Short-Form Storytelling Editor (Long-Form to Viral Clips)

Remote | Contract to start (10–20 hrs/week), room to scale

We're hiring a short-form editor who can pull stories out of long-form footage (podcasts, interviews, doc-style shoots) and turn them into clips that hold attention, feel human, and drive real metrics.

This is not "add captions and hope."
This is pacing, structure, tension, payoff, and clean editorial instincts.

What you'll do

-Turn long-form footage into high-performing short-form (Reels, TikTok, Shorts)
-Identify the ---------- nt, build the hook, tighten the middle, land the payoff
-Cut multiple versions of hooks (first 1–2 seconds matters)
-Deliver platform-native edits (9:16, safe margins, readable captions, clean audio)
-Package clips with strong titles/hooks and simple export naming structure
-Collaborate fast, take notes well, iterate without ego

What "good" looks like

-Strong hook in the first seconds
-Tight pacing, no dead air, no fluff
-Captions that enhance the story (not clutter it)
-Clean audio, controlled levels, natural tone (not "AI-polished")
-Consistent rhythm and intentional storytelling

Requirements (non-negotiable)

You must have multiple viral short-form pieces in the last 18 months.

"Viral" = strong proof with links and metrics (see below)

You must submit proof. If you do not provide proof, your application is deleted.

High-level editing skill in Premiere or Final Cut (Resolve acceptable if you're fast)

You understand short-form formats, retention, pacing, hook writing, and story arcs

Strong English comprehension and taste

Proof standard (what to submit)

Submit 3–8 links to clips you edited in the last 18 months, and for each include:

Platform + link

Your role (editor only, editor + producer, etc.)

View count + date posted

Any supporting metrics you have (avg watch time, retention screenshot, shares, saves)

One sentence on what you did to make it work (hook change, pacing, restructure, etc.)

Minimum bar: at least two clips with one of the following:

250k+ views, or

100k+ views with clear engagement (shares/saves/comments)
(If your niche is smaller but performance is undeniable, show the receipts.)

Bonus points

You've edited podcasts, documentary, interviews, or "talking head + b-roll" formats

You can pull selects and build a cut list quickly

You can write strong on-screen hooks and keep them under control (not cringe)

You have experience making multiple variations for A/B testing

Tools / workflow

We'll provide long-form files (interviews/podcasts/doc style)

You deliver short-form clips + project files (as requested)

Clean file structure, quick turnaround, consistent formatting

Paid test (required)

Shortlisted applicants will get a paid test from a real long-form segment:

3 clips (30–60s each)

2 hook variations per clip

Captions + exports formatted for IG/TikTok/Shorts

How to apply (follow exactly or you won't be considered)

Subject line: Short-Form Storytelling Editor
Include:

Name + location/time zone

Software you edit in

3–8 viral clip links from last 18 months with metrics (required)

A 3–5 sentence breakdown of your editing approach to turning long-form into short-form story

Your weekly availability + rate (per clip or hourly)