A new wave of digital content creators known as “clippers” are finding success by transforming long-form media into short, vertical videos designed for viral social media reach. These professionals, often aged between 16 and 25, are increasingly hired by brands, podcasters, and movie studios to edit 30 to 60-second segments from larger videos for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Economics of Viral Clipping
For some, the profession has proven highly lucrative. Eknoor Singh, a 22-year-old Londoner, reports earning at least £10,000 per month, totaling more than £120,000 annually. Clippers typically earn money based on performance, receiving up to $3—roughly £2.30—for every 1,000 views a clip generates. Singh, who describes his work as a continuous process he can perform from anywhere, notes that the potential for high earnings became clear after a single video of popstar Dua Lipa earned him $300.
Companies are increasingly turning to this model as a cost-effective alternative to traditional social media advertising. By hiring younger creators who possess an intuitive understanding of current trends, firms can secure more engagement from viewers with shorter attention spans. Major organizations, including Capital Records, Universal Music Group, and HBO Max, have been listed as clients on dedicated clipping platforms like Clipping Culture. Galiano Tiramani, founder of the modular home firm Boxabl, noted that his company has reached approximately a billion views through such short-form content.
