Long-Term YouTube Video Editor — Essay / Talking Head Format — Motion Graphics + Kinetic Text

This channel creates research-backed explainer videos on work, money, psychology, ambition, culture, and the forces shaping modern life. We turn complex ideas into clear, story-led narratives that feel intelligent, emotionally resonant, and genuinely watchable. If you've edited for essay, documentary-style, or talking head/ explainer channels — this is for you (e.g. Ali Abdaal, Mark Manson, Codie Sanchez, AEVY TV).  We're looking for an editor who brings this to life through strong pacing, smart visual structure, tasteful motion design, purposeful b-roll, and an instinct for making intellectually rich content feel dynamic and high-retention. What the Edit Involves Every video will require the following: Z-cuts — remove all dead air, pauses, and filler words B-roll sourcing and integration (~15–20 clips per video, scene-by-scene sourcing brief provided) Kinetic text pops over talking head for key concepts Black screen + animated kinetic text for high-emphasis moments Black screen + audio only (no visuals) for specific lines Word-level size and emphasis animation (important words appear bigger) Section title cards — minimalist white text on black, fade in/out Lower thirds for academic citations SFX layering — subtle whooshes, clicks, ambient sound under b-roll Audio mixing, voice levelling, audio ducking Background music sourcing (you suggest 2–3 options, I approve) Burned-in styled captions with word-level highlight (each word lights up in sync with speech, baked into the video) SRT file for YouTube upload Colour grade — consistent look across all shots Chapter markers delivered as a text list Vertical cut (9:16) for Shorts/Reels — separate deliverable TV grain effect on select sections (timestamps provided) Subtle rounded border/frame on b-roll clips Minimalist section transitions (e.g. fade to black, zoom push, L/J-cuts) Software required: Adobe Premiere Pro + After Effects (or DaVinci Resolve + Fusion) What I Need From You Strong motion graphics and kinetic text skills — non-negotiable Experience editing essay-format and/or talking-head YouTube content specifically Access to stock footage library (Storyblocks, Artgrid, Pexels, or similar) preferred Access to motion graphics templates (Motion Array, Envato, or similar) preferred Access to a sound effects library (Epidemic Sound, Soundsnap, Freesound, or similar) preferred Reliable communication and ability to meet deadlines Budget & Terms $60–75 per video (main edit, all requirements above) $15–20 additional for vertical cuts Turnaround: 3–5 days from receiving footage 2 rounds of revisions included Goal: long-term retainer after first 2–3 videos for 4 videos every month To Apply Please share 1–2 examples of YouTube videos you have edited that include kinetic text animation. Applications without relevant portfolio examples will not be considered.