Professional "clippers" are earning up to £120,000 annually by editing long-form content into short, vertical videos designed to go viral on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
London-based creator Eknoor Singh’s path to viral income
Eknoor Singh, a 22-year-old from London, reports earning at least £10,000 per month through professional clipping. The BBC noted that Singh’s success began last year when a short video of popstar Dua Lipa generated $300, proving the financial potential of the niche. Singh now operates entirely via his mobile phone, identifying funny and engaging segments within longer videos to repurpose for social media. One recent example of his work includes a clip of Sabrina Carpenter’s reaction to a wardrobe mishap at the Met Gala.
The economics of the clipping industry
Clipping has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional social media advertising for major brands. These platforms charge a fee to facilitate these connections, allowing brands to reach millions of viewers for a fraction of the cost of formal ad campaigns. For instance, Galiano Tiramani, founder of modular home firm Boxabl, claims his company’s clips have garnered approximately one billion views.
Risks and realities for independent creators
While high-earning individuals like Singh exist, industry analysts warn that the field is highly competitive and often unstable. Lia Haberman, a social media consultant, told the BBC that the industry mirrors the broader creator economy, where the vast majority of participants earn little to nothing. Streaming industry analyst Devin Nash further cautioned that successful clipping requires significant labor, noting that top creators spend hours watching content to identify the most potent viral moments. For some, like 24-year-old Ethan Weems from Kansas, the work serves as a flexible side hustle, allowing him to earn at least $1,000 a month while working from home.
Frequently asked questions about social media clipping
How do clippers get paid for their work?
Clippers typically earn money based on the number of views their videos receive across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. According to the BBC, some creators can earn up to $3 per 1,000 views, though this varies depending on the client and the platform’s monetization policies.
What kind of content performs best for clipping?
Successful clippers focus on short, funny, or highly engaging segments that capture attention quickly. Creators like Eknoor Singh prioritize moments that are easy to watch, such as celebrity reactions or highlights from podcasts and interviews, to maximize the likelihood of a video going viral.
Are there dedicated platforms for clipping jobs?
Yes, several websites act as intermediaries between brands and creators. These include dedicated sites such as Clipping Culture, Vyro, Whop, and Kick, as well as general online forums on platforms like Reddit and Discord.
Do clippers need professional equipment to start?
Not necessarily. According to the BBC, professional clippers often require only a mobile phone and a reliable internet connection to watch, edit, and upload content, making the barrier to entry relatively low for those who understand social media trends.
Clipping industry insights
- Did you know? Some podcasters use clips as "trailers" for their main content. Jimmy McLoughlin, host of the Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future podcast, noted that while a full episode might receive 50,000 plays, the associated short clips can reach millions of views.
- Pro tip: Successful clipping is often described as a "young person’s game," according to Evan Stanfield, the 21-year-old founder of Clipping Culture, because that demographic makes up the bulk of short-form video consumers.
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