How to Build a Career in Video Editing as a VA: Insider Tips from a Pro
Behind every viral reel, every scroll-stopping TikTok, and every YouTube short that keeps you watching — there's a video editor working quietly behind the scenes. And for a growing number of Filipino Virtual Assistants, video editing isn't just a side skill. It's a full-blown career that pays well and never gets boring.
In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, hosts Roxy and Tata sit down with Earvin, a multimedia artist and video editor VA with over 11 years of experience. From his early days wondering how TV shows were made, to editing construction drone footage for international clients through VA Masters, Earvin shares the exact tools, mindset, and strategies that shaped his career.
Whether you're a creative soul looking for the right VA niche, a beginner wondering which editing software to learn first, or an experienced editor ready to go remote — this episode is packed with real-world advice you can act on today.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the complete conversation with Earvin? Listen to Episode 7 on your favorite platform:
📋 What You'll Learn in This Episode
- Meet Earvin: From Childhood Curiosity to Professional Video Editor
- Why He Left an 11-Year Career (and What Happened Next)
- Essential Tools and Software for Video Editing VAs
- The Skills That Actually Matter (Beyond Technical Ability)
- Is the Video Editing VA Niche Saturated?
- How to Position Yourself for Better-Paying Clients
- Questions & Answers from the Episode
- Key Takeaways
Meet Earvin: From Childhood Curiosity to Professional Video Editor
Earvin's love for video didn't start in a classroom or a corporate training program. It started in front of a TV set when he was a kid, wondering how his favorite cartoons and shows were made. That early fascination led him to drawing, then to graphic design, and eventually to video editing.
During college, where he studied IT, Earvin admits he wasn't particularly strong in programming or graphic design. But during his OJT (on-the-job training), everything changed. He met a mentor who introduced him to video editing, and the spark was immediate. Earvin was so hooked that even after completing his required 160 OJT hours, he kept showing up to learn more — every single day.
"Sobrang puno ko na yung hours, pumapasok pa rin ako everyday. Ganun ko siya kagusto — feeling ko naging yun yung nag-hon sakin para maging video editor na yung maging career ko." — Earvin, From Kayod to Keyboard Ep. 7
That moment of discovery is something Earvin encourages every aspiring video editor to look for. According to him, not everyone is meant to be a video editor — but those who have that natural curiosity and urge to create visual content will know it when they feel it. The key is to find that spark and then invest in developing it.
Why He Left an 11-Year Career (and What Happened Next)
Before becoming a VA, Earvin spent over 11 years working as a multimedia artist in a traditional office setting. Despite having good colleagues, he felt limited in two critical ways: professional growth had stagnated, and the salary wasn't keeping up with the market.
Earvin recalls the frustration of seeing fresh IT graduates entering the workforce at 25,000 pesos per month — the same salary he was earning after years in the industry. That reality check pushed him to take a leap of faith. He resigned and started his own photo and video business.
Then the pandemic hit. His events-based business crashed as the entire photo and video industry came to a halt. Earvin pivoted to a BPO office-based role, where the pay was better but the shift was graveyard and the work eventually became repetitive. After about two and a half years, when his client's account closed and he was reassigned to less stimulating work (literally just placing logos on stickers), he knew it was time for another change.
That's when Earvin discovered the VA world. After a referral to his first remote client and eventually connecting with VA Masters, he found what he'd been searching for: meaningful work, international clients who genuinely appreciated his skills, competitive pay, and the freedom to work from home.
Earvin's Career Timeline
| Phase | Role | Key Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| 11+ Years | Office-based Multimedia Artist | Salary stagnation kills motivation even when co-workers are great |
| Pre-Pandemic | Photo & Video Business Owner | Events industry is vulnerable to external shocks |
| ~2.5 Years | BPO Office-Based (Graveyard) | Better pay isn't enough without growth opportunities |
| Current | VA Video Editor (VA Masters / Drone Brothers) | Remote work offers the best balance of pay, growth, and flexibility |
Essential Tools and Software for Video Editing VAs
When it comes to getting started, Earvin keeps it simple with a philosophy borrowed from photography: "The best tool for video editing is the one you have." If you can export a video, you can start creating content — even with the built-in editors on Facebook or Instagram.
That said, if you want to work professionally as a VA video editor, you'll need to invest in proper tools. Here's Earvin's recommended toolkit broken down by experience level:
| Level | Software | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | CapCut | TikTok, Reels, quick social media content | Free |
| Intermediate | Adobe Premiere Pro | Professional editing, most client requirements | Paid (subscription) |
| Advanced | After Effects | Motion graphics, visual effects, advanced animations | Paid (subscription) |
| Specialized | DaVinci Resolve | Color grading, advanced color correction | Free / Paid versions |
| Supporting | Photoshop | Thumbnails, graphics, image editing | Paid (subscription) |
Earvin makes an important point about using cracked or pirated software: the latest versions of Adobe tools include AI-powered features that dramatically speed up your workflow. Using outdated cracked versions means you miss out on features like AI-generated music search and other time-saving tools that can make a huge difference in your productivity — and ultimately, your earning potential.
"You need to pay the price. Editing software are not free — but it will reward you naman. Yung mga bagong versions, very helpful na to the point na sobrang hirap dati, ngayon pwede mo nang i-generate through AI." — Earvin, From Kayod to Keyboard Ep. 7
🎯 Take Action Now: Build Your Editing Toolkit
- Week 1: Download CapCut (free) and create 3 short-form videos. Practice cuts, transitions, and text overlays.
- Week 2-3: Start learning Adobe Premiere Pro through YouTube tutorials. Edit at least 1 video per day, even without a client.
- Week 4: Explore After Effects basics for motion graphics. Create a simple intro or lower-third animation.
- Ongoing: Stay updated on AI tools that integrate with your editing software to speed up your workflow.
The Skills That Actually Matter (Beyond Technical Ability)
Knowing how to use Adobe Premiere used to be enough. Earvin recalls his early days speaking at schools, where his advice was simply to learn Adobe tools. But the landscape has changed dramatically. Today, technical skills are just the entry ticket — what sets you apart is everything else.
Understanding Client Branding
One of the most critical skills Earvin emphasizes is the ability to absorb and live a client's brand identity. When you join a new client, expect an adjustment period of weeks or even months. During that time, your job is to learn their aesthetic, their voice, and their expectations — not to impose what you learned from previous clients.
Earvin's practical advice on client branding comes down to a few principles: accept criticism gracefully, learn from every revision (and don't make the same mistake twice), and eventually reach a point where you can produce work that aligns with their brand without supervision.
Storytelling and Audience Awareness
With the explosion of platforms and editing tools, technical execution is no longer the differentiator. What matters now is how you tell the story, your creative concept, and how well you understand the audience watching the content. Some editors have an innate ability to find the perfect hook or create a flow that keeps viewers watching — and that's the kind of skill that gets you hired.
Integrating AI (Without Losing Authenticity)
At Drone Brothers, Earvin's current client, he's been assigned to research how AI can be integrated into their projects. The approach is thoughtful: use AI for effects and enhancements, but make sure the final output still showcases the actual project authentically. It's about mixing and matching new technology with your existing craft — not replacing the work entirely.
Every Friday, Earvin's team shares new technologies and AI tools they've discovered during the week. This culture of continuous learning is something he credits as a major factor in his growth.
The Right Team Makes All the Difference
Perhaps Earvin's strongest message in the entire episode is about finding the right team. He believes that even if you're incredibly talented, a non-supportive team will drive you away eventually — even if the salary is great. Conversely, the right team can help you develop skills you never knew you had.
"Kahit ka gaano ka kagaling, kung yung team mo naman hindi sila supportive — for sure iiwan mo kahit malaki pa yung sahod mo. Kung wala ka sa tamang team, hindi ka rin magtatagal dun." — Earvin, From Kayod to Keyboard Ep. 7
Is the Video Editing VA Niche Saturated?
This is one of the biggest concerns aspiring video editors have, and Earvin's answer is nuanced. The video editing niche is not saturated in the traditional sense — there's actually a huge demand for video editors. However, it does require a certain level of skill to get hired.
The key insight? Not all clients are looking for the same thing. The video editing VA world is broader than most people realize, with distinct sub-niches that each require different specializations:
- Social media content editing — Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts for brands and creators
- Amazon product ads — Short, conversion-focused product videos
- AI-driven videos — Stitching AI-generated content into cohesive stories
- Construction and drone footage — Compiling aerial shots into marketing videos
- Long-form YouTube content — Full episode editing, B-roll integration, storytelling
Earvin's advice: if your skill set is unique and you keep developing it, you'll find the right client. Many editors apply for roles, but those with a distinct creative vision or a specialized skill in a particular sub-niche stand out immediately.
How to Position Yourself for Better-Paying Clients
When asked how VAs can attract better-paying and long-term clients, Earvin laid out a clear strategy that goes beyond just being "good at editing."
1. Keep Learning — Always
The video editing landscape changes fast. New tools, new trends, new platform algorithms — you need to stay current. What was cutting-edge last year might be standard (or outdated) today. Make continuous learning a non-negotiable habit.
2. Build a Portfolio That Speaks for Itself
Your portfolio is your most powerful hiring tool. Earvin recommends creating content even without a client — watch samples on YouTube, try to recreate techniques, post your work on social media. When people see your edits and reach out to hire you, those projects become your portfolio. And that portfolio becomes your key to landing VA roles.
3. Create Content That Goes Viral
If you're targeting social media editing clients, having viral content in your portfolio is a game-changer. As Earvin puts it, what company wouldn't want to hire a video editor whose work consistently goes viral?
4. Stay Updated on AI and Trends
Integrate AI tools into your workflow, stay on top of current editing trends, and understand what makes audiences stop scrolling. The core values that matter today are storytelling, concept development, and audience understanding.
Video Editor VA Salary Ranges
While salaries vary based on skill level and years of experience, Earvin shared some real numbers from his own journey:
| Experience Level | Estimated Monthly Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Entry-Level | ~$6/hour (~₱25,000-35,000/mo) | Basic editing skills, building portfolio |
| Before VA Masters | ~₱42,000-45,000/month | Earvin's starting range with freelance clients |
| With VA Masters | Nearly 2x his previous rate | International clients, specialized niche work |
🎯 Take Action Now: Position Yourself for Higher-Paying Clients
- This Week: Audit your current portfolio. Does it showcase your best and most recent work? Update it with at least 3 strong pieces.
- This Month: Create 2-3 "spec" videos in a niche you want to target (e.g., real estate, e-commerce, fitness). You don't need a client to create sample work.
- Ongoing: Post your edits on social media consistently. Let your work attract clients to you organically.
- Long-term: Specialize in a sub-niche (construction videos, Amazon ads, AI-driven content) to stand out from generalist editors.
💬 Questions & Answers from the Episode
Q: Was video editing always your dream career?
A: Earvin shared that his love for visual media started in childhood, watching cartoons and wondering how TV shows were made. That curiosity led to drawing, graphic design, and eventually video editing during his OJT. He emphasizes that for video editing, the passion often "comes from within" — it's a calling that starts with curiosity and grows into a career when nurtured properly.
Q: How many videos do you typically edit per day?
A: It varies depending on the type of project. For standard construction drone edits (2-3 minute videos), Earvin can complete 8-10 per day once he's in the flow, sometimes finishing one in just 30-45 minutes. However, special marketing projects or social media content can take up to 4 hours for a single video. The key is balancing your workload and keeping clients updated on your progress.
Q: What's the one thing you wish you knew before starting as a VA video editor?
A: "I wish I had started sooner." Earvin regrets not discovering the VA world before the pandemic. The earning potential, flexibility (no commute, no traffic, being close to family), and the supportive, non-toxic communities he found made him realize the opportunity had been there all along. His advice: don't wait — start exploring remote work now.
Q: What's the one habit that helped you grow the most?
A: Finding the job you love while securing your future — "two birds in one stone." Earvin stresses that your motivation should be both passion-driven and practical. Develop a skill that you genuinely enjoy AND that has strong earning potential. For him, multimedia (photography and video editing) checks both boxes.
Q: What advice would you give to new VAs feeling overwhelmed or discouraged?
A: Know what you want, then develop it relentlessly. Don't stop — everything you put effort into will pay off eventually. Practice by watching samples, recreating techniques, and posting your work. Even without a client, you're building a portfolio. And that portfolio is your key to getting hired as a VA.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Start with what you have: CapCut is free and beginner-friendly. You don't need expensive software to start learning video editing. The best tool is the one you have access to right now.
- Invest in professional tools when ready: Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop are industry standards that most international clients require. The AI features in newer versions are worth the subscription cost.
- The niche isn't saturated — it's specialized: There's huge demand for video editors, but clients look for specific skills. Find your sub-niche (social media, construction, AI-driven content) and own it.
- Your team matters more than your salary: A supportive team that gives you room to grow is more valuable than a high paycheck in a toxic or stagnant environment. Finding the right team unlocks your full potential.
- Build your portfolio before you need it: Create content, post it on social media, attract freelance gigs — and use all of that as portfolio pieces when applying for VA roles.
- Never stop learning: Stay updated on AI tools, current trends, and new editing techniques. Continuous learning is the one habit that separates successful VA editors from the rest.
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Subscribe to the Podcast📻 More Episodes You'll Love
- Episode 2: Social Media Manager vs Virtual Assistant — Which Path Is Right for You?
- Episode 3: How to Land Your First VA Client with No Experience
- Episode 5: Balancing Work from Home and Family Life as a Filipino VA
Anne is the Operations Manager at VA MASTERS, a boutique recruitment agency specializing in Filipino virtual assistants for global businesses. She leads the end-to-end recruitment process — from custom job briefs and skills testing to candidate delivery and ongoing VA management — and has personally overseen the placement of 1,000+ virtual assistants across industries including e-commerce, real estate, healthcare, fintech, digital marketing, and legal services.
With deep expertise in Philippine work culture, remote team integration, and business process optimization, Anne helps clients achieve up to 80% cost savings compared to local hiring while maintaining top-tier quality and performance.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +13127660301
