Before 2017, YouTube Video Editor was the best editor for all YouTubers, but then Google announced that only people having more than 100,000 views on their videos could save the changes they made. It put creators in a frenzy, making them find free alternatives that offer the same features.
But don't worry anymore, because we have ten free video editing software that have all the essential features, including cutting, cropping, rotating, and trimming.
Free online video maker and editor With Canva, you can make high-quality videos without being a professional video editor. You'll find it easy (and fun) - to make videos everyday. Our simple drag-and-drop tool lets you make compelling short videos in minutes using Canva's library of pre-made templates. Simple Video Trim & Merge is an easy-to-use video editing tool to help you split and merge your videos. It supports multiple formats, including AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, MP3. To use this app simply: you just have to move the cursor and mark the beginning of the video that you will split.
The 10 Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube in 2020
1. Shotcut
Shotcut is one of the best video editing software on Microsoft, Linux, and Mac as it supports a variety of video formats. Since it is an open source software, once you download it you can start using it immediately without upgrading to the paid version. It was initially developed for Linux and later adapted to Microsoft and Mac, so you might find the interface a bit quirky. Two features that we love about the YouTube video editor are timeline editing and 4K HD resolution support. It is one of the few free software that offers 4K support. It is the best software for HD and 4K video projects.
2. Blender
Another open source software that runs on all operating systems including iOS, Microsoft, and Linux, Blender was first introduced as a 3D animation suite and then developed into a video editor for YouTube. Apart from the basic functions like splicing and video cutting, Blender offers a plethora of advanced features including luma waveform, audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, and filters.
Most of these features are something that you won't find on other average free video editing software for YouTube. All of them are enough for you to produce a clear and professional quality video. The only downside of Blender is that there aren't too many videos available as most of them are focused on modeling and 3D animation.
3. Avidemux
Avidemux is a basic video editor for YouTube, which is perfect for beginners. It comes with basic functions, including encoding, filtering, and cutting. It works on all three platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Microsoft. Since it is a simple software, use it only to fine tune your video editing skills. Once you get the hang of the basic features, you can download more complex software like Shotcut and Blender.
4. Machete Video Editor Lite
Machete Video Editor Lite is another wonderful free video editing software that runs only on Windows computers and laptops. It is available in two versions — free and paid. In the free version, it supports only two video formats, including AVI and WMV. The paid version costs $19.95 and gives access to audio editing and supports a number of formats. It is best known for its video splicing feature but as it is a basic software, you can't use it for a long time if you plan to turn into a professional YouTube creator.
5. HitFilm Express
Another efficient YouTube video maker, HitFilm Express is available on Windows and iOS platforms. It is a professional YouTube video editor that comes with all basic editing features, including trimming and audio editing along with advanced features like cutting tools, keying for green screen effects, 3D video support, and multiple composition tools.
The free version offers over 180 premium features. HitFilm Express also has a paid version, which is affordable, so you purchase it to upgrade the software. Most video editing tutorials are for superhero action movies including Star Wars, so you will need a little time getting used to it.
6. DaVinci Resolve
One of the most advanced YouTube video editing software, DaVinci Resolve has an intuitive interface that makes editing easier. Advanced features offered by the software, including advanced trimming, audio mastering, color correction, and multicam editing. You can also add 2D and 3D titles to your videos and give them a professional touch. The only con of DaVinci Resolve is that there are too many features, which can overwhelm a beginner. Also, not all tutorials are free, so that's an added cost you will have to pay to learn the software.
Tip: Need to download videos from YouTube or other sites? Here are 12 of the best YouTube video downloaders recommended for you.
7. VideoPad
VideoPad is the best video editing software for YouTube available on Windows. If you want to try your hand at video compositions, we recommend you to use this software. It isn't for advanced editors as they will find it too essential. Some features offered by the software include sound effects library, pre-made transitions, camera shake reduction, 3D video editing, and supports multiple resolutions. One of the best features of VideoPad is that it lets you export videos to YouTube and other social media platforms directly.
8. iMovie
If you are a Mac or MacBook user, iMovie is the best free video editing software for you. It has an intuitive interface and a great tool for learners to furnish their skills and get ready for using more advanced software. If you don't upload regularly on YouTube, you can continue using iMovie as it has a number of good features including audio editing, video trimming, pre-made transitions, 4K resolution support, and split screen. It is easy to learn. The disadvantage of using this software is that it takes too long to export the video, which will delay the upload.
9. Openshot
If you are a Mac user and have little bit knowledge of iMovie, you will find Openshot easy to use. This YouTube video editing software has more features than iMovie and a variety of layers and audio mixing options. With its simple interface and combination of premium features, Openshot makes video editing easy.
You can watch real-time previews before you transition one scene into another. Features that Openshot offers include scaling, snapping, tripping, image overlays, subtitles 3D animated titles, title creation, watermarks, and advanced timeline, among others. There aren't many tutorials available, so you will have to figure out how the YouTube video editor works on your own.
10. Lightworks
Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for YouTube with powerful features. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is free software, but there's a premium version available only for $25 a month. But you don't need to purchase that because the free version offers some very advanced features like multicam support, high precision video trimming, and export to 720p to YouTube.
It supports a range of video formats as well. One massive advantage of Lightworks is that you get access to many tutorial videos. Unfortunately, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo only comes with the premium version. It isn't too advanced either, so you will have to switch software or purchase the paid version once your YouTube channel starts growing.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to edit YouTube videos, open YouTube, and check tutorials of the software you plan to use. We tried all 10 YouTube video editing software to find out the best among them, so you can download them for editing your YouTube videos. Blender is our favorite choice because it offers premium features for zero costs including audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, filters, and luma waveform. You will find many tutorials online that will help you furnish your skills and add cool animations to your videos.
Also Read: Top 3 Free Video Grabbers to Download YouTube Videos Online
Allow yourself some time to get used to the complex functions as the software is a bit advanced for beginners. You start with basic software like iMovie or Avidemux and work your way up. Another software that we liked is DaVinci Resolve. It is a professional software, but the intuitive interface makes it easy to learn. The features can be overwhelming at first, so experiment with one feature at a time.
Have you used any of these software before? Let us know your review in the comments below.
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Why do you need a free video editing software
As with any good video in order to get it right it'll need some edits. Editing your videos shouldn't be that expensive either as there are some good, free, safe and easy to use video editing software in the internet.
Video editing has been made easy by tools that are readily available online. However, not all programs do what they're supposed to. A lot of such freeware packages are harmful and contain spyware/adware. Nevertheless, there're a lot that are quite professional and there are even some that come without watermarks.
As there are so many on the market, we've put together a selection of 7 of the best free video editing software on the internet.
7 free and easy to use video editing software
Simple Video Editing software, free download
Some of the software listed below are all recommended for either both Windows and Mac.
Best Simple Video Editing Software Free
Openshot
Openshot is a great free video editing software for beginners who wants to edit YouTube videos. It has a very easy drag and drop facility that is much like that of iMovie and it's excellent for making special occasion films.
Advantages
- The software is available for PC running Windows 10, 8 and 7. It's also compatible with Linux and Mac platforms.
- It caters for both the novice user and the more experienced one.
- The program's advanced timeline allows for panning, scrolling, zooming, snapping and easy drag and drop.
- The package comes with a whole trove of 3D animated subtitles, you can create titles or choose some from the hose of templates it has.
- The software is a full open source system.
Disadvantages
- It doesn't have a very comprehensive help section.
Lightworks
If you're looking for a professional video editing system then Lightworks is one of the best on the internet. This software is jammed full of useful utilities and features that more meet the needs of any user. It comes with a $25 per month Pro Version but the free version is more than adequate for most people's editing needs.
Advantages
- Video trimming to the highest precision standard.
- It supports almost all video formats and allows for 720p video export to Youtube.
- It comes with all the standard and advanced video features.
- It's one of the top packages for all kinds of video editing.
- The software is supported on Windows, Linux and Mac operating system platforms.
Disadvantages
- The video support in 4K for YouTube is only an option in the paid Pro version of the software.
- It's not user-friendly for a beginner.
iMovie
As with most iProducts they're relatively easy to use and come with just enough utilities and features. It's a really great package in which anyone with a Mac can learn the basics of video editing. iMovie has easy to use drag and drop features, it's very intuitive but there is only so much you can do with this software.
Advantages
- It's one of the best program packages for Mac users to learn how to edit a video.
- Its features are very easy to use.
- 4k/60fps Video Recording with the Sony IMX377 Image Sensor capturing high-quality video in full High Definition (HD) and 12MP still images.
Disadvantages
- Available only on Mac.
- The software has limited features.
- Slow / sluggish rendering time.
Windows Movie Maker
Movie Maker is a hand free app that comes with Windows. It's a very easy to use and simple piece of software that allows a person to add various background music, effects, titles and transitions to their videos. It has come a long way since it was first released.
Advantages
- It's a system application that comes standard with Windows 7, 8.
- Easy to use timeline for adding clips.
- Has all the basic functions like slow motion, speed-up, trimming, video playback preview, etc.
- Enables the user to edit and capture feed direct for the PC camera.
- Excellent for beginners wanting to learn how to do some video editing before going into a more complicated application.
Disadvantages
- Only available on the Windows 7 and 8 platform.
- Limited functionality and features.
- Windows 10 no longer supports Movie Maker. For the OS you have to get Movie Moments from the store.
- People experienced in video editing will be limited with this application.
VSDC Video Editor
VSDC is one of the best apps. However, the problem with this application is that it's only available for Windows users. It's also quite expensive to get support on a problem because the free version doesn't come with free support. The will charge you a monthly cost of $9.99 or a yearly one of $14.99. If you choose to buy the Pro version for $19.99 the support is free, and it unlocks a host of great functions.
Advantages
- The software is available only on the Windows Operating System Platform.
- Although VSDC free version comes with some power packed features, it does lack in quite a bit of powerful features and functionality.
- VSDC comes standard with audio editing and correction of color.
- The software is really easy to use.
Disadvantages
- Most of the features are available only in the Pro version.
- Support of the product is free only for a paid Pro member or if you pay for a month / a year.
Avidemux
What to do when you first get your macbook pro. If you're looking for a software to learn how to edit, then this option is for you. It's very easy to use and it has some great basic features and tasks. Avidemux is powerful in its simplicity and gives the novice user a great place to build the video editing knowledge.
Advantages
- Simple video editing applications for beginners.
- The software hasn't got a lot of technical jargon, you don't really even need to read the manual or help documents.
- Few basic editing functions like filtering, encoding and easy cutting features.
Disadvantages
- It's really limited in its functionality and features.
- The app is not designed for anything other than the simplest video editing.
VideoPad
VideoPad is one of those small applications that end up being hugely surprising. It's like a super version of Movie Maker.
Advantages
- For use with most Windows Operating system platforms.
- Simple and has great features that are helpful for a beginner user.
- It has a lot of powerful editing tools that even more experienced user will find it good for video editing.
- The software is compatible for video uploads to media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
- It supports various video file formats giving a wider editing choice.
- The editor is completely free for people who are using it for non-commercial use.
- Handy drag and drop features for quick easy timeline video creations which is good for making special occasion film montages.
- It comes loaded with special video effects, features and filters.
- The software has several different transition setting.
Disadvantages
- It doesn't have as many special features and effects as some of its competitors.
