Social Video Director / Producer / Writer

People Inc. • New York, NY

1d • $40 - $44 • Onsite

About The Position

The Video team at InStyle is seeking a contract Social Video Director / Producer / Writer to support the development and execution of breakthrough social-first video content across Instagram and TikTok. This role sits at the intersection of creative strategy and hands-on production, responsible for conceiving, directing, shooting, producing, and delivering high-performing content that builds culturally relevant franchises. This is a highly visible role for a platform-native storyteller. Full-time ongoing freelance with the potential for extension through the end of the year.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in social-first video production, directing, and editing for self, publishers or brands.
• A portfolio of short-form work demonstrating strong pacing, storytelling, and viral performance.
• Proven track record of developing social formats or franchises that drive audience growth and engagement. Examples of high-performing videos required.
• Strong hands-on shooting skills with experience operating DSLR/mirrorless cinema cameras.
• Expertise across Meta platforms and TikTok, including algorithm mechanics, retention strategies, and platform-native storytelling.
• Fluency across social formats, from vertical short-form to premium, filmic, and TV-inspired shows.
• Deep topic knowledge of celebrity culture, travel, and/or beauty and style and how they are consumed and engaged with on social platforms.
• Strong production management skills with experience overseeing logistics, budgets, timelines, and crews.
• Ability to execute end-to-end, from ideation through final delivery.
• Deeply platform-native with strong instincts for what will resonate.
• Both a creative strategist and hands-on maker.
• Obsessed with hooks, retention, and audience behavior.
• Comfortable moving quickly without sacrificing quality.
• Collaborative, decisive, and solutions-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Support social-first series strategy and execution across Meta platforms and TikTok, writing and developing marquee series that deliver hit videos and audience engagement.
• Serve as a subject matter expert across Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok, with deep knowledge of platform features, algorithms, and best practices to maximize reach and engagement.
• Concept and launch recurring formats and original series, executing from development through post-production.
• Direct and produce shoots ranging from red carpets to reactive social content to premium, filmic or TV-inspired formats.
• Personally shoot vertical and multi-camera social content, operating camera and basic lighting and audio setups for lean productions.
• Oversee edits with a strong instinct for pacing, hooks, retention, and shareability.
• Manage the full production lifecycle including pre-production, logistics, crew coordination, on-set direction, and post-production.
• Partner with editorial and social teams to capture brand voice in unique IP that is then optimized for every platform.
• Track trends, creators, and cultural moments to keep content competitive and current.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed