pricing guide · 2026
How much does video editing cost?
Short answer: editing a short-form video (TikTok, Reel, Short) costs anywhere from about $10 to $500+ per clip. That range is so wide it doesn't help much, so here's the useful version: who charges what, why, what you should get for your money and how to spot a fair price. Ranges are rough, based on publicly listed prices in 2026, and vary by country.
Market prices, by type of editor
Beginner freelancer
~$10–$40 / clip
Students or editors just starting out, often on freelance marketplaces. Unpredictable quality — you can get a surprisingly good edit or a rushed one. Revisions and scripts are rarely included.
Experienced freelancer / specialized short-form team
~$40–$150 / clip
The best value zone for consistent posting in the US and Western Europe: retention editing, dynamic captions, sound design and revisions included, with 24-72h delivery.
Agency
~$150–$500+ / clip
The price covers offices, account managers and processes — not just the editing. Justified for big campaigns; oversized for everyday social content.
What drives the price
Edit complexity
A simple cut with basic captions is at the bottom of the range. Retention editing — frequent cuts, pattern interrupts, synced sound design, B-roll — takes 3-4 times longer and shows in the price.
Script: do you bring it or get it?
If the editor also writes the script (hook, structure, call to action), the price usually goes up 20-50%. Almost always worth it: a well-structured clip beats a perfect edit on a weak script.
Monthly volume
At 10-30 clips a month, the price per clip drops significantly compared with one-off orders. If you post consistently, ask for a monthly package, not a per-clip price.
Turnaround
The competitive standard is 24-72 hours. Week-plus turnarounds shouldn't cost less by default, but same-day rush jobs can fairly cost more.
What the price should include (no “extras”)
- A complete edit, adapted to the platform (TikTok / Reels / Shorts)
- Dynamic captions synced to speech
- Sound design: music, effects, audio transitions
- Color grading
- B-roll where the clip needs variety
- At least one round of revisions — ideally, revisions until you're happy
- Export at maximum quality, no watermark
If any of these shows up on the invoice as an add-on, the advertised price wasn't the real price. Always compare complete quotes, not the headline number.
What it costs with Tezeu Media
To practice the transparency we preach: editing your footage works in packages — 10 edits for $150, 20 edits for $280, 30 edits for $345 ($11.50-$15 per clip), and the first edit is free. Everything on the list above is included, with revisions (from 2 rounds to unlimited, depending on the package). We're below the usual range because we're based in Romania, not because we cut corners. Prices are estimates in USD; details on the pricing page, and if you want to compare options first, read our guide to choosing an editor.
Questions about editing prices
How much does it cost to edit a TikTok or Reel?
Roughly $10 to $500+ per clip, depending on who edits it. Beginner freelancers often charge $10-$40, experienced short-form editors $40-$150, and agencies $150-$500+ per clip. For consistent quality when you post regularly, a specialized short-form team on a monthly package usually gives the best value.
What should the price of an edit include?
The full edit, captions, sound design, color grading and at least one round of revisions. If any of these cost “extra”, the advertised price is just bait — calculate the real price with everything included before comparing quotes.
Why do editors' prices differ so much?
Because “editing” means different things: some editors just cut and paste, others build the clip for retention — a hook in the first 2 seconds, pacing that leaves no room to scroll, sound synced to the edit. The difference shows in your views, not just on the invoice.
Why is Tezeu Media cheaper than US or UK editors?
We're based in Romania, where living costs are lower, so we can charge $11.50-$15 per clip on our packages with the same retention editing, captions and sound design. Your first edit is free, so you can judge the quality before paying.
Is it worth paying more for a script?
In most cases, yes. The structure of a clip decides whether viewers stay — a great edit on a script with no hook is still a clip people skip. Editing + scripting usually costs 20-50% more and makes the most visible difference in performance.