What makes the best free video editing software?
There are free video editors that guide you through the entire process, and there are more robust apps that offer room to grow. At the very least, all of the apps on this list allow you to cut together clips and export a finished product at 1080p—with no watermark—in a format suitable for YouTube.
As I was testing all the free video editing apps I could get my hands on, I used the following criteria to help pick the best one for the job:
Editing features. The ability to easily arrange clips on a timeline is the bread and butter of video editing. Some apps take care of this with automatic editing options, while others leave you to your own devices with tools for splitting clips and adding markers. I also looked at more advanced editing features like chroma keying (green screen), multi-camera editing, video stabilization, and effects.
Limitations for free users. Only some of the editors featured in my shortlist are free; the rest are free versions of premium apps. I only considered apps that satisfied my criteria of being able to export at 1080p or better with no watermark and without any limits on the number of exports performed. The more generous the free version beyond that, the better.
Efficiency. I looked for performant apps with good options for exporting video. (Publishing directly on YouTube was a nice bonus but optional.) Playback should be smooth, and video preview windows should ideally include toggles for quality settings to accommodate less powerful hardware. Web-based video editors should feel close to a desktop app and handle the editing workflow accordingly.
Learning and support. Ample support documentation, tutorials, and an active community of users can be massive, especially for free tools. For more straightforward tools, intuitive design and in-app guidance might be all you need.
Extras. Some video editors are complete suites that can handle effects, audio mastering, and even subtitling. Others offer integration with stock footage services and cloud storage providers. Though not essential, extras like these helped some video editing apps stand out.
To test these video editors, I cut together a selection of 4K HDR videos shot on an iPhone 13 Pro. I made simple edits, like adding clips to a timeline, splitting, adjusting playback speed, and adding transitions between clips. I also dabbled in the more advanced options (where available), including chroma keying, syncing video and audio, and color correction. Finally, I ensured the exported files met my standards for quality and didn’t include a watermark.
Ultimately, I settled on the following free video editors that should satisfy a range of abilities across all three primary desktop operating systems and the web.
Today, the Internet is full of free editors for YouTube content. Such editing software is designed to help users make their dreams come true. Especially when making videos or reels for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the software is very helpful; it carries some amazing editing features that remain in-app, allowing the job to be done correctly.
Considering today’s requirements and the increased search for the best free video editors for YouTube in 2023, this article has been prepared to provide information about the five best free video editors available for YouTube. Keep reading to learn more.
Video Editing Software- What are these?
Video Editors or Video Editing Software are computer programs or applications that allow users to make certain adjustments to one or more video files. The software allows users to cut down video clips, arrange them, add visual components, etc.
The best part of these apps and software is that they can do complex editing much more easily and adjust the specifications to make the video completely suitable for use on YouTube or other social media platforms.
The video editing tools, be it the Instagram reels or the ones for TikTok, are easy to use. They are robust and come in free and paid versions based on the adjustments they allow within the video content before it gets uploaded on social media.
Most videos we see on social media today are edited using video editing software. They are either trimmed to a specific length or stitched together to combine multiple scenes. Either way, these are highly useful, so they are in high demand.
Best Free Video Editors for the YouTube
There are some amazing tools and editors that are helpful in crafting content for social media. Certain limitations exist with this software (especially if it is free) and apps, but they still need to perform the best tasks efficiently.
Below, we have compiled a list of the five most valuable and best video editors that will help you. Just continue ahead to make a pick for your personal favorite.
DaVinci Resolve
If you are looking for some fantastic image tech, the DaVinci Resolve is a free video editor that will help you. It will also help you with remote collaborations with the cloud-based workflow system.
Apart from the above, the editor has,
Best UX Design.
Users can use Division in Pages to focus on the individual parts of the editing process.
Cut the Page to trim and make way to the Color tab to tweak hues/shadows.
The media and Delivery page offers wide format support, allowing users to post content directly to Twitter.
A powerful tool needs a powerful computer. Before you download the editor, ensure that your hardware can handle it.
iMovie
It is the default video editor for Mac users and is pre-installed on all Apple devices. There are only two tracks that one can use here. Still, the beauty of its simplicity is that it offers intuitive and easy running and a chance to explore the descent selection of the app that brings the user title options, transitions, pre-set filters, etc., for quick video editing like a professional.
Further,
The edit toolset is basic but has everything one needs to cut, trim, correct color, remove noise from the background, and stabilize shaky footage.
The integration with iTunes allows the user to import songs from the music library or layer the sounds from the SFX and royalty-free audio selections.
A Magic Movie feature allows the AI to make the best decisions for the users.
No bugs in upgrading to the premium version. No upselling.
If you are not a Mac user, the Windows own-house video editor offers almost the same features.
HitFilm
This editor claims to fame as it continues to speed up. Its intuitive interface invites users to slice, trim, copy, and even sync with zero lag. It is very fast compared to its export competitors and provides 8x speed for the playback.
The tools here are basic but very effective. All you need to do is use the drag-and-drop transition and the presets, which are ready to use for creating pro-quality content in a snap. The auto audio sync will make tweaking a breeze.
Apart from the above, the lighting effect is good, but if you wish to take a little dive with the social video editing, you can use the light leaks and the glows, which will provide you with the footage of the cinematic feel.
VideoPad
The website is retro-looking, but guess what? Its functionality is best, and this cannot be denied. This editor has been designed to be intuitive. Here, users can edit the videos in just a few minutes.
Apart from the above,
The software has 50+ effects and transitions.
The editor supports 60+ video formats, which allows creating the title text animation using a template, recording the narration in the app, or using professional-grade templates to whip up something special within the snap.
The editor can be used on desktop and iOS.
It allows the export of movies easily.
Share content online or upload directly to YouTube.
FilmoraGo
This editor is a feature-rich YouTube editing app that offers various useful features, has no ad issues, updates often, and includes free music and other add-ons.
Further, the editor provides,
Management of things easily.
Ease of use.
Built-in library of music, essential video editing tools, and video transitions.
Unique features allow you to export to 720p, overlay another video for the picture-in-picture effect, import the files directly from Instagram, Google, or Facebook, and overlay objects including hearts and leaves.
The running capacity on both iOS and Android.
FAQs
Are these video editors completely free to use?
Yes, all the video editors here offer free versions with essential features. Some may have premium upgrades for advanced functionalities, but the basic editing tools are free.
Can I use these editors for professional video projects?
While these editors are primarily geared toward creating social media content, they offer enough features for basic professional projects. However, you might need to consider premium versions or specialized software for complex projects.
Do these editors support multiple platforms?
Yes, most of the editors mentioned here are available across different platforms, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This ensures flexibility and accessibility for users regardless of their preferred device.
What kind of support and tutorials are available for beginners?
Many of these editors provide extensive documentation, tutorials, and active user communities to assist beginners in learning the ropes. Additionally, some offer intuitive interfaces with in-app guidance for smoother editing experiences.
Are there any limitations in terms of file formats or export options?
While these editors support a wide range of video formats, it’s essential to check specific requirements for your project. Additionally, ensure that the free version allows for the export of high-quality videos (1080p or better) without watermarks.
Conclusion
The availability of free video editing software has democratized content creation, allowing users to express their creativity without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, these editors offer a range of features to suit your needs, from basic trimming and cutting to more advanced effects and transitions. With intuitive interfaces, ample support resources, and compatibility across various platforms, they provide a solid foundation for producing engaging content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. So explore these free video editors and unleash your creativity in the digital realm!