If you are a YouTube creator, you naturally need top-notch software to edit your videos. Fortunately, even if you're on a tight budget or just starting out, there are numerous free video editing software options available.
Here, we've listed the top 10 best video editing software for YouTube, which caters to different needs (from basic to professional-grade) and works on various platforms (like Windows, Mac, Linux, and even web browsers).
Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that offers a one-stop suite of professional-grade tools to use by YouTube users. It includes top features like color grading, audio post-production, and numerous visual effects. It offers both a free version and a paid Studio version for advanced users.
Key Features:
- Offers everything you need for editing, color grading, and more in one place.
- Provides regular updates to stay up-to-date with new features.
- Provides professional-grade tools for free.
Pros:
- Offers a complete video editing suite for free,
- You get a Direct YouTube upload feature with advanced options such as chapters and thumbnails.
Cons:
- The free version doesn't export 10-bit video, so HDR is limited
- Exporting 4K videos at 60fps is limited to 8-bit color
| Best For | Great for anyone wanting professional editing and color grading, especially if you're serious about YouTube. |
| Supported Operating Systems | DaVinci Resolve is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. |
| Video Formats Supported | It supports a wide array of video formats, including popular ones like MP4, MOV, and AVI, as well as professional formats like ProRes and DNxHD. |
| Export Options | Users can export their projects in various formats and resolutions, including H.264, ProRes, and DNxHD, with options optimized for platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. |
HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a comprehensive video editing and visual effects software, which is designed primarily for filmmakers, editors, and video production houses. It offers advanced tools and features within a single suite for free and also has premium options.
Key Features:
- All-in-one platform for shooting, editing, compositing, color grading, and VFX.
- Quicker and easier to use compared to other competitors.
- Cost-effective solution for businesses looking for high-powered post-production features.
Pros:
- Simplifies VFX and compositing work with its user-friendly interface.
- Allows manipulation of 3D models within the application
Cons:
- Its advanced version, HitFilm Pro, requires a subscription
- While user-friendly, it has a learning curve for beginners. However, it offers 100+ hours of free tutorials to learn the program.
| Best For | It is ideal for YouTubers and video creators who need a free, professional-grade video editing software with complex features like visual effects, compositing, 3D modeling, etc. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with both Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows PC operating systems. |
| Video Formats Supported | Supports a wide range of video formats including MP4, QuickTime, and AVI video formats, along with image sequences, WAV audio, and FBX for 3D models. |
| Export Options | HitFilm Express provides versatile export options for various platforms and devices, such as Facebook, Vimeo/YouTube, and Apple devices. |
OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and easy-to-use video editing software with a simple interface devoid of complex features included in professional-grade software. OpenShot offers basic editing tools like trimming, slicing, and arranging clips, so you can easily create your desired video sequence.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface for basic editing tasks.
- Supports a wide range of audio and video formats.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
- Allows for dragging and dropping videos, audio, and images and includes built-in background videos for adding titles.
- Supports unlimited layers for adding watermarks and soundtracks and offers 3D animations and speed adjustment for creative effects.
Cons:
- It can be prone to crashes, especially with heavy files.
- It may not be suitable for professionals who require advanced tools like 3D tracking and color grading.
| Best For | Ideal for beginners and casual users who want a free and straightforward video editing software without complicated tools. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
| Video Formats Supported | Supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including MP4 and AAC. |
| Export Options | It offers various export options, but the default settings (MP4 format, H. 264 video codec, AAC audio codec) are recommended for compatibility with most devices. |
VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad Video Editor is an intuitive and swift video editing software suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. It supports a variety of video sources, including DV camcorders, VHS, GoPro, and more.
Key Features:
- Offers over 50 effects and transitions to enhance videos.
- Compatible with over 60 video formats.
- Allows 3D and 360 editing and export
Pros:
- Extremely easy to navigate for users of all skill levels
- A free version is available for non-commercial use.
Cons:
- The free version doesn't allow exporting videos in MP4 format
- It takes relatively longer to render videos
| Best For | Ideal for individuals and small businesses looking for basic to intermediate video editing. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with Windows (versions: 7/8/8.1/10/11) and macOS (version 10.5 or above). |
| Video Formats Supported | It supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MTS, MOV, AVI, MKV, M4A, MPG, VOB, OGG, WMV, TS, and more. |
| Export Options | Users can choose from a variety of output formats such as AVI, WMV, MPG, 3GP, MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, YouTube, Mobile Format, iPad, and PSP. It also offers exports to social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Meta, etc. |
Avidemux
Avidemux is free video editing software that offers basic editing functions like cutting and trimming for video projects. Available for download on multiple platforms, including Linux, MacOS, and Microsoft Windows, Avidemux allows task automation and is suitable for beginners.
Key Features:
- Basic editing functions like cutting, trimming, filtering and encoding capabilities are included.
- Offers a menu-based selection of filters and editing tools.
- Ability to add filters and visual effects to enhance video clips.
Pros:
- Automates video processing and editing tasks for convenience.
- Open-source, free software with no watermark
Cons:
- No professional-grade editing capabilities, so it isn't suitable for large projects
- .Interfaces may look and feel outdated compared to modern editing software.
| Best For | Ideal for beginners and casual users looking for a free video editing tool to perform basic editing tasks on videos for platforms like Instagram and Facebook. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with Linux, BSD, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows. |
| Video Formats Supported | It supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MPEG, DVD, AVI, AAC, MKV, MP2, and more. |
| Export Options | Users can choose from a variety of output formats, such as MPEG, AVI, AAC, MKV, MP2, and DVD. |
What do we recommend?
If you're just starting your YouTube journey, DaVinci Resolve is your go-to free video editor. It packs professional-grade features like color grading and audio post-production that are perfect for taking your content to the next level. Plus, it's user-friendly, so you can dive right in and start editing without a steep learning curve.
Best Paid Video Editing Software for YouTube
Let's look into the 5 best paid Video Editing Software for YouTube:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is widely recognized as the go-to video editing software for its highly intuitive interface and potent editing capabilities. While its subscription model may not suit everyone's budget, it packs all the features you need to create high-quality videos.
Key Features:
- The layout is designed to keep you productive with organized workspaces.
- It supports the ProRes RAW codec right out of the box.
- Collaborating with teams is seamless, thanks to Adobe Productions.
Pros:
- Offers a plethora of powerful tools for audio and video editing
- Regular updates introduce new AI-powered tools for faster editing
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fees are comparatively high.
- It can be a bit excessive for users not to need intricate transitions and effects.
| Best For | Adobe Premiere Pro is perfect for professional video editors and YouTubers since It is industry-standard software. It has an extensive array of editing tools and capabilities, especially for collaborative projects. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms. |
| Video Formats Supported | Capable of handling various file formats such as ProRes RAW, Quicktime, AVI, MOV, and MP4. |
| Export Options | Users can select from a range of export options; it also offers a Quick Export feature for convenient access to commonly used export settings which include presets like H.264. |
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is the preferred choice for video editing on Mac. It offers potent features and a seamless workflow for higher productivity. Exclusive to Mac and iPad, its professional-grade tools and singular purchase model make it a favorite among Apple users.
Key Features:
- Supports 8K footage, 360-degree video, and HDR.
- Offers an intuitive Magnetic Timeline system for easy arrangement.
- Supports integration with the Apple ecosystem; the import of music and images is seamless.
- Offers top color grading and multichannel audio tools.
- Apple offers a generous 90-day free trial for users to explore the app.
Pros:
- Professional-grade tools and features for creating polished YouTube videos.
- Fast and well-optimized performance—especially on MacBooks and has a one-time purchase model with free updates.
Cons:
- Exclusive to Mac and iPad platforms only, limiting accessibility
- Expensive upfront costs since no subscription model is available
| Best For | It is perfect for Apple enthusiasts who want dependable, professional-grade video editing software that integrates seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Available exclusively for Mac and iPad platforms. |
| Video Formats Supported | Final Cut Pro supports a wide range of video formats, including Apple ProRes (all versions), AVCHD, AVC-ULTRA, and more. |
| Export Options | Final Cut Pro offers various export options, including Apple ProRes, AVC-Intra, DV, DVCPRO HD, MPEG IMX, MXF, Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2, and XDCAM HD/EX/HD422 formats. |
Filmora
Wondershare's Filmora video editing is a fairly powerful video editing software for YouTube in the market. It has a user-friendly interface, super-quick rendering options, a plethora of effects—all at a reasonable price point. It caters well to both amateur and professional filmmakers.
Key Features:
- Super-fast rendering speed ensures efficient workflow.
- Motion tracking and modern features like keyframing and speech-to-text are available.
- Offers up to 100 video tracks for versatile editing.
Pros:
- Comprehensive editing capabilities with support for various file types.
- Regular updates have advanced features like AI Copilot editing and AI Text-based editing.
Cons:
- Lacks multicam editing and VR capabilities.
- Leaves a watermark on videos if you opt for the free version
| Best For | Ideal for filmmakers of all skill levels looking for an affordable and user-friendly video editing software with a wide range of effects and overlays |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms. |
| Video Formats Supported | Filmora supports a variety of video formats, including MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, F4V, MKV, TS, 3GP, MPEG-2, WEBM, GIF, and MP3. |
| Export Options | Users can export their projects in all major formats, including WMV, MP4, AVI, MOV, F4V, MKV, TS, 3GP, MPEG-2, WEBM, GIF, and MP3. |
Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer is a professional video editing software widely used in the film, television, and advertising industries. It's known for its reliability and extensive editing features, and is compatible with both Windows and macOS computers.
Key Features:
- Offers a wide range of tools for editing video and audio.
- Includes advanced features like multicam editing and color correction.
- Supports various audio and video formats such as WAV, AIF, MP3, M4A, MOV, AVI, and MP4.
Pros:
- Trusted by professionals for large projects due to its reliability and collaborative capabilities.
- Known for its stability and lack of technical issues during editing.
Cons:
- It can be difficult for beginners to learn because of its complexity.
- Users have reported issues with managing files and linking media within projects.
| Best For | Ideal for professionals working on film, TV shows, or commercials who need advanced editing tools and reliable software. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Works on both Windows and macOS |
| Video Formats Supported | Avid Media Composer supports various audio and video formats, including WAV, AIF, MP3, M4A, MOV, AVI, and MP4. |
| Export Options | By default, projects are exported as QuickTime Movie files. However, users can customize export settings to choose different formats like MOV or MP4. |
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is an intuitive and efficient video editing software that offers a comprehensive set of editing tools at par with professional-level software. From slip, slide, stretch, and roll editing to advanced color grading and motion tracking, VideoStudio provides tools for top-notch creativity and storytelling.
Key Features:
- Support for slip, slide, stretch, and roll editing.
- Color wheels and LUTs for precise color correction.
- Multicam editing for seamless switching between camera angles.
- Powerful motion tracking to attach objects or effects to moving elements.
- Fun features like stop-motion creation and speech-to-text auto-captioning.
Pros:
- Support for various video formats and output options for different devices.
- Features like motion tracking and multicam editing add professional-level capabilities.
Cons:
- Weaker audio editing features.
- No support for macOS or Linux
| Best For | Ideal for enthusiasts and amateur filmmakers looking for a feature-packed yet user-friendly video editing software. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Compatible with Windows 8 (64-bit), Windows 10, and Windows 11. |
| Video Formats Supported | Supports common video standards such as AVI, MPEG-1 through -4, M2T, WebM, 3GP, and WMV, ensuring compatibility with 360-degree VR, 4K Ultra HD, and 3D media. |
| Export Options | It supports various video formats that are supported by popular devices such as Sony, Microsoft, Apple, and Nintendo. |
What do we recommend?
If you're a seasoned YouTuber with a large audience and high-quality video production, Adobe Premiere Pro is the way to go. It offers advanced tools like multicam editing, motion graphics, and audio mixing—that give you the power to create polished videos and stand out.
Conclusion
Every software on our list has its own set of perks; some, like DaVinci Pro, are known for their comprehensive features and ease of use, while others, like Adobe Premiere Pro, are popular for professional-grade editing and industry-standard status. Ultimately, the choice of the best video editing software for YouTube depends on your needs and experience level.
FAQs:
- What is the best software to edit videos for YouTube on mobile?
If you're just getting started with YouTube videos on your mobile device, DaVinci Resolve is your best bet. It's one of the most powerful free video editors available, considering its professional-grade features. Beyond DaVinci Pro, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro are also good options for editing YouTube videos on mobile.
- What is the best video editing software for YouTube without a watermark?
If you're looking for video editing software for YouTube without watermarks, DaVinci Resolve is a top choice. It's an advanced free option with no watermarks. Another option is Clipchamp, which allows you to export watermark-free 480p videos for free.
- What are some web-based video editors?
Some popular web-based video editors include Clipchamp, which is owned by Microsoft and works in browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Other options to consider are Vyond, Wistia, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Creative Cloud Express, Vimeo, and Adobe Spark.
- Is Filmora good for YouTube?
Wondershare Filmora is a decent option for YouTube video editing. It's user-friendly and offers a wide range of filters and effects. However, the free version has limited features; you only get access to basic editing tools, and the platform leaves a watermark when you export your video.
