Social Video Director ​/ Producer ​/ Writer

This assignment posting is for an Agency Worker opportunity with People Inc. The Agency Worker is paid by a staffing agency employer. Agency Workers will receive a W2 from the staffing agency reporting their earnings for tax purposes.

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 Tik Tok. 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.

Assignment Details:

• 40 hours per week/In office
• Start Date:
  
  ASAP
• End Date: 12/30/2026 (possibility of extension)
• Hourly Rate: $40-44/hr
• Location:
  
  NYC People Inc. Office

• Support social-first series strategy and execution across Meta platforms and Tik Tok, writing and developing marquee series that deliver hit videos and audience engagement.
• Serve as a subject matter expert across Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Tik Tok, 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.

• 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 Tik Tok, including algorithm mechanics, retention strategies, and platform-native storytelling.
• Fluency across social formats, from vertical short-form to premium, filmic, and TV-influenced 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.