YouTube Video Editor & Producer

YouTube Video Editor & Producer — Multi-Show / Podcast Production Summary I am building a growing YouTube media platform that will feature multiple original shows, podcasts, documentary-style programs, and narrative series. One of the primary shows currently in development is a long-form series. I am looking for a skilled, creative, and dependable video editor/producer who can help turn scripts, narration, raw footage, images, archival materials, stock footage, sound effects, music, and other assets into polished, engaging YouTube episodes. This is not limited to one show or one type of content. The person selected may eventually work across several YouTube shows and podcast formats, so I am looking for someone interested in building an ongoing working relationship rather than completing only a single video. The ideal candidate understands that successful YouTube production is not simply about assembling clips. You should understand storytelling, audience retention, pacing, visual engagement, sound design, YouTube monetization requirements, and how editing choices affect whether viewers continue watching. Scope of Work Depending on the individual project, I may provide: - A completed script - Narration or voice-over - Raw video footage - Archival footage - Images - AI-generated visual assets - Stock footage - Music - Sound effects - Research materials - Brand guidelines - Reference videos showing the desired production style In some cases, I may also need assistance with script development or script writing, so strong writing or storytelling skills are a plus. Your responsibility will be to take the provided materials and build a complete, professional episode that feels cohesive, cinematic, engaging, and appropriate for YouTube. The goal is not to place images behind narration. Each video should feel intentionally produced, with visuals, pacing, sound, graphics, and editing choices that support the story being told. Editing Responsibilities The video editor/producer may be responsible for: - Full video editing and assembly - Selecting and arranging B-roll - Incorporating stock footage and archival footage - Adding movement to still imagery when appropriate - Creating visual variety throughout long-form episodes - Matching visuals carefully to narration - Improving pacing and audience retention - Color correction and color grading - Audio cleanup and audio sweetening - Mixing narration, music, ambience, and sound effects - Adding specific Foley and environmental sound effects where appropriate - Creating lower thirds, titles, captions, maps, timelines, callouts, and other graphic elements - Creating simple motion graphics and animations - Adding transitions that support the storytelling without becoming distracting - Building opening and closing sequences - Maintaining consistent branding within each show - Preparing final videos for YouTube upload - Organizing project files so future revisions can be made easily YouTube Experience Is Important Applicants should have a strong understanding of YouTube production and preferably experience editing long-form YouTube content. You should understand concepts such as: - Audience retention - Hooks and opening sequences - Visual pattern changes - Story pacing - Watch time - YouTube monetization - Reused and repetitive-content concerns - Copyright and licensing - Advertiser-friendly content - Proper use of stock footage, archival footage, music, and sound effects - Creating original, transformative video content rather than simple image slideshows Knowledge of YouTube thumbnails, titles, packaging, and channel growth is also a plus. Content Styles Projects may include several different production styles, including: - Documentary-style videos - Mystery and unexplained-event programs - History and historical investigations - Science and technology explainers - Curiosity-driven storytelling - Narrative storytelling - Podcasts - Video podcasts - Interview programs - Commentary programs - Educational or informational shows - Cinematic storytelling - Faceless YouTube productions Because different shows will have different visual identities, the editor should be able to adapt rather than applying the exact same template to every project. For example, one show may use cinematic B-roll, archival imagery, maps, diagrams, atmospheric music, subtle motion graphics, historical photographs, documents, and visual recreations to help tell the story. Other programs may use a very different production style. Editing Software Experience with one or more of the following is preferred: - Adobe Premiere Pro - DaVinci Resolve - Final Cut Pro - Adobe After Effects - Adobe Audition - Comparable professional editing software DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro are all acceptable as long as the final production quality meets expectations. Audio and Sound Design Audio quality is extremely important. Projects may include narration, dialogue, background music, ambience, and specific sound effects. The editor should know how to balance these elements so that narration remains clear while music and sound design enhance the story without overwhelming it. Examples may include: - Environmental ambience - Footsteps - Doors - Wind - Rain - Room tone - Crowd ambience - Mechanical sounds - Historical atmosphere - Suspense textures - Cinematic sound design - Other specific Foley appropriate to the scene Final audio should be clean, balanced, and suitable for YouTube. Editor will need to use Youtube music so there are no issues with content and attribution. Deliverables Deliverables for each project may include: - One fully edited YouTube video - 1080p minimum resolution, with 4K when appropriate - Correct YouTube aspect ratio - Properly mixed and mastered narration/audio - Integrated B-roll, archival footage, images, graphics, and other visual assets - Licensed stock footage and assets where required - Titles, lower thirds, graphics, and motion elements - Opening and closing graphics consistent with the individual show's branding - Final upload-ready video file - Organized project files - Source files for graphics or animations created for the project - Documentation or links for third-party licensed assets when applicable Video length will vary by show and episode and will be discussed before work begins. Projects may include shorter videos as well as 20-, 30-, 45-, or 60-minute long-form productions. Revisions Each completed video includes up to two editing/revision sessions at no additional charge. These revision rounds are intended for reasonable adjustments to items such as: - Timing - Clip selection - Audio levels - Graphics - Transitions - Minor visual changes - Pacing - Corrections - Other normal editing revisions Any substantial change in scope, complete restructuring of an approved video, or additional revision rounds beyond the two included sessions will require approval before additional work is completed. Compensation Rate: $15 per hour Hours should be tracked accurately. Before beginning each major project, we will discuss: - Expected video length - Scope of work - Assets being provided - Estimated production hours - Timeline - Required deliverables Efficiency is important, but quality is equally important. I am looking for someone who can develop an efficient workflow as we begin producing episodes on a recurring basis. Copyright, Licensing, and Intellectual Property All third-party footage, photographs, music, sound effects, graphics, and other media used in the videos must be properly licensed, royalty-free, public domain, owned by me, or otherwise legally permitted for commercial YouTube use. The editor should never download copyrighted footage, music, or other materials simply because they are available online. Any outside assets obtained by the editor should have clear licensing appropriate for commercial and monetized YouTube use. All scripts, edited videos, custom graphics, animations, project files, branding elements, and other original work created specifically for these projects will become the property of the client upon payment. The selected freelancer will be required to sign an Intellectual Property / Work-for-Hire Agreement. Confidentiality may also be required for unreleased shows, scripts, channel strategies, and production materials. Ideal Candidate I am especially interested in someone who: - Understands YouTube storytelling - Has experience editing long-form content - Understands pacing and audience retention - Can create cinematic visual sequences - Has strong attention to detail - Understands sound design - Can identify appropriate B-roll - Understands copyright and licensing - Can follow an established creative direction - Can also offer thoughtful creative recommendations - Communicates clearly - Meets deadlines - Keeps project files organized - Is comfortable working across several different shows - Wants to build an ongoing production relationship Strong scriptwriting, storytelling, animation, graphic design, podcast editing, thumbnail design, or YouTube strategy experience is a plus. When Applying Please include: A brief introduction and overview of your video-editing experience. Examples of long-form YouTube videos, documentaries, podcasts, narrative videos, or similar work you have edited. The editing software you use. Your experience with sound design and motion graphics. Whether you have experience sourcing properly licensed stock footage, archival material, music, and sound effects. Any experience you have with YouTube monetization, audience retention, or channel growth. Whether you are comfortable working at the stated $15/hour rate. Your typical turnaround time for a 20–30 minute edited YouTube video. Approximately how many hours you believe a professionally edited 30-minute documentary or narrative episode would normally require based on the production requirements above. Ongoing Opportunity This project begins with individual episodes, but the objective is to build a consistent production team for multiple shows. There will be three episodes per week. Editor will need to be able to handle this capacity. If the first projects go well, there will be opportunities for ongoing weekly and monthly production work across additional YouTube shows and podcasts with the same production schedule. I am looking for someone who can learn the personality and production language of each show, help establish consistent visual standards, and become an important part of the long-term content-production process.