Making YouTube videos isn’t an easy feat. Aside from filming, the editing work involved can also be tedious. You need to have the right equipment and the best video editing software to ensure a smooth and efficient. How you edit YouTube videos can make the difference between an eye-catching, engaging clip and an unpolished piece.
There are several editing software for YouTube videos that are available online, and finding the right one for your needs can be difficult. There are features to consider, as well as other factors, like pricing and ease of use.
We’re sharing some of the best software options that can enable you to edit YouTube videos with relative ease. And, if you’re new to YouTube video editing or to video editing, in general, check out our quick tutorial below on how to edit videos on Windows and Mac. We also have a lineup of some of the best online video editors that can help you get started.
Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
- Adobe Premiere Pro CC
- Final Cut Pro X
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
- HitFilm Express
- Filmora 9
- Apple iMovie
- Shotcut
- Lightworks
- YouTube Studio Video Editor
1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
A popular video editor, Premier Pro can be used for editing film, TV, and web content. Powered by Adobe Sensei AI, it has automated tools that let you have creative control over your project. This lets you save time and better focus on your work.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC enables you to edit your videos in any format, be it 8K or VR. This YouTube video editor has Lumetri Tools that help you make easy and accurate color choices for a more cinematic look. It’s compatible with other editing software and apps, including Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and Audition. This version already comes with Premiere Rush, an app that lets you film and edit your videos on your phone.
✅ PROS:
- With integrated workflows
- Native file support
- Customizable features
⛔️ CONS:
- Full version can be very expensive
2. Final Cut Pro X
A professional-level video editing software, Final Cut Pro X was developed by Apple for consumers who need more advanced editing functionalities than the features offered by iMovie. The latest version supports Apple’s latest M1-based products.
Final Cut Pro comes with a selection of effects that can enhance your final product. It includes video and audio effects, as well as transition and title effects. It has a wide range of customizable effects and intuitive color grading features. Improved playback, rendering, and compositing is possible through its Modern Metal engine.
✅ PROS:
- With Enhanced Timeline Index
- Includes media libraries
- Allows proxy copies for portability
⛔️ CONS:
- High price point
- Compatible only with Mac
3. Adobe Premiere Rush
A great option for editing on-the-go, Adobe Premiere Rush lets you film, edit, and share high-quality videos. It has an intuitive interface that makes it easier for creators to make content.
This editing software for YouTube lets you tailor your transitions the easy way—simply click and drag to add transition. You can customize titles and enhance colors with its presets and manual color correction. It has a wide range of in-app assets, including graphics and animated titles.
✅ PROS:
- Free and paid versions have unlimited exports
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- With cloud storage (2GB for free, 100GB for the paid version)
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited functionality for professional video editing
4. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
An easy-to-use editing software, this is a powerful tool that’s packed with features. It lets you work with various formats, including 3D, 4K, and 360-degree VR.
With it, you’ll be able to capture, edit, and share your videos the easy way. It has drag and drop functions that enable you to quickly add graphic elements and transitions. It also has advanced video editing features, including color grading and video masking.
✅ PROS:
- With instructions and tutorials
- Directly upload to YouTube
- Allows importation of own clips
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited image export formats
5. HitFilm Express
A free-to-use software, HitFilm showcases professional-grade VFX tools and other features that would suit every creator level and budget.
It has a built-in voice recorder, 2D and 3D compositing, and over 410 video effects and presets. Compatible with both Windows and MacOS, it also offers unlimited tracks and transitions.
✅ PROS:
- Comes with free tutorials and projects
- Access to an international community
- Support for 4K UHD format
⛔️ CONS:
- Issues with export speed
6. Filmora 9
Another easy-to-use editor on our list, Filmora features a user-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop functionality.
It’s equipped with both basic and advanced video editing features, including video stabilizer, pan and zoom effects, and scene detection for quick split, among others. These features make it a great option for both beginners and semi-professional video editors and content creators.
✅ PROS:
- Audio editing capabilities
- Basic color grading
- Supports file burning to DVD discs
⛔️ CONS:
- If you’re opting for the free version, your videos will have Filmora’s watermark
7. Apple iMovie
A free-to-use Apple software for MacOS, iPadOS, and iOS, this is a simple and easy to use program.
It gives you access to special effects, 13 high-fidelity filters, and over 80 smart soundtracks. You can start editing on your phone and continue editing on your iPad or Mac. It also supports 4K-resolution videos.
✅ PROS:
- Simple interface
- Has green screen effects
- Comes pre-loaded
⛔️ CONS:
- Not suitable for Windows devices
8. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free and open-source program. It’s easy to use and is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to edit videos for free.
It showcases an intuitive interface with dockable and undockable panels, and it offers wide format support. Since it’s open-source, its interface is customizable to fit various editing needs.
✅ PROS:
- No import required
- Accurate frame seeking
- Multiple device and transport options
⛔️ CONS:
- Interface aesthetics may need some improvement
9. Lightworks
A versatile editing tool, this can be used to edit a broad range of video formats, from YouTube videos to 4K clips. It’s been used to create many blockbuster films, including The Wolf of Wall Street, Pulp Fictions, and the King’s Speech.
Lightworks lets you easily edit and trim your timeline. It also supports video export for different online platforms and a variety of formats, including SD, HD, and 4K. It lets you grade your sequence professionally with up to 32-bit GPU precision and histogram tool. It’s compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
✅ PROS:
- Access to royalty-free audio and video
- Simple interface
- Support for a broad range of file formats
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited functionality (export formats) on the free version
10. YouTube Studio Video Editor
An online video editor that’s exclusive to YouTube, this lets you edit your videos on the platform itself.
It has an integrated content library that allows you to manage your content, including videos, live streams, posts, and stories all in one place. It’s free to use and includes features that you can use to easily manage your content, such as dashboards for channel comments, subtitles, and analytics.
✅ PROS:
- Access to audio library
- Simple interface
- Channel customization functions
⛔️ CONS:
- No offline version
What to Look for When Choosing YouTube Editing Software
When choosing the best YouTube video editing software, you need to consider several factors, like the kind of project you’re working on, the tools the YouTube video editor offers, ease of use, and the price. While there are free options available, they may have limited functionality.
Other considerations include:
Video format support
Check the formats that are supported during the import and export process. This is crucial especially if you’re planning on editing video from drones, action cameras, or 360 cameras. Also check if the YouTube video editing software supports the format you want your final project to have.
Access to advanced editing features
If you want to take your videos to the next level, you may need access to a range of advanced editing features. These can include object motion tracking, chroma key editing, and 3D and 360 video editing.
Audio editing capabilities
Audio is one of the most important components of a video. To make the most out your YouTube video editor, check to see if it has an audio library with royalty-free stock audio, noise removal features, and capability to separate your audio from the video.
Without the right editing software for YouTube, it can be challenging to deliver high-quality content. The good news is there’s a wide range of video editing software that can cater to a different budgets and needs.
Prior to downloading or purchasing a YouTube video editor, always consider what your project entails and what output you want to achieve.