Remote Video Editor at Exchange Life - Work Anywhere — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is about as nomad-friendly as it gets. Exchange Life explicitly states no timezone overlap required, a fully async communication style, and a fully flexible schedule — you just need to deliver work quickly and check in daily via messaging. This means you can base yourself anywhere from Chiang Mai to Medellín to Tbilisi without any schedule friction.
Visa considerations: As an independent contractor paid in USD, you have maximum flexibility. Popular options include:
- Thailand: Tourist visa or LTR visa; low cost of living (~$1,200–1,800/month in Chiang Mai) makes contractor income stretch far.
- Portugal (Lisbon): Digital Nomad Visa (D8) available for remote workers; budget ~$2,000–2,800/month.
- Colombia (Medellín): Tourist visa allows 90–180 days; cost of living ~$1,000–1,600/month.
Because you're a contractor (not an employee), many countries' tourist visa stays are technically viable for shorter stints — always verify local tax rules.
Travel-relevant perks: The company mentions access to courses and software, which could offset tool costs. No coworking stipend is mentioned, so budget for that separately. The performance bonus structure is uncapped, which is excellent for nomads looking to maximize earnings relative to lower cost-of-living destinations.
The ~40 hrs/week commitment is meaningful — this isn't a side-hustle role — but the total schedule flexibility makes it genuinely location-independent.
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
- Ability to 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, and 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: CapCut Pro (or comparable), TikTok/Meta analytics.
- Growth: Access to courses, software, and 1-on-1 mentorship for committed people.
- Working style: No micromanagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a required timezone or set working hours for this role?
Is this a freelance gig or a long-term position?
How is compensation structured?
What editing software do I need?
What kind of portfolio is expected to apply?
