If you’re someone who wants to start producing videos for YouTube, you’ll likely need a good video editor. There are many options, ranging from basic tools to professional-grade video editors. In this guide, we will highlight 12 of the best video editing software for YouTube to help you decide which best suits your needs.
OpenShot
OpenShot is a versatile video editing software catering to YouTube content creators. Its intuitive interface and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for beginners.
OpenShot offers essential tools like drag-and-drop editing, advanced timeline functionality, and various video and audio effects. Its open-source nature sets it apart, allowing for community-driven improvements and an expanding library of plugins.
However, users should note that it may not be as feature-rich as some professional-grade software. The rendering speed is satisfactory, but users working on complex projects may experience some lag.
Despite this, its free availability and regular updates make it a solid option for those starting their YouTube journey or looking for a cost-effective solution.
Why You’ll Love It: Numerous advanced features and is free to use.
PowerDirector 365
PowerDirector 365 proves to be an indispensable tool for YouTube content creators. It offers a dynamic range of features that cater to both novices and seasoned editors. The user-friendly interface streamlines the editing process, enabling creators to bring their visions to life quickly.
With a robust set of tools, including advanced video editing, motion graphic design, and comprehensive audio editing, PowerDirector 365 stands out as a versatile solution.
PowerDirector 365 also excels in its rendering capabilities, providing creators with a smooth and practical process, even when dealing with high-resolution videos.
The inclusion of AI-driven tools for facial recognition, motion tracking, and color matching enhances the overall editing experience, allowing users to elevate the quality of their YouTube content. However, PowerDirector 365 isn’t free to use. But if you can afford it, PowerDirector 365 is one of the best YouTube video editors available.
Why You’ll Love It: Easy-to-use video editor with fast rendering speeds.
Kapwing
Kapwing is a user-friendly and accessible video editing solution tailor-made for YouTube content creators. Its online platform eliminates the need for software downloads, offering a convenient and collaborative editing experience. Perfectly aligned with the demands of social media-oriented content, Kapwing simplifies the editing process with drag-and-drop functionality, making it ideal for quick edits and shareable videos.
The platform’s versatility shines through with features like meme-making tools, subtitles, and easy timeline adjustments. The collaborative nature of Kapwing enables multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, fostering teamwork for YouTube collaborations. Moreover, its seamless integration with popular social media platforms facilitates efficient sharing.
While not as feature-rich as some professional-grade software, Kapwing’s strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It is an excellent choice for YouTube creators who prioritize speed and ease of use without compromising creative options.
Why You’ll Love It: Easy to add captions to YouTube videos and numerous templates.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is the pinnacle of video editing software, offering YouTube content creators a robust and comprehensive toolset. Tailored for professionals, its sophisticated features elevate video production to new heights. The intuitive interface and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications streamline workflows, enabling creators to focus on content rather than technicalities.
Premiere Pro excels in handling high-resolution footage, providing unmatched flexibility for diverse content needs on YouTube. Its advanced editing capabilities, including multi-camera editing, color grading, and robust audio tools, cater to the nuanced requirements of ambitious projects.
While the learning curve may be steep for beginners, the depth of features ensures that users can grow into the software, making it a long-term investment for serious content creators aiming for top-tier production values on their YouTube channels. Adobe Premiere Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking professional-grade editing capabilities and uncompromising quality.
Why You’ll Love It: Professional-grade video editing and integration with Adobe applications.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements offers YouTube content creators a user-friendly yet powerful video editing solution. Positioned as a more accessible sibling to Premiere Pro, it balances sophisticated features and ease of use. The software caters to both beginners and those seeking a streamlined editing process, making it an excellent choice for YouTube content creation.
Premiere Elements provides essential tools for video editing, including intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, automated features like Smart Trim and Freeze Frame, and a range of creative effects. Its guided editing mode assists newcomers in navigating the editing landscape, while the Quick Edit mode enables efficient, hassle-free video production.
While it may lack some of the advanced features of its professional counterpart, Premiere Elements remains a robust option for creators looking to enhance the quality of their YouTube content without delving into the complexities of more intricate editing software.
Why You’ll Love It: Simple interface and guided tutorials for beginners.
Shotcut
Shotcut, a free and open-source video editing software, provides YouTube content creators with a budget-friendly yet capable solution. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, while its features cater to more advanced editing needs. Shotcut supports a wide range of video formats and resolutions, which is crucial for diverse content creation on YouTube.
With features like a flexible timeline, various video and audio filters, and 4K video editing support, Shotcut holds its own against paid alternatives. While the learning curve is present, especially for newcomers, the community-driven support and regular updates contribute to its continual improvement.
Despite lacking some high-end features found in premium software, Shotcut is a commendable option for YouTube creators seeking a reliable, free, open-source video editing tool without compromising functionality.
Why You’ll Love It: Numerous video format options are available and free to use.
Lightworks
Lightworks is another free and open-source video editing app for YouTube that provides content creators with a budget-friendly solution. Renowned for its professional-grade features, it stands out among free alternatives. Lightworks supports high-resolution video editing, including 4K, making it suitable for content creators aiming for top-notch visual quality on YouTube.
Its non-linear editing system, real-time effects, and precise audio control offer a comprehensive toolkit for advanced video production. While the learning curve may be steeper than more user-friendly options, the depth of features compensates for it. Lightworks’ community-driven support and regular updates ensure ongoing improvements, enhancing its overall appeal.
While not as beginner-friendly as some alternatives, Lightworks remains an excellent choice for YouTube creators seeking a robust, accessible, and open-source video editing tool with professional-grade capabilities.
Why You’ll Love It: Suitable for all experience levels.
iMovie
iMovie is exclusive to Mac users. It is a versatile and user-friendly video editing solution for YouTube content creators. Its seamless integration with other Apple products and intuitive interface make it an attractive choice for Apple enthusiasts entering the YouTube scene. iMovie offers essential editing tools, including drag-and-drop functionality, transitions, and audio adjustments, catering to a broad range of content creators.
Ideal for beginners, iMovie strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. Its user-friendly design allows for quick edits without sacrificing creative control. Additionally, the software provides templates and themes, simplifying the process for those new to video editing.
While lacking some of the advanced features found in professional-grade software, iMovie remains a solid option for Mac users seeking an efficient and straightforward tool to enhance their YouTube content with ease.
Why You’ll Love It: Easy to edit videos on Mac and iPhone devices.
Pinnacle Studio
With an intuitive interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and a vast library of transitions and effects, Pinnacle Studio facilitates efficient content creation for users of varying skill levels.
One of its standout features is multi-cam editing, allowing creators to sync and edit footage from multiple cameras seamlessly, enhancing the visual dynamics of their YouTube videos. The software supports 4K video editing, providing the necessary tools for high-quality content production.
While not as sophisticated as some professional-grade software, Pinnacle Studio’s strength lies in its accessibility and versatility. Regular updates and responsive customer support contribute to its overall appeal, making it a compelling choice for YouTube creators seeking a comprehensive yet user-friendly video editing experience.
Why You’ll Love It: Extensive video transitions, 4K video rendering, and multi-cam editing.
VideoPad
VideoPad offers YouTube content creators a straightforward and user-friendly video editing solution with a balance of essential features. Its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and various transitions make it ideal for beginners. Using VideoPad does not entail a steep learning curve.
The software supports various video formats and resolutions, accommodating diverse content needs on YouTube. VideoPad also provides tools for basic color correction, audio enhancement, and video stabilization, enhancing the overall quality of the edited content.
It’s not as feature-rich as some high-end editing software for YouTube, but VideoPad’s simplicity and affordability make it an attractive option for creators looking to start or maintain a YouTube channel without the complexity of more advanced tools. The straightforward nature of VideoPad ensures that users can quickly grasp the basics and begin editing their videos with ease.
Why You’ll Love It: Easy to quickly create content and upload it to YouTube.
Magix Movie Studio
Magix Movie Studio presents YouTube content creators with a comprehensive yet accessible video editing solution that balances functionality and user-friendliness. Its intuitive interface makes it a suitable choice for beginners and intermediate editors, providing a smooth learning curve.
The software boasts various features, including advanced color grading, multi-camera editing, and a range of transitions, enhancing the creative possibilities for YouTube videos. Magix Movie Studio supports 4K video editing, catering to the growing demand for higher-resolution content on the platform.
Magix Movie Studio offers a cost-effective solution with ample tools for content creators seeking a versatile editing platform. Regular updates and responsive customer support contribute to its appeal, making it a viable option for those looking to enhance their YouTube content.
Why You’ll Love It: Easy to organize content on a timeline and fast rendering.
Movavi Video Suite
Movavi Video Suite emerges as a versatile and user-friendly video editing solution tailored for YouTube content creators. The software supports 4K video editing, ensuring creators can deliver high-quality content on YouTube. Additionally, Movavi’s vast collection of transitions, filters, and effects allows for creative customization, enhancing the visual appeal of videos.
Its drag-and-drop functionality provides a seamless editing experience suitable for users of various skill levels. Movavi encompasses a wide range of tools, including video editing, screen recording, and multimedia conversion, offering an all-in-one solution for content creators.
It’s not as feature-rich as some professional-grade software, but Movavi’s accessibility, affordability, and comprehensive toolset make it an attractive option for YouTube creators seeking a well-rounded editing solution without the complexities of more advanced tools.
Why You’ll Love It: Beginner-friendly interface and numerous video filters.
YouTube Video Editing Software Comparison Chart
To see how the above YouTube editing apps compare against one another in key areas, refer to the following chart:
| APPS | Free | Stock Content | Templates | Upload to YouTube |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenShot | Yes | Limited | Limited | No |
| PowerDirector 365 | No | Extensive | Extensive | Yes |
| Kapwing | Free and Pro versions | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Subscription | Adobe Stock integration | Extensive | Yes |
| Adobe Premiere Elements | One-time purchase | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Shotcut | Free | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Lightworks | Free and Pro versions | Limited | Limited | No |
| iMovie | Free with Mac | Limited | Extensive | Yes |
| Pinnacle Studio | One-time purchase | Extensive | Extensive | Yes |
| VideoPad | Free and Pro versions | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Magix Movie Studio | One-time purchase | Limited | Extensive | Yes |
| Movavi Video Suite | One-time purchase | Limited | Extensive | Yes |
How to Choose the Best Video Editor for YouTube
Choosing the right YouTube video editor comes down to your specific needs. The best editor for you may not be the best option for someone else. When exploring your YouTube video editor options, make sure you consider the following:
Ease of Use
The ease of use of the software should align with your experience level. For example, if you’re new to video editing, you’ll want software with an easier-to-use interface. On the other hand, if you have extensive video editing experience, you can opt for an application that prioritizes functionality over appearance.
Included Features
Next, think about the features that you need most. While some users may need multi-cam editing or chroma key abilities, others may need a large library of templates or transitions. The software that’s best for you is the one that comes with the features you’ll use most. If you are unsure which features you should have, opt for a YouTube video editor with a wider range of options.
Cost
Finally, consider the cost of the software. Everyone has their own budget, and some people can afford to spend more on their video editor than others. If you’re new to video editing, you may want to start with free video editing software for YouTube to test it out without risk. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more professional-grade features and have the budget available, you can explore some of the paid options.
Explore Different YouTube Video Editors
The best way to find the right YouTube editor is to try a few options. Luckily, many of the software listed above are either free to use, have free trials, or come with free limited-feature versions. Test out a few options that appeal to you, and then decide which one works best for your needs. With enough trials, you should be able to find the perfect YouTube video editor to create engaging content.
