As visual content continues to dominate the Internet (if not the world), more and more brands are utilizing this gold mine to sell their products and services. However, video content can’t be possible without the help of a video software (Programs).
While some software carry a hefty price tag, some are good-quality AND cost less or nothing at all. The good news is, with more and more video editing software with valuable features springing up, you don’t have to be an expert filmmaker – or have a huge budget – to get the best results out of making a video.
In this article, we’ll show you the 10 best video editing software that you can start using today – ones that are easy to use, with reasonable (or no) pricing, and can be uploaded for anything from YouTube to Instagram (or wherever):
1. Lightworks
“Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, Lightworks is a free video editing software that’s packed with tons of useful features,” says Josh Daniels, a writer at writinity.com and draftbeyond.com. “Although the premium version has 4K video support for YouTube and Vimeo, the free version still has more than enough features for most users.”
The most notable features from Lightworks’ free version includes:
- High-precision video trimming
- Support for multi-cam
- 720p video support for YouTube
- Many other video formats supported
2. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve – available on Windows, Mac, and Linux – is a more advanced video editor, with more professional video features.
DaVinci Resolve’s features include:
- Easy video slicing
- Advanced trimming
- Multicam editing
- Color correction
- Audio correction
3. iMovie
Want simplicity and elegance? No problem! That’s where Apple’s iMovie comes in!
Not only can you use iMovie with Mac computers, but also on iPad and iPhone. On both iPad and iPhone, you can use AirDrop to wirelessly transfer a video project over to your Mac computer. And, when you’re done editing, you can easily share it via YouTube, Facebook, iMessage, etc.
Here are iMovie’s standout features:
- High-fidelity filters
- Seamless Apple product integration
- Green-screen
- Audio and social platform integration
4. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free video editing software programs available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. A fully open source program, you don’t need a paid upgrade if you don’t want to. Originally a Linux product, the software has since evolved to be compatible with other hardware.
Here are some of the best features on Shotcut:
- Supports a wide range of video formats
- A library of tutorial videos
- 4K HD resolution support
- Timeline editing
5. Nero Video
Considered one of the cheaper options if wanting something premium on the spot – around $49.99 – Nero Video is well-stocked with many tricks and effects you’ll find that you may find in a premium video editing software.
Some of its features include:
- Advanced video-editing mechanics
- Ideal for beginners (Advanced video editors may want to steer clear of this software, since its too basic)
6. Openshot
Like Shotcut, Openshot is entirely open source, making it one of the best video editing software in the market. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it is widely similar to iMovie, even though it has more built-in features than iMovie.
Openshot’s features include:
- Unlimited tracks/layers
- Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and video transitions with real-time previews
- Compositing, image overlays, watermarks
- Title templates, title creation, subtitles, and 3D animated titles and effects
- Advanced Timeline (i.e. drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping)
7. Blender
Like Shotcut and Openshot, Blender is another open-source program on the market. Regularly used to design 3D animation, Blender is also known to be a very useful video editor that will need most of your video needs.
Blender includes:
- Live previews
- Luma waveform, chroma vectorscope, and histogram displays
- Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveforms
- Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects.
- Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters, etc.
8. CyberLink PowerDirector
Now, if you’re a beginner, then CyberLink PowerDirector is your go-to software. Its interface consists of tutorials and easy-to-navigate options. Although the options can get overwhelming at times, the video rendering is fast.
So, at the end of the day, CyberLink has the following features:
- Ideal for beginners
- A suite of options and effects
- Fast video rendering
9. VideoPad
“VideoPad is one of the best video editing tools for Windows,” says Jonathan Begum, a journalist at lastminutewriting.com and researchpapersuk.com. “The software is ideal for beginners, because it’s simple and easy to use.”
VideoPad’s features include:
- A wide range of pre-made transitions
- Movie formats in multiple resolutions
- 3D Video Editing
- Camera Shake Reduction
- Sound Effects Library
10. Adobe Premiere Elements
Finally, we look to Adobe Premiere Elements as another great video editing software to consider for your video-making endeavors. An industry leader in the video-editing game for some time Adobe doesn’t disappoint in its $79.99 retail price, even though more and more software has surpassed it in performance and speed.
Now, that’s not to say that Adobe can’t deliver for beginning video makers. In fact, the software comes with an easy interface for beginners to learn and use from. In fact, the Guided Edits feature makes Adobe an attractive option for beginners, as it allows them to do quick edits with substantial assistance from the software.
Here are some features that stand out in this software:
- A comprehensive library of special effect
- Tutorials for almost anything in the software
- A simple interface
Conclusion
So, there you have it! We’ve explored 10 of the best video editing software on the market. This goes to show that video editing is evolving, and will continue to do so as more and more brands and individuals are using it to produce great video content.
Now, just keep in mind: No matter which video editing application you use – or, if you’re going to use one in conjunction with the other. – whichever one you choose will depend on the following:
- Your budget
- The equipment that you’re using, AND
- How serious you are about creating a video
As you read about these 10 video editing applications that are listed above, you’ll see that you don’t have to be a professional filmmaker, or have large sums of money, to create a bestselling video.
Are you ready? Then lights, camera, action!
Author Bio:
Angela Douglas is a business coach and blogger at Lucky Assignments Glasgow and Gum essays. Born in Connecticut, Angela is an entrepreneur who had founded her own showroom at the age of 21. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and writing about her experiences.
