Is it normal to spend 20+ hours on 30s final video?

[Olivia_at_Kudzu]

I think it depends on how many videos you’re shooting. When I am prepared and have a script, it takes a lot less time. I also reuse video clips to make multiple videos, which helps extend the life of your content. To shoot a few reels, it usually takes around an hour, and then editing is 2-3 hours.

[bengunners]

Totally normal at the beginning.

Most people start in the 10-20 hour range because they’re making 20 micro-decisions per video (hook, script, b-roll, captions, cover, music, etc.). The speed comes from systemizing, not grinding harder.

What helps a lot:
1) Batch by task, not by video (write 5 hooks, then film all A-roll, then edit in one block).
2) Use repeatable formats (same intro structure, same caption style, same CTA).
3) Set a “good enough” cap (ex: 90 mins edit max) so perfectionism doesn’t eat the week.
4) Keep a swipe file of your best-performing hooks and reuse angles.

A realistic progression is usually:
– month 1: 8-20 hrs/video
– month 2-3: 4-8 hrs
– once your template library is built: 1-3 hrs

If carousel-style content fits your niche, it can be even faster since you can template slides and repurpose one idea into multiple posts. I use PostWaffle for that workflow, but even manually the main win is having reusable templates + batching.