Making videos can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. If you’re just starting out, the number of video editing software options available can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 best video editing software for beginners. We’ll go over some of the pros and cons of each program, so you can choose the one that is right for you.
Getting started with video editing
If you’re new to video editing, the thought of using software to put together your first project can be daunting. But with a little practice, you’ll be churning out impressive videos in no time. The key is to start with a simple project and get comfortable with the basics before moving on to more complex techniques.
Most video editing software follows a similar workflow: you import your footage, arrange it in the timeline, and then add effects, titles, and transitions. Some programs also let you color-correct your footage and add audio. Once you’ve added all the elements you want, you render the video and export it in the desired format.
There are a few different software programs to choose from, but they all have their pros and cons. Some are more user-friendly than others, some have more features than others, and some work better with certain types of footage. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 best video editing software options for beginners. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Apple iMovie
iMovie comes pre-installed on every new Mac, and it’s been a mainstay of the amateur video editing world for nearly two decades. It’s easy to use, has a clean interface, and can handle a variety of different input types (including 360-degree and drone footage).
iMovie’s best-known feature is its green screen, or “chroma-key” tool, which allows you to quickly place your characters in exotic settings. It seamlessly integrates with iTunes and GarageBand, so you can simply incorporate music and sounds. When your video is finally complete, you can release it directly using iMessage, YouTube, Facebook, and a variety of other connected platforms.
Pros:
- Apple product integrations
- Green screen
- Audio and social networks integration capabilities
Cons:
- Limited options for output control
- Only available on Mac systems
Pricing:
Free
2. Lumen5
Lumen is an AI-powered video creation platform that enables anyone to easily create videos from their own blog posts or articles. It enables anyone to create social media-friendly videos in minutes, without any prior video editing experience. It’s a great option for those who want to quickly create short, engaging videos for social media.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- AI-powered
- Library with millions of free media files
Cons:
- Watermark on free plan
- No image or sound editing features
Pricing:
Use the free version to make unlimited 720p movies. Remove the watermark for $11 per month by subscribing to Premium, or upgrade to 1080p for $59 per month.
3. Animaker
Animaker has its own online video editor that allows anybody to quickly make movies from their own footage, photographs, text, and audio. There is no requirement for any prior video editing expertise. It’s a simple program that runs in your browser and requires no complicated timeline, layers, or complexity. All you have to do is drag and drop to create your own video.
Pros:
- Lightweight app
- Pre-made templates
- Drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- Templates can be limiting
- Some features require a subscription
Pricing:
Subscription starts at $10 per month
4. Filmora from Wondershare
Filmora’s video editing software offers a wide range of tools to create beautiful and inspiring content. The interface is simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough that even professionals will find it versatile in all their needs, from basic trimming through complex effects like continuity or green screen work – there really isn’t anything this program can’t do!
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Mobile and screen editing platforms
- Powerful features
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Watermark on the free version
Pricing:
Starts at $9.99 per month
5. InVideo
Unlike other editing software, InVideo is entirely hosted in the cloud. It’s browser-based and holds up well even after being crammed with transitions, stickers, frames, and other effects and features.
The program is suitable for beginners and experts, as both groups may benefit from the platform’s 5000+ templates. Beginners may get a head start by utilizing any of the numerous templates available, while expert users can create from scratch.
InVideo has no watermark on its videos even if you’re on the Free plan. If you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend a lot of money on software, InVideo is a fantastic choice.
Pros:
- Browser-based
- Thousands of templates
- No watermark on free plan
Cons:
- Rendering times can be slow
- Limited export options on free plan
Pricing:
Plans start at $15 per month
6. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is ideal for beginners, unlike Adobe Premiere Pro. It’s packed with features but still easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners who want to try their hand at more advanced techniques like color correction.
In the time since Premiere Elements’ creation, several alternative software programs have surpassed it in terms of speed and power. That being said, the simplicity of use that Premiere Elements offers is nothing short of amazing, particularly for novices. Adobe Premiere Elements includes the Guided Edits tool, which makes it a particularly appealing choice for novices since it allows them to tackle both quick jobs and complicated projects with good assistance from the program.
Pros:
- Guided Edits tool
- Tons of video effects
- Clear, simple interface
Cons:
- Slow output rendering speed
- More expensive than some alternatives
Pricing:
One-time promo payment of $69.99
7. Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle comes fully equipped with all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-tier product, such as motion tracking, 360-degree VR support, 4k support, multichannel recording, and more. Pinnacle Studio is at the top of Corel’s product range.
The Pinnacle software’s user-friendly and intuitive design makes it as simple to use as anything on this list. Despite its many features and functions, Pinnacle is a great choice for beginners.
Pros:
- User-friendly and intuitive design
- Advanced rendering capabilities
- Tons of features and functions
Cons:
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Takes up a lot of disk space
Pricing:
One-time payment of $129.95
8. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is the most comprehensive piece of video editing software on the market, with an unrivaled set of features, 360 VR and 4k support, and a recently added feature that allows you to store, organize, and share assets online with your team.
The Lumetri Color tool, one of Premiere Pro’s most stunning tools, is comparable to that of Photoshop in terms of color adjustment and manipulation. The multi-cam function is also a fantastic feature, allowing you to edit footage with a set number of camera angles.
However, the learning curve for Adobe Premiere Pro is quite steep, and it will take some time to get used to all of the features and functions. Additionally, Premiere Pro is a more expensive option, with the monthly subscription costing $20.99.
Pros:
- Multi-cam and coloring options
- Seamless integration with Adobe Products
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- More expensive option
- Takes up a lot of disk space
Pricing:
$20.99 per month
9. Apple Final Cut Pro X
Apple’s Final Cut Pro X is a powerful video editing software with a sleek and intuitive design. The software has been optimized for the MacOS platform, making full use of the hardware capabilities of Apple computers.
It’s the most expensive program on this list, but it also offers the biggest bang for your buck. Final Cut Pro X is packed with features that allow you to create professional-quality videos, such as 360-degree VR support, motion tracking, and advanced color grading. The software also has a handy organization tool called the Magnetic Timeline, which makes it easy to keep track of your footage.
Pros:
- Optimized for MacOS platform
- Advanced color grading
- Magnetic Timeline
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Can be confusing to use
Pricing:
One-time payment of $299.99
10. Camtasia
Camtasia is well-known for its screen recording capabilities, but it also includes strong video editing tools. Its screen recording and editing features make it ideal for creating YouTube videos. You’ll also discover a library of video templates that you may use to make the specific kind of film you desire in minutes.
The procedure for editing videos is very simple. Simply use the drag and drop editor to modify your video quickly, adding animations and transition effects as desired. You can also use the split-screen function to show two films side by side.
Pros:
- Simple drag and drop editor
- Split-screen function
- Video templates library
Cons:
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Limited export options compared to other software
Pricing:
Starts at $299.99 for a lifetime plan
Wrapping Up
While there are many great video editing software programs available, these ten programs are some of the best options for beginners. Each program has its own set of features and functions, so be sure to choose the one that is right for you. Consider your budget, operating system, and skill level when making your decision. With the right software, you’ll be creating amazing videos in no time!