Expert Short-Form Video Editor

About Exchange Life Exchange Life is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce travel jewelry brands in the US. We sell collectible country charms for travelers, with new products launching soon. We run a fully remote content team of editors, filmmakers, and creators across the world. We're looking for an editor who can own their output and be creative within proven marketing fundamentals - not just execute tasks. This is not a gig; it's a long-term partnership. Many of our editors have been with us for 2+ years. You'll work closely with our Content Lead and Marketing team. We're a small, high-output team that moves fast, communicates daily, and invests in the people who show up. What Success Looks Like After 3-6 months, a successful hire is consistently producing short-form videos that scale on ads and organic - 50%+ thumb-stop rates, 30%+ hold rates - and iterating on winning formats without needing direction from the marketing team. You'll be a trusted creative partner, not just an executor. Core Responsibilities • Edit TikTok and Reels content optimized for hook rate, retention, and watch time - not just aesthetics • Review your past edits daily, identify what's working and what isn't, and improve without repeating mistakes • Collaborate with the marketing team to test new creative angles and iterate on winning formats • Turn around content quickly and communicate proactively every day - no check-ins required • Stay on top of TikTok and Instagram trends and apply them where relevant Must-Haves • You can watch a viral video or winning ad and break down exactly what made it work • A strong recent portfolio of short-form edits (ideally 20+ from the last few months) • Familiarity with multiple formats: headline videos, talking heads, voiceovers, AI videos • Ability to read metrics (hook rate, retention, watch time) and know what to change next • Takes ownership, internalizes feedback, doesn't repeat the same mistake twice • Highly skilled in CapCut Pro or a comparable editing tool • Strong written and spoken English; able to work independently Nice-to-Haves • Experience editing for e-commerce brands • Experience reading ad metrics and understanding what drives ad performance Not a Fit If • Your portfolio is mostly long-form, YouTube, or event/wedding content • You can't point to a recent viral video or winning ad and explain why it performed • You need a fixed schedule or close supervision to stay productive • You're looking for a short-term project or side gig Compensation & Working Style • Engagement: Independent contractor, paid in USD • Compensation: Competitive base rate + uncapped monthly performance bonuses • Location: 100% remote • Hours: ~40 hrs/week, long-term role • Schedule: Fully flexible - work whenever you want, as long as you turn work around quickly and communicate daily (async). No timezone overlap required. • Time off: Flexible PTO - take the time you need, just coordinate with the team • Tools you'll use: CapCut Pro (or comparable), TikTok/Meta analytics • Growth: We invest in committed people - access to courses, software, and 1-on-1 mentorship • Working style: No micromanagement