Creative Video Editor (Short-Form & Long-Form)

About the role

A client, recruited through Pelago, is looking for a high-skill Creative Video Editor who understands long-form and short-form editing, pacing, storytelling and what makes people stop scrolling. The editor turns raw footage into compelling short-form content for TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, and also edits long-form videos of 3 minutes or more.

Key responsibilities

• Edit long-form videos (typically 3 minutes or longer) with a focus on retention and interest.
• Edit short-form videos (typically 15-90 seconds) with a focus on retention and rewatchability.
• Identify high-impact moments from raw footage using editorial judgment, not just timestamps or instructions.
• Craft compelling hooks within the first 1-3 seconds and structure clips to keep curiosity and momentum.
• Use captions, on-screen text, emojis, zooms, B-roll, transitions and sound effects with purpose.
• Adapt content to the formats, audiences and conventions of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
• Iterate quickly on creative direction and performance feedback, delivering high-quality edits on time and at volume.

Required profile

• Understanding of hook and retention psychology: knowing what keeps viewers watching and how to strengthen openings.
• Sense of pacing and rhythm, and the ability to use captions to clarify, emphasise and reinforce the message.
• Editorial judgment: the ability to decide what the story is and what will make someone want to watch it.
• Bonus points: experience editing creator, podcast, founder-led, interview or talking-head content; basic motion graphics and kinetic typography; knowledge of metrics such as retention curves and hook drop-offs; a portfolio of high-performing short-form work.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Premiere Pro, After Effects, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve or similar tools.
• Visual hierarchy and attention guidance through framing, text placement and motion.

To apply, submit your application with your portfolio or examples of your work; only shortlisted candidates whose portfolios are clear will move to the next stage. The opportunity is managed by Pelago on behalf of the client.