3 Must-Have Edits for High-Converting Video Ads

If you’re investing in video ads, you want them to convert. But even with great footage, compelling products, and catchy scripts, many brands still miss the mark and the culprit is often the edit.

Editing is where the magic happens. It’s where raw clips become persuasive, high-performing ads. Whether you’re running campaigns on Meta, YouTube, TikTok, or elsewhere, certain edits consistently drive stronger engagement and conversions.

Here are 3 must-have edits that can transform your video ads and the experts you should hire to make them happen.


1. The First 3 Seconds: The Hook Edit

Why it matters:

Your audience decides within seconds whether to keep watching or scroll past. If your ad doesn’t grab attention fast, everything else is wasted.

What the edit involves:

  • Rearranging footage to start with movement, surprise, or emotional tension
  • Cutting straight to the “problem” or big benefit
  • Adding bold on-screen text or sound cues to stop the scroll

Expert to hire:

Performance Video Editor with Direct-Response Experience
Look for video editors who specialize in ad platforms like Facebook or TikTok. They understand viewer psychology and know how to front-load impact.

Pro Tip: Ask for examples of 15- or 30-second ads they’ve edited—especially those with strong openers and clear metrics (e.g., CTR, watch time).


2. On-Screen Text and Captions: The Clarity Edit

Why it matters:

Most video ads are watched without sound, especially on mobile. If your message depends on narration or dialogue, you’re losing a chunk of your audience.

What the edit involves:

  • Stylized captions synced with speech
  • Bold, animated on-screen headlines to reinforce key points
  • Visual cues (icons, motion graphics) to support understanding without audio

Expert to hire:

Motion Designer or Video Editor with Typography Skills
These video editors can make your captions and headlines dynamic, branded, and readable. Avoid generic subtitle styles great design makes a huge difference in perception.

Pro Tip: Look for editors who know how to match text style with your brand identity (font, color, pacing).


3. Split-Test Variations: The Conversion Edit

Why it matters:

The best video ad isn’t created, it’s discovered through testing. Small edits (CTA position, end screen, product order) can mean big shifts in performance.

What the edit involves:

  • Creating 2–3 alternate versions of your ad with slight variations
  • Swapping different hooks, testimonials, or calls-to-action
  • Adjusting pacing, visuals, or length based on platform

Expert to hire:

Freelance Video Editor with A/B Testing Experience
Look for someone comfortable working in ad platforms and creating multiple export formats quickly. Bonus if they collaborate well with your paid media or growth team.

Pro Tip: Ask if they’ve edited videos for multivariate testing or if they’ve worked directly with paid ad managers.


Final Thoughts

The difference between a video that entertains and one that sells is in the edit. Every second of your ad needs to be optimised not just for aesthetics, but for action.

Instead of hiring a generalist, seek out freelance editors who understand performance marketing. The best editors aren’t just cutting clips—they’re shaping your funnel in motion.


Ready to boost conversions?
Start with these three edits and hire freelance video editors who knows how to turn footage into ROI. Post your job for free and get in touch with freelance video editors.

Raksha

When Raksha's not out hiking or experimenting in the kitchen, she's busy driving Twine’s marketing efforts. With experience from IBM and AI startup Writesonic, she’s passionate about connecting clients with the right freelancers and growing Twine’s global community.

ULTIMATE TACTICS TO SCALE

Growing a business isn’t easy, but I've learned valuable lessons along the way. I'm sharing these in this weekly email series. Sign up.

Stuart Logan

Stuart, CEO @ Twine

* indicates required