When reviewing an edit, it is easy to focus on the music, transitions and overall pace. At the same time, the video may still contain an incorrect price, unreadable captions or a demonstration whose meaning has changed after being shortened.
Split the review into several checks: content, visuals, sound, text and whether the file is ready for the intended placement. This approach helps you collect specific comments and approve the final version.
First, compare the video with its purpose and script
Before watching, open the approved script and offer terms. Confirm who the video is for, which question it explains and what action the viewer should take.
Watch the whole video without pausing. Then answer these questions:
- Is the topic clear at the start?
- Does it explain or demonstrate what was promised?
- Do the lines and shots still follow a logical sequence?
- Is the next step clear and appropriate for where the video will appear?
Check that shortening the speech has preserved essential conditions. For example, “the timeframe depends on the scope of work” must not become a promise of the same timeframe for every project. The article on writing a Reels script for a service provides a useful starting point for this review.
Check facts and visuals
Verify names, prices, currency, dates, contact details and promotional terms. Any client result mentioned in the video needs supporting evidence and an approved wording.
For a product review, check the model, colour, package contents and sequence of actions. In a comparison, ensure the labels match the shots and the viewer understands the demonstration conditions.
Check that an important document, detail or action stays on screen long enough. Transitions and effects should keep the subject clearly visible. Separately check for customer data, internal documents and unintended screens appearing in shot.
Listen to the speech and watch without sound
Watch first with sound: speech should be intelligible, and the music should allow the explanation to be heard. Check the beginning and end of lines, noise, sudden volume changes and joins between takes. Listen to the file on a phone and through headphones.
For the second viewing, turn the sound off. Make sure the captions and visuals convey the main points and important conditions.
Proofread automatic captions manually. Pay particular attention to brand names, technical terms, numbers, negatives and units of measurement. Break the lines so the text is easy to read at the pace of the speech.
For multiple language versions, check the translation, pronunciation, on-screen text and call to action separately. Approving one language does not replace a review of the other files.
Check text placement and file specifications
Open the video on a phone and in the available preview for the intended placement. The platform interface may cover captions, a logo or a button graphic included in the video.
For Reels ads, Meta recommends vertical 9:16 video, audio and key elements positioned within the safe zone. Check the specific placement against Meta's official recommendations and the ad preview.
Compare the export with the brief: orientation, resolution, file format, duration and agreed versions. Watch the finished export itself, as it may reveal errors that were less noticeable in the editing project.
Review the cover, post caption and link alongside the video if they are part of the scope. The cover headline should match the content, and the link should lead to the right offer.
Confirm how music and other assets may be used
Ask for the sources of music, stock footage and graphics, along with their usage terms for the planned posts and advertising.
Instagram's help documentation says its licensed music library is intended for personal, non-commercial use; Meta also offers Sound Collection for commercial purposes. A track being available in the editor therefore does not, by itself, confirm it can be used in a company's advertising. Check the appropriate source and the chosen track's terms using the official music library guidance.
If the video contains an interview, testimonial or customer footage, check the agreed way those materials may be used. Tell the team about any planned advertising before the final export.
Send comments with timestamps
Collect the team's feedback into one list. For each point, state the time, the problem and the change required.
An illustrative comment: “00:08–00:11 — the price text is too low and is covered by the interface in the preview. Move it higher and check again.”
Identify the changes required before publication: incorrect facts, a missing condition, sound problems or unreadable text. Make requests about colour and pacing specific and check them against the agreed style.
After the changes, watch the entire export again, including the surrounding shots. Record the exact approved filename and version number. Store the earlier edit separately so the team cannot accidentally publish it.
Final Reels approval checklist
- The topic and next step are clear without extra explanation.
- The meaning matches the approved script.
- Facts, prices, timeframes and conditions have been checked.
- The demonstration is accurate, and details can be seen clearly.
- Speech is intelligible; music and edits do not interfere with understanding.
- Captions are proofread, with correct numbers and names.
- Important text is visible in the intended placement's preview.
- Asset sources and usage terms have been checked.
- The finished export meets the brief; language versions have been reviewed separately.
- Changes are complete, and a specific file and version are approved.
Before commissioning Reels production, agree the files to be delivered, the feedback process and the final approval stage. The team's scope of work is described in the commercial offer; set the review process for your project before editing begins.