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When it comes to video editing, look no further than to the expertise of YouTubers. Whether it’s a punchy YouTube short, or a piece of longform content, YouTubers are experts at editing. Different YouTubers have their preferred workflow, and certain apps specialize in different styles, effects and more. Read on to discover which of the best video editing apps is for you!
10 Best Video Editing Apps for YouTubers
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of, if not, the best video editing app in the business. This Adobe Software is a film-industry standard, boasting an entire suite of features used for film, television, and of course, YouTube. Adobe Premiere Pro is known for the top-of-the-line service in developing the dynamic range, high-definition motion, and mixing platforms for audio. Premiere Pro’s special effects and color correction are second to none, and many YouTubers take advantage of importing Adobe After Effects into their videos.
Like most other software suites, all applications under Adobe can be used in tandem. Meaning, Microsoft Teams and other applications can be used for collaborative creation in Premiere Pro. Premiere Pro can be run on both Windows and MacOS, making it a viable option for users of both technology brands.
Premiere Pro is a subscription-based service, lending itself to avid, consistent content creators looking to optimize the advanced functionality of the app.
2. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X is the leading rival to Adobe Premiere Pro when it comes to the best video editing apps for YouTubers. This program is a popular Apple Software used by YouTubers such as Casey Neistat and Emma Chamberlain. Although it has slightly less features than Adobe Premiere Pro, it makes up for it with its easy-to-learn interface. It operates as an advanced version of iMovie, (see below) meaning that those familiar with more basic editing softwares can easily upgrade to Final Cut Pro X without too drastic of a learning curve.
This program has not only video editing features such as advanced color grading wheels and audio mixing, but it also provides a post-production studio to ensure your content is not only impressive but professional.
Final Cut Pro X Features (as mentioned by Apple):
- Magnetic timeline uses advanced metadata
- Organized libraries for media management and collaboration
- Improved speed and efficiency on Mac computers with Apple silicon
- Animated and customizable 2D and 3D titles
- Wide variety of transitions and effects
- Intuitive color-grading with color wheels and curvies
- Fast export for playback on Apple devices and upload to websites such as YouTube
Final Cut Pro X is a one-time cost of $299.99 and is only available on Apple devices.
3. iMovie
A pre-installed software for any Apple owner on basically all devices, iMovie is the perfect beginner-friendly video editing app. As a more basic version of Final Cut Pro X, iMovie’s features may seem minimal to a more advanced editor. However, its title, green screen, and sound effects are perfect for beginner creators. For creators who prefer an on-the-go workflow, iMovie for iPad or iPhone is the perfect handheld app. iMovie users can also achieve a professional feel due to its 4k video support system. If you are a content creator who does not necessarily incorporate effects into their content and just needs a service to cut clips, such as YouTuber David Dobrik (who uses iMovie), this video editing app is ideal.
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4. Adobe Premiere Elements
For those looking for a basic editing app that can run on both Windows and MacOs, look no further than Adobe Premiere Elements. Like iMovie is to Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Elements is a more basic version of Adobe Premiere Pro. This makes it perfect for beginners looking for the same features and effects as Premiere Pro, without the complications of advanced controls. Premiere Elements sports user-friendly color correcting, with white balance and the option to import presets, as well as dynamic titles and various templates to choose from. Work between the mobile and PC versions of the app to optimize your workflow.
4. CapCut
Beloved by beginner video editors, CapCut is another great option for on-the-go edits. The app, available for mobile and PC alike, offers an easy-to-use interface. CapCut is perfect for short-form content especially, but can easily be optimized for long-form content. With elements such as titles, transitions, audio imports, a voiceover feature, and even green screen, CapCut is stocked with anything a beginner YouTuber could need.
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5. DaVinci Resolve 19
For those looking to pack a little more punch while still operating on a budget, Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve is the perfect app. DaVinci Resolve is available for Windows, MacOS and Linux as a free download, with an optional paid version. For those on a budget, the free version is still incredibly powerful, boasting collaborative features, as well as excellent color-grading tools. The paid “Studio” version – a one-time fee of $295 – benefits those using high-grade equipment and maximizing their workflow. It is these editors who will benefit from more advanced playback formats supported by the Studio version.
Even without the Studio version, editors will benefit from its advanced editing capabilities, customizable titles, transitions and effects, customizable keyboard shortcut, award-winning colorgrading tools, and more, for absolutely free!
6. PowerDirector 365
PowerDirector is another video editing app available on both Windows and Mac. It boasts features such as YouTube intro and outro templates, as well as built-in graphics to generate overlaps for “Like” and “Subscribe.” These drag-and-drop effects are incredibly user-friendly. These features, as well as PowerDirector’s pre-made templates and AI-powered tools, make for a powerful yet beginner friendly tool and one of the best video editing apps. PowerDirector offers both a free version and a subscription for $4.33/month.
7. KapWing
KapWing is the best video editing app for collaborative content creation. With AI tools and templates, as well as real-time group collaboration, YouTubers working with a team will benefit greatly from KapWing’s features. As a browser-based app, KapWing’s interface looks a bit less like a traditional video editor and more of a collaborative workspace such as Canva or Google Docs, differentiating it from many of its competitors. Additionally, KapWing offers shared space for brand assets, allowing for consistent branding across videos. KapWing is perfect for a team of social media managers looking for consistent branding and editing when it comes to YouTube.
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8. Filmora and FilmoraGo
Filmora, and its iPhone-specific video editing app FilmoraGo is perfect for versatile and beginner-friendly YouTube projects. This software boasts 10k preset templates and over 10M Creative Assets, such as titles, audio, transitions, effects, stickers and more. FilmoraGo is meant to create an easy, quick experience while also ensuring there is an element of fun when using their software. It also has a feature that allows one to post their edited video directly to YouTube, making the process even more seamless.
9. Lightworks
Lightworks is another of our best video editing apps due to its prolific use by industry professionals. Films such as the Oscar-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon and cult-classic Pulp Fiction have been edited on Lightworks. Boasting a universal editing timeline that holds any size, frame rate and quality of footage, as well as expert background rendering and user friendly drag-and-drop features, Lightworks is an impressively powerful editing tool. Beginners can get the app for free, whereas more advanced editors and professionals can upgrade to unlock more features.
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10. KineMaster
KineMaster, unlike most previous video editing apps, is used on Android software. This app is best known for its layering feature that allows for picture-in-picture effects. KineMaster boasts AI music recommending features, background removal and automatic subtitles. The app also offers royalty-free graphics, video effects and music. For the purpose of YouTube content creation and compared to other video editing apps, KineMaster is a useful and cost-efficient app for Android users. Users can download the app for free, and if they so choose, can pay $3.75/month to remove the watermark.
Price Breakdown of 10 Best Video Editing Apps for YouTubers
- Adobe Premier Pro: $22.99/mo
- Final Cut Pro X: $299.99 one-time cost
- iMovie: Free with iOS
- Adobe Premier Elements: $99.99 one-time cost
- CapCut (Pro): Free Version or $25.99/mo for Pro
- DaVinci Resolve 19: Free Version or $295 one-time cost for Studio
- PowerDirector 365: Free Version or $4.33/mo for more features
- KapWing: Free Version or $16/mo for Pro
- Filmora: Free Version or $59.99 one-time payment
- Lightworks: Free Version or $13.99 for Create
- KineMaster: Free Version or $3.75/mo for watermark removal
Other Notable Video Editing Apps for YouTubers:
- Blender
- VivaVideo
- Cute Cut
- YouTube Video Creator
- Clipchamp
- Magisto
- WeVideo
- PicPlayPost
- Quik
- Hyperlapse
- Splice
- Corel Video Studio
