What to Send a Video Editor Before They Start
A better edit starts before the software opens. Learn what files to send, how to describe your video, and how to give clear timed revisions.
Key takeaways
- Send your editor five things: the original footage, a two-line video brief, an example you like, the size and length, and your logo and brand colors.
- Send footage in its original files through a cloud storage link, not through chat apps that compress it.
- Write revision notes with timestamps and collect them all in one message.
- Review the video on your phone, and with sound, before confirming delivery.
Before your editor starts, send five things: the original footage in full quality, a two-line description of the video’s goal and audience, a link to a video whose style you like, the platform plus the required size and length, and your logo, brand colors, and any text that should appear on screen. The editor does not know your business or what is in your head, and anything you do not write down will be left to guesswork. That guesswork is what turns a simple order into five revision rounds. This guide explains each of the five, then how to write revision notes and review the video before accepting it.
Send the original footage, not a compressed copy
The final video cannot be better than the footage you send. Messaging apps compress video files, so clips arrive washed out, and editing cannot restore what was lost. Upload the files exactly as they came from your phone or camera into a folder on a cloud storage service, then send the folder link in the order chat on the platform.
- Name files in the order they should appear: “01-intro,” “02-product close-up,” “03-ending.”
- Delete any clips you already know you do not want, so the editor does not have to watch an hour to use one minute.
- If you recorded audio on a separate device, send that file too and say which clip it belongs to.
- Before sending the link, make sure it opens for someone who does not have access to your account.
Describe the video in two lines: who it is for and what you want the viewer to do
Two lines are enough to help the editor know what to keep and what to cut. The first line says who the video is for and where it will be published. The second says what you want the viewer to do after watching it. Example: “A video for a perfume store, aimed at people who do not know the store yet on Instagram. I want the viewer to click the store link, so the offer and price appear in the first five seconds.” With those two lines, the editor understands that a long intro should be cut and the price shot should stay untouched.
One example you like is clearer than a full page of explanation
Words like “dynamic” or “professional” mean different things to different people. Send one or two video links that are close to what you want, and say exactly what you like in each one: the pacing of the cuts, the look of the on-screen text, the music, or how the product appears. Also say what you do not want, such as too many effects or loud music. The example is there to guide the style, not to be copied.
Set the size and length before work begins
The size depends on where you will publish the video, and changing it after editing is finished means rearranging shots and text from scratch. If you want to post the same video in more than one place, say that from the start, and ask the seller whether the service price includes more than one size.
| Where will you publish it? | Size | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Reels, TikTok, Shorts, Snapchat | Vertical 9:16 | Put the most important part in the first few seconds, and keep text away from the screen edges |
| YouTube and your website | Horizontal 16:9 | It can be longer and still work with a short intro |
| Homepage post | Square 1:1 or 4:5 | Many people will watch without sound, so ask for on-screen text |
Also state the length you want in seconds, whether you want burned-in subtitles for spoken audio, and which file format you want delivered.
Send your logo, brand colors, and all text in writing
- Your logo with a transparent background as a PNG file, not a screenshot.
- Your brand colors and the font you use, if you have a specific one.
- Any on-screen text written exactly as you want it: the price, the offer, the store name, and how to order.
- Music: if you already have a licensed track, send it. If not, ask the editor for music licensed for commercial use.
Write revision notes with timestamps, in one message
A note with a timestamp can be applied on the first try. A vague note usually opens a new revision round. Watch the whole video twice before you write anything, then gather all your notes into one message. The number of included revision rounds is listed in each service description, and it is usually limited.
| Unhelpful note | Note that can be done right away |
|---|---|
| “The video needs more energy” | “From 0:20 to 0:35, the pacing is slow. Cut this section to half its length.” |
| “I don’t like the music” | “I want calmer music with no vocals, and the volume lower than the speech.” |
| “Edit the text” | “0:08 the price is 149, not 194, and keep the text on screen two seconds longer.” |
If more than one person on your team will review the video, align internally first and send one message with notes that do not conflict.
Review the video before confirming delivery
- Watch it on your phone, not only on a computer, because that is where most customers will see it.
- Watch it once with sound and once without. Does it still make sense both ways?
- Read every piece of on-screen text letter by letter, and check all prices and numbers.
- Make sure the size, length, and file format are exactly what you asked for.
- Ask about any file you were promised but did not receive, such as a version without music or the subtitle file.
How much does video editing cost on Hylance?
The price depends on the video length and what the work includes. At the time of writing, narrowly scoped video services on Hylance, such as color and audio correction for a short video or adding burned-in subtitles, start at about SAR 30 (about $8), while a full YouTube video edit can reach about SAR 200 (about $53). These are approximate numbers. You can find the exact price and delivery time on each service card.
Video editing services on Hylance
YouTube video editing up to 10 minutes with engaging pacing
- Video & Animation
- New service
Short Video Color and Audio Correction up to 3 Minutes
- Video & Animation
- New service
Embedded Arabic subtitles for a video up to 5 minutes
- Video & Animation
- New service
Frequently asked questions
What should I send a video editor before editing starts?
Send the original footage in full quality, a two-line description of the video’s goal and audience, a link to a video whose style you like, the platform plus the required size and length, and your logo, brand colors, and any on-screen text.
How do I send video footage without losing quality?
Upload the original files to a folder on a cloud storage service and send the folder link in the order chat. Messaging apps compress video when you send it, which lowers quality, and editing cannot bring back what was lost.
How do I write video revision notes?
Watch the full video twice, then write each note with its timestamp and exactly what you want instead, for example: “0:12 delete this sentence.” Put all notes into one message so the included revision round in the service is enough.
Ready to put this into practice?
Browse Video & Animation services on Hylance and order what your business needs, with escrow that protects both sides. Or create an account and list your first service in minutes.
