Are you looking to get video editing software for your YouTube videos? This article features a comprehensive guide on the best there is on the market. Read on!
Why Use Video Editing Software
A good video usually entails three essential stages- Pre-production, production, and post-production. The latter is mostly the video editing stage.
But why use video editing software? Video editing software is a platform used to enhance or edit post-production videos. Without video editing software, you will be left with an incredible mess. After shooting a video, it is important to edit out this mess, alter the order of things, add background music or narration, titles, and callouts, zoom in on things, add special effects, and create the final product.
If you want thousands of views on your YouTube channel and tons of subscribers, you must create high-quality videos, and this involves editing your content before publishing it on your channel.
Using a video editing platform allows you to edit your videos with highlighted points, proper name tags, images, icons, brand logos, and even gifs.
Every video content creator should make sure that no video goes live without proper editing.
Moreover, videos that are properly edited tend to do six-time better compared to those that aren’t.
How to Use Video Editing Software
Today it is very easy to edit your videos because of the availability and variety of free software that is beginner-friendly.
Here is how you can use video editing software. In this example, I have used Adobe Premiere Pro – a tool that is also featured in this list of the best video editing software for YouTube videos.
Step #1: Name the Project and Upload Image
Before you proceed with editing your video, you will need to name your project. Thankfully, most video editors on the market will create a fold with a project name automatically, where all of your files will be stored.
For the name of your project, ensure you pick a name that is descriptive so that you don’t forget where it is.
Additionally, you will also need to decide the settings (frame rate and resolution) you want your video to be in. Alternatively, you can just allow your video editor to automatically decide these settings based on the video you import.
Once everything is perfect, you can now import all your videos as well as other relevant media files into the software. This should not be a problem, just drag and drop or import directly from the fold you saved your files in.
Step #2: Organize Your Files
You can simply drag and drop your media files into the video editing software if you have a few footages. However, complex projects will call for a more organized approach.
Adobe Premiere Pro will enable you to create a folder to organize all your files, just as your PC does with files on the hard drive.
Depending on the scale of your project, you can create one folder (bin) or multiple folders.
Step #3: Mark your Clips
Watch your videos and select the sections you want to use. This is easily done by “marking” the proper footage, by inserting in and out points on the sections of the footage you want to use.
You want to make sure you mark every video you want to use to avoid having to go through the footage later looking for parts you want to remove.
Step #4: Assemble Your Video
This should be an interesting part of the process. Go to the footage you marked and drag each one by one into the timeline – a line of all your clips arranged from start to finish.
But you can always rearrange the clips the way you wish, so don’t worry if you drop a clip too late or too early than where you want it to be in the final product.
Step #5: Edit Your Timeline
If your first attempt at patching all your clips together is exactly what you wanted, you can proceed to the next step. But if it is below par, just re-watch the entire clip and see where you can make changes.
Some of the most common problems you will encounter after piecing your videos are timing and jarring transition between scenes or cuts.
The extent of the editing will depend on your personal taste and nuance, so don’t be afraid of checking out other videos to find inspiration for your video.
Step #6: Add Some Effects
Your video should be almost assembled by now, but before you publish it, consider adding some effects. These can include such things as graphics/overlays, transitions, and filters as well as adding color grading and tidying the audio.
Make sure you don’t go overboard with effects as this can have negative effects on your video.
Step #7: Export Your Videos
Now that everything is spick and span, the next and final step of the process is exporting and sharing.
Many editors will make it easier for you to share your video to YouTube or social media.
How to Make Your Videos Stand-Out Using Video Editing Software
Practice makes perfect, and thus if your first YouTube video did not reach the standards you wanted, keep perfecting your skills and you will reach there.
Here are some tips and tricks to use to make your videos stand out using video editing software.
Add Music and Sound Effects
To add some layers and depth to your videos, consider adding music and sound effects. Choose music that matches your visuals and be sure to cut to the beat of the sound to create a lasting effect on your audience.
Use Shortcuts
Learning shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to enhance your video editing process. For instance, the “L” button is used to speed up your playback, thus you don’t have to re-watch your clips over and over again.
Ramp Up or Down
If your video is action-packed, then you need to learn how to ramp up or down to emphasize in fast or slow motion. You can also use this technique to finesse your videos so that they perfectly fit together within your sequence.
For instance, if you only have a 2-second gap in your sequence, but your clip is 2.5 seconds, you can ramp up the speed to the appropriate duration.
Cover Up Some Parts
If your subject is narrating a story that is not that interesting or appears to drag, the trick is to add a+b roll or b-roll to keep things interesting. Revert to the narrator if they are saying something important or useful. Or if you use a lot of filler words in your video, you can just cover up these cuts to keep the video interesting.
Space the Video Out
To add some dramatic effect to your video, consider spacing it out. Make yourself or your subject’s words impactful by providing a little breathing room and allowing the audience to ponder on what they have seen and heard.
Reframe It
The modern cameras now allow you to shoot high-resolution videos, you can now re-frame the clips and push or pull the video to interesting and dramatic effects. While 1080p is considered the standard delivery resolution, you can explore with 2K-and-above resolutions.
Best YouTube Video Editing Software
Let’s now see what types of video editing software are available for you to take your video editing to the next level.
Beginner Level
1) Premiere Elements
For beginners, the Premier Elements from Adobe should be on top of your list of video editing software.
Adobe designed this platform with the user in mind. This platform can help you create compelling YouTube video clips without the complexity that comes with advanced platforms such as Premier Pro.
In addition to being extremely user-friendly, Premiere Elements also allows you to go deep with keyframe and multitrack-based editing as well as providing automatic tools.
You can use this software on 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and 8.1 as well as macOS 10.14.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Decent text tools
- Guided Edits for easy use
Cons
- No screen recording
- No Multicam backing
2) VSDC Video Editor
For beginners with a tight budget, you might find the VSDC Video Editor an ideal option. It is extremely affordable and comes packed with useful video editing tools that can let you create great clips for your YouTube video channel.
The software has undergone some upgrades since it was launched, with the latest version adding HSL color editing motion tracking, text animation, beat-syncing, and more.
In terms of pricing, the platform is available in two packages – free and premium. The premium version is competitively priced and has added more features than the free version, including hardware acceleration, sub-pixel resolution, a variety of media types, as well a green screen, and extra masking just to name a few.
Pros
- Cheap and beginner-friendly
- Al art filters
- Text animation
- Tracks motion
Cons
- Poor interface
- Prone to crash
3) Wondershare Filmora
Still, in the category of beginner-friendly video editing software, Filmora offers the customary trimming, overlays, and transitions as well as effects you can find in just about any beginner lever video editing software.
Since the product was launched, the developers have added some more modern and advanced features such as motion tracking.
The free trial offer allows you to export footage up to 10 times, which is enough for a beginner. With this software, you can edit footage on most of the old operating system versions.
Pros
- Comes with effects and overlays
- Fast rendering
- Incredible interface
- Decent text and title tools
Cons
- No DVD menu
- Interface not intuitive
Best Budget Software
4) Pinnacle Studio 24
If you have used earlier versions of Pinnacle Studio, you will notice a major difference with the Pinnacle Studio 24. The software is meant for beginners to professional-level video editors, featuring great editing features as well as effects like Multicam editing, motion tracking, and stop-motion.
In addition to its budget-friendliness, the software doesn’t require the steep learning curve you will need for professional video editing platforms. Headlining the best features are automatic object tracking, 8K support, custom audio noise reduction, and blend modes.
Pros
- Clear interface
- Multicam editing
- Strong title editor
- Plenty of effects
Cons
- Patchy 360-degree VR application
- Incapable of tracking motion
5) Vegas Pro 365
With the focus squarely on newbies, the new version of the Vegas Pro 365 offers full audio and video editing tools including Sound Forge Audio Studio 12, Vegas Pro 15, and some helpful online training courses.
But you will appreciate the top-of-the-line plugins and ability to access audio editor Sound Forge Audio Studio in case you are working on audio projects.
You can edit your clips offline and projects can still be accessed even after your subscription is expired.
Pros
- Automatic tracking control
- High-quality image editor
- Excellent audio support system
- Great auto-save feature
Cons
- Inaccurate subtitles for videos/audio
- High RAM consumption when rendering videos
Software for Beginner to Pro
6) Cyberlink Power Director 365
The PowerDirector clip editing platform bridges the space between user-friendliness and professional editing. It has been ahead of its competitors in the same categories, with support for novel technologies and formats.
It is packed with tools that let you assemble compelling digital videos, complete with titles, transitions, and effects.
Moreover, it is extremely easier to work with and offers fast rendering. New features are added throughout the year, so even if you don’t find the feature you like, check out for the next release.
Pros
- Fast rendering
- Tons of effects
- Clear interface
- Tracking motion
Cons
- Poor color matching
- Cluttered interface
7) Filmora X
Filmora X is a great choice for novice or professional video editors who are looking to make videos while having fun. It features a pleasant interface, it comes with great features, and more importantly, it is easy to learn.
Most of the features of the software are designed purely for simplicity. If you find the latest version, you will enjoy features such as tracking motion.
Its price is extremely affordable, especially if you consider the features it comes with. But if you want to drive the price even further down, consider getting an annual subscription.
Filmora X supports systems such as Windows 7 or newer, Intel® or the latest CPU as well as macOS.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pleasant interface
- Great new features
- Really good at tracking motion
Cons
- Lack audio keyframing
- No manual adjustment
Best Free Software for Edition Videos
8) Lightworks
This software was designed for YouTube video content creators as well as filmmakers. It supports a range of formats as well as a devoted web export. Features you can expect to enjoy include text effects, inbuilt presets, Multicam editing, a completely customizable interface, and real-time collaboration.
With this software, you can create multi-format 4K clips by just dragging and dropping. Additionally, you do timeline editing, video, and audio FX, and histogram feature as well as trimming.
If you are not sure about the software, you can opt for the free version and check around to see whether the editor is worth the price or not.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Easy to learn
- Great support team
- Excellent functions
Cons
- Transition snag for seasoned video editors
- Export limited to only 720p
9) Hitfilm Express
Although I would normally warn my readers against buying cheap products online, this video editor is an exception.
If you have edited a video on an editor before, you will realize that there are a few surprises when getting started with this tool.
HitFilm features a similar interface as its competitors, with an option for imported material as well as a timeline to arrange it.
While the tools are not bundled in one location, that is not a factor that will hinder your editing process.
If you hit a snag, there are tons of free video tutorials you can turn to and became a master of this tool. But I think the best way to learn is through experimenting with composition tools, effects, and dropping footage into the timeline.
Pros
- Advanced text tools
- Freed editor
- Easy to learn
- Great features
Cons
- Clunky export process
- Add-ons
Apple Software
10) iMovie
This video editing tool comes integrated with Apple devices and even though it was launched a couple of years ago, the software has not undergone too many changes.
iMovie features some great tools for color grading, media organization, speed, narration, green-screen effects as well as a soundtrack in your videos.
Although it doesn’t have 360-degree video support, you can still enjoy HEVC and 4K. It is a great option for entry-level clip editing.
Apple keeps releasing new features, but if you want to get serious with video production or intend to work with 360-degree clips or Multicam, you should consider upgrading to Final Cut Pro X (also featured in this review), since it offers similar services as iMovie.
The interface depicts only the tools you need while working and thus does not clutter your screen with all the available tools.
The latest upgrade features a dark interface that opens with twin tabs at the top center for Projects and Media.
Pros
- Classy themes
- Plenty of audio tools
- Simple interface
- Great audio tools
Cons
- Limited to only two footage tracks
- Lacks 360-degree video editing
Best Editing Software for Gamers
11) Corel Video Studio
If you have been using VideoStudio editor, you are going to appreciate the new upgrades made to the software. The new 2021 version is easy to use and makes video editing such a fun activity.
All previous features such as sound editing, storyboards, timelines, picture-in-picture, and transitions are all present, in addition to the new features.
The new version has improved performance, including faster rendering and support of all three major video hardware – Intel, Nvidia, and AMD.
You also get to enjoy instant project templates, which are designed to optimize marketing and social posts. All you need to do is drag and drop the videos into the templates and the software will turn them into viral videos.
In terms of enhancement of motion tools, the Auto Motion Blur lets you make video objects appear more natural.
Last but not least, the split-screen templates allow you to easily create videos with the PiP effect.
Pros
- Vibrant and simple interface
- Color grading
- Fast rendering
- Great stop-motion tool
Cons
- Tons of easy-edit tools
- Weaker audio editing capabilities
12) InVideo’s Online Video Editor
This cloud-based video editing software allows you to create professional videos with both free and premium templates, videos, images, as well as the music inside your browser. If you are looking for professional-looking videos, this software should be top of your list.
The best part about using this tool is that you can utilize the same video template to create videos in different sizes regardless of the platform you want to share your videos, including Facebook, YouTube, and even Instagram.
In addition to YouTubers, bloggers, publishers, marketers, companies, and even individuals can use this tool to edit videos online.
Pros
- Fun and easy to use
- Great features
- Start creating videos in just minutes
- Cloud-based tool
Cons
- Quite an expensive tool
- Keeps lagging
Best High End
13) Final Cut Pro
If money is not an issue, Final Cut Pro might be an ideal option. It is one of the best subscription-free software for video editing.
It was launched a few years ago and was the only go-to software for video editing for a number of years, and as a result, used to edit numerous Hollywood movies.
The tool is available for just a one-off fee, thus making it an ideal option for long-term YouTube video editors who want to avoid the never-ending mess of subscriptions. Final Cut Pro can also be a great option if you work with Apple products.
Pros
- Designed for professionals
- Pleasant interface
- Perfect for YouTubers
- Great features
Cons
- Works only on Mac
- Not suitable for beginners
14) Adobe Premiere Pro
This is perhaps the best professional-level YouTube video editing software. If you are a seasoned YouTuber who is extremely versed in the field of video editing and in need of a cross-platform tool, the Premiere Pro is your software.
Almost everything you need to create a high-quality video for your YouTube channel is found here, including 4K, 8K, and VR as well as a virtual screening room among other tools.
Premiere offers users tons of great features that can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming to use. Nonetheless, the interface is quite easy, and it’s easily customizable.
Pros
- Great quality tool
- Industry-standard software
- Loved by many YouTubers
- Comes with great features
Cons
- Pricey for beginners
- Not good for beginners
Conclusion
The best software to get and the one we recommend is Adobe Premiere Elements. If you are on a tight budget then we suggest VSDC software. You cannot go wrong with either selection it just depends on your preference.
You can also check out our information on the A to Z of starting a YouTube video channel.