There are many reliable “Free” video editors on the market. Do not feel like must pay for a video editing program to have quality content. Many of them have extremely complex features that you will never use as a beginner, or probably even as a pro.
We have compiled a list of good pro and beginner programs for you to create quality content for your Youtube, vimeo or any video presentations. Some of the key areas to look for in each platform is:
https://www.nchsoftware.com/videopad/
VideoPad software program operates for both Windows and Mac and is free for non-commercial use!
HighLights
Drag-and-drop, effects, transitions, 3D video editing, text and caption overlay, video stabilization, easy narration, free built-in sound effects, and color control.
VideoPad can also change the video speed, reverse the video, burn DVDs, import music, and export movies to YouTube and other similar sites and a variety of resolutions including 2K and 4K.
https://windows-movie-maker-vista.en.softonic.com/download
Windows Movie Maker is, as the title suggests, made for windows computers and is unfortunately not available on Mac.
This software used to be pre-installed on all older Windows models, but that is not the case for the newest windows platform. Fortunately, you can still download it to your PC for free through the link we have provided. But first, check to see if you have it downloaded on your computer already!
HighLights
User-friendly with a classic Microsoft feel, Great for beginning video editors, Trim video, Split a video, Speed up or slow down a video, Add photos and videos, Add music, Add titles and credits.
iMovie is similar to windows movie maker, in that it’s Apple’s version of a free video editor. However, it is much more complex and has many more features. It is included on your Mac product when you purchase. Unfortunately it is not available for windows computers.
HighLights
Make 4K-resolution movies, start creating videos from your iPhone or iPad and then finish on your Mac. Add clips, titles, music, and effects. Built-in music, sound effects, and voiceover recordings.
iMovie gives you lots of ways to share content. You can send your movie via Messages, post on Instagram, facebook and publish directly to YouTube or Vimeo in stunning 4K resolution.
If you want to keep your video in 4k, you might want to consider Vimeo over Youtube. Check out our article comparing Vimeo vs YouTube.
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
DaVinci Resolve runs on Mac, Windows, or a VFX studio on Linux. There is a free and paid version, but the free version is perfectly fine.
This editor is more focused on people at the pro level and may have a high learning curve for beginners.
Highlights
Stunning image quality. Color correction and audio editing are excellent in Davinci Resolve.
Supported formats: ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV.
Lightworks pride themselves in putting “Hollywood strength editing in your hands!” It is pretty in depth and would be hard to use as a beginner. There is a free and pro version. It is available on PC, MAC and Linux.
For more than 25 years, many movie makers use it as a professional tools to edit videos.
Lightworks is a great free video editor featured with many video effects. It can edit up to 256 video, audio, and still image clips.
Highlights
Upload video right into Facebook, Vimeo and YouTube and export in to file formats like to SD, HD, 4K and beyond. Over 100 included FX’s. Trimming for fast precision editing, Multicam Editing, Text Effects, Hardware I/O Support, Customisable interface and much more.
When it comes down to it, you want an easy to use platform that suits your needs. Many of these free platforms can be a good option for you. Especially as a beginner, you should just use a simple program that allows you to export your video in a quality format.
Before posting content to Youtube, be sure you are familiar with all the copyright rules so you don’t get in trouble, and so your channel can grow properly. We wrote an article talking about staying away from copyrighted content here.