Video editing skills can help small businesses and startups create professional-looking videos without spending much money. With many easy-to-use video editing software available today, even non-technical users can efficiently get the job done.
While a little learning curve can be expected with any video editing software, some are easier to use than others.
In this article, I will list the most accessible video editing software for you to use right now, software that will let you create great-looking videos without much hassle.
Let's get right into it.
What Are The Easiest Video Editing Software To Use?
Here is a list of the easiest video editing software to consider.
Lightworks
Best Overall For Ease Of Use.
Lightworks is one of the best video editing software programs on the market. It's packed with features that allow you to create professional-looking videos easily.
Considered a great solution in various situations, the platform takes all the effort out of starting a project. That's because it includes a library of templates, each customizable with text and images.
With remote workflows and collaboration in mind, Lightworks also lets you share projects with other users. If you're working on a video with someone else, they can easily access and contribute to it.
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DaVinci Resolve
Best For Its Range Of Features.
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software that is intuitive and jam-packed with features. It's perfect for those who want to create professional-looking videos without spending money.
The software is constantly updated with new features, making it one of the most versatile video editing platforms. And, if you need help getting started, there are plenty of tutorial videos and an active user community to turn to.
Drag and drop editing features help you quickly put together your videos. Moreover, you can easily create polished-looking videos with the ability to add transitions, text, and other effects.
You can even import folders with subfolders into DaVinci Resolve, which is helpful if you're working with a lot of footage.
An automatic trim cursor comes as part of this free video editor. This means that when you place the cursor over a piece of footage, it will automatically trim it to the length of your project.
Whether you're shooting on an iPhone or a DSLR camera, DaVinci Resolve can handle all file formats.
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Shotcut
Best For Cross-Platform Compatibility.
Shotcut is a cross-platform video editor that is free to download and use. It's an excellent choice when it comes to an easy-to-use video editor with all the expected features.
With the integrated Blackmagic Design components, Shotcut is also one of the most versatile video editors on the market.
The software has a sleek and modern interface that is easy to navigate. It also supports network stream playback, allowing you to watch and edit live video feeds. You can also customize your workspace with various panels you can add and remove to suit your needs.
Finally, its support of drag-n-drop asset import means you can quickly and easily add footage, photos, and audio files to your project.
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VSDC Free Video Editor
Best For A Suite Of Video Tools.
VSDC Free Video Editor is a familiar name associated with video editing software.
Various functions that include cutting, merging, and applying filters and effects, along with a wide variety of format support, make VSDC one of the most comprehensive video editors available.
With its user-friendly suite of tools perfect for both beginners and advanced users, VSDC is an excellent choice for those who want to create high-quality videos.
These can be composed of multiple layers, tracks, or even a single-track format. Whether you want to accomplish a picture-in-picture effect, a split screen, or a green screen effect, VSDC has the tools you need to get the job done.
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KineMaster
Best For Mobile Video Editing.
KineMaster was made for those that need to work on mobile devices.
From social media influencers to YouTubers, KineMaster is a go-to app for mobile video editing. It's easy to see why, as the app is packed with features that allow you to create professional-looking videos from a small screen.
This all means you can arrange, composite, cut, and edit your video footage with a few taps on your screen. You can also add the desired effects, text, graphics, or anything else to make your video look the way you want it to.
With a subscription account, you'll be able to remove both ads and watermarks that come with free accounts.
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Vimeo Create
Best For Online Video Editing.
Vimeo Create is a video editing app from Vimeo, one of the most popular video hosting platforms.
With Vimeo Create, you can easily edit your videos and add effects, text, music, and more. You can also instantly share your videos with the built-in sharing feature.
This video editor online allows you to create powerful videos perfect for social media, YouTube, and more.
With a range of video maker templates, this online platform empowers you to create professional-looking videos, no matter your skill level. You can also use Vimeo's hosting, which is one of the best around.
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iMovie
Best For Mac Video Editing.
iMovie is great for those on a Mac that want to edit video with a native application.
No matter what video results you want to achieve, you can easily trim, split and crop your video footage with iMovie. iMovie also includes a range of video filters that can be applied to your footage. These filters can help you change the style and look of your videos in just a few clicks.
With over 20 storyboards, iMovie makes it easy to turn your footage into a beautiful video.
Whether you want to use the power of storytelling to make a home movie or you're a YouTuber that wants to edit their videos on the go, iMovie is a great option to consider if you're a Mac user.
This platform comes pre-installed with all the recent Mac products.
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HitFilm Express
Best For Various Skill Levels.
HitFilm Express is excellent for all skill levels.
HitFilm Express has all the features you need to create stunning videos, whether you consider yourself a beginner or a pro.
From advanced compositing to color correction, HitFilm Express has all the tools you need to make your videos look their best. This means that you can work at speed using a range of video editing features that are simple, intuitive, and easy to use.
HitFilm Express is also one of the best video editing software to consider if you're after a cinematic look that traditionally only more advanced video editing software was able to produce.
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Learning How To Use Video Editors
While video editing apps are great on paper, knowing how to use them is also an important matter to consider.
Many video tutorials are available online to help you get started using video editing apps, so making use of these is usually a great idea.
Typically the workflow that a video editor must follow when using the software of choice follows these steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Video Footage
The first step is to choose the video footage you want to use in your project.
This could be footage from your phone, a DSLR camera, or even stock footage you purchased.
Once you've chosen your footage, it's time to start editing it.
Step 2: Trim, Cut, And Edit Your Video Footage
The next step is trimming and cutting your video footage, so it's precisely how you want it.
You can do this by using the editing tools in your video editor of choice.
Most editors will have various basic editing features, such as the ability to trim, split, and crop your video.
Step 3: Add Text, Music, And Sound Effects To Your Video
Once you've trimmed and cut your video footage, it's time to add text, music, and sound effects.
This is where you can start to get creative with your project.
Some editors will also have a range of video filters you can apply to your footage.
These filters can help you change the style and look of your videos with just a few taps.
Step 4: Export Your Video And Share It With The World!
Once you've finished adding text, music, and sound effects to your video, it's time to export it.
Video editors typically have a range of export options that you can choose from.
For most users, the preferred option would be to export their videos as MP4 files, which can be played on most devices.
The time it takes to export a video depends on various factors, one of which is how fast your computer is. That said, once you've exported your video, it's time to share it with the world!
There are many ways to do this, but a few common ones are uploading it to social media, YouTube, or even sharing it directly via email or WhatsApp.
A Note On Online Video Editors
You can also go for an online video editor that doesn't require downloading. These are known as web-based editors that also come with a wide range of features.
When it comes to the pros and cons of online video editors, it all depends on your needs and preferences.
Some people prefer the convenience of being able to edit their videos without having to download any software.
Others find that offline video editors give them more control over their projects.
It comes down to personal preference.
If you're unsure which route to go down, I recommend trying out a few different options until you find one that you're happy with.
Uses Of Video Editing Apps
Video editing apps are used for a variety of reasons. Some people use them to create short films or movies, while others edit home videos or create video montages.
Many businesses use video editing apps to create marketing or training videos. No matter your reason for using a video editing app, knowing what your ultimate goal is should be your number one priority before choosing video editing software.
Here are some primary uses of video editors in the current landscape.
Social Media
With social media tools becoming increasingly prevalent, video editing tools now have features that cater to creating videos for this type of channel.
Sometimes found as standalone solutions or as part of a more extensive app, these video editors allow users to quickly create and share videos on their various social media channels, videos that are formatted according to the guidelines of the various social networks.
This is perfect for people who want to share quick snippets of their day-to-day lives or businesses that want to share marketing videos or product demos quickly.
Creating Short Personal Films Or Movies
While some people may believe that using an app to create a movie is a challenging process, there are quite a few competent video editing apps that can be used to put together short films or even full-length movies.
Of course, you'll need to get creative with the types of footage you can capture using a phone or tablet, but if you're up for the challenge, you can create something impressive using one of these apps.
Creating Video Montages
A video montage is a collection of smaller videos that are put together to tell a story or excitingly provide information.
Montages are often used in movies and TV shows but can also be created for personal use. For example, you could create a montage of your favorite memories from a recent vacation or put together a video that showcases your skills and talents.
Creating Marketing Or Training Videos
Many businesses use video editing apps to create marketing or training videos. Using video tutorial software can help create how-to videos, product demonstrations, or even short commercials.
If you have a business and you're looking for a way to create professional-looking videos, then using the right video editing app is something you should consider.
Promotion For Online Businesses
An online business must use video editing apps in this day and age to promote its products or services. This can be done in various ways. For example, they could create how-to videos that show potential customers how to use their product or service.
They could also create promotional videos that highlight the features and benefits of their product or service. These videos can be shared on their social media accounts or on their website to help increase traffic and sales.
Youtube Channels
With the number of YouTube tools available, businesses and individuals are using video editing apps to complement such tools and create engaging content for their channels.
If you're this type of content creator, this is a great way to increase your channel's reach and engagement and grow your subscriber base. As such, if you're looking for a way to make your YouTube channel more successful, creating consistently higher-quality videos (while ideally keeping the creation process as simple as possible) is something you should consider.
As you can see, there are many uses for video editing apps in the current personal or business landscape. Whether you're looking to create short films or movies, montages, marketing or training videos, or even share quick snippets of your life on social media, there's an app that will suit your needs.
Paid Vs. Free Video Editing Apps
When it comes to video editing apps, you'll find that there are both paid and free options available. So, which one is right for you?
Well, it depends on your needs. A free app might be all you need if you're looking for a basic editor to make quick videos or perform minor changes to past ones.
However, if you're looking for more advanced features or want to create professional-looking videos, you'll probably need to opt for a paid app. Paid video editing apps usually have a higher price tag but offer a more robust set of features and tools.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a paid or free video editing app comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you have the money to invest in a paid app, then go for it. However, a free app will still allow you to edit and improve your videos if you're working with a tight budget.
Easy Video Editing Software - FAQ
There is no "best" video editing software, as different people have different needs and preferences. However, some popular video editing software programs include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Sony Vegas Pro.
The best free video editing software is typically a matter of personal preference. Some popular free video editing programs include Lightworks, Avidemux, and HitFilm Express.
Again, this all depends on personal preference. However, some might say that Windows Movie Maker (now called Microsoft Photos App) or iMovie are among the most accessible video editing software programs to use, as they come preinstalled with Windows and Mac, respectively. Note that as of 2017, Movie Maker was replaced by Microsoft Photos App on Windows.
This is a difficult question to answer, as "easy" is relative. Some might find Lightworks or Shotcut to be easy to use, while others might find them more difficult. Ultimately, it all depends on your level of experience and comfort with video editing software. If you're just starting out, I recommend looking for an app with a user-friendly interface and plenty of tutorials or guides.
Conclusion
Choosing the right video editing software depends on your personal preferences and the specific features you need. However, all the programs on the above list are excellent choices for anyone looking for an easy-to-use video editor.
Knowing what you want to get out of your video editing software is the first step in finding the right program for you. This means starting your search with the goal in mind is a good idea.
Last Updated on August 30, 2022 by Hanson Cheng