How I Earned My First $20 as a Freelance Video Editor at 20

🧩 Introduction

I still remember the day I received my first freelance payment — $20 may not seem like much to many, but for me, it was a milestone. As a 20-year-old IT student with no prior industry connections and no fancy setup, this was the reward for months of uncertainty, practice, and courage to start something new.

This is how I made the leap from mobile video editing to becoming a paid freelance video editor.

📱 Starting Small: Mobile Editing Days

Before I ever touched a laptop, I was editing videos on my mobile using apps like Alight Motion, KineMaster, CapCut, InShot, and VN. It was fun and creative — I made mashup videos of Tamil actors, motivational edits, and even free edits for friends. While it wasn’t “professional,” it helped me understand timing, music sync, effects, and storytelling.

💻 Enter the Laptop Era: From Fun to Frustration

As an IT student, I eventually realized I needed a laptop — not just for coding, but to explore more advanced tools. In October 2024, I bought an ASUS TUF F17 FX706F (a gaming laptop) on EMI. But instead of jumping into learning or editing, I used it mostly for watching movies.

When EMI reminders hit, so did guilt.

That laptop was supposed to be my tool for growth — and I hadn’t used it for anything meaningful yet.

🎬 Restarting with Purpose

In February 2025, I restarted my journey, this time with DaVinci Resolve — a free but powerful video editing software. I couldn’t afford Adobe subscriptions, so DaVinci became my new playground.

With no clear plan, limited motivation, and distractions all around, I still managed to write scripts, shoot on my mobile, and edit for 5–6 days. I finally published my first YouTube video on March 6, 2025:

“The Dark Side of Google”
It was my first time revealing my face, editing long-form content, and sharing something with the world. I got my first subscriber and both positive and critical feedback. But most importantly — I broke my comfort zone.

🔁 The Adobe Experience

Curious to try Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, I applied for their 7-day trial. At first, I got overwhelmed — the workflow was nothing like mobile editing. I wasted most of those 7 days due to fear and confusion.

Surprisingly, Adobe gave me another 7-day extension. This time, I pushed myself to learn through YouTube tutorials. It felt competitive, but exciting.

📤 The Freelance Breakthrough

Inspired by creators like Ishan Sharma and Tharun Speaks, I started cold emailing and messaging potential clients. Most ignored me.

But I didn’t stop. I created a portfolio and sent sample edits.

In April 2025, a small local agency asked for a trial video. I edited and submitted it — but weeks passed without a reply.

Then, in mid-June, during my semester exams, they unexpectedly reached out and offered me a project. I edited short-form videos for them based on specs and delivered 5+ videos.

June 23: First payment — $10
June 30: Second payment — $5

That’s $15 in total — followed by another $5 from another small gig, making it $20 earned through freelancing.

🎯 What I Learned

Start messy, but start.
You don’t need fancy gear — just consistency and learning.
There will always be better editors, but comparison kills creativity.
Don’t ignore the opportunities hiding behind discomfort.

🚀 What’s Next for Me?

Right now, I’m:

Practicing motion graphics and advanced edits
Writing blogs to document my journey
Working on new YouTube content
Exploring platforms like Hashnode, Medium, and LinkedIn

I don’t know exactly where this road will lead — but I’m committed to showing up.

🙏 Final Thoughts

If you're someone starting from scratch, frustrated with slow progress, or stuck between academics and passion — this is your sign to keep going.

$20 might be a small number. But what it represents is huge:

Action. Progress. Belief.

📌 Let’s Connect

Want to collaborate or follow my journey?
Check out my work or drop a DM. I’d love to connect with fellow creators, editors, and dreamers.

Broke Student to Beginner Freelancer: How I Made My First $20 Editing Videos