What You'll Do

As an AI Video Editor, you'll be at the forefront of visual storytelling, creating compelling content for brands, creators, and media companies. You'll master both traditional editing principles and revolutionary AI-powered workflows that automate complex tasks while amplifying your creative vision.

12
Month Timeline
$30-75
Hourly Rate
25+
Free Resources
15+
Tools to Master

Learning Roadmap

1
Foundational Skills & Creative Basics
Months 1-3
Master the fundamentals of video editing and storytelling while introducing AI-powered tools. Learn cutting, trimming, sequencing, pacing, audio basics, color correction vs. grading, and intro to AI in editing including auto-captioning and object detection.
🎯 Practice Project
Create a 60-second social media reel about a hobby using CapCut to trim clips, add music, and apply auto-captions.
Canva CapCut Descript
2
Intermediate Editing & AI Integration
Months 4-6
Develop a professional workflow and use AI to streamline complex tasks. Master AI workflows for background removal, object tracking, auto-color matching, motion graphics, green screen compositing, and optimizing outputs for different platforms.
🎯 Practice Project
Edit a 2-3 minute interview video with B-roll, use Runway to swap backgrounds, and DaVinci Resolve for color grading and polished edits.
Adobe Premiere Pro DaVinci Resolve Runway
3
Advanced Specialization & Portfolio Building
Months 7-9
Specialize in a niche and build a professional portfolio. Learn AI generative art, prompt engineering for effective AI usage, advanced sound design and mixing, and data-driven editing with AI for A/B testing multiple video versions.
🎯 Practice Project
Create a 1-2 minute product promo using Runway for AI visuals, After Effects for titles/effects, and layered sound design for a polished commercial.
Adobe After Effects MidJourney DALL-E 3 Synthesia
4
Professional Development & Career Launch
Months 10-12
Build your personal brand, network, and secure freelance or job opportunities. Master freelancing basics including pricing and contracts, create a compelling professional reel, optimize your job search and networking strategy, and understand ethics in AI creativity.
🎯 Practice Project
Develop your personal brand package: logo, website, resume, and reel. Pitch for at least 3 freelance projects or apply to 5 entry-level jobs.
LinkedIn Portfolio Sites Upwork Fiverr

Tools You'll Master

Professional Editing

Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe After Effects

AI-Powered Tools

Runway, Synthesia, MidJourney, DALL-E 3, Descript

Beginner-Friendly

Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express

Audio & Sound

Audacity, YouTube Audio Library, Built-in audio tools

Portfolio & Business

Squarespace, Adobe Portfolio, Behance, LinkedIn

Stock Resources

Pexels, Pixabay, Mixkit, Unsplash

Expected Outcomes

📅 At 6 Months

Confident with basic to intermediate editing skills, comfortable using AI tools for common tasks, completed 3-4 portfolio projects, understanding of different platform requirements, and ready for entry-level freelance work.

🚀 At 12 Months

Professional-quality portfolio showcasing diverse projects, mastery of advanced AI workflows, strong personal brand and online presence, active freelance client base or entry-level position, and specialized expertise in chosen niche area.

Free Learning Resources

This career path is built around free and accessible resources to minimize your investment while maximizing learning outcomes. The roadmap emphasizes hands-on practice with industry-standard tools, many of which offer free tiers or trials.

YouTube Tutorials Coursera Audits Blackmagic Tutorials Runway AI Channel Free Stock Libraries Adobe Express DaVinci Resolve Canva Education Learn Prompting Behance Showcase Freelancer Guides