What you actually own after a video edit

01

Finished videos: always yours

The finished, exported videos you paid for are yours to use for the purposes agreed, usually on your website, social media and in marketing. You should receive them in the formats and sizes you need, plus a high-quality master. This is the core deliverable and should never be in doubt.

02

Raw footage: depends on who shot it

If you shot the footage or supplied it, it is yours, and you already have it. If the editor or their team shot it as part of the project, whether raw footage is handed over depends on the agreement. Many videographers deliver selected or all raw footage on request; some charge for it, because of the storage and transfer involved. Ask at the start.

03

Project files: often not included

Project files are the editing software files that contain every cut, effect, title and colour adjustment. They let someone reopen the edit and change it. Many editors do not hand these over by default. They depend on the same software, plugins, fonts and folder structure, and they represent the editor's working methods.

Some editors will provide them for an additional fee, or include them in larger projects. If you know you will need them, for example to have an in-house team make future changes, agree it upfront.

Project files without the original footage, fonts and plugins usually cannot be opened properly. They are not a substitute for a working relationship.

04

Music: a licence, not ownership

Licensed music is not owned by you or the editor. It is licensed for specific uses, and licences differ: some cover social media only, some cover ads, some are tied to the editor's subscription. Ask which licence covers your video, whether it extends to paid ads, and what happens if the editor's subscription ends. Keep a record of the track and licence.

05

Graphics, titles and templates

Custom graphics made for your video, such as an animated logo or branded lower thirds, can often be handed over as separate files if agreed. Stock templates purchased by the editor may be licensed to the editor, not to you. If you want reusable branded elements for future videos, ask for them to be created and delivered as part of the project.

06

Changes later

Most changes after delivery, such as updated contact details, a new logo or a shorter cut, are easiest with the original editor while they still have the project. Ask how long they keep projects archived. If you expect regular updates, a retainer or an agreement that the editor keeps the project for a set period may be simpler than taking files yourself.

07

Put it in writing

A short written scope answers all of this in advance: deliverables and formats, whether raw footage and project files are included, music licensing, how long files are archived and the cost of later changes. It takes ten minutes and avoids the most common disagreements between clients and editors.

Ask before, not after

There is no single right answer to what an editor hands over. There is only what was agreed. Problems arise when clients assume project files and footage are included and editors assume they are not.

Agree the deliverables before the first cut, not after the last one.

When comparing quotes, check these items too. A cheaper quote that excludes footage, licences valid for ads or reasonable archiving may cost more later.

Do video editors give you the project files?

Not always. Many editors do not include project files by default, and some provide them for an extra fee. Agree it before the project starts if you need them.

Do I own the music in my video?

No. Music is licensed for specific uses, not owned. Ask which licence covers your video and whether it includes paid ads.

Can I get my raw footage from the videographer?

It depends on the agreement. Many will provide it on request, sometimes for a fee covering storage and transfer. Ask at the start.