Most video editing projects don't go perfectly on the first draft—and that's where revision policies come in. Understanding what's fair, what's standard, and what protects both you and the editor will save frustration, money, and missed deadlines. Let's break down what you should expect and what to negotiate when hiring a video editor.
Why Revision Policies Matter
Revisions aren't just about tweaking colors or moving clips around. In post-production, scope creep happens fast: a client request for "one quick audio adjustment" can spiral into re-cutting entire sequences, color grading changes, or soundtrack replacements. Without clear boundaries, editors burn through unpaid hours while clients feel nickeled-and-dimed for reasonable feedback. A solid revision policy protects both sides and sets realistic expectations upfront.
Standard Revision Rounds (What's Typical)
Most video editors include 1–3 revision rounds in their base package. Here's what that usually means:
- 1 round: Editor delivers a first cut; you request changes; editor implements them and delivers final. Common for straightforward projects (explainer videos, social clips, simple interviews).
- 2 rounds: Initial cut → revisions → revised cut → final tweaks → final delivery. Standard for mid-range projects (corporate videos, product demos, short documentaries).
- 3 rounds: Built-in buffer for more complex work (branded videos, wedding films, multi-camera edits with sound design). Anything beyond this typically costs extra.
Editors typically charge $50–$150 per additional revision round, depending on project scope and their experience level. Some charge by the hour ($35–$100/hour) once included revisions are exhausted.
What Counts as a Revision (vs. What Doesn't)
This is where ambiguity kills projects. Get clarity on what's included in revision rounds:
Usually included:
- Color correction adjustments
- Audio level tweaks
- Reordering clips or scenes
- Text/title changes
- Minor pacing fixes
Often NOT included (and may cost extra):
- Reshooting or acquiring new footage
- Major structural changes (e.g., "Let's reorganize the entire video")
- Advanced VFX or motion graphics additions
- Original music licensing or composition
- Significant sound design overhauls
- Delivery format conversions beyond the initially agreed spec
Before signing, ask the editor: "Which of these would count as a new revision round vs. a separate charge?" Get their answer in writing—even a quick email confirmation works.
Realistic Timelines for Revisions
Revision rounds aren't instantaneous. Typical turnaround for each round is 3–7 business days, depending on the project's complexity and the editor's workload. A 2–3 minute corporate video might turn around in 3 days; a 20-minute documentary might take 5–7.
Build this into your timeline. If you need a 10-minute video in two weeks, plan for: initial cut (5–7 days) + revision 1 (3–5 days) + final delivery (1–2 days). That's tight.
Red Flags in Revision Policies
Watch out for editors who:
- Won't specify how many revisions are included
- Charge for revisions retroactively without warning
- Require payment before showing any work (sketchy for long-form edits)
- Include vague language like "unlimited revisions" without mentioning timeline delays or hourly overages
- Don't distinguish between revisions and scope expansion
Reasonable editors communicate revision limits upfront, show work incrementally, and discuss extra costs before doing extra work.
How to Protect Yourself
When hiring through platforms like Mercoly, where you can compare and find trusted video editing and post-production providers, look for editors whose profiles clearly outline revision policies. Ask three specific questions:
- How many revision rounds are included in the quoted price?
- What's your turnaround time per revision?
- If I request something outside the original scope, how do you handle that?
Get their answers documented—screenshot messages, save emails, or use the platform's messaging system for a record. This isn't hostile; it's professional.
When to Negotiate
If your project is complex or you anticipate significant feedback, propose 4–5 rounds upfront rather than discovering overage costs later. The editor might bundle this into a single flat fee. Example: Instead of 2 rounds at $1,200, ask if they'll do 4 rounds for $1,600. Many will, because certainty beats the risk of hourly disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I request different edits in each revision round, or do I have to pick one direction? Yes, you can request different changes each round—that's the point. However, requesting drastically different edits (e.g., "Make it dramatic" then "Make it lighthearted") eats revisions faster and may trigger scope-change discussions.
Q: What happens if I don't like the first cut at all? That's a revision. The editor will recut based on your feedback. If the original brief was unclear, a professional editor should discuss whether this counts as a revision or a restart—clarify before it becomes a conflict.
Q: Is there a way to avoid excessive revisions? Absolutely. Provide detailed creative briefs, share reference videos, and give feedback in one consolidated round rather than trickling requests. This keeps everyone on schedule.
Start your search for a trusted video editor today—compare profiles and policies on Mercoly to find the right fit for your project.