Top 10 Best Video Editing Softwares for Youtube

In 2024, YouTubers have many choices for video editing software. Content creation is always changing. Choosing the right video editor is crucial for YouTube videos. It can boost their quality, appeal, and engagement. This guide aims to highlight key aspects of video editing software. It is for beginners who want to edit their videos effectively and professionally.

Understanding Video Editing Software

What is Video Editing Software?

Video editing software lets users turn raw footage into polished, engaging content. It’s a powerful tool for manipulation and refinement. These editing programs let creators cut, arrange, and enhance video clips. They can also integrate audio and visual elements seamlessly. Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are top video editors. They are popular among pros. Free video editors also exist for beginners. It’s crucial to know how these tools work. It’s key for anyone wanting to edit videos for YouTube effectively.

Importance of Video Editing for YouTubers

For YouTubers, video editing is key. It helps tell a story and keeps viewers watching. Editing allows creators to refine their content, ensuring that every second of a YouTube video is engaging and relevant. The right video editing software gives YouTubers tools to add effects, transitions, and audio enhancements. This will raise their video’s production quality. As audience expectations rise, mastering the art of video editing becomes essential for success on the platform.

Key Features to Look for in Video Editing Software for Youtube

When choosing the best video editing software for YouTube, consider several key features. Look for software that offers a user-friendly interface, enabling beginners to navigate easily. Key editing features are: basic tools, audio editing, and advanced options. These include color correction and motion graphics. Also, choose software that supports various video formats and resolutions. For YouTubers, the best video editing software will improve their editing. It should also speed up creating professional videos.

Top 10 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube 

1. The Adobe Premiere Pro

For those looking for the best video editing solution, Adobe Premiere Pro stands out as a top choice among professional video editors. While it is primarily a paid software, many users are looking for a free version of video editing software to edit YouTube videos. In this regard, several free video editing apps are available, but Adobe Premiere Pro remains one of the best video editing platforms due to its robust features, including multicam editing, video stabilization, and advanced video editing capabilities.

Whether you are new to video editing or a seasoned creator, this video editing program offers excellent options for creating videos for YouTube. It allows users to export video directly to YouTube, making it a popular choice among YouTube creators looking to enhance their video content. With basic video editing tools and advanced editing features, Adobe Premiere Pro provides a complete video editing experience for anyone looking to produce high-quality YouTube videos with stunning video effects and seamless audio and video editing.

Pros:

• Offers professional-grade tools for color correction, audio editing, and visual effects.
• Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe apps like Photoshop and After Effects.
• Works on both Windows and Mac.

Cons:

• Takes time for beginners to master due to its complex interface.
• Requires a monthly or annual subscription which can be expensive for casual users.
• Can slow down on older or less powerful computers.

Rating: 4.5/5 on G2​

2. Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush stands out as one of the best free video editing software options available, especially for those creating content for a youtube channel. This youtube video editing software is designed to simplify the video creation process, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned creators. With its excellent editing features, users can easily produce high-quality videos that are perfect for sharing online. The editing software for youtube creators also offers multiple editing options, including tools for vertical video and even 360-degree editing.

For those looking for a free video solution, Adobe Premiere Rush is often included in the list of the best video editing tools. The video editing software allows you to work seamlessly with video and audio tracks, ensuring a professional finish. Whether you’re a novice or among the best youtube video editors, this software is perfect when you need to edit youtube videos. Ultimately, Adobe Premiere Rush is a robust choice, making it one of the best in the industry for aspiring content creators.

Pros:

• Available on desktop and mobile for seamless editing.
• Simple interface, ideal for beginners and social media creators.
• Projects can be synced across devices for easy access.

Cons:

• Lacks the advanced tools found in Premiere Pro.
• Users have reported slow export times, especially for longer videos.
• Though simpler, it still requires a subscription for full functionality.

Rating: 4.4/5 on G2

3. Filmora

Filmora is a user-friendly video editing software designed to cater to both beginners and intermediate users. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to create stunning videos quickly, making it a popular choice for YouTubers who want to produce content efficiently without getting overwhelmed by complicated features. Filmora offers a wide variety of built-in effects, transitions, and filters, giving creators access to tools that enhance their storytelling with minimal effort. The software supports 4K editing and includes features like split-screen, green screen, and motion tracking, all of which help YouTubers make their content more engaging and professional-looking. Additionally, Filmora’s library of royalty-free music and sound effects makes it easy for creators to add high-quality audio to their projects.

One of Filmora’s most convenient features is its direct export to YouTube, which streamlines the process of publishing videos. Users can adjust the video’s resolution, frame rate, and compression settings to optimize their content for the platform. The software also includes tools for adding intros, outros, and annotations, which are essential for branding and audience engagement. Filmora’s pricing is accessible, offering both free and premium versions, with the paid version unlocking more advanced effects and features. This affordability, combined with its rich feature set, makes Filmora an excellent choice for YouTubers looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful editing tool that doesn’t require a steep learning curve.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface, suitable for beginners.
• Rich library of effects and transitions.
• Affordable pricing options.

Cons:

• Can lag when handling multiple video tracks.
• Limited advanced audio features.
• Occasional bugs in new versions.

Rating: 7.5/10​ on TrustRadius 

4. Lightworks

Lightworks is a professional-grade video editing software that has been used to edit major films, yet it offers a free version tailored for YouTubers and smaller content creators. With its multi-cam editing feature, audio mixing tools, and support for high-quality formats up to 4K, Lightworks provides a robust editing environment for those looking to produce polished, cinematic videos. The software’s customizable interface allows users to arrange their workspace according to their workflow, ensuring that essential tools are always within reach. For YouTubers who want to experiment with more advanced techniques, Lightworks offers professional-grade effects, color correction, and precision editing tools.

Despite its high-end capabilities, Lightworks also caters to users with less technical experience by providing a simplified mode in its free version, which is great for basic editing needs. The software’s timeline editor allows creators to cut, trim, and rearrange clips with ease, while the export options include direct uploads to YouTube and Vimeo. This seamless integration with popular platforms is particularly helpful for YouTubers who want to streamline their production process. While Lightworks does have a steeper learning curve compared to some other software, its powerful features and versatility make it a valuable tool for serious content creators who want to elevate their YouTube videos with professional editing techniques.

Pros:

• Professional-grade editing with support for 4K resolution.
• Wide format support.
• Flexible and powerful for advanced users.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Advanced features behind a paywall.
• Limited tutorials for beginners.

Rating: 3.5/5 on G2

5. Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software that appeals to YouTubers who want an affordable yet versatile editing tool. Known for its wide format support, Shotcut allows creators to work with various video resolutions and codecs, making it ideal for users who handle different types of footage. The software’s interface is customizable, letting users arrange the editing workspace to suit their preferences. Shotcut also features a timeline editor where users can easily trim and cut clips, add transitions, and layer audio tracks. For YouTubers who need to edit content across multiple devices or operating systems, Shotcut’s cross-platform support is a significant advantage, as it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

In addition to its core editing capabilities, Shotcut provides more advanced tools like keyframe-based animations, 3D text effects, and color grading options. These features give YouTubers the flexibility to enhance their videos with professional-level effects without needing to invest in expensive software. Despite being free, Shotcut doesn’t skimp on performance, handling 4K video and even offering GPU acceleration for faster rendering times. With its extensive range of filters and effects, Shotcut is an excellent choice for content creators who want to produce high-quality videos on a budget. Though its learning curve might be steeper than other beginner-friendly software, its robust feature set is well worth the effort for those looking to improve their editing skills.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Wide format support.
• Supports 4K editing.

Cons:

• Interface is not as intuitive as paid options.
• Lacks built-in effects and transitions compared to paid software.

Rating: 4.2/5 on G2

6. Final Cut Pro (For Mac Users Only)

Final Cut Pro is a highly regarded editing software used exclusively by Mac users, making it one of the best software options for youtube content creators. Known for its simple editing capabilities, this software seamlessly transitions to professional video editing, empowering users to produce robust video projects with ease. For those who want to test video editing software, Final Cut Pro stands out among the software on this list due to its combination of user-friendliness and advanced capabilities.

Video editors will find that it offers a plethora of video editing software like no other, featuring a video editor with advanced features that allow for the integration of audio and video clips in innovative ways. Whether you’re working with different video and audio clips or trying to make youtube video editing more efficient, this software is best for youtubers who are serious about their craft. With tools to speed up video and text-based editing tools, Final Cut Pro is perfect for anyone just getting started with video editing or looking to enhance their social media video production.

Pros:

• Runs smoothly on Mac devices and leverages the power of Apple’s hardware.
• Unique timeline interface that simplifies the organization of video clips.
• No subscription fee, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

Cons:

• Not available for Windows users.
• Unlike Adobe, it doesn’t integrate with third-party apps as well.

Rating: 4.4/5 on G2

7. Movavi

Movavi Video Editor is a beginner-friendly video editing software designed for users looking for simplicity without compromising essential features. The software has an intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners and intermediate users to navigate. Its drag-and-drop timeline allows users to arrange, cut, and trim video clips quickly. Movavi also offers a variety of built-in effects, transitions, and templates to enhance video projects. It’s perfect for YouTubers who need basic but effective editing tools and quick export options, supporting formats like MP4, AVI, and MKV. However, it lacks support for HEVC, which can be limiting for users working with specific video formats.

In addition to basic tools, Movavi offers motion graphics, animation, and basic audio editing features, making it suitable for creating engaging content. Its AI-powered tools like motion tracking add an extra level of sophistication, especially for those who want to incorporate more dynamic elements into their projects. However, advanced features like Chroma keying and audio effects are only available to premium users. Additionally, Movavi is affordable, with pricing options that include a one-time purchase or a subscription model. It does come with limitations for professional editors, as some advanced editing features are not as robust compared to higher-end tools.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
• Quick in-app tutorials for easy onboarding
• Affordable pricing and one-time purchase option

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing tools for professionals
• HEVC codec not supported
• Advanced features require premium subscriptions

Rating: 4.6/5 on G2

8. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editing software tools available, combining professional-grade editing, color grading, audio post-production, and visual effects in one platform. Used in the film industry for high-end productions, it offers YouTubers access to professional tools without a hefty price tag, as the free version of Resolve is highly capable. The software supports 8K editing, multi-cam projects, and has an advanced color correction suite, making it ideal for creators who want their videos to look visually striking. Resolve’s Fairlight audio engine allows for precise sound mixing and editing, helping YouTubers enhance their audio quality.

Although DaVinci Resolve’s feature set is vast, it is designed to accommodate both beginner and advanced users. Its interface is divided into different “pages” for each aspect of the editing process—Edit, Color, Fairlight (audio), and Fusion (visual effects)—allowing users to focus on one task at a time. The software also includes a range of pre-built templates and effects, streamlining the editing process for those who need quick solutions. For YouTubers aiming to produce high-quality content, DaVinci Resolve offers a robust suite of tools, from basic video editing to detailed post-production, all within one powerful platform.

Pros:

• Advanced color grading and visual effects tools.
• Free version includes most features.
• Suitable for professional-level editing.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Complex user interface.

Rating: 8.9/10 on TrustRadius

9. iMovie (For Mac Users Only)

For Mac users seeking to dive into the world of video production, iMovie stands out as a popular video editing software. Designed with an intuitive interface, it allows users to easily manipulate their footage and create professional-looking videos without the steep learning curve. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, using the software is straightforward, with countless features that enhance creativity.

If you’re looking for the best tool for quick edits, transitions, and effects, iMovie offers a seamless experience. It integrates well with other Apple products, making it an ideal choice for those already embedded in the Apple ecosystem. You can effortlessly import and export videos, ensuring that your projects are not only polished but also easy to share across various platforms.

With its robust capabilities and user-friendly design, iMovie has solidified its place as a go-to option for Mac users. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to create stunning videos without the complexity often associated with advanced editing software.

Pros:

• Comes pre-installed with Mac devices, making it a cost-effective solution.
• Simple interface with drag-and-drop editing tools.
• Works well with iOS devices for seamless media transfer.

Cons:

• Not suitable for professional-level editing.
• Not available for Windows users.

Rating: 4.3/5 on G2

10. Openshot

OpenShot is a powerful, open-source video editing software that caters to both beginners and experienced users. Its user-friendly interface allows for seamless navigation, making it easy to import, edit, and export video projects. With support for a wide variety of video, audio, and image formats, OpenShot enables creators to work with diverse media types without compatibility issues.

One of the standout features of OpenShot is its extensive range of editing tools, including trimming, slicing, and the ability to add transitions and effects. Users can also take advantage of its 3D animation capabilities, allowing for the creation of eye-catching titles and graphics. Furthermore, OpenShot supports multi-track editing, enabling users to layer audio and video clips for a more dynamic storytelling experience.

As a free software, OpenShot is an excellent choice for those looking to explore video editing without the financial commitment. Its active community continuously contributes to updates and improvements, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and bug fixes. Overall, OpenShot stands out as a versatile and accessible tool for anyone interested in video production.

Pros:

• Completely free with no subscription or upfront cost.
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Easy to use for beginners with drag-and-drop functionality.

Cons:

• Limited for professional-grade editing.
• Users report occasional crashes and lag, especially with larger projects.

Rating: 4.4/5 on G2

How to Select the Right Video Editing Software

Assessing Your Editing Needs as a YouTuber

To choose the right video editing software, assess your needs as a YouTuber. Consider the type of content you create and the level of complexity involved in your editing process. If your videos need advanced techniques, use Adobe Premiere Pro. It has motion graphics and color grading tools. Conversely, if you focus on straightforward vlogs or tutorials, beginner-friendly options like Movavi or iMovie might suffice. Knowing your content style will help you pick video editing software that fits your creative goals.

Budget Considerations for Editing Software

Budget is a crucial factor when selecting video editing software for YouTube. High-end programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X are costly. This makes them less accessible for some creators. However, excellent free video editing software exists. It can help beginners and those on a tight budget. You must balance your budget with your needs. This is key to finding software that boosts your editing skills without breaking the bank.

Trial Versions: Testing Before You Commit

Before deciding on video editing software, try the free trials of many programs. Testing software lets you explore its features and interface. This helps you see if it fits your editing style. Many pro video editing tools offer limited-time trials. They let you edit videos for YouTube and test the editing experience. Try different options. You will then be able to choose the best video editing software for your needs.

FAQs

1. What editing software do YouTubers prefer?

Many YouTubers use Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for editing. Beginners often start with iMovie or CapCut.

 2. Do YouTubers use iMovie?

Yes, iMovie is popular among beginner YouTubers. It has a user-friendly interface and basic editing features.

 3. Which software do vloggers use the most?

Vloggers often use software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and CapCut. They prefer their intuitive tools and advanced features.

 4. Is CapCut good for YouTube or not?

CapCut is a good choice for YouTube. It has easy-to-use features and effective editing tools. So, it’s great for beginners and casual creators.

Conclusion

For YouTubers, choosing the right video editing software is crucial. It affects their ability to produce high-quality content. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your editing skills, there are plenty of options available in 2024 to suit your needs. From pro tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X to user-friendly options like Movavi and iMovie, each software has unique features to help you create engaging videos. Assess your needs, budget, and try trial versions to find the perfect fit for your YouTube journey. Mastering your chosen software will elevate your video production and captivate your audience effectively.