Edited by Nataly Bogorad

August 2, 2019

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Choose the Best Video-Editing Software for YouTube

Today, anyone can start his or her own YouTube channel, but making it popular takes more than merely uploading gigabytes of funny videos. To attract followers, the videos need to be both engaging and polished to be entertaining to watch. There are lots of great editing programs available out there. While some are intended for professional use, others are also suited for beginners. So how to choose the best video-editing software for YouTube that fits your specific needs? It this article, we are going to look at the most popular alternatives, and hopefully, provide you with a starting point.

What Video-Editing Software Do YouTubers Use

While some software like Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Final Cut Pro is designed for heavy editing and oriented towards advanced users, developers of other apps like iMovie and Openshot keep it simple and provide an easy to use platform for anyone to edit their videos like a pro. When selecting a program, determine the critical points for you: tools and features, ease of use, or pricing, and make your choice of the best video editor for YouTube accordingly.

So, what video-editing software do YouTubers use most often? Here is our top 12 collection.

Movavi Video Editor Plus

When you chose Movavi Video Editor Plus, you chose excellence in product and customer support. The company provides solutions and expansion packs to fit the needs of every customer, from businesses to personal users. This program is designed for amateurs and beginning professionals, but advanced users will also find its vast feature set wrapped in an appealing interface more than tempting to employ.

Movavi Video Editor Plus

Your next step in video-making

• Edit video clips, images, and audio on a timeline
• Add transitions, filters, titles, and stickers
• Animate objects using keyframes, use more built-in media
• Export videos in any popular format

Download for Free Buy Now More about the Windows version

Download for Free Buy Now More about the Mac version

Lightworks

Lightworks is a good alternative for those only setting off on their journey into the world of video production. Featuring a clean interface, the program keeps all the necessary tools at your fingertips. You may also find an extensive collection of effects and royalty-free media to be an exciting bonus. Though Lightworks might not be the easiest, hours of tutorial videos and an active online community will help you on your way. The program is available on all platforms at no charge, with some restrictions on exporting formats. However, for those seeking a powerful editor, it is definitely worth checking out.

Windows Movie Maker

If you need capable video editing software but you are not interested in spending hours figuring out the ins and outs of a program, Windows Movie Maker could be your choice. It features essential tools for working with video and audio along with some popular visual effects.

Available only for Windows, it is absolutely free, and many loyal users still consider it the top basic editing software despite not being officially supported anymore.

Vegas Pro

As can be guessed from the name, Vegas Pro is software for pros who need advanced video processing tools like superior image stabilization, motion tracking and even HDR color support for Hollywood movie quality. Beginners will most probably find the program overwhelming, while experienced users will appreciate a continuously developing set of features added. It is possible to try Vegas Pro for free but after a trial period, you will need to decide if the price asked coincides with your needs.

iMovie

iMovie is a prominent movie editor designed exclusively for Mac and well-loved by many YouTubers. The program includes basic video and audio editing tools and also offers some other handy features, which will be of interest to more demanding users. Like all Apple products, iMovie is powerful software put into an easy to use shell, so if you have never produced a video, but you are determined to become a top-notch YouTuber, iMovie could be your choice. You might just need to purchase a MacBook to benefit from this free program.

Final Cut Pro

This is another program on our list, oriented towards professionals. Like the previous option, Final Cut Pro is an Apple product available for Mac only. If you have already invested into a MacBook and now you are looking for relatively cheap yet remarkably feature-packed software, Final Cut Pro is a decent alternative. The latest update brings an improved processing speed and the ability to work with HDR colors, while other features like 360° editing and a Multicam mode have received an upgrade.

Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Premiere Pro is a part of Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. Standalone, Premiere Pro is a superb video editor favored by industry leaders, but it lacks the capability of adding advanced creative or music effects, since Adobe offers separate programs that excel in that. Nevertheless, when various software pieces of the company ecosystem are used together, a production team gets an all-inclusive package with ultimate collaborative possibilities.

Blender

Blender is a free 3D creation suite, which comes with a simple video editor that covers all basic demands. As a film production software, Blender offers video and music editing, a collection of effects and masks along with the capabilities to adjust speed, transitions and other essential features. Perhaps, the best part about Blender is the ability to customize the UI so that it becomes the most convenient program for every single user with his specific requirements.

VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC offers two versions of its program: free and subscription-based. The first version includes all essential tools for working with videos, which suffice if you need to do casual editing from time to time. Yet, if you are planning to do some hardcore film production to impress your viewers, VSDC Editor Pro offers you an expanded feature pack at a low cost. The developers aim the program at an average user, thus the interface is clean and intuitive so newcomers will not find it challenging to start.

DaVinci Resolve

This rapidly developing software is aimed at professionals working in fast-paced environments. DaVinci Resolve is a survival tool for users wanting to release high-quality videos every other day and keep their followers’ interest hot. Covering all basic and advanced features at a relatively low price, the program takes some time to master, but once it’s done, movies created with DaVinci Resolve are beyond any competition.

Openshot

With Openshot, it is possible to create dazzling videos to awe your friends and followers without having to learn any complicated software. This free, open-source film editor offers all essential tools for video manipulation, while support from its online community provides an extra source of creative ideas.

VideoPad

VideoPad is a simple to operate software developed for advanced users who require just a bit more than basic cutting and framing tools, yet not interested in any of the industry-level video editing capabilities. The company offers several pricing and subscription options, including a free version for home. Such a pricing model adds flexibility to your buying opportunities. The program is only available for PC running Windows operating system.

This list provides only a general guideline on multiple editing options offered throughout the web. Most developers offer trial versions so that users could decide whether the products meet their needs. So, experiment and let the creativity flow.