How long does it typically take to edit a short video for social media once you know what you're doing?

Once you have your script prepared and you’re familiar with your editing tool, a typical short-form video (like a 30-60 second piece) should take no more than about 15 minutes to edit. The key is preparation: having your script ready, knowing what footage you need, and being familiar with where the basic functions are in your editing app. For very simple formats—like recording reactions with a voiceover and adding captions—you can often complete the entire process in as little as 5 minutes once you’re practiced. The time investment decreases significantly as you build familiarity with your workflow.

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Asked by a photographer concerned about time investment · Answered by Mili · Office Hours · 2026-07-21