All Videographers Will Lose Their Jobs by 2034

The intuitive grasp today's youth have on digital content creation is real. Without formal education, they master filming, photography, and editing, embodying skills that currently command high fees in professional courses.

In the next decade, the landscape for videographers could undergo a significant transformation, a pattern previously seen with designers and copywriters due to the advent of AI.

The catalyst for this change?

My 8-year-old niece exemplifies this shift; on her first attempt with Canva, she seamlessly edited a video, incorporating various elements effortlessly. This innate understanding among the younger generation, particularly those growing up with platforms like TikTok, suggests a future where high-level video editing and production skills are commonplace.

The dilemma extends beyond market saturation. Even longstanding clients now question the premium for my services when basic video production is within their staff's reach. This scenario hints at a future where the demand for professional videographers diminishes as high-level content creation becomes a widespread skill.

Videographers earn ￡26,000 on average

Already, the market reflects these changes. My income from videography has decreased compared to four years ago, with an oversupply driving prices down. The ease of finding videographers, some willing to work for portfolio experience alone, underscores the increasing redundancy of professional videography in the face of a digitally proficient society. Even my longstanding clients find it hard to justify premium rates when basic video tasks are competently handled in-house.

If you look at indeed.com for those who don't want to go freelance, you will find the average salary of an in-house videographer is ￡26,000 annually.

Modern slavery is a reality as videography seems easy to do

A particularly disheartening aspect of this evolution is the escalating demands on videographers, verging on what can be described as "modern slavery." Clients expect exhaustive coverage of events, including filming during breaks and editing highlights on the fly, all within increasingly tight budgets. This exploitation underscores a lack of respect for the craft and the professionals behind it.

For instance, a potential client once sought a 60-second social media video, a task that becomes more challenging as the narrative window shrinks. Despite offering a competitive rate, the client's demands escalated, showing a disregard for the professional cost and effort involved. Such experiences highlight a broader disrespect for the craft, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and a shift in how videographers position themselves in the market.

How do we navigate this evolving landscape?

Adapting and enhancing our brand to stand out becomes essential. Relying solely on videography is increasingly unsustainable. Diversifying services and offering comprehensive packages might provide a pathway forward, though expecting higher rates may be unrealistic.

Many freelancers, despite good equipment and experience, struggle to secure paid work, a trend I've personally felt even with over a decade of professional experience. The market's valuation of our services is diminishing, with expectations often bordering on exploitative.

Facing this reality, the traditional videography business model appears increasingly unsustainable. Diversifying our offerings and building a robust brand might provide some resilience, though expecting to command higher rates seems optimistic. The freelance market is fraught with challenges, with many struggling to secure paid projects despite possessing quality equipment and experience.

My own career, spanning over 12 years, filming 1,000+ videos, getting approached by Netflix to buy my shots, ranking #1 on Google for "video expert London" and having 4+ million views across social media is not immune to these pressures.

The current market rates for videography services are alarmingly low, often equating to what one might earn in far less specialized roles.

Ultimately, while we cannot reverse these trends, we can innovate and reposition our offerings to maintain relevance and livelihood in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

We need to be prepared to learn more skills and add another layer of value to the business.