The Smart Way to Outsource Video Editing for Your Online Course

So, you’ve created your course content, and now it’s time to edit those videos. But let’s be real, finding the right person to help with this is like finding the perfect avocado – tricky, and sometimes, just when you think you’ve got it, it’s not quite what you expected!

Here’s the good news: outsourcing your course video editing can save you tons of time and stress. But how to do it right? 

Let’s walk through this process together, step by step, so you can find the perfect person to help you bring your vision to life.

Agency vs. Freelancers vs. Specialized Editors: Which Should You Choose

When outsourcing your course video editing, there are three main routes to consider. Do you want to hire an agency, jump on a freelance marketplace, or work with a specialized business owner (hello! waves). 

Each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s dive into the details:

1. Hiring a Video Editing Agency

Agencies can provide a full-service solution, often handling large-scale projects efficiently. A notable agency like Amber Renae (highly recommend!) offers comprehensive content services, including video editing for courses.

Pros:

• Team of Experts: Agencies have multiple editors and specialists, so you get access to a wide range of skills.
• Quick Turnarounds: With a team, agencies can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, speeding up the process.
• Established Process: Many agencies have a proven system in place, which means fewer hiccups.

Cons:

• Expensive: Agencies tend to have higher rates due to their larger teams and broader scope.
• Less Personal Attention: Your course may be one of many projects on their plate, meaning it might not get the custom care you want.
• Lack of Specialization: Not all agencies specialize in course video editing, so you might not get someone who understands the nuances of educational content.

2. Freelance Marketplaces 

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and peopleperhour give you access to a variety of video editors with different levels of experience and expertise.

Pros:

• Variety of Options: You can find editors at every skill level and price point.
• Affordable Rates: Depending on your budget, you might find a great deal.
• Flexibility: Freelancers often offer flexible timelines and can adapt to your schedule.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming Search: With so many profiles to sift through, it can take a while to find the right fit.
• Inconsistent Quality: You might come across editors with varying skill levels, so the final product could be hit or miss.
• Limited Specialization: While some freelancers may have course video experience, many are generalists, which can affect the quality of the educational content.

3. Working with a Specialized Course Video Editor

If you want someone who truly gets online courses, consider reaching out to editors who specialize in course content. 

Specialized course video editors (Hint: that’s where I come in! Hi, I’m Israa, a course video editor who’s all about helping creators like you turn ideas into engaging content – shameless plug! 😄) focus specifically on creating videos for online courses. They understand the structure, pacing, and engagement needed for educational content.

Pros:

• Tailored for Courses: Specialized editors know how to make your videos clear and engaging for learners.
• Personalized Attention: You’ll be working closely with someone who understands your vision and is dedicated to your project.
• Better Understanding of Educational Flow: Course editors know how to handle long-form educational videos, slides, and audience engagement elements.

Cons:

• Fewer Options: Because they’re specialized, it may take a little longer to find the right editor for your needs.
• Higher Rates Than General Freelancers: Custom care comes at a price, but it’s often worth it for the quality and expertise.

4. Ask for Referrals

Referrals can be your best friend when outsourcing. Ask around in your network, and get recommendations from others in the online course world. Chances are, someone has worked with a great editor they can refer to you.

How to Get Ready Before Outsourcing Your Course Video Editing

Before you start working with any editor, whether it’s an agency, freelancer, or specialized editor. You need to get organized. Preparation is key to ensuring the editing process goes smoothly.

Prepare Your Branding Guidelines

If you’re outsourcing course video editing, having clear branding guidelines is essential to make sure your videos align with your overall brand. 

If you’re working with me (or any editor), I usually provide a “Let Me Understand Your Branding” PDF to dive deep into your brand’s look and feel for course videos. 

While I can’t give away the whole thing, here are a few questions you should have answers to:

Key Branding Questions for Your Course Videos

Course Name & Tagline

What’s the name of your course, and do you have a tagline that represents your message? This helps set the tone for your videos.

Target Audience

Who are your videos speaking to? Knowing your audience helps your editor create content that resonates.

Primary, Secondary, and Accent Colors

What are your brand’s main colors? If you’ve got a color palette you use across your website, workbooks, and social media, your videos should match it.

Colors to Avoid

Just as important as your preferred colors… are there any colors you absolutely don’t want? 

Preferred Visual Tone or Mood

Do you want your videos to feel fun and casual, or more formal and professional? The tone of your video editing should match the overall vibe of your brand.

Specific Graphics or Icons

Do you have any custom icons, animations, or graphics that are essential to your brand? If so, provide these to your editor, so they can be integrated into the course videos.

Video Length Expectations

How long do you want each video to be? Are they bite-sized, or are you diving deep into long-form content? This will help your editor with pacing.

Logo Placement in Outros

Do you have specific requirements for how your logo should appear in the outro? Make sure to provide details or examples so the outro is exactly how you envision it.

By preparing these details ahead of time, you’ll not only make your editor’s life easier, but you’ll also ensure your videos reflect your brand perfectly. Clear guidelines mean less back-and-forth, quicker turnarounds, and videos that feel cohesive with the rest of your course content.

What to Expect When It Comes to Budget

Course video editing can vary widely depending on both the complexity of the edits and the overall scope of your project. If you’re looking for straightforward talking head videos with occasional slide transitions or basic cuts, you’re on the simpler side of editing, and that usually comes with a lower price tag. However, if you want to include more advanced elements—like animations, text overlays, graphics, or B-roll footage—then the editing will require more time and expertise, which increases the cost.

For reference, my starting rate is around $500 for a course that includes 5 modules and about 10-15 videos. This package would cover basic editing with clean transitions and any slides you may have. For more detailed editing work—such as incorporating custom intros and outros, captioning, or additional revisions—you’ll need to factor in a higher budget.

Don’t hesitate to ask for custom quotes from editors. This can give you a better sense of what different editors can offer within your price range and what kind of quality you can expect. Just remember that while it’s tempting to go for the lowest price, you’ll often get what you pay for in terms of quality. The right editor can save you time and ensure that your course looks polished and professional, which is an investment worth considering.

Review and Provide Feedback

Once your editor starts working on your videos, the collaboration doesn’t stop there. To ensure that the final product aligns with your vision, it’s essential to stay involved and provide clear feedback throughout the process. Here’s what you can expect:

Intros and Outros: These are usually the first things an editor will send for approval since they set the tone for your course. You might go through two or three rounds of revisions to get these just right. This is where you can request adjustments to the graphics, music, or pacing to ensure it matches your brand.

Related: Your Complete Resource Guide to Creating Engaging Course Videos

Course Videos: Each video typically goes through one round of feedback. During this round, you’ll review key aspects like the overall flow, pacing, and the accuracy of any text or visuals included. 

This is your opportunity to make sure everything aligns with your vision and catch any small tweaks whether it’s adjusting transitions, fixing minor audio issues, or making slight changes to the timing. Keeping feedback clear and specific helps streamline the process and ensures your videos are polished and ready to go without needing multiple revision cycles.

Keep in mind that some editors may charge extra for additional rounds of revisions, so it’s important to clarify this in advance. It’s always a good idea to provide specific and actionable feedback to minimize the number of revision cycles. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t like this part,” be more direct: “Could we tighten this section to improve the flow?” or “The music feels too loud here—can we lower the volume a bit?”