Video Editing or VFX: Which One to Learn First for Career Growth in 2025?

By a CG Generalist with 15+ Years of Industry Experience & Multimedia Academy Founder Since 2010

🔥 Confused between video editing or VFX? You’re not alone. Most students waste months trying to figure it out. You scroll reels, watch behind-the-scenes of Marvel, and still wonder—which path is right for me?

When you’ve spent more than 15 years working with animation, multimedia, editing suites, and VFX pipelines, you start understanding which skill should come first and why. Since 2010, I’ve trained thousands of Indian students around (34000+)—some wanted to become YouTubers, others aimed for Bollywood or gaming studios. But most of them were confused about one thing:

Should I learn Video Editing first or VFX (Visual Effects)?

In this blog, I’ll break it down for you from my professional lens—what each field actually involves, which has more scope in 2025, and how to choose the right one depending on your passion and career goals.

What is Video Editing?

Video editing? It’s more than just cutting clips. It’s the magic of taking raw footage and turning it into a story. You slice, arrange, and polish each scene. Could be a vlog, a movie, an ad, or even a wedding film. Without editing, it’s just random shots. Editing? That’s where it comes alive. It’s like painting with video—telling your story, your way. No fancy rules, just real creativity in action.

Core Tasks in Video Editing:

Trimming and arranging clips
Adding background music and sound effects
Colour correction and colour grading
Transitions, titles, and motion graphics
Syncing audio and video

Tools to Learn:

Adobe Premiere Pro
Final Cut Pro (for Mac users)
DaVinci Resolve

What is VFX (Visual Effects)?

VFX is all about adding computer magic to real footage. You take live-action shots and sprinkle in stuff that’s hard—or even impossible—to film for real. Think flying dragons, crazy explosions, futuristic cities, or those epic magical powers you see in movies. It’s like blending reality with imagination. Without VFX, some scenes just wouldn’t happen. Simple as that.

Core Tasks in VFX:

Rotoscoping
Compositing
3D animation
Matte painting
Green screen keying
Particle simulation

Tools to Learn:

Adobe After Effects
Nuke
Blender
Autodesk Maya
Houdini

Video Editing or VFX: Key Differences

Feature	Video Editing	VFX (Visual Effects)
Goal	Storytelling with footage	Enhancing reality with effects
Tools	Premiere Pro, FCP, DaVinci	After Effects, Nuke, Blender, Maya
Learning Curve	Moderate	Steep (especially for 3D & compositing)
System Requirement	Medium laptop	High-end workstation required
Career Entry Time	3-6 months	6-12 months (basic)
Creative Input Needed	High	Very High
Demand in 2025	Very High (YouTube, ads, education)	High (films, games, OTT, fantasy ads)

Career Scope in 2025: Video Editing vs VFX

Video Editing:

The explosion of content on YouTube, Instagram, OTT platforms, and e-learning has made video editors one of the most in-demand creators. Every startup, influencer, and company needs videos.

Where Editors Are Needed:

YouTube channels
Instagram Reels
Advertising agencies
E-learning companies
Event & wedding firms

Average Salary (India, 2025):

Beginners: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000/month
Freelancers: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh/month

VFX:

India’s VFX industry is booming, thanks to fantasy films, animated shows, OTT series, and global outsourcing. Big studios from the US and Europe are hiring Indian talent for high-end work.

Where VFX Artists Are Needed:

Film production houses
OTT platforms
Gaming studios
Animation companies
Advertisement agencies (product CGI, fantasy ads)

Average Salary (India, 2025):

Entry-level: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000/month
Senior roles: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh/month

Industry Growth Reports

Video Editing:

According to FICCI-EY Media Report 2024, the demand for digital video editors has grown 120% in the past 3 years. The YouTube economy alone in India generated over $1.8 billion in revenue, most of it driven by engaging, edited content.

VFX:

The same report states that India’s VFX industry grew 30% year-on-year, with global projects being outsourced to Indian artists. Studios like Red Chillies VFX, DNEG India, and MPC have hired thousands of VFX artists since 2023.

Course Duration & Cost in India

Field	Course Duration	Average Fee (Offline/Online)
Video Editing	3-6 months	₹20,000 to ₹50,000
VFX	6-12 months	₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh

Do You Need to Be Creative?

Yes, creativity is non-negotiable. But:

Editing needs timing, rhythm, and storytelling skills.
VFX needs attention to detail, imagination, and problem-solving.

If you’re more into visual storytelling and fast results, start with video editing. If you’re drawn to fantasy, CGI, and high-end visuals, VFX is for you.

How to Learn These Skills?

Start with the Basics:
- Learn YouTube editing, reels creation.
- Practice with raw footage and effects.
Choose the Right Tools:
- Premiere Pro + After Effects = Strong Combo
Work on Projects:
- Build a portfolio of 5-6 solid edits or VFX samples.
Take Formal Training:
- Join an institute that gives real projects and placement help.

Learn from Rajasthan’s #1 Multimedia Institute

At OVS Learning, we help 12th pass and college students master:

Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
VFX Compositing
Motion Graphics
Freelancing & Career Planning

Why Join Us?

15+ Years of Training Experience
Industry Expert Mentors
Studio-Like Practice Environment
Job & Freelance Assistance
Offline Classes in Ajmer and there online classes are available or recorded videos.

📞 Call: 1800 4122 8567
🌐 Website: www.ovslearning.com

FAQs About Video Editing vs VFX

Q1. Can I learn both Video Editing and VFX together?
Yes, start with editing, then transition to VFX. Editing is the foundation.

Q2. What should I learn first as a beginner?
Video Editing. It’s easier to grasp, and you’ll start earning sooner.

Q3. Which has more jobs in 2025?
Editing has more volume of jobs; VFX has fewer but high-paying roles.

Q4. Do I need a powerful laptop?
Editing needs a medium laptop. VFX needs a high-performance system.

Q5. Can I learn these after 12th?
Absolutely. No degree is needed. Just passion and practice.

Q6. Is math important for VFX?
Only for simulation and 3D roles. Basic VFX doesn’t require it.

Q7. Can I become a freelancer?
Yes! Both editors and VFX artists freelance on Fiverr, Upwork, etc.

Q8. Is English necessary?
Basic English helps, especially for freelancing and client communication.

Q9. Do I need to draw to do VFX?
No, but it helps in concept design. Not mandatory.

Q10. Which one pays more?
VFX has higher salary ceiling, but editing gives quicker income.

Q11. I’m from a small town. Can I still succeed?
Absolutely! Many top freelancers and editors come from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Internet is your superpower.

Q12. Will AI replace these jobs?
Not completely. AI can assist, but the human touch in creativity, storytelling, and precision still rules.

Q13. I’m not tech-savvy. Can I still learn?
Yes. Most tools are beginner-friendly and with the right guidance, you’ll learn quickly.

Q14. Do I need a degree to get a job?
Nope. A solid portfolio matters more than a degree.

Q15. How long before I start earning?
If you focus daily, you can start freelance editing gigs within 3-4 months.

Video Editing

Video Editing or VFX: Which One to Learn First for Career Growth in 2025?