How long does it take to make and edit a video?
Find out how long it takes to make and edit a video: from 1 hour for simple videos to weeks or months for complex productions. The factors that come into play.
The team behind Polimake. We explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and automation.
One of the most common questions when planning a video strategy is: "How long does it really take to make a video?". If you've ever managed an audiovisual project, you'll know that the most honest answer is: it depends. We can find anything from a quick social media clip produced in a matter of hours to an elaborate advertising spot that takes weeks of work.
The time it takes to make or edit a video varies enormously. A simple one can be made in 1 hour, while complex productions stretch out to several days or months.
So how can we estimate timelines realistically? The decisive factor is the complexity of the project.
The Key Factor: Project Complexity
To make estimating easier, we can group video projects into three general levels of complexity:
| Simple video | With resources already defined, the focus is on assembling and editing only the raw footage. The work essentially comes down to putting it in order, adding music or sfx, and fixing it up |
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| Intermediate video | These generally require more detailed planning and a more elaborate production process. This means identifying which shots and resources are needed before filming. Editing is then similar to the simple video, but with many more shots to review |
| Complex video | Creating a complex video is a demanding process that involves more thorough planning, precise execution over several days, and meticulous attention to editing detail. |
A video's complexity affects not only the final editing time but also directly influences the duration of each of the three essential phases of production:
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Pre-production (Planning): The more complex the video, the more time it takes to define objectives, script, locations, crew, etc.
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Production (Shooting): Complex videos may require multiple days of filming, several locations, or larger crews.
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Post-production (Editing): More footage shot, special effects, animation, or detailed color correction all mean more hours of editing.
Simple Productions
These are straightforward videos, often with a very specific objective, that can make use of pre-existing resources or require simple, controlled filming.
Minimal or very agile planning. Short shoot (a few hours, a single location). Basic editing focused on assembling the raw footage, adding library music, simple text (such as lower thirds), and perhaps a few sound effects (SFX).
Typical Examples: Short videos for Instagram Stories or Reels, simple testimonials shot with a single camera, basic videos for internal communication.
Total Estimate (Approximate): From a few hours to 1-2 business days.
Medium-Complexity Productions
This level covers a large share of the videos used in content marketing, corporate videos, or explainer videos.
A medium-complexity production, where there are 3-4 people involved, brings more complexity.
Characteristics: They require more detailed planning (script, defining key shots, scouting locations). The shoot usually takes a full day (roughly 8 hours), including equipment setup (lights, sound) and capturing various takes and resources (B-roll). The editing is more elaborate: there's more material to review, a more solid audiovisual narrative is built, color correction is done, graphics are integrated, and possibly voice-over.
Typical Examples: The standard corporate video, product/service explainer videos, professional multi-camera interviews, event recaps.
Total Estimate (Approximate - e.g., a 3-min video): Pre-production: 1-2 days. Production: 1 day. Post-production: 3-4 days. Approx. Total: 5-7 business days.
Complex Productions
These are large-scale projects, with high creative and technical demands, designed to make a big impact.
They involve thorough planning (in-depth research, creative concept development, complex scripts, detailed storyboards, casting, special locations). The execution (shoot) usually stretches over several days and may involve large crews, multiple locations, and specialized equipment. The post-production is intensive: highly detailed editing, visual effects (VFX), advanced motion graphics, 2D/3D animation, professional sound design, color grading (advanced color correction), and usually several rounds of review and adjustment.
Typical Examples: Advertising spots for major campaigns (TV, digital), high-production music videos, short documentaries for brands, videos with a strong custom-animation component.
Total Estimate (Approximate): From several weeks to months, depending heavily on the scale and specific details of the project.
Additional Factors That Influence the Time
Beyond the video's inherent complexity, other elements can affect the timeline:
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Feedback and Approval Rounds: An agile review process with clear feedback from the client or marketing team shortens timelines. Multiple rounds of creative changes can lengthen them significantly.
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Resource Availability: The need for specific locations, actors, interviewees with tight schedules, or special equipment can constrain the schedule.
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Unexpected Issues: You should always allow some margin for possible setbacks (common causes of delays), such as adverse weather, technical failures, or last-minute changes.