Taking the time to compare editing tools and the best video editing software today is a way to discover which solution is best for your videos. I started with Screenflow for Mac, using video editing software for my blog and Youtube Videos. I switched over to Camtasia last year. I like them both, and they are similar. Camtasia gave me more options.
Creating a viral video or launching a popular YouTube channel requires more than the right idea and great timing.
In order to catch the eyes of as many people as possible, proper video editing is critical.
Without appropriate video editing, your video’s look, feel, and overall aesthetic will likely suffer, resulting in fewer views and less distribution and sharing online.
Choosing video editing software that is accessible and user-friendly and robust, and professional can make the difference between successful videos and videos that fall short of your goals and personal expectations.
Camtasia
For my Youtube videos, I like Camtasia.
I can record screen capture and perform some basic editing that includes transitions, separating audio and visual, adding graphics, audio, visual effects, and more.
I love the feature that allows me to remove a color that works great with my Green Screen.
They also have a great library of music and animations I can use with my videos.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the most popular video editors for individuals and professional agencies.
With Adobe Premiere Pro CC, free yourself from conventional software purchases; instead, opt for a $19.99 monthly subscription-based model.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC comes complete with various transitions, effects, and in-depth tools in today’s top video editing solutions.
360 VR video editing, multi-camera angle editing, color adjustments, and complex audio editing features make Adobe Premiere Pro CC an obvious choice for amateur and professional editors.
Features that help Adobe Premiere Pro CC to stand out include:
- Multi-Project Editor: Work on multiple projects simultaneously with Adobe Premiere Pro CC
- VR editing, VR audio editing, and VR rotation tools
- Extensive video graphics and title tools to create professional and unique introductions and transitions in each of your video creations
- Shared project options for those who prefer to collaborate with other video editors and creators
- Templates for motion graphics and complete video projects are available with Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is available for both macOS, Windows 7, and Windows 10, making it extraordinarily universal and accessible.
Additionally, Adobe Premiere Pro CC offers a 30-day free trial for new users unfamiliar with the platform and its features.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements delivers those interested in quality editing without the complexity of traditional video editing software solutions.
With Adobe Premiere Elements, enjoy a simple, user-friendly interface with guided edits to help amateur and professional projects.
Select from a wide range of text tools, video effects, and VR/3D editing features that help create compelling and professional videos without complex and intricate steps required in traditional setups such as Final Cut and Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
Adobe Premiere Elements features cross-compatibility, available for both macOS 10.12 through 10.14 and Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
With Adobe Premiere Elements, own the software outright as a standalone application for just $99.99 without subscription or ongoing fees. It is also possible to acquire a copy of Adobe Premiere Elements within the Photoshop Elements bundle for a one-time fee of $149.99.
Features of Adobe Premiere Elements:
- Photo and video media organization to help with the creation of new projects
- Intelligent editing as well as guided video editing for those who are new to the process of editing and managing their own videos from start to finish
- Photo capturing tools to help capture a photo or a special moment during the editing process of a video
- Create animated social posts to share with followers, family, and friends on various social media accounts, even if you are not professionally well-versed in graphic design and animation.
If you are unsure whether or not Adobe Premiere Elements is right for you and your video editing needs, there is a free 30-day trial that provides access to the complete program.
However, the free trial of Adobe Premiere Elements does require that all videos created during the trial be watermarked and stamped until the software is purchased for full access and rights.
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Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is typically referred to as the premium video editor for Apple and macOS devices. It provides top-notch editing tools with its extremely powerful and state-of-the-art platform.
Not only is Final Cut Pro accessible, even to amateurs and individual film editors, but it is incredibly robust and modernized to allow users the ability to edit and manage their videos and creations with ease.
Final Cut Pro comes complete with plenty of video editing effects and organized assets for better video and audio file management.
Utilize the organizer within Final Cut Pro to keep better track of clips, audio files, and other media used while designing and developing your video’s layout and format (s).
Final Cut Pro handles 360-degree VR graphics and videos and 2D and 3D templates for titles, filters, and effects.
Some features that come with Final Cut Pro include:
- 360-degree VR editing
- Motion graphics
- In-depth video and audio editing tools
- Organized assets for better media file management
- VR headset playback options
- Advanced and in-depth color grading tools
- Fast saving, optimization, and video delivery tools
- HDR video support
Final Cut Pro does not currently offer a subscription model, and instead, is available for a one-time payment of $299.
Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is another well-liked video editing software solution available for Windows 10 and Windows 8/7 (64-bit versions).
The application itself requires approximately 3.6 GB of hard drive space to get started but provides plenty of features and functions that make its large file size well worth it.
Pinnacle Studio comes complete with a simplistic and straightforward interface, optimal for those who are new to video editing or seeking ways to edit videos without complex and complicated interfaces.
The software provides high-speed testing and rendering performance, which is ideal for anyone who creates shorter videos or prefers to upload and share videos without extensive wait times quickly.
Some of the advantages of using Pinnacle Studio include:
- Gain access to tons of video and audio effects that are included with the standard Pinnacle Studio software download
- Enjoy a robust and powerful title editor to create seamless transitions and introductions
- Use masking tools while editing effortlessly, even if you are new to video editing yourself
- Work with Multicam editing tools
- Access and edit 360-degree VR media and content
Today, Pinnacle Studio has released over 20 versions, each providing more features and opportunities for creating professional videos for any reason.
Although Pinnacle Studio’s VR implementation and motion tracking solutions are limited compared to professional alternatives, it is still one of the most highly regarded video editors available for Windows users on the market today.
For those interested in getting started with Pinnacle Studio, the original version of Pinnacle Studio is available for $59.99. However, the Plus version of Pinnacle Studio is available for $99.95, and the Ultimate Pinnacle Studio solution, $129.95.
videos involving either 4K media or 360-degree content, you will need the Ultimate Pinnacle Studio bundle to gain access to the necessary tools to get started.
Be sure to review each version’s features and functions before selecting the solution that is ideal for your video editing needs.
Cyberlink Power Director
Cyberlink Power Director has been one of the most well-known, trusted, and reliable video editors that provide various special effects and editing tools for both amateurs and professionals alike.
The program itself is $99.99 and does not require ongoing subscription costs or fees to maintain access to the software. The program’s interface itself is simplistic and straight to the point, offering loads of effects, Multicam editing, screen recording, and even 3D and 4k capabilities.
Whether you intend to work with a variety of video formats or if you are looking for green screening effects, CyberLink’s Power Director is a great choice. The most notable features and pros of CyberLink’s Power Director include:
- Extensive library of effects
- Simplistic and straightforward user interface
- Motion tracking capabilities
- Built-in screen recording
- 360-degree video editing capabilities (more extensive than most solutions available today)
- Possibly the fastest rendering solution of any video editor available
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is an editing software solution designed by Blackmagic Design.
For free video editing software, DaVinci Resolve is a must-have in any editor or designer’s program rotation.
DaVinci Resolve is free to download and use and does not implement unsightly watermarks, regardless of the size of the video or project you create. Some of the features that come with DaVinci Resolve include:
- Wide range of interface options for editing sound, grading colors, and composing
- Extensive user manual and guided tutorials available for users
- Extensive and robust editor, composer, and color grading system
- Extremely fast rendering and exporting
- Accessible and user-friendly UI
Although DaVinci Resolve is extremely appealing for those interested in a free video editor, it is important to keep in mind that it requires a deeper and more complex understanding of traditional software programs and video editors currently on the market.
There is a steeper learning curve when understanding and using DaVinci Resolve. It is only recommended for those who have a vested interest in learning more about the depth of video and sound editing.
Apple iMovie
Apple iMovie is one of the most notorious and popular video editing tools for macOS users. With Apple iMovie, just about anyone can get into the process of creating, editing, exporting, and sharing their own personal or professional videos.
Apple iMovie is free for anyone currently the owner of an iMac or other Apple computer/laptop. Features that come along with Apple iMovie include:
- Extremely straightforward and user-friendly interface for getting started right away
- Extensive themes, tools, and entire movie templates to use
- Chroma-keying tool and solution
- Color-matching for movie theme and color grading consistency
Apple iMovie may not be for you for those searching for a more complex and robust solution. However, anyone who is getting into video editing for the first time or is seeking an affordable solution yet professional can use Apple iMovie to create just about any video or media file they have in mind.
Hitfilm Express and Pro
Hitfilm Express is a robust video editing software solution free to download with a “pay what you wish” feature for all users.
Currently, the software is available for both Apple Mac 64-bit operating systems and Microsoft Windows 64-bit operating systems, making it extremely accessible to most device users.
The Hitfilm Express interface is simplistic and provides a complete library of video guides and tutorials to help you start with the platform.
Although the interface may appear more complicated, there are plenty of hints and walkthroughs to assist you throughout the process.
Hitfilm Express is one of the most professional-grade software solutions for video editing available completely free of charge, even with a steep learning curve.
With Hitfilm Express, take advantage of the following features and benefits:
- Color coding and grading abilities
- An extensive user interface that is entirely customizable to fit your desired workflow
- Masking/mask editing as well as mask rendering
- Animation tools/unlimited tracks for both audio and video files
- Picture in picture features
- Vertical video solutions and tools
- 3D camera projection for 2D photos
- Transitions and transition editor
- Extensive video clipper and trimmer
Finding the best video editing software is likely to depend on the type of videos you intend to create, your current audience or target demographics, as well as the overall industry you are working in or representing.
With the right video editing software, maximize your ability to reach users without sacrificing quality or content.
Taking the time to research and learn more about top video editing software can help you select the right choice for you and your YouTube channel once you are ready to begin producing, uploading, and sharing your own creations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
While there is no way to determine what all YouTubers use to edit and create their videos, most of the preferred and promoted programs include Apple’s iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, and Final Cut Pro. I use Camtasia.
YouTube Movie Maker is a free video editor that allows users to create an unlimited number of videos without an added watermark. However, there is a 5-minute limit for each video uploaded, which may not be optimal for users with longer or more complex videos.
Determining the best free video editing software greatly depends on the features and functionalities that matter most to you and the content you are creating. Top quick video editors include Quik as well as Hitfilm Express. However, Apple’s iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Premiere Elements are all extremely popular solutions for YouTubers and non-YouTubers alike.
While most of today’s top best video editing software solutions do require a download and install, there are alternative solutions such as YouTube Movie Maker that can be accessed via a web browser. Additionally, there is also Quik, a video editing program that is optimal for both Android as well as iOS users.
Improving your editing and design skills when it comes to your videos is possible by reviewing official guides and instruction manuals available with your preferred editor. Additionally, YouTube users who specialize in providing free guides and tutorials can help to discover new techniques and skills that can be utilized when creating and editing any videos you create. Remember, learning and improving new skills requires commitment, dedication, and time. It is important to remember that learning how to edit videos in a professional manner is not an overnight process and typically requires plenty of experience and experiments in order to achieve the desired results.
