Finishing skills learned as an editor can become a specialism.
Common mistakes
Building a long showreel instead of a short, strong one.
Learning only one software package before you know what employers use.
Disorganised projects that slow you down and frustrate collaborators.
Ignoring sound, which viewers notice more than picture flaws.
Being defensive about notes.
Working without clear agreements on revisions and deliverables when freelancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a video editor?
The BLS says US editors typically need a bachelor's degree. In the UK, the National Careers Service also lists college courses, apprenticeships and work routes starting as a runner.
How long does it take to become a video editor?
It varies. You can learn the software quickly, but building story judgement and a credible reel takes time and real projects.
What software should video editors learn?
Learn what the employers you want use. The BLS says beginners should be familiar with as many types as possible, and that most editors eventually specialise.
Can I become a freelance video editor?
Yes, many editors are freelance. Building a reel, a network and reliable delivery comes first.
How can I practise real video editing work?
Cohesyve lets you practise job simulations of the real work in creative and other roles and get a scored report showing where you lost marks. Free to start, no card.
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