Best Free Video Editing Software Used by Youtubers
Top 10 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube [Win/Mac, Free/Paid]
Nov 16, 2021• Proven solutions
YouTube is currently the largest video sharing platform on the Internet that hosts unimaginable amounts of videos. In 2017 alone, more than 4 million hours of content have been uploaded to YouTube each day, and these numbers are expected to continue to rise.
Editing the videos you shared on YouTube is important because the raw footage needs to be organized and cleared of mistakes if you want your videos to attract the attention of millions of viewers. That's the reason that we've selected some of the best video editing software for YouTube that you can use on Windows and Mac OS, that can help you produce visual content that meets professional standards.
Among these best YouTube video creators, some of them are the best choice for YouTube beginners to edit videos, some of them are for professional video editors.
In this article, you will learn:
- Part 1: Best Video editing software for YouTube on Windows [Free & Paid]
- Part 2: Best YouTube Video Editing Software on Mac [Free & Paid]
- Part 3: Best Online YouTube Video Editor
- Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions About YouTube Video Editing
Best YouTube Video Editing Software for All Creators: Wondershare Filmora
We list Wondershare Filmora as one of the best video editors for making YouTube videos for beginners and semi-pros. Filmora is much powerful than Windows Movie Maker on Windows and iMovie on Mac machine, while it also allows you to make a professional-looking YouTube video with hundreds of presets such as filters, overlays, elements, transitions, and mixing multiple layers of effects and audio to empower your YouTube story. Hence, it is recommended in the first place as the best YouTube video creator on PC and Mac. Watch the video below to know more features of Filmora.
Try It Free
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
We've made a Topic Page about YouTube Video Editing, hope you'll enjoy it.
Part 1: Best Video editing software for YouTube on Windows [Free & Paid]
Over the course of the last decade, PCs have become powerful enough to enable their users to edit video material captured with all types of cameras. Here are some best free and paid options for Windows PC owners who want to edit their videos on a PC before they upload them to YouTube.
- Free Built-in Movie Maker on Windows
- Virtual Dub
- Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
- Vegas Pro from Magix
Moving on to find out more details about each software listed above.
Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube Videos on Windows [for Novices]
The following video editing software is free to use, yet the function is limited. It is recommended if you haven't made any single video before and don't want to cost much in editing software.
1. Windows Movie Maker
Windows Movie Maker was never a powerful video editing software, but it always provided a quick and simple way to edit videos for Windows 7 users. However, on January 10. 2017, the iconic video editing software that was bundled with all versions of Windows in the last couple of decades has been discontinued.
If you are using Windows 7 operating system, you are lucky to use Windows Movie Maker: adding titles, trimming or cutting videos in this software doesn't require you to be a professional video editor, and to make things even better Windows Movie Maker offers support for a lot of different video and audio file formats.
Check more about Windows Movie Maker Editing Tips and Tricks
However, the software doesn't provide any filters or visual effects that significantly limits your possibilities. Windows Movie Maker is one of the best video editing software for beginners which is totally free, but it is designed for quick edits that don't require a lot of video editing skills, so semi-professional and professional YouTube video producers will be better off using some more powerful video editing suite for their projects.
Platform: Windows
Pros:
- It is easy to use. If you are using Windows version below 7, this editor is best for YouTube
- Ideal software for photo slide shows as it can import multiple photos
- It also provides fun transitions when making a video for YouTube
Cons:
- Advanced users get irritated by using it as its functions are limited
- Limited options for editing videos
- Susceptible to crashing down
- Not Available on Windows 10
Microsoft officially begins the Windows 7 end-of-life phase on Jan. 14, 2020. For YouTubers who're running Windows10, you can try the simple yet free Photos app to edit videos easily. The Photos app in Windows 10 can create new videos automatically, and if you don't like the remixed theme, music, or style, you can click the Remix button to create a new one or click the Edit video button to customize further. Since the Photos app is already installed in Windows10, you can definitely use it now to edit your YouTube video. If you find there are some missing features, please leave a comment below. I'll try my best to find out alternatives to that.
2. Virtual Dub
The first version of this open-source software was released in 2000, and since October 27, 2013, VirtualDub hasn't released new versions anymore. The software was quite popular in the early 2000s but its fame quickly faded, due to its limited video editing capacity.
This free YouTube video editor is aimed at video editing beginners. VirtualDub's users can capture footage, edit, or assemble videos from TGA and BMP files. Cutting, resizing, or trimming video clips is possible, but the software only offers support for AVI file format, so you may experience difficulties if your camera captured footage in some other format.
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Pros:
- It can process a large number of files to edit large YouTube video
- Overcome the problems associated with digital cameras, so after editing video, you can upload to YouTube
- DV capture from type 2 FireWire controllers is also supported by it
- Ability to develop a video file in Windows Bitmap file formats and it also supports the YouTube video formats
Cons:
- Insufficient editing power for advanced editing
- It cannot write MPEG-1 files
As up-rising stars, HitFilm Express is one of the FREE video editing software for Windows and Mac, even though paid version HitFilm Pro is more famous among professional filmmakers because of the powerful editing features. Note: If you add effects with the "AddOn" green badge, there will be a watermark after exporting in HitFilm Express.
Top Video Editing Software for YouTube on Windows [for Video Editing Enthusiasts]
The following software is a little complicated since providing more powerful abilities to edit YouTube videos.
3. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Platform: Windows, Mac
Becoming a skilled video editor takes years of practice, but with Wondershare Filmora video editor, you can produce YouTube videos that have a professional look and feel, even if you are new to the world of video editing. This YouTube Video Creator has big icons and an intuitive interface, so those YouTubers who edit videos for the first time can quickly make a video.
As one of the best video editing software for beginners, Filmora YouTube Video Editor contains all the tools you'll ever need to create a well-rounded video with the video & audio editing features, stunning effects, and efficient color grading.
Try It Free
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
Besides the fact that you can easily add as many video, photo, and audio files to your projects, this YouTube video creation tool also enables you to perform all basic video editing actions such as trimming or cutting video clips, or advanced editing features such as de-noise, video stabilization and more.
The software's rich effects library enables you to enhance the colors in your videos, add text or image overlays. Wondershare Filmora also offers a royalty-free audio library that includes music tracks and sound effects you can use to create a perfect soundtrack for your videos that can be exported to YouTube directly from the editor (for personal use). You can add text and add emoji with animations and save it as a preset to use in the future. You can also make some creative videos with the split-screen video or chroma keying feature.
Pros:
- Extremely intuitive and easy to use
- Beautiful and fashion effects, royalty music, sound effects
- Simple color correction and audio editing (audio keyframe included)
- Advanced features like PIP, Green Screen, Tilt-shift, Mosaic, video stabilization, etc
- Compatible with the most commonly used formats like MP4, MKV, MOV, FLV, etc
Cons:
Filmora is a freemium video editing software, and you need to pay to remove the watermark in the Free Trial Version.
You can share the video made with Filmora to YouTube directly. We have also made a video to introduce some of the best video editing software for YouTube videos, no matter you are using Windows or Mac, you will find the free and paid software based on your needs.
Try It Free
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
4. Vegas Pro
Image resource: from Internet
Platform: Windows
Price: $599.00
For Windows users who are looking for professional and advanced video editing software, Sony Vegas Pro maybe one of the solutions that you should consider. The interface in Vegas Pro is not so intuitive and not very modern-looking, so you have to spend some time figuring out all the features and how to use them.
For beginners who are new to video editing, there may be a steep learning curve, since Vegas Pro has tons of advanced features like 3D editing, compositing, color correction, automatic crossfades, multi-cam editing, chroma-keying, and various special effects.
Pros:
- Advanced video editing features available
- Support multi-cam video editing is convenient for YouTube editing
- Auto White Balance and Masking tools to make your video creative
Cons:
- Expensive
- The old looking interface is not trendy
- Steep learning curves for some YouTubers
Part 2: Best Free and Paid Video editing software for YouTubers on Mac
Some of the greatest movies in history were edited on Mac computers, but if you are not a professional video editor that doesn't mean you can't use your Mac to create impeccable YouTube videos your followers are going to adore.
Here are some of the best YouTube video editing software for Mac users:
- iMovie
- Blender
- Final Cut Pro X
- Adobe Premiere Pro CC
- Lightworks
Best Free video editing software to edit YouTube videos on Mac
iMovie and blender are free to use, but one is targeted on starters, another is specialized in modeling. You can choose which one to use based on your YouTube niche and editing skills as well.
5. iMovie: Best free video editing software for beginners for Mac Users
If you are a video editing newbie and do not want to download any third-party editor for your YouTube videos, you can try iMovie, which is one of the best options for YouTube Video Creator beginners for Mac users. iMovie was released in 1999, and since 2003 it has been included in all new versions of Mac OS.
The software offers basic video editing features, that enable its users to crop, trim and arrange their video clips in any way they want. Adding titles, applying visual effects or editing audio files is also on the list of features iMovie provides. The latest versions of the software offer support for HD and 4K videos, which means that you can edit footage captured with iPhones, GoPros, and all other modern digital video cameras.
The software's video-sharing capabilities are impressive since it enables its users to share 4K videos to YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo with just a few clicks. Even though iMovie offers a lot of powerful video editing tools, professional video editors may find the software's features underwhelming.
Platform: Mac, iOS
Pros:
- A shaky video can be fixed easily for YouTube editing
- Offers background music and great visual effects
- You can also change audio over a video clip
Cons:
- It can be accessed by Mac and ions users only
- Support various importing formats
6. Blender: Free YouTube Video Creating Software for video editing & modeling professionals]
Blender is much more than a simple video editing software since it can also be used for modeling, animation, rendering, VFX or game creation. The amount of video editing features Blender offers is limited, but you can still trim videos, insert transitions or apply filters. The software's timeline allows you to add as many video, audio and image files to your projects as you want, and it grants you access to chroma vectorscope, live preview, and histogram displays.
Audio mixing and waveform visualization options provide a considerable amount of creative freedom to the software's users, while speed control and layer adjustment features broaden the scope of video editing actions you can perform with Blender. Despite the amazing animation, modeling, and video editing features, this software fails to live up to the standards set by professional video editing software products for Mac.
Platform: Mac, Linux, Windows
Pros:
- It has 3D graphics. Some YouTubers think it is great for editing video
- Advanced features like compositing system and a node-based material
- It supports most of the commonly used systems like Windows and Mac
Cons:
- Slow speed sometimes when running
- Not the best choice for inexperienced video editors. For some YouTubers, they think it is difficult to edit video
Top Software to Edit YouTube Videos for Mac [for Video Editing Professionals]
The following 3 software is for professionals and may be hard to use if haven't enough editing experience.
7. Final Cut Pro: Professional Video Editing Software on Mac
This video editing software is famous for its high-end video editing capabilities on Mac and it is frequently used by the industry's leading professionals on demanding projects. Final Cut Pro is designed for non-linear and non-destructive video editing and it offers tools that make working with large amounts of video, audio and image files easier. The recent versions of the software offer support for 4K and 5K videos, while 360-degree video editing is also an option that is available to the video editor's users.
A brief look at the list of features Final Cut Pro offers will leave you wondering if there is anything this software cannot do. That's the reason why YouTube video producers can only benefit from editing their videos in Final Cut Pro, one of the best video editing software for Mac ever created.
Platform: Mac
Pros:
- It is convenient to use for YouTubers
- You will get updates regularly. If you don't want to update, you can turn it off
Cons:
- It supports only Mac operating system.
Cost price: $299.99, free trial available
8. Adobe Premiere Pro CC: Advanced Video Editing Software
Gone Girl or Deadpool is just a few cult movies edited with Adobe Premiere Pro, The software is reliable and offers features that surpass the demands even the most advanced YouTube video producers have. However, this doesn't mean you can't use Adobe's video editing software to perform quick and simple edits on your footage. Importing and organizing video files is easy in Adobe Premiere Pro while applying transitions or removing the unwanted parts of a video clip is a simple operation that even the novice video editors can perform.
The software offers support for nearly all video file formats, including the 8K footage produced by professional video cameras. Adobe Premiere Pro CC also enables you to edit VR or 360-degree videos, while adding motion graphics or customizable transitions is also on the list of features the software provides.
Platform: Mac, Windows
Pros:
- Improved Mercury Playback Engine for editing YouTube video
- The latest editing tools is liked by the YouTube community
Cons:
- Highly expensive, so many YouTubers can't afford it
Cost Price: $20,99 per month, billed annually
You can get the Adobe Premiere Pro CC from here.
9. Lightworks: Professional Video Editing Software for Making Hollywood-Like videos
The features Lightworks offers may seem intimidating to inexperienced video editors, but this software is also a perfect learning tool. The user-friendly interface is equipped with a rich selection of visual effects, transitions, and superb trimming options which guarantee that each YouTube video you edit in Lightworks is going to be a small masterpiece.
The software supports all popular video file formats, including 4K videos, and you can export your videos to YouTube easily. What's more, Lightworks is optimized to save time on exporting files, so you won't have to spend a lot of time waiting for your videos to be uploaded to your YouTube channel. Professionals will enjoy the Multicam editing feature that enables you to work with the footage captured by two or more video cameras.
Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pros:
- Compatibility with all the major operating systems
- Good speed when editing YouTube video
- Multi-camera editor is great
- The custom-made interface is what YouTubers need
Cons:
- The free version of the software has limited export capabilities
- Demanding system requirements
Cost Price: Free version available, $24,99 per month, One Year License: $174,99
Part 3: Best Online YouTube Video Editor for Uploaded Videos
10. YouTube Studio Video Editor
YouTube Studio is the best choice for YouTubers to edit uploaded videos when you want to keep the original video URL, comments and views. You can use this video editor to trim the start or end of the video, remove an unwanted section from the video, blur faces, or add an end screen template.
There are not many video editing features in the video editor tool in YouTube Studio, but it is free to use. What's more important, you can keep the video views without starting everything from 0.
We have also made a comparison table to help you find the best video editing software for YouTube videos, hope this will save your time when picking the right video editing software for your YouTube videos. Please note that the list is not in particular ranking order.
| No. | Video editor | Price | Supported system | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Filmora | Freemium | Windows & Mac | Easy to use yet powerful enough, various presets and effects, | Limited Customizable Options for Pros |
| #2 | Windows Movie Maker | Free | Windows | Easy to use； Provides fun transitions | Limited options for editing videos |
| #3 | Virtual Dub | Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | Process a large number of files at one time | Can't write MPEG-1 files. |
| #4 | Vegas Pro | $599.00 | Windows | Support multi-cam video editing | Old looking interface |
| #5 | iMovie | Free | Mac | A shaky video can be fixed | Limited importing formats |
| #6 | Blender | Free | Mac, Linux, Windows | 3D graphics | Slow speed |
| #7 | Final Cut Pro | $299.99 | Mac | Convenient to use | Supports only the Mac operating system |
| #8 | Adobe Premiere | $20.99 per month | Mac, Windows | Latest editing tools | Highly expensive |
| #9 | Lightworks | $24,99 per month | Mac, Windows, Linux | Custom-made interface | Demanding system requirements |
| #10 | YouTube Studio Video Editor | Free | Web-based | Edit videos after uploading & posting | Limited video editing features |
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions about YouTube Video Editing
1. What is the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners
For YouTuber beginners, I recommend you to try the video editing software already installed on your computer. For Windows10 users, you can use the built-in Photos app to combine photos, videos, and music to a YouTube video. If you're a macOS user, then you can use the free video editing software from Apple, iMovie. Both of them are very easy to use, but the features are limited. To be honest, for YouTube beginners, I recommend you use Filmora to stand out. Filmora features a similar interface like iMovie, but more intuitive. One of the prominent advantages of Filmora is that it features lots of effects, templates, transitions, elements, and overlays for making a YouTube video faster and better.
2. What is the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Gaming Video
For gamers, one of the best features that most widely used is the screen recording and audio recording, and some times, you may also need to record the audio, the screen, and the webcam video simultaneously. So, you should pick up a video editor with powerful recording tools, and also won't impact the gameplay experience.
Besides, if you're playing games on 4K and also want to make a 4K YouTube gaming video, you should pay attention to the resolution that the video editor supported.
Conclusion
Above are our picks for the best video editing software for YouTube videos on the market, from some free video editing software for Windows and Mac, to the paid solution to edit your YouTube videos. Some of the video editing software programs are best suitable for video editing beginners such as iMovie and Windows Movie Maker, some are creative professional software like Adobe Premiere.
If your favorite YouTube video creating and editing software is not listed above, share your recommendations in the comment below with us. Check the video below to know how to empower your imagination with Filmora YouTube Video Creator easily. Download it and have a try now!
Try It Free
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
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Best Free Video Editing Software Used by Youtubers
Source: https://filmora.wondershare.com/youtube-video-editing/best-video-editing-software-for-youtube.html
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