15 Best Video Editing Software For Beginners
- 78% of people watch online videos every week, and 55% view online videos every day.
- More than 500 million hours of videos are watched on YouTube each day.
- By 2020, online videos will make up more than 80% of all consumer internet traffic.
Today, video content has become an integral part of any marketing strategy. Fortunately, video editing tools make it easy for marketers and non-professional enthusiasts to digitally edit video and audio files to create promotional materials, educational guides, and feature length films, to name a few.
Increasingly, smartphones have largely displaced expensive camcorders, and sophisticated video editing tools and apps are reducing the need to hire professional graphic design talent.
Whether you’re producing animated video, a video slideshow, live action video, a mixture of formats, or editing high-quality online audio, these software tools will help you create professional-grade output without busting your budget.
How Do Beginners Learn Video Editing?
Learning video editing as a beginner can be a daunting task, but there are many ways to get started. Here are a few suggestions for how beginners can learn video editing:
- Watch tutorials: There are many free video tutorials available online that can teach you the basics of video editing. Look for tutorials on popular video editing software or specific topics, such as color correction or audio editing.
- Take an online course: Online courses can provide a more structured and comprehensive approach to learning video editing. Platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, and Lynda offer a variety of video editing courses for beginners.
- Practice with footage: One of the best ways to learn video editing is by practicing with your own footage. Experiment with different editing techniques and see how they affect the final product.
- Join a community: Joining a community of other video editors can provide support and feedback as you learn. Look for online forums or social media groups focused on video editing.
- Attend workshops or events: Many film schools and community centers offer workshops and events focused on video editing. Attending these events can provide hands-on learning and the opportunity to network with other video editors.
Remember that learning video editing takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles.
What Video Editing Software Should A Beginner Use?
There are many video editing software options available for beginners, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are a few popular options to consider:
- iMovie (for Mac): This is a free video editing software that comes pre-installed on Mac computers. It has a user-friendly interface and offers basic video editing tools such as trimming, splitting, and adding effects and transitions.
- Windows Movie Maker (for PC): Similar to iMovie, Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing software that comes pre-installed on Windows computers. It offers basic video editing tools such as trimming, splitting, and adding effects and transitions.
- Adobe Premiere Elements: This is a paid video editing software that offers more advanced features and capabilities than iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a range of tools for video editing, including color correction, audio editing, and special effects.
- Filmora: This is a beginner-friendly video editing software that offers a range of features, including basic video editing tools, special effects, and a library of pre-made templates and music tracks.
- Shotcut: This is a free, open-source video editing software that offers a range of features, including support for a wide range of video formats, advanced audio editing tools, and 4K resolution support.
When choosing a video editing software, it’s important to consider your specific needs and skill level. If you’re just starting out, a free or low-cost software with basic features may be a good choice. If you have more experience or are looking for more advanced features, a paid software with more capabilities may be a better fit.
So, need to add more video content? Need to do more marketing with video?
Top Video Editing Software for Beginners: Features and Benefits
Looking for affordable video tools that are easy to use?
In this post, you’ll explore 15 easy-to-use video editing software for desktop and mobile video editing apps to bring more video into your marketing.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Premiere Pro CC is the leading video editing software for film, TV and the web. Creative tools, integration with other Adobe apps and services and the power of Adobe Sensei help you craft footage into polished films and videos in one seamless workflow. And Premiere Rush, our new app, is included with your subscription so you can capture footage and start editing on all your devices, anywhere.
Review: Expertreviews
There are sundry smaller improvements, including the ability to preview fonts and edit motion graphics templates created in After Effects. There are also eight new label colours to aid clip organisation. But shared project controls, extended VR support and the ability to load multiple projects are the killer new features. Premiere Pro CC 2018 is both easier to use and now a serious contender for creating 360 content.
2. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing software that offers a range of advanced features and capabilities. While it may not be the best choice for beginners who are just starting out with video editing, it can be a great option for those who are looking for a more advanced tool.
Some of the features that make Final Cut Pro X a powerful tool include advanced color grading tools, support for multi-camera editing, and the ability to work with 360-degree footage. It also offers a range of third-party plugins and effects that can enhance the editing process.
However, Final Cut Pro X can be more complex and difficult to learn compared to other beginner-friendly video editing software. It may require more time and effort to master, which can be challenging for beginners.
Overall, Final Cut Pro X can be a great choice for intermediate to advanced video editors who are looking for a more powerful tool. However, beginners may want to consider starting with a simpler, more user-friendly video editing software before moving on to Final Cut Pro X.
Review: Trustpilot
I love these folks. Producing a Promo video takes no time. For all the expertise in video production that I bring to the tool, I find that it makes ridiculously slip to crank out short, effective messages that let me spend more time on tougher jobs. Invaluable for my purposes and a bargain. Oh, and fantastic customer service!
3. Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. Cycles is Blender’s built-in powerful unbiased path-tracer engine that offers stunning ultra-realistic rendering. Blender’s comprehensive array of modeling tools make creating, transforming and editing your models a breeze. “Probably the best tracker in the market”. Blender includes production ready camera and object tracking. Allowing you to import raw footage, track the footage, mask areas and see the camera movements live in your 3d scene. Eliminating the need to switch between programs.
Review: Capterra
Pros: The thing I like most if the ease of use after fully understanding what everything does. It looks intimidating and complicated if you’re a new user of blender, but after looking at a few tutorials of what you want to do in it, whether it be animation, character modeling, prop modeling, whatever it may be, it becomes easier to do and to understand. You do have to learn a little bit on your own, but as far as I have been using it, since 2015, I haven’t ran into anything I can’t do without a little bit of googling.
Cons: The thing I liked least about this software when starting out was, as I said in the pros, it is intimidating to look at when being a new user of the software. It stressed me out when I didn’t know where to begin, however, this was easy to get over with some googling and a little bit of tutorials that didn’t cost me a lot of time, for a big payout after I learned the software.
Overall: This is the 3D modeling program I use. I use it with a texturing software and a rendering software and sell my 3D models I make with it. It has helped me grow my business of making 3D props for game developers.
4. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. Major features include support for a wide range of formats; no import required meaning native timeline editing; Blackmagic Design support for input and preview monitoring; and resolution support to 4k.
Supports hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs. No import required which means native editing, plus multi-format timelines, resolutions and frame-rates within a project. Frame accurate seeking supported for many video formats.
Review: MacUpdate
This editor is good enough. It is free but it does everything I need in video editing and the process is simple. I also like it is cross-platform so I can use it on both my machines, Mac and Windows which is very convenient for me. A lot of features are available.
5. OBS
Video recording system that offers online video/audio capturing, filters for video sources, audio mixer, and more High-performance real time video/audio capturing and mixing. Create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards and more. Set up an unlimited number of scenes you can switch between seamlessly via custom transitions.
Review: Capterra
Pros: The product is completely free, with no limitations. You can immediately start recording from multiple sources at once, with a fairly nice amount of customization in terms of the options you have. File formats, encoding, streaming, and so on. You can also create your own shortcuts to start streaming/recording. More functionalities are also available for users who need more control.
Cons: Shortcut seem not to always work on the first hit, and some users might find it difficult to use the more advanced functions. Sometimes records a blank screen when trying to record over videogames or other programs running in borderless fullscreen.
Overall: I use OBS almost on a daily basis for work, and even more often for personal purposes. At first I had some trouble setting it up, but after a few minutes it’s really straightforward. I can now record my entire screen in its original resolutions, with no watermarks, completely for free.
6. Renderforest
Renderforest Video is a cloud-based video maker for creating intro videos for YouTube, explainer animations, kinetic typography, product or service promotional videos, music visualizations, wedding or travel slideshows, mobile app promotions, event invitations, corporate presentations, infographics, and a lot more.
Review: GetApp
Overall experience is full of fun, passionate and supportive. I have never made a video before. On Renderforest website I was so excited to explore high quality and creative templates and tailor them to form my own unique project. I have the greatest experience not only with the website or products, but also with the customer service they provide. The support team is prompt in reply, effective and patient in communication and a positive attitude ready to help. Thank you for your support of my first video project. I have enjoyed the experience so much that making video with Renderforest is my new hobby now.
Pros
I have never made a video before. On Renderforest website I was so excited to explore high quality and creative templates and tailor them to form my own unique project. I have the greatest experience not only with the website or products, but also with the customer service they provide. The support team is prompt in reply, effective and patient in communication and a positive attitude ready to help. Thank you for your support of my first video project. I have enjoyed the experience so much that making video with Renderforest is my new hobby now.
Cons
Maybe more ability to edit text, including language display other than English, font size and line spacing adjustments. More scenes reflecting people from another cultural background.
7. GoPlay Video Editor
GoPlay is a next-generation 3-in-1 video editor which assures superior editing features on an easy interface and also helps with screen recording and subtitle addition to videos. The new revolutionary goplay software is a multi-track video editor which is designed to edit any kind of videos, audios, picture and even text independently. Whats special about the editor is its great library of Hollywood movie tones that instantly renders a cutting edge to any video.
Review: Steam
GoPlay Editor is a combined screen recorder and video editor built into a single package. It is simple to use with some nice features. It does not offer select-window recording, which would be much preferred. Also no streaming option, which could be the primary function that some people would look for as well.
There is a free demo available to try before you commit, plus free mobile versions on Android and iOS available to try with similarly functional features. Bottom line is that it is quite functional, very few settings needs adjusting, and it is easy to use.
Some previous reviews here mention crashing and data loss, but I recorded 5 videos so far, without any crash or loss (longest was only 15 minutes though, unsure about longer/larger projects). Its simplicity is direct at an everyday audience who does not have a ton of experience recording and editing.
8. WeVideo
WeVideo is the online video editor that makes it easy to capture, create, view and share your movies at up to 4K resolution for stunning playback anywhere. Advanced video editing features made easy through a simple interface. You don’t need to be a pro to create great movies.
With included cloud storage, your photos, video and audio are always there when you want them from any device. Start creating on one device and pick up where you left off on another. Even collaborate with others for the ultimate shared experience.
Review: PcWorld
Pros
- Simple interface
- A rich selection of effects and audio assets
- Easy-to-use export
Cons
- Pricing comes up only when you try exporting your work
9. Lightworks
For over 25 years Lightworks editor has been at the forefront of film editing, having been used on many of the finest films in cinema history: The Wolf of Wall Street, LA Confidential, Pulp Fiction, Heat, Road to Perdition, Hugo, The King’s Speech and many more!
Now with the release of Lightworks v14.x we have created the complete video creative package so everyone can make video that stands out from the crowd. Whether you need to make video for social media, YouTube or for a 4K film project, Lightworks makes it all possible!
Review: PcWorld
Lightworks guides you through the process of setting up your first project with simple tooltips, but they’re a far cry for the powerful tutorials and wizards available in some other software. While it supports all the import formats that the paid version does, it can be tricky getting everything to import easily for the uninitiated—you have to define project settings like resolution, framerate, and so on before you import your files. If you set anything different from your video, you’ll have to dive into settings and tweak them until you get it right.
10. Moovly
Moovly Studio is a powerful, second generation video creation editor based on HTML5. Thanks to the new underlying technology framework, this editor seamlessly works on all browsers right out of the box, without a need for plug-ins, software download or installation.
Make unlimited use of over 500,000 royalty free media objects such as stock videos, motion graphics, photos, illustrations, music and sound loops. These objects are included in Moovly Studio and can freely be used and combine and combined with your own media, to create a stunning, professional looking video project!
Review: GetApp
The ease and simplicity of this software helps us cut down on the production time.This is an inexpensive and easy way for someone to start making great looking video / animated presentations. One of the features I really appreciate is the ability to use real video as a background. Some of the other presentation software I’ve used does not have that ability. They also lay out the different layers in a timeline similar to what you might find in many other video editing software… so the layout seems familiar if you have some video editing experience. I also appreciate the ability to set the timing for the transitions instead of only getting a defaulted time.
Pros
This is an inexpensive and easy way for someone to start making great looking video / animated presentations. One of the features I really appreciate is the ability to use real video as a background. Some of the other presentation software I’ve used does not have that ability. They also lay out the different layers in a timeline similar to what you might find in many other video editing software… so the layout seems familiar if you have some video editing experience. I also appreciate the ability to set the timing for the transitions instead of only getting a defaulted time.
Cons
It is clear that the software is constantly improving. I’ve seen some glitches with their new site release that may be more browser related. Their transitions are somewhat limited.
What do you think? Have you used any of these video editing tools? Share with us in the comments!
The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC.
VSDC is video editing software only available to Windows users. The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing.
The pro version costs $19.99 and includes image stabilization, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $9.99 for one month or $14.99 for a year.
Review: G2
What do you like best?
I really like the great video stabilization and picture-in.picture feature it has, as you won’t find them easily in another software. I also appreciate the various file formats it supports, as sometimes I migrate from one to another.
What do you dislike?
The interface is a little bit hard to understand at the beginning, but once you know how to manage the interface, VSDC can become a powerful tool with tons of available features to help and guide your creativity. It would be nice if the program had a quick preview at the edition stage.
Recommendations to others considering the product
Take your time to learn how to use the basic features, be patient.
What business problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
We have a better communication system thanks to the sensation of these videos, it has a huge impact on the people we are able to reach.
Machete Video Editor Lite is a free version of our video editor Machete. Similar to Machete, the Lite edition is designed for quick and simple “slicing” of your video files: you can delete unnecessary fragments (e.g. cut out commercials), copy, move, mix and save individual pieces.
Review: CNET
Machete Video Editor Lite is free software for easy and lossless video editing. It is designed for quick and simple “slicing” of your video files: you can delete unnecessary fragments (e.g. cut out commercials), copy, move, mix and save individual pieces.
This means that Machete Video Editor Lite combines the functionality of both a video splitter (cutter, trimmer) and a video joiner (for joining video files with the exactly the same formats) and more. Also, you can use the software to remove audio tracks from video files and edit tags (metadata) in all supported file formats.
With Machete Video Editor Lite’s simple and intuitive interface you can edit your files within a few minutes after downloading the program, even if you never edited a video file before. Using this version of the program, AVI and WMV files can be edited (most video codecs associated these formats are supported).
All editing operations are performed without re-encoding (this is called lossless editing). This not only saves time but also preserves the original quality of your video. Also, it means that you would not need a powerful and expensive computer to edit your video material. After a file is edited and saved, it retains its original format.
Avidemux is a free video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks. It supports many file types, including AVI, DVD compatible MPEG files, MP4 and ASF, using a variety of codecs. Tasks can be automated using projects, job queue, and powerful scripting capabilities.
Avidemux is available for Linux, BSD, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows under the GNU GPL license. The program was written from scratch by Mean, but code from other people and projects has been used as well. Patches, translations and even bug reports are always welcome.
Review: TECHSPOT
It supports many file types, including AVI, DVD compatible MPEG files, MP4 and ASF, using a variety of codecs. Tasks can be automated using projects, job queue, and powerful scripting capabilities.
Avidemux is available for Linux, BSD, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows under the GNU GPL license. The program was written from scratch by Mean, but code from other people and projects has been used as well. Patches, translations and even bug reports are always welcome.
Hitfilm express video editing, VFX, and all the power you need to make something cool. Take your first step towards pro-filmmaking with our free starter software: hit film express. Perfect for students, you tubers, and beginner filmmakers.
Review: Tom’s guide
For the past two years, we have chosen HitFilm Express as the best free video editing app for Mac and Windows. Recent upgrades serve up a plethora of key new features, many of which have trickled down from HitFilm’s Pro version.
Along with adding more Pro features, HitFilm Express lets you purchase additional starter packs that were previously limited to the Pro version. These reasonably priced add-ons — like 3D model import and render, 3D particle simulator, 16-bit color depth and many more — enhance specific projects or serve a filmmaking niche. If you don’t mind the program’s somewhat quirky interface, HitFilm Express is a great free video editor.
Designed OpenShot Video Editor to be easy to use, quick to learn, and surprisingly powerful video editor. Take a quick look at some of our most popular features and capabilities.
Quickly trim down your videos, and find those perfect moments. OpenShot has many easy ways to cut your video.
Using our video effects engine, remove the background from your video, invert the colors, adjust brightness, and more. Visualize your audio files as waveforms, and even output the waveforms as part of your video.
Review: Capterra
Pros: I like the variety of effect and transitions that were provided with the software. I have used other programs in the past and they did not anywhere near as many effects and transitions.
Cons: I could not read the descriptions at the bottom of the screen, it could be placed better. I could not see the clips button to see the additional features
Overall: I was working on creating some online business videos and the software is very capable of doing that
FAQ About Video Editing Software For Beginners
Q: What Is Video Editing Software?
A: Video editing software is a type of computer program that allows you to create, edit, and manipulate video footage. It can be used to combine multiple clips, add effects and transitions, adjust color and audio, and export the final product in various formats.
Q: What Are Some Good Video Editing Software Options For Beginners?
A: Some popular video editing software options for beginners include Adobe Premiere Elements, iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, Filmora, and Shotcut.
Q: How Much Does Video Editing Software Cost?
A: The cost of video editing software can vary widely depending on the program and whether it is a one-time purchase or subscription-based. Some programs, like Windows Movie Maker and iMovie, are free, while others can cost hundreds of dollars.
Q: What Features Should I Look For In Video Editing Software For Beginners?
A: For beginners, it is important to look for video editing software that is user-friendly and has a simple interface. Other features to consider may include basic video editing tools, support for a variety of video formats, and the ability to add effects and transitions.
Q: Can I Use Video Editing Software On My Smartphone Or Tablet?
A: Yes, there are many video editing apps available for smartphones and tablets that allow you to edit videos on-the-go. Some popular options include iMovie for iOS devices and PowerDirector for Android devices.
Q: Is It Easy To Learn How To Use Video Editing Software?
A: The ease of learning how to use video editing software can vary depending on the program and your prior experience with video editing. However, many video editing programs offer tutorials and online resources to help beginners get started.
Q: Can I Create Professional-quality Videos With Video Editing Software For Beginners?
A: While video editing software for beginners may not have all the features and capabilities of professional-level programs, it is still possible to create high-quality videos with these programs. With practice and the right tools, beginners can create engaging and professional-looking videos.
Q: What Are Some Tips For Using Video Editing Software For Beginners?
A: Some tips for using video editing software for beginners include keeping your edits simple, using basic effects and transitions, paying attention to audio quality, and practicing with your footage to become more familiar with the software.
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