Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

Video editing, once considered a niche skill, is a necessity for anyone serious about their YouTube journey. It's the magic wand that transforms raw footage into captivating stories, engaging tutorials, and viral sensations. In this article we will go over the best video editing software for YouTube creators.

Why Video Editing is Crucial for YouTube Success

The attention span of online viewers is notoriously short. With a large amount of content available at their fingertips, you have mere seconds to capture their interest. 

Effective video editing can make all the difference. By trimming unnecessary parts, adding engaging transitions, and ensuring a smooth flow, you can keep your audience hooked from start to finish. 

Video Aesthetics and Storytelling

A well-edited video is about telling a story. Whether you're creating a tutorial, a vlog, or a documentary, your narrative should be clear and compelling. Video editing allows you to control the pacing, emphasize key points with visual effects, and craft a narrative that resonates with your audience. 

Moreover, with the right editing tools, you can enhance the video's aesthetics, ensuring that the colors pop, the sound is crisp, and the visuals are nothing short of stunning.

Meeting YouTube's Algorithmic Preferences

YouTube's algorithm favors videos that keep viewers on the platform longer. This means that videos with higher watch times and viewer retention rates are more likely to be recommended to other users.

By producing well-edited videos that captivate viewers till the very end, you not only increase your chances of gaining more subscribers but also improve your video's ranking on YouTube search results.

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Top Video Editing Software for YouTube in 2023

The landscape of video editing software has seen significant advancements over the years. With many options available, choosing the right tool can be a daunting task. Here's a breakdown of the top video editing software for YouTube in 2023:

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro stands as a titan in the world of video editing. Widely used by professionals and hobbyists alike, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for intricate video projects.

  • Features and Benefits:

    • Multi-cam editing: Seamlessly switch between multiple camera angles.

    • VR editing: Craft immersive virtual reality videos with ease.

    • Advanced color correction: Ensure your videos have the perfect hue and tone.

    • Integration with Adobe suite: Work effortlessly with tools like After Effects and Photoshop.

  • Pricing and Platform Compatibility:

    • Available on both Windows and macOS.

    • Subscription-based pricing with monthly and annual plans.

Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X is Apple's flagship video editing software, offering a blend of powerful features with an intuitive interface.

Features and Benefits:

  • Magnetic Timeline: Allows for flexible editing without clip collisions.

  • Advanced color grading: Achieve cinematic looks with professional grading tools.

  • 360° video editing: Dive into the world of VR content creation.

  • Motion graphics: Create stunning animations and effects.

Pricing and Platform Compatibility:

  • Exclusive to macOS.

  • One-time purchase with free updates.

iMovie

For those just starting their YouTube journey or looking for a straightforward editing tool, iMovie is a great choice.

Features and Benefits:

  • User-friendly interface: Perfect for beginners.

  • Built-in music and sound effects: Enhance your videos with quality audio.

  • Pre-set themes: Quickly craft videos with a consistent look and feel.

  • Green-screen effects: Dive into creative video projects with ease.

Pricing and Platform Compatibility:

  • Exclusive to macOS and iOS.

  • Free with Apple devices.

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its color correction and grading capabilities, making it a favorite among professionals.

Features and Benefits:

  • Advanced color correction: Industry-leading tools for perfect visuals.

  • Audio post-production: Integrated Fairlight audio tools for pristine sound.

  • Visual effects: Craft stunning visuals with Fusion VFX.

  • Multi-user collaboration: Work seamlessly with a team on large projects.

Pricing and Platform Compatibility:

  • Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  • Free version available with a paid version offering additional features.

Brief Overview of Other Notable Software

  • Blender: A powerful open-source tool primarily known for 3D modeling but also includes video editing capabilities.

  • Animoto: Ideal for creating quick promotional videos with a range of templates.

  • WeVideo: A cloud-based editing software, perfect for collaborative projects.

  • VideoPad: User-friendly with a range of features suitable for beginners.

  • PowerDirector: Offers a range of professional-grade tools with an intuitive interface.

  • Filmora: Known for its simplicity, it's perfect for those new to video editing.

Having the right video editing software can make all the difference and can ensure your content stands out and resonates with your audience.

Best Video Editing Software for Beginners

Starting a YouTube Channel can be both exciting and overwhelming. With all the video editing software and apps available, beginners might find themselves in a bit of uncertainty. We've narrowed it down and listed some of the best video editing software for beginners.

Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements is a shining star in the Adobe suite, tailored specifically for those just starting out in the video editing realm.

Why it's Suitable for Beginners:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Adobe Premiere Elements is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring a smooth experience for newcomers.

  • Guided Edits: This feature provides a helping hand, offering step-by-step guidance for various editing techniques.

Key Features and Learning Curve:

  • Automated Editing: With its intelligent editing, the software can instantly create and edit videos on your behalf.

  • Face Detection: Enhances the video quality by recognizing faces and adjusting settings accordingly.

  • Video Collage: Allows users to combine multiple videos into one dynamic collage.

  • Haze Removal: Ensures clarity in videos by automatically removing any unwanted haze.

Learning Curve: Its intuitive design ensures that beginners can quickly adapt and start producing top-notch videos.

Pricing: One-time payment of $79.99.

CyberLink PowerDirector

CyberLink PowerDirector is a powerhouse in the video editing industry, making waves with its beginner-friendly features.

Benefits for New Content Creators:

  • Intuitive Design: Designed with beginners in mind, its interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.

  • Extensive Tutorials: A vast library of tutorials ensures that newcomers can easily understand the software's functionalities.

  • Fast Rendering: Known for its lightning-fast rendering, ensuring quick video production.

Top Features:

  • 360-Degree Video Editing: Allows users to create immersive videos with ease.

  • Motion Tracking: Enables tracking of objects and adding titles, effects, or blur.

  • Chroma Key Editing: Provides green screen editing for professional-looking videos.

  • Multi-Cam Editing: Edit footage from multiple cameras simultaneously.

Pricing: One-time payment of $79.99.

Corel VideoStudio

Corel VideoStudio is a gem for those venturing into video editing, offering a blend of powerful features and simplicity.

Advantages for Beginners:

  • Interactive Tutorials: Offers hands-on tutorials for a better understanding of the software.

  • Flexible Workspace: Allows customization of the workspace to suit individual preferences.

  • Slideshow Maker: Quickly create slideshows with just a few clicks.

Highlight Features:

  • 4K and 360-Degree Support: Ensures high-quality video editing.

  • Stop Motion Animation: Allows creation of animated videos with ease.

  • Time Remapping: Offers slow-motion, fast-forward, and freeze-frame effects.

  • Color Correction: Provides advanced color grading features.

Pricing: One-time payment of $99.99.

Filmora from Wondershare

Filmora is a beacon for those new to video editing, offering a plethora of features wrapped in a simple interface.

Why it's a Top Choice for Beginners:

  • Modern Interface: Its sleek design ensures ease of use for newcomers.

  • Built-in Music Library: Provides a range of music options to enhance videos.

  • Text and Titles: Offers a variety of customizable text options.

Best Features:

  • Advanced Text Editing: Allows users to edit text size, font, and even animations.

  • Green Screen: Enables adding special effects using the green screen feature.

  • Audio Mixer: Adjust the audio of each individual track on your timeline.

  • Tilt-Shift: Adds focus to specific parts of a video.

Pricing: Starts at $68.98 for a lifetime license.

Mobile Video Editing: Best Apps for On-the-Go Editing

Mobile video editing has gained traction, allowing creators to craft content on-the-go. Let's take a look into some of the best mobile video editing apps tailored for YouTube creators.

Premiere Rush

Premiere Rush by Adobe is a game-changer for mobile content creators, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop video editing.

  • Features and Benefits for Mobile Users:

    • Multi-Track Timeline: Offers flexibility in editing, allowing users to layer videos, audio, and graphics.

    • Built-in Camera Functionality: Directly capture high-quality videos within the app.

    • Customizable Titles and Transitions: Enhance videos with a range of professional-grade titles and transitions.

  • Integration with Desktop Versions:

    • Cross-Platform Editing: Start editing on your mobile device and seamlessly continue on your desktop.

    • Cloud Sync: All projects are saved on the cloud, ensuring you can access them from any device.

Other Notable Mobile Editing Apps for YouTube:

  • KineMaster: Known for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing tools.

  • FilmoraGo: Offers a plethora of transitions, effects, and music to enhance mobile videos.

  • InShot: Perfect for quick edits, cropping, and adding music to videos.

  • PowerDirector Mobile: A robust mobile editing app with features akin to its desktop counterpart.

Free vs. Paid Video Editing Software

The debate between free and paid video editing software is ongoing. While both have their merits, it's essential to understand their advantages and limitations:

Advantages and Limitations of Free Software:

  • Advantages:

    • No Financial Investment: Ideal for beginners or those unsure about diving deep into video editing.

    • Basic Editing Tools: Most free software offers essential tools suitable for simple edits.

  • Limitations:

    • Limited Features: Advanced editing tools, effects, and transitions might be locked behind a paywall.

    • Watermarks: Many free versions leave a watermark on the exported video, which can appear unprofessional.

Why Investing in Paid Software Can Be Beneficial:

  • Advanced Features: Paid software typically offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, allowing for intricate video projects.

  • Regular Updates: Ensure you're always equipped with the latest features and tools.

  • Professional Output: Export videos without watermarks, ensuring a polished and professional look.

  • Customer Support: Access to dedicated customer support can be invaluable, especially when facing technical issues.

While free video editing software can be a great starting point, investing in paid software can elevate the quality of your YouTube videos. It's essential to assess your needs, budget, and long-term goals before making a decision.

Tips for Enhancing Your YouTube Videos

Crafting a compelling YouTube video goes beyond just cutting and joining clips. To truly captivate your audience and make your content stand out, consider these enhancement tips.

Importance of Color Correction and Grading

  • Color Correction: This process ensures that your video has consistent colors and tones. It's essential for correcting issues like overexposure or unwanted color tints.

  • Color Grading: This is the art of stylizing your video's appearance to evoke specific emotions or moods. A well-graded video can give your content a cinematic or professional feel.

Effective Use of Transitions and Effects

  • Transitions: These are the animations between clips. While they should be used sparingly, effective transitions can guide the viewer's attention and improve the video's flow.

  • Effects: These can range from text animations to visual enhancements. The key is to use effects that complement your content without overwhelming the viewer.

Audio Editing and Sound Design Tips

  • Background Music: Choose music that complements the mood of your video. Ensure it's at an appropriate volume level, so it doesn't overshadow your primary audio.

  • Sound Effects: These can enhance specific moments in your video, making them more engaging and dynamic.

  • Voiceovers: If you're using voiceovers, ensure they're clear and free from background noise.

Thumbnail Editing for Better Click-Through Rates

Your video's thumbnail is the first thing viewers see. An engaging thumbnail can significantly increase your video's click-through rate.

  • High-Quality Image: Choose a frame from your video that represents its content effectively.

  • Text Overlays: If you're adding text, ensure it's legible and doesn't clutter the image.

  • Consistency: Maintain a consistent style for all your thumbnails to create a recognizable brand image.

Tutorial: Best Video Editing Software

In this video by 10BestOnes, discover their Top 5 video editing software picks for many different platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and more.

Conclusion

With tools ranging from beginner-friendly apps like iMovie to professional-grade software like Adobe Premiere Pro, there's something for everyone. As we've explored, investing in the right video editing software and mastering its features can significantly elevate the quality of your content. So, to all aspiring YouTubers and seasoned creators alike, dive deep into the realm of video editing. Your audience will thank you for it!

FAQs

How to edit videos for YouTube on iPhone?
Apps like iMovie and Premiere Rush offer robust mobile editing tools tailored for iPhone users.

How to edit YouTube thumbnails?
Tools like Canva and Adobe Spark provide easy-to-use platforms for creating engaging thumbnails.

What are the best free editing apps for YouTube?
iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, and Shotcut are among the top free editing software options for YouTube creators.

How to add your own music to YouTube video editor?
Most video editing software allows you to import your own music tracks. Ensure you have the rights to use the music to avoid copyright issues.

Additional Resources

For those eager to dive into the world of video editing for YouTube, here are some resources that can help!

Helpful YouTube Articles

YouTube Video Assets

References

Thanks for Reading

At Motion Arts Media, we help video editors and creators with ready-to-use motion graphics assets and templates. With over 1,000 customers and 17,000+ downloads, we’re all about empowering your creative flow. Check out our freebies and premium video templates or connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

About The Author

Jeremy Sampson is a motion designer and founder of Motion Arts Media with over a decade of experience working in Premiere Pro and After Effects. He’s worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, and Nike, but also has passion towards creating motion designs and assets for other creators through Motion Arts Media—where he shares his styles and work with the community.

Jeremy | Motion Designer & Founder | Motion Arts MediaComment