Podcasting has evolved beyond just audio—video podcasts are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you’re publishing on YouTube, Spotify, or other platforms, having a well-edited podcast is essential for engaging your audience. But editing can be time-consuming, and not everyone has the skills or patience to fine-tune both audio and video.
This guide will walk you through how to hire a podcast editor for both video and audio editing, where to find them, and what to consider before making a decision.
Editing Options: DIY, Hire an Editor, or Use a Studio
Before you begin searching for an editor, you have a few options:
- Do It Yourself (DIY) – If you have time and patience, you can learn to edit using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve for video and Adobe Audition, Audacity, or Descript for audio.
- Hire a Podcast Editor – If you’d rather focus on creating content, hiring a professional video and audio editor ensures your podcast looks and sounds polished.
- Use a Podcast Studio (Like Us!) – At Hello Studios, we offer professional podcast editing for both audio and video, ensuring high-quality production from start to finish.
If you decide to hire an independent editor, here’s how to find the right one.
Where to Find a Podcast Editor
There are multiple ways to connect with skilled audio and video editors:
1. Freelance Marketplaces
Websites like:
These platforms let you browse editors’ portfolios, read reviews, and compare pricing. You can find both audio editors and video editors or someone who does both.
2. Tap Into Your Local Network
- Ask colleagues, business connections, or LinkedIn groups if they know an editor.
- You might find someone who specializes in podcast editing and understands your industry.
3. Ask Family and Friends
- Someone in your personal network may know a great audio or video editor.
- A trusted referral can save you time in the hiring process.
4. Check Your Social Media
- You may already be connected to an editor on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
- Post in Facebook groups for podcasters or use hashtags like #podcasteditor to find professionals.
Evaluating Podcast Editors: What to Look For
Once you have a few candidates, it’s time to vet them carefully.
1. Review Their Portfolio and Past Work
- Every editor has a unique style—some focus on crisp, professional edits, while others prefer a more natural, unfiltered approach.
- Listen to and watch their past work to see if their style matches your vision.
2. Ask for a Resume or Experience Summary
- Have they worked with audio-only podcasts, video podcasts, or both?
- Do they have experience editing multi-camera recordings or adding graphics and transitions?
- Do they specialize in long-form interviews, short clips, or social media reels?
3. Understand Their Editing Process
A good editor should have a structured workflow. Ask them:
- How do they handle noise reduction, leveling, and mixing?
- Do they add music, transitions, and captions for video?
- What’s their turnaround time for a full edit?
File Transfer & Delivery: Key Considerations
1. How Will You Get the Files to Them?
- Large files can take hours to upload/download depending on internet speed.
- Do they charge extra for file downloads? If they are located overseas, some editors charge for handling large files.
- Will you use Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, or another method?
2. How Will They Deliver the Final Edited Files?
- Will they send separate video and audio files or a fully produced final version?
- Are they using a cloud storage solution or sending files via email links?
3. Can You Meet With Them?
- If they are local, are they open to in-person meetings?
- If they are remote, do they offer virtual meetings via Zoom or Google Meet to discuss edits?
These details are crucial to ensure a smooth workflow and avoid delays.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
1. How Many Revisions Are Included?
- Some editors offer one or two revisions included in their pricing.
- Others charge extra for changes, which can add up if multiple edits are needed.
2. What Happens If You’re Not Satisfied?
- Do they offer a satisfaction guarantee?
- Will they redo an edit if it doesn’t meet expectations?
- Consider hiring for a trial episode first to test their quality.
3. Do They Provide a Contract?
- A contract should outline turnaround time, payment terms, revisions, and expectations.
- Have a lawyer review the contract before signing if possible.
4. How Long Will Editing Take?
- Some editors have quick turnarounds (48-72 hours), but charge a premium.
- Others charge less but take weeks to deliver, potentially delaying your schedule.
- Always ask for a time estimate upfront.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
- Cheaper editors may lack experience or take longer to complete an edit.
- Instead of focusing on price, prioritize experience and turnaround time.
2. Not Asking About File Transfers
- If an editor charges extra for downloading large files, negotiate a better deal upfront.
- Consider using cloud solutions like Dropbox or Google Drive to streamline the process.
3. Skipping the Contract
- Never work with an editor without a written agreement that outlines deliverables, payment terms, and revisions.
4. Ignoring Communication & Availability
- Some editors are slow to respond, which can cause delays.
- Make sure they are easily reachable and available for last-minute changes.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Video & Audio Podcast Editor
A well-edited podcast enhances credibility, engagement, and overall quality. Whether you hire an editor on Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, or through referrals, take the time to review their portfolio, understand their process, and clarify pricing.
Looking for Professional Podcast Editing?
At Hello Studios, we offer high-quality audio and video editing services with a streamlined workflow, clear pricing, and fast turnarounds.
Let us handle the editing, so you can focus on creating great content! 🚀