PowerDirector

17 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners | 2024

Last Updated on Apr. 5, 2024 – by David Morgan
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There are many things to learn and do before starting a YouTube channel, such as understanding the complex YouTube algorithm, creating eye-catching thumbnails, studying the YouTube code of conduct, and brushing up on things like monetization and music licensing rules. Not to mention coming up with amazing content your viewers will actually want to watch.

By the time it comes to choosing the best video editing software for YouTube, you might just skip the research and go for the first software you come across. But choosing a YouTube video editor should not be an afterthought. The tools you choose can mean the difference between becoming a YouTube success or having a major headache.

We’ve done the research for you and found the best video editing software for YouTube beginners available today. So let’s dive in!


Snapshot of Our Top 3 Video Editing Software for YouTube

PhotoDirector Logo

1. PowerDirector 365 - Best Overall

PowerDirector is the best video editing software for YouTube. Users will find everything they need to edit YouTube videos from start to finish, including intros, outros, a royalty-free background music library, direct uploads to YouTube, and much more. It’s also filled with beginner-friendly features like AI-powered tools and Guided Edits. Detailed Review >

Download the best video editing software for YouTube for free by clicking the link below.

OpenShot Logo

2. OpenShot - Best for New Editors

Openshot is one of the best video editing software for YouTube because it is lightweight, completely free, and has a user-friendly interface. Detailed Review >

Premiere Elements Logo

3. Kapwing - Best for Team Collaboration

Kapwing is a web-based YouTube video editor with an easy-to-use layout and professional-level tools. It is the best video editing software for YouTube for adding subtitles to your videos and leaving feedback on videos in real-time. Detailed Review >

How to Choose the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best video editing software for YouTube. Fortunately, they come in all shapes and sizes, price ranges, and skill levels. For every YouTube video editor you consider, make sure these three things line up with your needs:

Budget

Decide how much you are willing to spend, and don’t even consider software outside of your budget. Fortunately, there are YouTube video editors available in every price range.

Skill Level

The best video editing software for YouTube covers a vast range of skill levels from Hollywood pro to first-timer. Check user reviews to make sure any YouTube video editor you get will be appropriate for your skill set.

Compatibility

This might seem obvious, but make sure your video editing software for YouTube will work on your device and OS. If you edit YouTube videos with video/audio from multiple devices (such as a webcam, screen recorder, gaming console, DSLR camera, or microphone), make sure they are also supported by your software.

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How We Test Video Editing Software for YouTube

Why trust us to bring you an unbiased list of the best video editing software for YouTube? Read below to find out how we test and rank YouTube video editors.

Check Overall Performance

First, we look at the video editing software for YouTube as a whole. We test rendering speed, stability, and accuracy of effects. We check format support and price to see how it compares to other YouTube video editors. We test them on different operating systems or web browsers, and older or newer model computers and laptops.

Test YouTube-Specific Features

We compare the lists of YouTube-specific tools and test each one. We are looking for features that make it easy to edit YouTube videos, like animated titles, a music/sound effects library, YouTube-specific overlays/stickers, intro/outro templates, direct upload to YouTube with editable metadata, audio restoration, etc.

Rank Ease of Use

While testing features and performance, we are also looking at ease of use. How intuitive is the user interface? Are tools easy to find and figure out? Are there tutorials or guided edits built-in, or did we have to scour the internet for help? Can we quickly edit YouTube videos with beginner-friendly tools such as AI-powered effects and templates?

Compare Results

Finally, to remain impartial, we use an outside reviewer rating to help rank the best video editing software for YouTube. We check multiple reviews from both well-known critics and regular users and pick a score that is most representative of our findings. This research also helps us look at our results and check that they align with the general consensus.

Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Comparison Chart

Product Best For Notable Feature Price Download Link
PowerDirector 365 Users looking to edit YouTube videos with ease Huge selection of AI-powered tools including background removal, sky replacement, body effects, and an anime video effect Free; Premium: $4.58/month
FreeDownload
Secure Download
OpenShot Simple editing for new editors 40+ customizable vector title templates Free Download
Kapwing Team collaboration AI speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools Free; Pro: $16/month Download
Lightworks Users of any skill level who wish to become proficient video editors Advanced chroma key for realistic green screen effects Free; Create: $9.99/month, $99.99/year, or one-time fee of $159.99 Pro: $23.99/month, $239.99/year or one-time fee of $389.99 Download
iMovie iPhone footage Change depth of field in iPhone footage shot in Cinematic mode Free Download
Shotcut YouTubers who need a wide range of format options Color correct with 3-way color wheels and an eye-dropper for white balancing Free Download
VideoPad Quickly creating content and uploading directly to YouTube Upload directly to YouTube with metadata publishing tools Free; Home: $80 Masters: $7.72/month, or one-time fee of $139 Download
Avid Media Composer First Budding professionals Multicam editing for 4 angles with the free version and 64 angles with the paid Free; Media Composer: $23.99/month Media Composer Ultimate: $49.99/month Download
VideoProc Vlogger Creating extreme sports or travel videos from action cam footage 20 speed presets and cinematic camera movements Free Download
Movavi Video Suite Instructional videos that require screen recording Overlay effects with 13 blending modes $94.95/year Download
Canva Making high-quality designs with no experience Millions of design assets and thousands of customizable templates Free; Pro: $119/year Download
WeVideo Automatic video creation from templates Record your screen, webcam, or both to incorporate into video templates Free; Power: $4.99/month Unlimited: $7.99/month Professional: $19.99/month Business: $36.99/month Download
Clipchamp Windows users Instant AI video creator Free; Premium: $11.99/month Download
Premiere Elements Organizing media with facial recognition and geotags 26 guided edits to help beginners with complex edits $99.99 Download
Movie Maker Online First-time video editors creating simple videos Customize transitions by adjusting the duration, motion, sound, and style Free Download
Magix Movie Studio Quick editing for busy YouTubers Keyframe animations for full control over effects Movie Studio: $35.88/year or one-time fee of $69.99 Platinum: $47.88/year or one-time fee of $99.99 Suite: $59.88/year or one-time fee of $129 Download
Animoto Busy creators and daily vloggers Resize videos for various platforms with one click Free; Basic: $8/month Professional: $15/month Teams: $39/month Download

PowerDirector 365 vs

Best For

Users looking to edit YouTube videos with ease

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Notable Feature

Huge selection of AI-powered tools including background removal, sky replacement, body effects, and an anime video effect

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Price

Free; Premium: $4.58/month

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The Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners - Ranked

1. PowerDirector 365


Best For: Users looking to edit YouTube videos with ease

PowerDirector is the best video editing software for YouTube because it streamlines the editing process and makes even the most complicated editing seem effortless. With pre-made templates and AI-powered tools to automate time-consuming edits, you can have your video posted quickly. There’s even a Magic Movie Wizard that uses intelligent recognition technology to combine your photos and clips into premade templates.   

You can add music and sound effects from the large royalty-free stock library and use Smart Fit to match your music to the length of your video. Clean up audio recorded outdoors with wind removal and noise reduction. You can even create your own stickers and overlays from text using the new AI Sticker Generator. The possibilities with this YouTube video editor are endless.

PowerDirector is the best video editing software for YouTube because it offers many professional tools at great value and a low learning curve. It is also filled with features YouTubers need, such as YouTube-specific intro and outro templates, animated “Like” and “Subscribe” overlays, pre-selected YouTube aspect ratios, and direct uploads to the site. Since our last review, this YouTube video editor added generative AI images and an AI Anime tool that turns your video into anime with one click.

Pros
  • Edit YouTube videos with thousands of drag-and-drop effects and AI-powered tools
  • A user-friendly interface that lets you locate every tool in 2 clicks or less
  • The fastest rendering speeds of any software
  • Lots of easy-to-use advanced features like motion tracking, title masks, keyframes, multicam, and 360-degree editing
Cons
  • World-renowned stock libraries only available to subscribers

Key Features:

  • Easily customize thousands of YouTube intro/outro templates
  • Apply one-click AI tools like Speech Enhancement, Body Effects, Object Removal, Sky Replacement, and more
  • Create animated titles with templates featuring motion graphics and sound effects
  • Choose from hundreds of pre-designed drag-and-drop transitions

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


PCMag Rating: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.33/month

Download the best video editing software for YouTube for free by clicking the link below and see how PowerDirector makes it a fun and painless process to edit YouTube videos.

2. OpenShot

Openshot Interface

Best For: Simple editing for new editors

OpenShot is one of the best video editing software for YouTube if you are new to video editing. It has a slimmer feature set than other YouTube video editors, and its interface is non-intimidating. You can find and use the tools you need quickly. It comes with a large selection of drag-and-drop transitions and title templates. OpenShot is also completely free, making it a good option for hobbyists, beginners, or anyone on a budget.

This YouTube video editor has more advanced features than you’d expect from such a simple program. You can edit YouTube videos with a wide range of color adjustment tools, a background remover, keyframe animations, unlimited editing tracks, and over 400 preset effects.

OpenShot is missing many of the premade design and creative assets found in other YouTube video editors, and it’s not the best video editing software for YouTube for color correction. However, because it is entirely free, we placed it above Kapwing, which has the same rating. We think this is one of the best video editing software for YouTube for learning how to edit YouTube videos before moving on to more substantial software.

Pros
  • All tools are available at no cost, without any watermarks or limitations
  • Lightweight in terms of computer resources
Cons
  • Users may experience stability issues such as freezing, lagging, or unexpected crashes
  • Importing, exporting, and rendering videos is slow

Key Features:

  • Animate the speed and direction of your clip with time mapping
  • Manipulate clips in a variety of ways including snapping, slicing, panning, zooming, etc.
  • Easily create vector titles with over 40 customizable templates

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


G2 Rating: 4.4/5


Price: Free

3. Kapwing

Kapwing Interface

Best For: Team collaboration

In our test, we found Kapwing is one of the best video editing software for YouTube for teams, thanks to collaboration tools that work similarly to Google Docs. Anyone on your team can edit YouTube videos and leave feedback simultaneously, with no experience required. There’s also a shared space for brand assets, so your whole team can stay visually consistent.

Kapwing is also one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because it has tons of AI-generated content, including videos, images, scripts, memes, and more. There are hundreds of video templates and one-click AI tools which streamline the editing process. These include tools such as speech-to-text captions and Smart Cut, which detects and removes silences automatically.

Kapwing has a simplistic, easy-to-use layout and lots of tools a beginner can use to edit YouTube videos. Since our last review, this video editing software for YouTube has added a Repurpose Studio, which takes your long videos or podcasts and transforms them into short clips optimized for various social media platforms. It’s a great time-saver for YouTubers who want to market their videos. The problem with Kapwing is that if beginners get comfortable using the free version, it is expensive to move up to the Pro version. If you want to try free software that will grow with you and stay affordable, try PowerDirector.

Pros
  • Save time with AI text-to-speech, translation tools, and AI-generated subtitles
  • Includes pre-designed YouTube templates including intros, end screens, and outros
Cons
  • Costs more than most YouTube video editors with similar features
  • Many users complain of slow imports and frequent glitches

Key Features:

  • Speed up, slow down, or reverse videos for a cool effect
  • Remove and replace backgrounds with an easy-to-use green screen editor
  • Automatically add corresponding stock footage with an AI B-roll generator

Compatibility: Web Browser


Trustpilot Rating: 4.3/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $16/month

4. Lightworks

Lightworks Free Interface

Best For: Users of any skill level who wish to become proficient video editors

We think Lightworks is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners who are serious about learning video editing. It’s one of the easiest of the professional YouTube video editors, yet it has been used to edit Hollywood films such as Pulp Fiction, The King’s Speech, and most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon. Lightworks has three different versions: a free option for beginners, a mid-level option for creators/YouTubers, and an expensive option for professionals. You can choose to pay monthly, yearly, or purchase it outright. We like that it will grow with you on your editing journey, and has an option for any budget.

It has a customizable timeline so you can edit YouTube videos by simply dragging-and-dropping clips or utilizing advanced editing tools such as trim-slip, ripple, roll, slide, insert, replace, and backfill. YouTube video editors will find it includes some excellent tools such as YouTube presets, a stock music library, voice-over recording, and direct uploads to YouTube. There are 1500+ VFX presets from NewBlue TotalFX, including advanced chroma key for realistic green screen effects.

If you are willing to put in the time to learn Lightworks, you could become proficient at industry-leading editing software without paying a dime. However, if you want a free YouTube video editor with advanced features that you can use on your first try, we recommend PowerDirector, which has easy-to-use and advanced features in one, much more affordable package.  

Pros
  • Accessible to a wide range of users with various feature sets and pricing options
  • Save time with background processing
Cons
  • There’s a learning curve for both beginners and editors used to other software

Key Features:

  • Get from one scene to the next with a large selection of 3D, light, color, and motion transitions
  • Enhance and color grade videos with pre-built filters or custom LUTs
  • Add movement to videos with over 700 customizable titles and motion graphics

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


Capterra Rating: 4.3/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month or $99.99/ year for Create and $23.99/month or $239.99/year for Pro; Lifetime Licenses available for $159.99 for Create and $389.99 for Pro

5. iMovie

iMovie Interface

Image from gsmarena.


Best For: iPhone footage


Why We Picked It 

iMovie is completely free to Mac users, making it one of the best video editing software for YouTube for those on a budget. Our testing found it worked best on iPhone footage, especially when using the Autocorrect function to adjust colors and lighting. Also, you can edit YouTube videos on your iPhone right after filming, and then resume editing later on your Mac. It also features a unique tool that lets you adjust the depth of field on videos shot on in Cinematic mode on an iPhone.

iMovie is also one of the best video editing software for YouTube for making Hollywood-style trailers. Select videos and photos easily with the help of animated drop zones, then choose from 29 trailer templates. The templates have built-in graphics and original scores, and you can customize them with logos and credits. iMovie has similar automatic tools for creating movies and storyboards, but for some reason these tools are only available on iOS. However, you can import these projects into your Mac for further editing.

iMovie has a good amount of movie-making tools and effects for beginners, however, it is not the best video editing software for YouTube pros. It lacks motion tracking, multicam editing, 360-degree/3D support, and is limited to 2 editing tracks. Also, it is updated very infrequently. If trending tools and new features are something you crave, try the best video editing software for YouTube, PowerDirector, which is updated monthly.

Pros
  • Uncluttered interface
  • Allows users to edit across multiple Apple devices through cloud storage
Cons
  • Limited to 2 video tracks, restricting complex editing and layering
  • Users often wait years for updates
  • Automatically adjust the length of your music to your video with Smart Soundtracks
  • Enhance travel vlogs with 3D globes and travel maps
  • Transport your subject to any setting with automatic background removal

Compatibility: Mac


G2 Rating: 4.3/5


Price: Free


Key Features:

6. Shotcut

Shotcut Interface

Best For: YouTubers who need a wide range of format options

Shotcut is open-source, cross-platform, and one of the best video editing software for YouTube because of its phenomenal format support, including 4K and 8K resolutions. It uses FFmpeg to support hundreds of codecs and image/audio/video formats. This YouTube video editor also has a wide selection of device and transport options, including screen recording and webcam capture.

With Shotcut, you can edit YouTube videos with a wide range of video and audio filters, transitions, and unlimited undo and redo options. It’s one of the best video editing software for YouTube for extracting images from videos to create YouTube thumbnails. Shotcut will export a single frame as an image or video as an image sequence.

The interface is not as clean and user-friendly as other YouTube video editors, but it is very customizable. Shotcut is a good way for beginners to learn complex video editing without any monetary commitment, but it has a bit of a learning curve which is why it trails the other free video editing software for YouTube, OpenShot and iMovie.

Pros
  • Updated regularly with improvements and bug fixes
  • Offers advanced functionality at no cost
Cons
  • Lacks social media-friendly output options
  • Has a slight learning curve due to a lack of presets and templates

Key Features:

  • Create composites with blending modes including Dodge, Burn, and Luminosity
  • Color correct footage with 3-way color wheels and an eye-dropper for white balancing
  • Add an audio filter for a unique sound

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


G2 Rating: 4.2/5


Price: Free


Bottom Line

7. VideoPad

VideoPad Interface

Best For: Quickly creating content and uploading directly to YouTube

We found you can use VideoPad to edit YouTube videos quickly with voiceover, transitions, and visual effects. This YouTube video editor has time-saving templates including intro, outros, and custom logos. Once completed, you can upload videos directly to YouTube and add/edit metadata, such as the title, tags, and description.

Although VideoPad is simple, it has some advanced features you may need to edit YouTube videos, like 3D video editing, chroma key green screen effects, and speed adjustment tools to slow down, speed up, or reverse video playback. This video editing software for YouTube also has AI Speech to Text for automatic captions, which are a must for growing your viewership.

VideoPad is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners, home videos, or social media posts. It’s great for learning the ropes, however, serious YouTubers may find they need to upgrade to a more powerful and feature-rich YouTube video editor.

Pros
  • Optimized for social media with pre-defined aspect ratios and metadata editor
  • Offers customizable, drag-and-drop YouTube templates
Cons
  • If you want to monetize your YouTube videos, you have to spring for the Master’s Edition
  • Slow importing, exporting, and rendering

Key Features:

  • Get guided help and pre-defined settings with the Video Maker Wizard
  • Correct shaky footage with video stabilization
  • Edit and export 360-degree video files to create an immersive experience

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


G2 Rating: 4.1/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $7.72/month, or buy outright for $80 for Home Edition and $139 for Master’s Edition.

8. Avid Media Composer First

Avid Media Composer First Interface

Best For: Budding professionals

Avid Media Composer First is the free and pared-back version of professional editing software used by Hollywood professionals. It is the best video editing software for YouTube for budding professionals who can learn the industry-standard Avid in a much cheaper and easier-to-use package.

This YouTube video editor contains many pro-level tools like video stabilization, advanced color tools, audio punch-in, and more. The paid version offers an Emmy-winning multi-cam toolset with up to 64 angles. However, most YouTubers will be able to make do with the 4-way multicam editing provided by the free version.

While Avid Media Composer is easier to use than Avid Media Composer, it’s not exactly “beginner-friendly.” So if you aren’t looking to learn Avid and need a YouTube video editor that a novice can use, try the best video editing software for YouTube, PowerDirector.

Pros
  • Includes a range of professional-grade features including best-in-class trim tools
  • Offers direct uploads and publishing tools for YouTube and Vimeo
Cons
  • Avid’s free version caps export resolution at 1080p
  • Even the “beginner-friendly” version requires time and patience to learn

Key Features:

  • Adjust the size and position of video frames with Frame Flex
  • Color correct footage with predefined filters, HSL controls, hue offsets, and luma ranges
  • Automatically lower the volume of background audio when there is voiceover or dialogue

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


G2 Rating: 4.1/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $23.99/month for Media Composer and $49.99/month for Media Composer Ultimate

9. VideoProc Vlogger

VideoProc Vlogger Interface

Best For: Creating extreme sports or travel videos from action cam footage

VideoProc Vlogger is the best video editing software for YouTube for action videos because it comes with advanced motion and speed adjustment tools. It includes 20 speed presets and cinematic camera movements like dolly, tilt, and roll. Pan and zoom over still images to create a Ken Burns effect and remove the lens distortions and visual noise that often accompany GoPro footage.

Edit YouTube videos with a robust set of titling tools to add subtitles, text, and credits sequences. You can change the style/font, adjust colors, and add animation effects to text. VideoProc Vlogger also has ample audio tools, including audio effects, fades, equalizing, a beat analyzer, and a voice changer.

This YouTube video editor is perfect for vloggers who record on the go. It also has great customer service and user support. VideoProc Vlogger lacks some advanced functionality such as collaboration tools, a video converter, a stock library, 3D editing, and multicam support and probably wouldn’t cut it for professionals. However, for beginners (especially those using a GoPro or similar action camera), it’s one of the best video editing software for YouTube. We moved this video editing software for YouTube above Movavi in our updated list because it is completely free, yet offers more advanced tools.

Pros
  • Runs efficiently on computers with lower specifications
  • All tools are available at no cost without ads, watermarks, bloatware, or export limits
Cons
  • Exporting and rendering videos can be slow
  • Lacks advanced features

Key Features:

  • Batch process large photo sequences for time-lapse videos
  • Create video collages with split-screen effects
  • Color grade and correct footage with over 90 built-in LUTs

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


CreativeBlog Rating: 4/5


Price: Free

10. Movavi Video Suite

Movavi Video Suite Interface

Best For: Instructional videos that require screen recording

Movavi Video Suite is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because it has excellent screen recording capabilities. It has full-screen or custom area recording and webcam capture, and you can draw on recordings in real-time or highlight the mouse cursor and keystrokes. It’s perfect for YouTubers who primarily make instructional videos or webinars.

In our test, we found you can quickly edit YouTube videos with chroma key, color adjustment, pan/zoom, crop/rotate, and video stabilization with no experience necessary.r It has AI tools for easy image upscaling and background noise removal.

Movavi has a user-friendly interface, a low learning curve, and doesn’t require a lot of storage. Since our last review, Movavi has added some helpful new features such as a list of overlay effects with 13 blending modes, and a revamped timeline and cutting tools. However, it still lacks advanced features and manual control over effects. Users have also complained of glacially slow rendering times, which impede an otherwise very fast workflow. If speed and control are features you need to edit YouTube videos, we recommend PowerDirector.

Pros
  • Offers a visually pleasing and intuitive UI that is easy to navigate
  • New users can edit YouTube videos right away with simple, one-click tools
Cons
  • Slow rendering speeds
  • Poor level of control and customization options

Key Features:

  • Instantly adjust the mood of your footage with 180+ filters
  • Insert ready-made YouTube intros into your videos
  • Attach visual elements to moving objects with motion tracking

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


PCMag Rating: 4/5


Price: $94.95/year

11. Canva

Canva Interface

Best For: Making high-quality designs with no experience

Canva is one of the best video editing software for YouTube because it has millions of design assets, ensuring no 2 YouTube videos look the same. Canva is known for its beautifully designed templates, allowing you to flex your design skills and creativity and still have a video done in minutes. There are thousands of customizable templates for a variety of uses, including YouTube intros and video thumbnails.

The site has a free online video maker that lets beginners drag-and-drop design elements with ease. Crop, trim, speed up and slow down footage. There are multiple audio tracks for combining sound effects, voice overs, and background music. You can even edit YouTube videos with a beginner-friendly beat sync tool that will automatically sync video cuts to your chosen tune.

Canva has an impressive amount of stock and design assets, plus basic video editing tools. Serious YouTubers should consider the Pro version for necessary tools like Magic Resize, a background remover, brand kits, and content management. Canva doesn’t support direct uploads to YouTube, even though it offers that feature for other platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This is not particularly surprising, since Canva is better suited for short social media videos than it is for YouTube.

Pros
  • Online, desktop, and mobile versions are available
  • Offers a vast library of free templates and graphical elements
Cons
  • Mostly a graphic design platform with very few video editing tools available
  • Does not offer direct uploads to YouTube

Key Features:

  • Peruse thousands of animated stickers, graphics, shapes, charts, and more
  • Add animation with a free cartoon maker
  • Resize videos automatically for different social platforms

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Web Browser


CreativeBlog Rating: 4/5


Price: Free
*Pro version available for $119/year

12. WeVideo

WeVideo Interface

Best For: Automatic video creation from templates

WeVideo has editable video templates in a wide range of categories. Click on YouTube templates and you’ll find Intro and Outro templates, plus specific templates for vloggers, realtors, DIYers, Live Streamers and many more. You can customize with your own media files, or by choosing from over 1 million stock video clips.

We chose WeVideo as one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because of its easy-to-use tools and plethora of learning materials. There are 30 effects that beginners can apply with one click and animation tools that anyone can use. There are also 50 transitions, a voice-over recorder, and a large selection of motion titles.

This YouTube video editor offers several tiers at varying price points, however, the free version is more of a “try before you buy” offer. WeVideo saves features needed to edit YouTube videos, like recording your screen and webcam simultaneously, stock, brand kits, and direct upload to YouTube for the expensive Professional plan. If you are on a budget, we recommend PowerDirector, which comes with many more video editing features, yet costs a fraction of the price.

Pros
  • Comes with a library of YouTube-specific intro/outro templates
  • Excellent customer support for troubleshooting and assistance
Cons
  • Stock libraries, brand kits, and direct uploads to social media are only available in the expensive Professional/Business plans
  • Long import wait times

Key Features:

  • Customize text templates to your liking with a variety of pre-set animations, colors, and fonts
  • Record your screen, webcam, or both
  • Remove and replace the background of your green screen footage

Compatibility: Web Browser


Trustpilot Rating: 3.6/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $4.99/month for Power, $7.99/month for Unlimited, $19.99/month for Professional, and $36.99/month for Business

13. Clipchamp

WeVideo Interface

Best For: Windows users

Clipchamp has replaced Windows Video Editor as the built-in video editor for Windows 11. Windows 10 users can download the software from the Microsoft Store, and you can access premium features with a Microsoft 365 subscription. It is also available as an online video editor for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

This is one of the best video editing software for YouTube thanks to a selection of YouTube intros, YouTube Shorts templates, and “like and subscribe” templates. You can edit YouTube videos by dragging and dropping your own footage, using stock assets, or even recording gameplay with screen recording and webcam capture. You can also choose “Create a Video with AI” for an automatic approach to video editing.

Clipchamp has a free version with unlimited watermark-free exports up to 1080p, which is great for beginners who aren’t ready to spend money on a YouTube video editor. However, our choice for the best video editing software for YouTube, PowerDirector, has a paid version that costs half that of Clipchamp, yet it has more features, like motion tracking, keyframe editing, and advanced color grading. It has entered our list at #13, for having more YouTube-specific features than Premiere Elements.

Pros
  • AI subtitles, voices, and transcripts
  • Lots of YouTube templates
Cons
  • Slow rendering
  • Limited creative control

Key Features:

  • Stack multiple videos for a layered effect
  • Track pace, pitch, and filler words in your dialogue with the Speaker Coach
  • Generate AI voice overs from text

Compatibility: Windows, Web Browser


PCMag Rating: 3.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $11.99/month

14. Premiere Elements

Premiere Elements Interface

Best For: Organizing media with facial recognition and geotags

This YouTube video editor allows you to quickly find and organize your videos with geo tagging and facial recognition. Premiere Elements also uses Smart Tags, which automatically tag photos and videos by subject, such as “Birthdays” or “Beach.” It curates your media upon import based on quality, so you can go straight to your best footage. If you are a YouTuber with tons of finished videos and assorted video clips that need organizing, it’s a good option.

We found Premiere Elements to be one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners thanks to AI-powered tools, templates, and 26 guided edits. There are also YouTube aspect ratios to choose from right on the starting page and an output option that allows you to compress large files before uploading.

Premiere Elements is not the best video editing software for YouTube pros, as it is missing some advanced tools like 360-degree editing, multi-cam editing, and screen recording. However, the slimmed-down offerings make it an easier choice for novices. We found this YouTube video editor also had very slow rendering times and output speeds. PowerDirector, by contrast, has the fastest rendering times in the business.  

Pros
  • The interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate
  • Provides ample guided edits and tutorials to assist new users
Cons
  • Tools are very basic and lack advanced functionality
  • Slow exporting and rendering of videos

Key Features:

  • Make your video look like a popular art style with AI art filters
  • Overlay two or more videos to create a double exposure effect
  • Change the weather with animated overlays

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


PCMag Rating: 3.5/5


Price: $99.99

15. Movie Maker Online

Movie Maker Online Interface

Best For: First-time video editors creating simple videos

Movie Maker Online is a YouTube video editor for brand-new editors looking to get their feet wet without making a monetary commitment. We like it for new editors, because it has an atypical interface, which anyone with an editing background will have to get used to. It’s also incredibly simple, with a step-by-step tutorial accompanying every tool.

It’s one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because it is completely free with no watermark and even has a free stock library. Users can edit YouTube videos immediately, as there is no signup and nothing to download. It offers easy-to-use tools like reverse video, slow-motion, chroma key, text tools, and a mirror effect.   

If you are looking to edit YouTube videos with simple tools, Movie Maker Online will get the job done. Its tools aren’t up to par with downloadable or paid software, but it’s hard to complain when you aren’t spending a dime. Those with editing experience will find it lacks advanced tools and may be confused by the vertical interface.

Pros
  • Access to royalty-free stock images and music at no charge
  • Completely free with no watermark added to exported videos
Cons
  • Contains frequent and disruptive ads causing it to run slowly
  • Vertical timeline is confusing for those with editing experience
  • Only provides very basic tools and patchy effects

Key Features:

  • Adjust the duration, motion, sound, and style of any transition effect
  • Convert video footage to black and white with the greyscale effect
  • Pixelate an entire clip or a chosen area with blur tools

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5


Price: Free

16. Magix Movie Studio

Magix Movie Studio Interface

Image from Techradar.


Best For: Quick editing for busy YouTubers

We found Magix to be one of the best video editing software for YouTube for both beginners and busy influencers. This YouTube video editor offers plenty of one-click solutions such as Remove Beginning and Split Movie, and a Storyboard feature, allowing you to easily arrange your clips. and includes over 900 effects, transitions, and titles. Direct upload to YouTube and fast rendering speeds mean you can edit YouTube videos and post in mere minutes.

This YouTube video editor includes over 900 effects, transitions, and titles. It offers control over effects with keyframe animations, and even includes multicam editing. With a subscription, you’ll have access to the Text-to-Speech Wizard, which transforms text into realistic AI voices in seconds.

Like our top choice, PowerDirector, Magix Movie Studio is one of the best video editing software for YouTube for any level of editing expertise, with tools that can be applied either automatically or manually. But although the prices are similar, Magix doesn’t have a dedicated free version, and we found it wasn’t as stable or highly rated as PowerDirector.  

Pros
  • Includes one-click tools and manual adjustments plus a choice of timelines to cover a wide range of users
  • Simple tools and quick rendering times for an efficient editing workflow
Cons
  • Many features are only available to annual subscribers on the Platinum or Suite level
  • Suffers from stability issues such as crashes and unexpected shutdowns

Key Features:

  • Display multiple videos or images simultaneously with split-screen effects
  • Create ultra slow-mo or lightning fast playback effects
  • Choose the intensity and duration of effects using keyframe animations

Compatibility: Windows


PCMag Rating: 3/5


Price: $69.99 or $35.88/year for Movie Studio, $99.99 or $47.88/year for Platinum, and $129 or $59.88/year for Suite

17. Animoto

Animoto Interface

Best For: Busy creators and daily vloggers

Animoto is a cloud-based free YouTube video editor for busy creators trying to churn out content quickly, such as daily vloggers. It has hundreds of video templates you can easily customize with professional fonts and millions of stock assets. It is one of the best video editing software for YouTubers with little design experience to create a professional-looking video in minutes.

Upload custom fonts to match your brand and animate with cool text effects. Record, upload, and edit voice overs with ease. Resize videos in a few clicks from horizontal to vertical to square, and optimize them for all social media platforms. This YouTube video editor also has collaboration features, allowing you to receive time-stamped comments on videos.

Animoto is one of the best video editing software for YouTubers who need a quick fix and don’t mind forgoing creative control. It recently lowered the price of all 3 paid tiers by almost 50% - yet it still lacks features found in the much more affordable PowerDirector.

Pros
  • Offers time-saving templates that adhere to social media best practices
  • Provides access to a library of royalty-free background tracks
Cons
  • Few customizations are available, offering little creative freedom
  • Many users reported unhelpful customer service, and great difficulty canceling paid subscriptions

Key Features:

  • Upload directly to YouTube, Facebook, and more with one click
  • Trim/Crop unwanted sections or adjust the frame size of videos
  • Save your brand’s fonts, colors, and logo watermarks to use in all your videos

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 3/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $8/month for Basic, $15/month for Professional, and $39/month for Teams

What is the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube?

If you are launching a new YouTube channel, you probably don’t have time to look for the perfect YouTube video editor.

Save yourself the headache and start with PowerDirector 365, the best video editing software for YouTube beginners. It has all the features you need to edit YouTube videos, like title templates, transitions, animated overlays, video speed adjustment, a video stabilizer, special effects, and so much more.  

This video editing software for YouTube has a large royalty-free library of background music, sound effects, photos, and videos, as well as fun audio effects like a voice-changer. You can change the background or remove unwanted objects from your shot and upload your video directly to YouTube.  

Click the link below to download PowerDirector 365 for free and edit YouTube videos today.

Best Video Editing Software for YouTube FAQ

1. What features should I look for in video editing software for YouTube?

The top ten features you need to edit YouTube videos are

  1. Titles
  2. Royalty-free background music
  3. Transitions
  4. Split/Trim/Crop features
  5. Animated stickers/overlays/text
  6. YouTube templates
  7. User-friendly interface
  8. Background replacement
  9. Object removal
  10. Filters

If you’re looking for video editing software for YouTube that checks all of these boxes, we recommend PowerDirector 365. Download the best video editing software for YouTube for free today by clicking the link below.

2. What software do YouTubers use to edit videos?

Content creators use PowerDirector 365 to edit YouTube videos because they can create high-quality, unique videos quickly, easily, and affordably. PowerDirector is a Google Play Editor’s Choice, PC Mag Editor’s Choice, Tom’s Guide’s Best Video Editing Software, and TechRadar Best Free Video Editing Software.

Try the best video editing software for YouTube today by clicking the link below.

3. How do YouTubers get paid?

YouTubers get paid through ads and sponsorships. 

There are 2 kinds of YouTube ads - pre-roll and bumper. Pre-rolls are the ads that play before a video and give the viewer the option to skip. Bumper ads are quick ads that play in the middle of longer videos and can’t be skipped. The higher your video’s view count, the more the ad plays, and the more money you make.

When a company pays to have its product mentioned or used in the video for YouTube directly, it’s a sponsorship. You see this a lot in toy unboxing videos and movie promotions.

4. How do YouTubers record their videos?

This depends on the individual YouTuber and the type of content they are making. A gamer will record using a webcam and screen recorder, while a vlogger might use a webcam or mobile phone to record. DSLR cameras are often used as well, although these days mobile phones record just as well! Travel or Action vloggers use an action camera such as GoPro to record in bumpy or wet conditions. 

Whatever you use to record, make sure the resolution is somewhere between 1080 and 4K. When you edit YouTube videos in that resolution it will look high-quality, yet won’t exceed YouTube’s size limit.

5. Can I edit videos on YouTube?

Yes. There is a free YouTube video editor available on the site that is easy for beginners.

Follow these steps to edit YouTube videos using YouTube Studio:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio. You need to have an account to use the video editor.
  2. Click Upload and choose the video you want to edit.
  3. After your video uploads, click Content, then click on the thumbnail of your uploaded video.
  4. Click Editor to open the video editing suite.

6. Is the YouTube editor free?

Yes. YouTube Studio is free for anyone with a YouTube account.

7. Can I pay someone to edit my YouTube videos?

Yes, you can pay someone to edit YouTube videos for you. If you will be posting several videos a month, consider signing up with a subscription-based editing service, which will save you money overall.

8. How do I learn to edit videos for YouTube?

You can learn to edit YouTube videos easily with PowerDirector, our choice of the best video editing software for YouTube. If you need help along the way, PowerDirector has a Learning Center that gives simple, step-by-step instructions for every tool. 

Try it for yourself today by clicking the link below.

9. Does YouTube still have an editor?

Yes, the YouTube video editor is still available for free in YouTube Studio.

10. Do fan edits on YouTube make money?

No, most fan edits cannot be monetized because they are considered copyright infringement. 

However, you can monetize a fan edit if you can prove the content you used is in the public domain (i.e. the copyright has expired or been forfeited), or if you have written permission from the copyright holder.

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