Video editors send a quote before work starts, usually after the client shares a brief, sample footage, or reference videos. Clients compare price, turnaround time, number of revisions, and what is included, such as music, captions, and motion graphics. A clear quote also protects you from scope creep once the footage arrives.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
Upload logo
PDF will be generated with filename:
Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A 60-second 16:9 ad and three 9:16 cutdowns are very different jobs, so listing each prevents disagreement about what is included.
Hours of footage, camera types, and log or RAW formats affect review and rendering time. State the assumed amount and charge extra if it goes above that.
Setting a limit, such as two rounds of consolidated notes, prevents unlimited feedback cycles.
Pointing to example videos clarifies expected polish, such as simple cuts versus heavy motion graphics and effects.
Specify who provides music, logos, fonts, voiceover, b-roll, and stock footage, and who pays for licenses.
Tie your delivery date to when footage and feedback arrive so client delays do not become your penalty.
State what the client receives (final exports only or project files too) and how long you will store source material.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| General video editing (hourly) | per hour | $35-100 |
| YouTube video editing | per finished minute | $15-75 |
| Short-form social clip (Reels, TikTok, Shorts) | per clip | $30-150 |
| Corporate or promo video editing | per finished minute | $75-250 |
| Wedding highlight film | flat fee | $500-2,500 |
| Motion graphics and titles | per hour | $50-125 |
| Color grading | per hour | $60-150 |
| Captions and subtitles | per finished minute | $3-10 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Estimate time for review, assembly, fine cut, graphics, color, audio, and revisions, then multiply by your rate. Compare the result to typical per-finished-minute pricing to make sure you are not far off.
Present basic, standard, and premium options, for example cuts only, cuts with graphics and color, and a full package with captions and social cutdowns. Clients can choose a level and it anchors the conversation on value.
Add 10 to 20 percent for slow file transfers, unexpected footage problems, and communication overhead, especially with new clients.
Quotes should be valid for 14 to 30 days. Software costs, your availability, and project timelines change, and an expiry keeps you from being held to old pricing.
You can give a rough range from a brief, but a firm quote should wait until you see sample footage or know the total volume. State in the quote that the price depends on the assumptions listed and may change if the footage differs.
List each deliverable, the included services, revision rounds, delivery date, and price. One page is usually enough. More detail is helpful for corporate clients who need to compare bids.
Yes, most editors include a deposit of 30 to 50 percent due on acceptance, with the balance on delivery or on milestones. This secures the client's commitment and your schedule slot.
Issue a change order or an updated quote for the extra work rather than absorbing it. Note the added deliverables, price, and any effect on the delivery date, and get written approval before continuing.
Use the Video Editing invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Video Editing invoice template