# How to brief a video editor for an ad

> Brief a video editor for an ad on one page: goal, placement, length, hook, must-have lines, references and deadline. Includes a copy-paste brief template.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-12
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-brief-a-video-editor

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A good brief fits on one page: goal, placement, length, hook, must-have lines, one reference and a deadline. Send the raw files with it.

## What goes in the brief

1. **Goal and viewer.** Who sees the ad, and what should they do next?
2. **Placement and size.** Reels, Stories, Feed or Shorts. For Reels and Stories, Meta recommends 9:16 at 1440 x 2560 (checked 3 Nov 2026).
3. **Length and versions.** For example, a 30-second master plus 15 and 6-second cuts.
4. **Hook.** The first three seconds, in one line. See [how to write ad hooks](/guides/how-to-write-ad-hooks).
5. **Must-say lines and must-show shots.** The price, the offer, the claims you can prove and the product in use.
6. **Must avoid.** Claims you cannot support and music you have no right to use. Meta's Reels ad spec does not allow licensed music in Reels ads.
7. **Look and sound.** Caption style, fonts, colours, logo and music mood. Add one reference ad you like.
8. **Files.** A link to the raw footage, logo, brand colours and music.
9. **Deadline and approval.** The date, the number of revision rounds and who signs off.

## Copy this brief

```
Product and offer:
Goal and viewer:
Placement and size:
Length and versions:
Hook (first 3 seconds):
Must say:
Must show:
Must avoid:
Captions and look:
Reference ad (link):
Files (link):
Draft due:
Revision rounds and approver:
```

We make Marxx. In [Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) you describe the edit in plain words and the built-in assistant does it on the timeline, so your brief can double as the first request. Marxx chat is on Match, $29 a month at launch prices (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## A filled-in example

| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Product and offer | Desk lamp, INR 799, free delivery till Sunday |
| Goal and viewer | First-time buyers who see Reels, order on the site |
| Placement and size | Instagram Reels, 9:16 |
| Length and versions | 30-second master, plus 15 and 6-second cuts |
| Hook | "My desk was always dark after 8 pm," with the lamp switching on |
| Must show | Three brightness levels, the folding arm, the price |
| Must avoid | Licensed music, claims about eyesight |
| Captions and look | Bold white captions, brand yellow on the price |
| Files | Raw clips and logo in one shared folder |
| Draft due | Friday, 6 pm. Two rounds of changes |

## Mistakes to avoid

- Writing "make it pop" with no reference
- Sending five reference ads that point in five directions
- Leaving out the deadline or the number of revision rounds
- Sending feedback in ten separate messages. Send one numbered list per round, with timestamps, such as "0:07, show the price earlier".

To set the fee, see [how to price video editing for ads](/guides/how-to-price-video-editing-for-ads). For creator briefs, see [how to brief UGC creators](/guides/how-to-brief-ugc-creators). To choose who edits, see [agency vs freelancer for ads](/compare/agency-vs-freelancer-for-ads).

## FAQ

### How long should a video editor brief be?

One page. If the editor has to scroll to find the hook, trim it.

### Should I send a script?

Yes, if you have one. If not, list the lines that must be said and the order of the shots.

### How do I give feedback on a draft?

Send one numbered list per round. Give a timestamp and one change per line.

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