A good brief saves days of back and forth. Copy this template, fill it in and send it with your footage to any video editor. It works for YouTube videos, Shorts, podcasts and client work.
Video editing brief template
1. PROJECT Video title / working name: Platform (YouTube, Shorts, Reels, TikTok, podcast, ad): Target length: Deadline: 2. GOAL AND AUDIENCE What should the viewer do or feel after watching? Who is the audience? 3. FOOTAGE Link to raw footage folder: Best moments / timestamps to include: Parts to cut or avoid: 4. STYLE Reference videos (2 to 3 links) and what you like about each: Pacing (fast, relaxed, cinematic): Music mood and any approved tracks: Captions (yes/no, style): Brand colors, fonts, logo files: 5. HOOK AND CALL TO ACTION Opening hook idea (first 5 seconds): Call to action and where it goes: 6. DELIVERY File format and resolution: Thumbnail needed (yes/no): Extra cuts (Shorts, Reels) needed: White-label delivery with no editor credit (yes/no): 7. FEEDBACK Who approves the edit? Send feedback as one list with timestamps.
Tips for better edits
- Give 2 to 3 reference videos. They explain style faster than words.
- Name your raw files clearly and keep them in one folder.
- Put the key point in the first five seconds.
- Collect all feedback into one list before sending it.
Want us to edit it?
Send the filled brief with your footage and we will return a first cut within 24 hours. Get a free sample edit, see plans or read about white-label editing for agencies.