What to Ask for in a Video Edit: A Client-Friendly Guide to Giving Better Feedback
- Brady Gilliam
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Hiring a video production company to bring your vision to life is an exciting step. But when it comes time to review the first cut, many clients feel unsure about what kind of changes they can (or should) request. If you’ve ever watched a draft and thought, "I know it needs something... but I don’t know how to say it," you’re not alone.
This blog is designed to help you feel confident, collaborative, and clear when you provide feedback during the video editing process. We want you and the editor to be on the same page with your creative vision. Whether it's your first time working with a video editor or your tenth, knowing what to ask for can lead to a faster, smoother, and more satisfying result.
Why Revisions Are Part of the Process
First things first: revisions are normal. Every video project goes through a feedback cycle or video review process. Your video editor expects it from the very beginning. In fact, the best videos are often shaped and sharpened during these collaborative conversations.
The revision process isn’t about "fixing mistakes" – it’s about polishing the product to match your brand, tone, and messaging.
The Most Common and Helpful Video Editing Revision Requests
Here are the types of editing changes you can and should feel empowered to request during post-production:
1. Trim or Extend a Section
Want a segment shorter, or think a scene lingers too long? Ask to tighten it up or extend a moment you want emphasized.
2. Rearrange the Sequence
You might prefer a different order of clips or scenes to improve the flow or impact.
3. Swap Out a Clip
Don’t love a shot used in the video? If there’s alternative footage, you can request a swap.
4. Adjust the Music
Maybe the music feels too slow, too aggressive, or doesn’t quite fit the vibe. Ask to try a different track or adjust the volume.
5. Fix Audio Issues
If someone’s voice is too quiet or background noise is distracting, your editor can often clean this up.
6. Add or Remove Text
Want to add a callout, correct a name, or delete an outdated title? Say the word.
7. Update the Timing
Want your logo to appear earlier? Or an important moment to hit on the music beat? Timing tweaks are fair game.
8. Color Corrections
Too dark? Too warm? Your editor can balance the color to better match your brand or tone.
9. Add Captions or Subtitles
Accessibility matters. Request full captions or burned-in subtitles if your video will be viewed silently.
10. Blur Sensitive Info
Blurring faces, license plates, documents, or logos is possible and sometimes necessary.
11. Logo Placement
Want your logo to be more prominent or added in a different corner? You can ask for that.
12. Add Motion Graphics or Animation
Depending on the scope, your video editor may be able to add graphics, icons, or animations.
What Might Take More Time or Cost Extra
Not all requests are created equal. Some changes are more complex, time-intensive, or fall outside the original video project scope. These might require an added cost or additional approval:
Major re-edits that restructure the entire video
Reshoots or replacing footage not previously provided
New voiceover recordings or re-recordings
Adding custom animation or complex motion graphics
Revising content after final approval
Completely new edits
Your editor will always let you know if something falls into this category before proceeding.
What NOT to Worry About Asking
Some clients worry that asking for changes will offend the editor or slow the process down. Not true.
Professional editors appreciate clear, constructive video feedback. We want your video to work for you. These are your own videos, of course.
Don’t be afraid to say:
"Can we try a version with a different tone?"
"This section feels rushed. Can we slow it down a little?"
"I’m not sure about the font—do you have alternatives?"
"Can we bring in more shots of our team members?"
How to Give Clear, Helpful Video Feedback To Avoid Endless Revisions
To avoid endless revisions and keep things efficient and effective, use these tips:
1. Be Specific
Instead of: "This part feels off." Try: "At 1:12, the transition feels abrupt. Can we add a fade here?" Avoid vague comments.
2. Use Timecodes
Referring to the exact time something happens helps eliminate guesswork.
3. Group Your Notes
If you're working with a team, collect everyone’s precise feedback before sending notes. This avoids duplicate or conflicting requests.
4. Be Decisive
Try to avoid too many rounds of "maybe this, maybe that." Narrowing your preferences helps everyone move forward.
5. Frame Feedback with Your Project Goals
Remind your editor what the video needs to achieve. For example: "We want this part to feel more energetic so it hooks our audience on social media."
Common Client Questions (and Answers)
How many rounds of revisions do I get? Most production companies offer 1–2 rounds of revisions as part of the project scope. Anything beyond that may require additional revision fees.
Can I change the script after we start editing video? You can, but it may impact voiceover timing or require new footage. It’s best to finalize scripts before filming begins.
What if I don’t know how to explain what I want? Share examples. If you’ve seen another video that captures the vibe or pacing you want, send it over. Your editor can translate visual references into edits.
What happens after the revisions are complete? Once you approve the final version, your editor will deliver the final files in the agreed-upon formats. Additional changes made after this point are typically billed at an hourly rate.
Setting Expectations Early With Effective Communication
Before the editing process begins, ask your production company to outline:
How many rounds of revisions are included
How feedback should be submitted (email, Google Doc, etc.)
How long does each round of revisions take to complete
This helps prevent confusion and keeps the video project on schedule.
A Final Word
Remember, the video editing process is a collaborative effort. It's a part of shooting videos, so don’t be afraid to speak up. Keep communication open. You don’t have to know editing lingo—you just have to know what you like, what you don’t, and what you want your audience to feel.
And if you're working with Visionaery Productions, we're here to guide you through every step of the video production process.
Have a video project you’re ready to bring to life? Let’s talk.
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