Start with the files you have
Tell us if you have a finished video or raw footage. Raw footage is the video before it has been edited. Say how long it is, how many people speak, and who will choose the best parts. If you have a transcript, send it too. A transcript is a written copy of the speech.
A list of chosen clips is a different job from watching hours of files to find them. Be clear about which job you need. Some full videos may offer more strong clips than others. Choose ideas that work on their own instead of trying to reach a fixed count.
- Files: link the full video or label the raw footage.
- Choice: will you pick the parts, or should the editor find them?
- Use: where will each clip be posted?
- Checks: flag sponsor lines, facts, and words that must stay.
Make a small plan for each clip
Write the idea before adding text, music, or effects. Here is a made-up example. A clip runs from 18:40 to 20:05 in the source video. The speaker explains why their first brand deal went wrong. The short ends with the lesson they learned.
The clip needs to say this was the first deal. If that fact is cut, viewers may think the speaker means their whole business failed. Keep the facts that make the meaning clear. Give the viewer an answer by the end of the clip.
- Idea: explain the point in one sentence.
- Opening: give the viewer enough to follow the story.
- Key fact: note what would change the meaning if it were cut.
- Ending: finish the thought before the clip stops.
Make the shot work on a phone
A wide shot may need to become a tall video for a phone. This can cut a face or an important object out of the frame. Check what the viewer can see. Keep the speaker and key details in view. Leave space for the app buttons.
Captions are the words on screen that match the speech. Make them easy to read and keep the voice clear. Decide if each app can use the same clip. Extra lengths, openings, or endings add work, so list those needs before the edit starts.
Review one style before the next group
Choose one clip to test the style. Check the text, framing, sound, and pace. Have one person gather the notes. Keep the choices you approve in a style note for the next clips. Each idea can still have a different pace when it needs one.
Check each final clip for wrong names or text. Make sure it keeps the speaker’s meaning and ends at a clear point. Keep the source filename and time with the clip. That makes it easy to check the full video if a question comes up later.
Match the work to a plan
Creator costs $4,499 per month. It includes four full videos, 10–15 Shorts, and A/B thumbnails. These are cover images with different designs to compare. Empire costs $7,299 per month. It lists unlimited editing, A/B thumbnails, and everyday Shorts.
Both include an editor and a strategist, who helps with content plans. They also have file storage and a board to track work. Bring a normal recording when we discuss the plan. Agree on who picks the clips, how much footage needs review, the clip count, and the dates.
A practical clip selection sheet
Before requesting ten clips from a recording, list candidate moments with start time, end time, topic and the reason someone would watch. Reject a moment if it needs several minutes of earlier context. The final count should follow the useful material in the recording.
For example, a founder interview might contain a customer problem, a surprising lesson and a product demonstration. Those are three different clips with different openings. They can share a visual style while each has its own point.
- Source timestamp: where the useful moment begins and ends.
- Standalone promise: the question this clip answers.
- Destination: the channel, shape and next step for this version.