Video Editor for News Reels & Advertiser Videos

Mirror Media Group is looking for a fast, reliable video editor to create short-form vertical videos for our local news brands. This is an ongoing remote freelance role, ideal for someone who is comfortable working on quick-turnaround news content and polished advertiser videos.
We operate multiple local media publications in California and produce news coverage, community stories, social clips, and advertiser content. We need an editor who can turn supplied footage and creative direction into engaging 30–60 second reels efficiently.
What You’ll Edit
You will create vertical videos for Instagram Reels, Facebook , TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and similar platforms, including:

• Breaking-news and daily news-program clips
• Short videos promoting local news stories
• Reporter or host-led reels
• Community and event coverage
• Advertiser and sponsored-content reels
• Simple promotional videos for our publications and clients

We will generally provide some combination of:

• Raw video footage
• A selection of preferred shots or timestamps
• Written copy, article text, headlines, or captions
• Voiceover audio or on-camera dialogue
• Logos, brand assets, photos, and/or music direction
• Basic notes on the intended story angle and format

Your role is to take those elements and produce a clean, engaging, platform-ready short video.
Responsibilities

• Edit 30–60 second vertical videos, primarily in 9:16 format.
• Create compelling openings/hooks within the first few seconds.
• Select the strongest footage and pace edits for social-media viewing.
• Add captions, headlines, lower thirds, branding, music, graphics, and relevant visual elements.
• Ensure videos are clear, accurate, professional, and appropriate for a local news organization.
• Export files optimized for social platforms.
• Make reasonable revisions when needed.
• Communicate clearly and meet short deadlines, including occasional same-day or next-day turnaround.

Requirements

• Strong experience editing short-form social video, especially Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or similar professional editing software.
• Excellent English comprehension for editing news scripts, captions, headlines, and voiceovers.
• Ability to create accurate burned-in captions/subtitles.
• Strong sense of pacing, storytelling, audio, and visual hierarchy.
• Reliable internet connection and availability to communicate during agreed working hours.
• Ability to work quickly without sacrificing polish or accuracy.
• Experience with news, journalism, local media, real estate, restaurants, events, or advertiser content is a plus.
• Familiarity with Canva, motion graphics, simple animations, and social-media trends is a plus.

Important: Turnaround Time
This is a news-based role, so turnaround speed matters. Some projects may need to be completed the same day or within 24 hours after assets and instructions are delivered.
Please apply only if you can consistently communicate status, ask questions promptly, and deliver on deadline. We value reliability and responsiveness as much as editing skill.
Compensation Structure
We want to begin with a paid trial arrangement and build toward a long-term relationship with the right editor.
Please include your preferred pricing for both of the following options:

• A per-video rate for 30–60 second reels, with a guaranteed minimum number of videos during the first 30 days.
• A monthly bulk-package rate for a defined number of videos per month.

For example, tell us your rate for 10, 20, or 30 edited reels per month, including what is covered in that rate and how many rounds of revisions you include.
If the first month goes well, this can become a steady monthly role with a predictable video volume and monthly stipend/retainer.
To Apply
Please send:
1. A brief introduction and your relevant editing experience.
2. Links to 3–5 examples of vertical short-form videos you edited yourself.
3. Your software/tools and typical turnaround time for a 30–60 second reel.
4. Your per-video rate and monthly package options.
5. Your availability, time zone, and weekly capacity.
6. Confirmation that you are comfortable with same-day or next-day turnaround for urgent news-related assignments.
7. The word “NEWSREELS” at the beginning of your application so we know you read the full posting.
We are looking for someone dependable, fast, creative, and interested in a long-term working relationship with a growing local media company.