8 Sections Every Video Editing Proposal Needs
Type of video (YouTube long-form, Instagram Reels, brand film, ad/commercial, corporate presentation, event highlight reel), total number of videos, approximate duration of each, raw footage provided by client or shot by you, platform(s) for distribution.
Be precise about what you'll deliver:
| Platform | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | 1080p or 4K | 16:9 | MP4 (H.264) |
| Instagram Reels / TikTok | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | MP4 |
| Instagram Feed | 1080×1080 | 1:1 | MP4 |
| Facebook / LinkedIn | 1080p | 16:9 or 1:1 | MP4 |
| TV / broadcast | 1080i or 4K | 16:9 | ProRes / MXF |
Also specify: colour grading (included or extra), subtitles/captions (included or extra), thumbnail design (included or extra), music licensing (client-sourced or you'll provide royalty-free).
This is where video editors lose money. Be specific:
- Round 1 (rough cut): Major structural changes allowed
- Round 2 (fine cut): Minor timing, colour, text adjustments
- Round 3 (final): Small corrections only (typos, audio levels)
- Additional revision rounds: ₹X per round
- Revisions must be submitted as a single consolidated document (not drip-fed)
Specify client responsibilities clearly:
- Client to provide all raw footage, images, and brand assets by [date]
- Footage must be transferred via Google Drive / WeTransfer — not WhatsApp (quality loss)
- If client footage is unusable quality, you reserve the right to request reshoot or adjust scope
- Music: client to provide licensed tracks OR you'll source from Epidemic Sound/Artlist (cost included or billed separately)
- Project start is contingent on receipt of all assets
For video, licensing matters enormously:
- Standard licence: Client can use the final video on specified platforms for personal/commercial use. You retain the right to use it in your portfolio.
- Exclusive licence: Client gets exclusive rights — no portfolio use by you. Charge premium (2–3×).
- Broadcast/TV licence: Requires separate licensing agreement and significantly higher fee.
- Project files: Premiere Pro / DaVinci project files are not included by default. If client wants editable files, quote separately.
Typical timeline for a 5–10 minute YouTube video:
- Day 1: Assets received, project kickoff confirmed
- Day 5–7: Rough cut delivered for review
- Day 9–11: Fine cut after first revision round
- Day 13–15: Final delivery after second revision round
For ongoing content creators, propose a monthly retainer:
| Package | What's Included | Rate (excl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 4 YouTube videos per month, 3 revisions each | ₹12,000–20,000/mo |
| Standard | 8 videos + 16 Reels/Shorts per month | ₹25,000–40,000/mo |
| Premium | Unlimited edits (up to 60 hrs/month), same-day turnaround | ₹50,000–80,000/mo |
Retainers should be paid monthly in advance. Include a 30-day cancellation clause.
Video editing services fall under SAC 998392 (audiovisual and related services). GST @ 18% applies. For corporate clients, TDS @ 10% under Section 194J is deducted on the taxable value.
Video Editing Rates — India 2026
| Service | Entry Level | Mid-Tier | Senior/Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube video (per video, 5–10 min) | ₹2,000–4,000 | ₹5,000–12,000 | ₹15,000–35,000 |
| Instagram Reel (per reel, 30–60 sec) | ₹800–1,500 | ₹2,000–4,000 | ₹5,000–12,000 |
| Corporate / explainer video (per min) | ₹3,000–6,000 | ₹8,000–15,000 | ₹20,000–40,000 |
| Wedding highlight reel (2–5 min) | ₹5,000–10,000 | ₹12,000–25,000 | ₹30,000–60,000 |
| TV commercial (30 sec) | ₹15,000–30,000 | ₹40,000–80,000 | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Monthly retainer (YouTube creator) | ₹10,000–18,000 | ₹20,000–40,000 | ₹50,000–1,00,000 |
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