YouTube consistently racks up around 14.3 billion visits per month, making it the second-most visited website in the world. And, with viewers spending over one billion hours per day watching YouTube videos, the streaming giant is second only to its parent company, Google.
It’s no wonder content creators, like us, tend to gravitate toward YouTube as an outlet for our videos. There is one major drawback though. With more than 500 hours of video being uploaded every minute, video makers must be unique in their approach to attract viewers and avoid becoming lost within the YouTube algorithm.
A lasting impression starts with an eye-catching video, and this is most often achieved through content that is effectively edited. There are several free video editor platforms available online, but these are not all created equally. Finding the best free video editing software can therefore be a real challenge.
That’s why we’ve ventured out to identify our top no-cost solutions and detail them below. So, whether you’re a professional video editor, or just getting started, we’ve found the best free video editing software for you.
Best free video editing software
HitFilm
The best free video editing software for YouTubers and social media influencers
Or upgrade to HitFlim Pro for just $9.99 (US) per month
Pros
+ Easy-to-use interface
+ Variety of visual effects
+ 2D and 3D compositing
Cons
– Incompatible with Linux
– Fast computer required for optimal use
Overview
The free version of HitFilm, formally HitFilm Express, is a polished video editor published by FXHome for Windows and Mac operating systems. With an easy-to-use interface, HitFilm has features that appeal to both experienced and beginner video creators alike.
Thanks to the recent acquisition of FXHome by Artlist, HitFilm now comes with a library of royalty free music, sound effects and templates. And, the free version of HitFilm even includes 10 songs, 25 audio effects, and 5 ready-made templates.
Emerging creators can take advantage of easy drag-and-drop transitions, a plethora of tutorials, and other simple tools to craft a professional edit. While expert editors can utilise more advanced tools within the incorporated special effects package.
HitFilm takes the top spot as the best free video editing software. However, for those looking for a true alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro or Apple’s Final Cut Pro, it’s certainly worth upgrading to HitFilm Pro.
Shotcut
Best open-source video editor
Pros
+ Open source
+ Wide format support
+ Great editing options
+ Superb support forum
Cons
– Initially confusing interface
– Lack of 3D editing features
Overview
Shotcut is an open-source video editor and encoding tool that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. One of its most prominent features is the ability to export videos up to 4K.
The Shotcut interface is not as visually appealing as its competitors, but this software is still very powerful under the hood. It offers tools such as colour correction, 360° video filters, and numerous wipe transition techniques. In addition, Shotcut supports popular image formats such as BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, SVG, TIFF, WebP as well as image sequences.
Lightworks
Best free video editing software for filmmakers
Or upgrade to Lightworks Pro from $23.99 (US) per month
Pros
+ Reliable autosave function
+ Numerous customisation options
+ Quick exportation to YouTube
Cons
– Limited output options
– Fast computer needed
– Limited features in the free version
Overview
Lightworks offers an intuitive interface that’s easy to use. Many professional-level editors swear by Lightworks because it’s packed with high-end features, tools, and customisations. In fact, the video editing software has even been used for Oscar-level film productions such as Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, Pulp Fiction, and LA Confidential.
The free version offers a collaborative workspace option, colour grading, auto-save, and export options of up to 4K. The software also offers a library of royalty-free video and audio content that complies with YouTube’s copyright guidelines. Lightworks is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
VSDC Free Video Editor
Best free video editing software for presentations
Or upgrade to VSDC Pro for $19.99 (US)
Pros
+ Intuitive interface
+ 4K and HD support
+ YouTube uploader
Cons
– Works only on Windows
– Limited editing features compared to Pro
VSDC is a video editor built to create videos quickly with minimum effort. Offering rich functionality, it has a simple and intuitive interface and direct exportation options to YouTube and other social networking sites.
VSDC’s charts, 3D diagrams, filters, and special effects features make it an ideal option for creating video presentations. Other prominent features include its variety of audio effects, masking capabilities, and video capture options (video can be captured from a computer screen or webcam).
DaVinci Resolve
Best free video editing software for colour correction
Or upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio $295 (US)
Pros
+ Considerable colour correction capabilities
+ Support for 4K
+ Team collaboration option
Cons
– Somewhat Confusing workflow
– No dynamic linking
– Paid tutorials
DaVinci Resolve is video editing software that’s well suited for professional-level video editing, colour correction, and motion graphics. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it can export footage up to 4K and features a variety of 3D editing tools alongside a high-performance playback engine. For larger video projects, DaVinci Resolve’s multi-user collaboration option makes splitting up workflow a breeze.
The software’s colour correction and audio capabilities make it a go-to option for the post-production phase of major films. Notable productions that have used DaVinci Resolve include Dora and the Lost City of Gold, John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, and Men in Black: International.
Finding the best free video editing software for you
Now that you’ve got a better idea of which free video editors are available, it’s time to start testing them out. Start by identifying what functions you (and your team, if applicable) find most appealing.
For example, if you’re looking for strong colour correction capabilities, DaVinci Resolve may be the best free editing software for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to play around with some stylish special effects, HitFilm could be your free video editor of choice.
Choosing the best free video editing software will have a significant impact on the development of your YouTube channel. While all these video editors have their own pros and cons, each one is suitable for YouTube video editing.
Finding the right solution will help you create powerful videos that stand out from the competition and generate maximum engagement from the YouTube community. Keep in mind, while each of the above programs offers free versions, most have paid options that offer additional features and capabilities. Even if you’re looking for the best free video editor right now, you may want to upgrade to the paid version down the road.
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