17 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners in 2023

There are many things you need to know before starting a successful YouTube channel. Like understanding the complex YouTube algorithm so you can properly tag and title your videos, how to create eye-catching thumbnails, how to monetize your channel, learning the YouTube code of conduct, and understanding 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. 

In this article, we’ve done all the research for you and found the best video editing software for YouTube because 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.  

So let’s dive right in and learn more about the best video editing software for YouTube.

• Snapshot of Our Top 3 Video Editing Software for YouTube
• How to Choose the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
• How We Test the Video Editing Software for YouTube on This List
• 17 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners in 2023
• Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Comparison Chart
• Download the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube for Free
• Best Video Editing Software for YouTube FAQ

Snapshot of Our Top 3 Video Editing Software for YouTube

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 software you consider, make sure these three things line up:

Budget

There’s a video editing software for YouTube in every price range from free to expensive. Decide how much you are willing to spend and don’t even consider software outside of your budget.

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. Some are Mac-only, Windows-only, or only work on newer models. 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. 

How We Test the Video Editing Software for YouTube on This List

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 to see if it offers support for a wide range of video and audio formats, and if the pricing seems fair compared to other YouTube video editors. We check that it works just as well on different operating systems or web browsers, and on older or newer model computers and laptops.

Test YouTube-Specific Features

We compare the lists of YouTube-specific tools and features each video editing software for YouTube had to offer and test each one. We are looking for features that make it easy to edit YouTube videos, like animated titles, a background 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

Since this is a list of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners, we put a high priority on 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 edit YouTube videos with beginner-friendly tools such as AI-powered effects or pre-made assets?

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.

17 Best YouTube Video Editors for Beginners in 2023

1. PowerDirector 365

Best For: Users looking to edit YouTube videos with ease

Key Features:

• YouTube intro/outro templates: Thousands of video intro/outro templates you can easily customize using the intuitive template designer. Quickly locate the perfect template by choosing from 30+ categories such as Countdown, Wedding, Birthday, Fashion, Holiday, and Music.
• AI tools and guided edits: Advanced edits are made simple with one-click AI tools like Speech Enhancement and Body Effects; multi-step edits are broken down into easy-to-follow steps.
• Animated titles: Easily add unique titles to your videos with animated templates featuring motion graphics and sound effects.
• Transitions: Hundreds of pre-designed drag-and-drop transitions are available in a variety of categories like Glitch, Roll, and Spin.
• Easy green screen/chroma key editing: Accurately remove backgrounds of any color with one click and replace them with a solid color or stock video.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

PCMag Rating: 5/5

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

Who It’s For

PowerDirector 365 is the best video editing software for YouTube amongst beginners and pros. It includes advanced features like multi-cam editing, motion tracking, and 360-degree editing, yet remains beginner-friendly. 

PowerDirector streamlines the process of editing videos for YouTube 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. 

Why We Picked It 

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.   

This YouTube video editor comes with YouTube-specific intro and outro templates, animated “Like” and “Subscribe” overlays, and direct uploads to the site. 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.

Bottom Line

PowerDirector is the best video editing software for YouTube because it offers many professional tools at great value and a low learning curve. Quickly edit and upload your videos to any platform or device using the pre-selected aspect ratios for YouTube and other social media sites. PowerDirector also has the fastest rendering times of all the YouTube video editors on this list, so no matter how many cool effects you put on your video, you’ll get likes in no time. 

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

Best For: Learning how to use advanced editing techniques on a budget

Key Features:

• Time mapping: Animate the speed and direction of your clip with powerful keyframes and speed adjustment effects.
• Advanced timeline: Clips can be manipulated in a variety of ways including snapping, slicing, panning, zooming, etc.
• Title templates: Easily create vector titles with over 40 customizable templates.
• Audio waveforms: Displays visual representations of sound for precise audio editing.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Price: Free

Who It’s For

OpenShot is an open-source, free YouTube video editor. It is a slimmed-down program, especially compared with the other software on our list, but that also means it takes up very little space on your computer and is a simple option for beginners. We found it to be one of the best video editing software for YouTube for learning the ropes of video editing in a non-intimidating package.

Why We Picked It 

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, but its interface is non-intimidating and it has more advanced features than you’d expect. The program has a range of color adjustment tools, a background remover, keyframe animations, and over 400 preset effects. It also offers unlimited editing tracks.    

Bottom Line

This video editing software for YouTube has an uncluttered layout, although many features were hidden and took time to locate. It is missing many of the pre-made design and creative assets found in other YouTube video editors, such as intro templates, stickers, overlays, etc. However, because it is entirely free, we placed it above Kapwing, which has the same rating. OpenShot is a good way for beginners to learn how to edit YouTube videos before moving on to more substantial software.

3. Kapwing

Best For: Adding automatic captions to YouTube videos

Key Features:

• Speed adjustment: Speed up, slow down, or reverse videos for a cool effect.
• Remove background: This video editing software for YouTube has a green screen editor that removes and replaces backgrounds in a few clicks.
• Meme generator: Upload your own image/video or use a popular meme template and adjust text.
• AI B-roll generator: Automatically rounds out videos with corresponding stock footage.

Compatibility: Web Browser

Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5

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

Who It’s For

Kapwing is a browser-based and free platform perfect for editing videos for YouTube.We think it’s the best video editing software for YouTube for adding subtitles to videos because Kapwing has accurate, auto-generated subtitles which save tons of time. It can also be used by those in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to understand any videos that did not already include subtitles. You can simply copy and paste the URL into Kapwing and AI-powered subtitles will appear. 

Why We Picked It 

Kapwing is 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’s a Smart Cut tool that will automatically cut silences from your video, and tons of YouTube templates. This YouTube video editor also has an auto-translation tool and text-to-speech. 

Bottom Line

Kapwing has a simplistic, easy-to-use layout and lots of tools a beginner can use to edit YouTube videos. The free version of this YouTube video editor allows access to all tools, but has export and file size limits. 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.  

4. Lightworks

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

Key Features:

• Customizable timeline: Beginners can drag-and-drop clips into place, while pros can utilize advanced editing techniques.
• Filters and LUTs: Pre-built or custom LUTs are available to enhance and color grade videos.
• Motion graphics: Over 700 customizable titles and motion graphics add movement to your videos.
• Auto-Save function: Automatically saves projects to prevent data loss.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

Capterra Rating: 4.3/5

Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Create and $23.99/month for Pro

Who It’s For

We think Lightworks is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners who are serious about learning video editing. For 30 years Lightworks has been used to edit Oscar-winning films such as Braveheart and Pulp Fiction. The free version of the Hollywood classic is pared-down and a better fit for editing videos for YouTube. We think it is one of the top YouTube video editors because of its 100s of creative transitions, including all the advanced transitions found in the Pro version.

Why We Picked It 

We think Lightworks is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners who are serious about learning video editing. YouTube video editors will find it includes some excellent tools such as YouTube presets, a stock music library, voice-over, direct uploads to YouTube, and professional editing features such as trim-slip, ripple, roll, slide, insert, replace, and backfill. Best of all, this YouTube video editor has background processing, so you can save time by importing, exporting, and rendering complex effects while you work. 

Bottom Line

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.  

5. iMovie

Image from gsmarena.

Best For: Those who want to edit YouTube videos shot on an iPhone

• Autocorrect: Enhances the lighting and coloring of video clips automatically.
• Shift focus: Modify depth-of-field on iPhone footage shot in Cinematic Mode.
• Green screen effects: Transport your subject to any setting with automatic background removal.
• Picture-in-Picture: Create a broadcast feel by overlaying multiple videos.

Compatibility: Mac

G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Price: Free

Key Features:

Who It’s For

iMovie is Apple’s free YouTube video editor for beginners. It is free to Mac users and comes included with every macOS, making it one of the best video editing software for YouTubers who are just starting out. It also makes editing videos for YouTube a fast and easy process with Storyboards - premade video templates that guide you through the movie-making process. There’s also Magic Movie, which instantly creates an edited video complete with transitions, titles, and music in just a few clicks.  You can even make movie trailers and credits sequences in no time at all with ready-made templates. 

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. You can upload your video to YouTube in a few simple steps. iMovie has a good amount of movie-making tools and effects like green screen, filters, and Smart Soundtrack that automatically adjusts the length of your music to your video.  

Bottom Line

iMovie is not the best video editing software for YouTube pros because it lacks motion tracking, multicam editing, 360-degree/3D support, and is limited to 2 editing tracks. Also, it is updated very infrequently, so the software lags behind others of its kind. If trending tools and new features are something you crave, try the best video editing software for YouTube, PowerDirector, which is updated frequently.

6. Shotcut

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

Key Features:

• Blending modes: Various track compositing modes including Dodge, Burn, and Luminosity.
• Color correction and grading: Includes 3-way color wheels and an eye-dropper for white balancing.
• Audio filters: Compressor, Downmix, Invert, Reverb, and many more.
• Motion tracking: PIn graphics to any moving object or person in your clip.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

G2 Rating: 4.2/5

Price: Free

Who It’s For

Shotcut is an open-source, cross-platform, free YouTube video editor. It is one of the best video editing software for YouTubers who need a range of format options because Shotcut supports hundreds of audio and video formats with no import required. This video editor for YouTube also has a wide selection of device and transport options, including webcam capture.

Why We Picked It 

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. This YouTube video editor also has a wide selection of device and transport options, including webcam capture. Edit YouTube videos with a wide range of video and audio filters, transitions, over 40,000 instant templates, and unlimited undo and redo options. 

Bottom Line

The interface is not as clean and user-friendly as other free 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 does have a bit of a learning curve. If you are looking for an open-source YouTube video editor you can start using right away, try OpenShot.  

7. VideoPad

Best For: Quickly creating content and uploading directly to YouTube

Key Features:

• Video Maker Wizard: Provides a guided process for creating videos with pre-defined templates and settings.
• Transitions: Choose from a variety of transitions and adjust the duration.
• Free sound effects: This video editing software for YouTube includes a library of pre-recorded sound effects to enhance videos.
• 3D and 360-degree editing: Edit and export 360-degree video files to create an immersive experience; offers 2D to 3D stereoscopic conversion.

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.

Who It’s For

VideoPad is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because it helps you optimize your videos for search engines. With this YouTube video editor, you can add metadata to your video, such as the title, tags, and description— without using YouTube’s publishing tools. You can also upload directly to YouTube. 

Why We Picked It 

You can use VideoPad to edit YouTube videos with voiceover, transitions, and visual effects. This YouTube video editor has professional templates including intros and outros, and custom logos. There’s also video stabilization for videos shot on a smartphone or action camera. Upload completed videos directly to YouTube and add/edit metadata, such as the title, tags, and description. 

Bottom Line

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. Also, the Windows version has a lot more features than the Mac counterpart, so Mac users should give PowerDirector a try first.  

8. Avid Media Composer First

Best For: Budding professionals

Key Features:

• Frame flex: Provides the ability to adjust the size and position of video frames for creative framing and composition.
• Color correction: Predefined filters, HSL controls, hue offsets, and luma ranges.
• Bulk edit: Enables the simultaneous editing of multiple clips or settings for efficient workflow.
• Audio ducking: Automatically lowers 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

Who It’s For

Lightworks and Avid Media Composer First could duke it out for the title of best video editing software for YouTube for budding professionals because both are free versions of professional editing software used in Hollywood. But because Avid is more well-known and the industry standard for video editing, we thought it fit this free YouTube video editor best. Budding professionals now have a chance to learn Avid in a much cheaper and easier-to-use package. 

Why We Picked It 

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 Avid in a much cheaper and easier-to-use package. Although it is a scaled-down version, this free YouTube video editor contains many pro-level tools like video stabilization, advanced color tools, 4-way multi-cam editing, audio punch-in, and more. 

Bottom Line

While Avid Media Composer First 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 VideoPad or the best video editing software for YouTube overall, PowerDirector.   

9. Magix Movie Studio

Image from Techradar.

Best For: Organizing video, audio, and images on a single timeline

Key Features:

• Split-screen: Display multiple videos or images simultaneously.
• Speed adjustment tools: Create ultra slow-mo or lightning fast playback effects.
• Image stabilization: Helps to stabilize shaky footage for smoother playback.
• Keyframe animations: Choose the intensity and duration of effects using this video editing software for YouTube.

Compatibility: Windows

TechRadar Rating: 4/5

Price: 30-day free trial, then $69.99 for Movie Studio, $99.99 for Platinum, and $129 for Suite. Annual subscriptions are also available for $2.99/month, $3.99/month, or $4.99/month

Who It’s For

Magix Movie Studio is the best video editing software for YouTube for beginners to make quick and simple edits. Storyboard Mode helps to organize the editing process before you even start, simplifying workflow (frame-by-frame editing is available for more advanced editors). This YouTube video editor has a one-of-a-kind multi-format timeline where you can easily arrange video, audio, and media files on each track. 

Why We Picked It 

We found Magix to be one of the best video editing software for YouTube for both beginners and more advanced users. Storyboard Mode simplifies timeline editing for new users, while frame-by-frame editing is available for seasoned editors. This YouTube video editor offers plenty of one-click solutions such as Remove Beginning and Split Movie, 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.  

Bottom Line

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, just a 30-day free trial.  

10. Movavi Video Suite

Best For: How-to and instructional videos that require screen recording

Key Features:

• Filters and LUTs: Instantly adjust the mood of your footage with 180+ filters including Glitch, Blur, VHS, and more.
• Intros: Insert ready-made YouTube intros into your videos.
• Motion tracking: Attach visual elements to moving objects.
• Picture-in-Picture: Overlay a smaller video or image within the main video frame.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

PCMag Rating: 4/5

Price: 7-day free trial, then $59.95 for a 3-month subscription, or $155.95/year

Who It’s For

Movavi Video Suite is one of the best video editing software for YouTube how-to and instructional videos because of its screen recording capabilities. The screen recorder includes manual control over the capture area and allows you to capture webinars, record instructions/tutorials, or capture streaming videos and online events. 

Why We Picked It 

Movavi Video Suite is one of the best video editing software for YouTube beginners because it offers a quick-movie creation tool similar to PowerDirector that will turn your photos and videos into a slideshow set to music. It also has excellent screen recording capabilities, including manual control over the capture area. With Movavi, you can edit YouTube videos with chroma key, color adjustment, pan/zoom, crop/rotate, and video stabilization. 

Bottom Line

Movavi has a user-friendly interface and a low learning curve, plus it comes packed with features, yet doesn’t require a lot of storage. However, seasoned editors won’t like that they don’t have much control over effects, nor will they like the glacially slow rendering times. If speed and control are features you need to edit YouTube videos, we recommend PowerDirector, Lightworks, and Magix Movie Studio.  

11. VideoProc Vlogger

Best For: Those who edit YouTube videos from action cam or drone footage; creating extreme sports or travel videos

Key Features:

• Time-Lapse tool: Speeds up a series of still images to show change over a long period of time.
• Audio editing: AExtract audio, fade in/out, change your voice, add audio effects, and more.
• Split-Screen: Display multiple videos or images in a single frame.
• Color adjustments: One-stop tool for color grading and color correction, with over 90 built-in LUTs.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

CreativeBlog Rating: 4/5

Price: Free

Who It’s For

VideoProc Vlogger is the best video editing software for YouTube if you shot with an action camera or drone. It will remove lens aberrations such as fish-eye that can happen when using these types of cameras, and offers noise/grain removal for videos shot outside in poor lighting. It also has video stabilization, a necessity for any action footage.

Why We Picked It 

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 lens distortions and visual noise.

Bottom Line

This YouTube video editor is perfect for vloggers who record on the go. It also has great customer service and user support. VideoProc Vlogger does lack some advanced functionality 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 around.

11. Canva

Best For: Those with no design experience to quickly edit YouTube videos from a customizable template

Key Features:

• YouTube templates: Offers a variety of customizable YouTube intro and thumbnail templates.
• Creative design elements: Thousands of animated stickers, graphics, shapes, charts, etc.
• Beat Sync: Automatically sync your video to your music’s beat .
• Magic Resize: Automatically resize videos for different social platforms.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Web Browser

CreativeBlog Rating: 4/5

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

Who It’s For

Canva is a popular graphic design platform for people with little to no experience. It also happens to be one of the best video editing software for YouTubers. The free version includes 250,000 professionally-designed video templates, many of which are YouTube-specific, and all of which are fully customizable. The site has millions of design assets, ensuring no 2 YouTube videos look the same. You can flex your design skills and creativity and still have a video done in minutes. 

Why We Picked It 

The site has millions of design assets, ensuring no 2 YouTube videos look the same. You can flex your design skills and creativity and still have a video done in minutes. It has multiple audio tracks for background music, sound effects, dialogue, and voice-over. There are also animations that can be added to entire frames or individual elements.  

Bottom Line

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. We were surprised to find that Canva doesn’t support direct uploads to YouTube, even though it offers that feature for other platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.   

13. WeVideo

Best For: Automatic video creation with YouTube templates in any category

Key Features:

• Motion titles: Customize text templates to your liking with a variety of pre-set animations, colors, and fonts.
• Screen recorder: Record your screen, webcam, or both.
• Green screen editing: Remove the background of your own green screen clip, or use a green screen stock video, then replace with any footage.
• GIF maker: Quickly turn videos into interactive GIFs

Compatibility: Web Browser

Trustpilot Rating: 3.8/5

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

Who It’s For

WeVideo is a web-based free YouTube video editor for beginners and YouTubers who prefer automatic video creation. It is one of the best video editing software for YouTube because it comes with tons of YouTube templates, such as How-To Makeup, How-To Recipe, Livestream Coming Soon, Influencer, Vlogger, and Unboxing. There are also templates for YouTube intros and Outros. 

Why We Picked It 

We chose WeVideo as one of the best video editing software for YouTube 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 YouTube templates.  

Bottom Line

This YouTube video editor offers several different 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. We recommend PowerDirector, which comes with many more video editing features, yet costs a fraction of the price.

14. Premiere Elements

Best For: Beginners who need automatic organizational tools like facial recognition and geotags

Key Features:

• AI technology: Utilizes Adobe Sensei to automate popular editing techniques.
• Artistic effects: Make your video look like a popular art style with the click of a button.
• Double exposure: Allows for overlaying two or more videos or images to create a composite effect.
• Animated overlays: Add whimsical animations or change the weather for a whole new look.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

PCMag Rating: 3.5/5

Price: $99.99

Who It’s For

Premiere Elements is a consumer-targeted, pared-down version of Adobe Premiere Pro, making it one of the best video editing software for YouTubers just starting out. Premiere Elements comes with organizational tools like Auto Curate and Smart Tags, which automatically tag video files by date, subject, people, places, and events. 

Why We Picked It 

This YouTube video editor has all the tools you need to edit YouTube videos, including keyframing, multi-track editing, transitions, and titles. 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.

Bottom Line

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 speed. PowerDirector, by contrast, has the fastest rendering times in the business. 

15. Movie Maker Online

Best For: First-time video editors creating simple videos

Key Features:

• Customizable transitions: Adjust the duration, motion, sound, and style of any transition effect.
• Greyscale effect: Converts video footage or images to black and white with a single click.
• Slideshow maker: Drag and drop video clips, photos, and music into animated slideshows with transitions and motion effects.
• Blur tools: Pixelate an entire clip or a chosen area for privacy purposes.

Compatibility: Web Browser

TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5

Price: Free

Who It’s For

If you are a brand-new YouTuber who has never edited a video, we recommend Movie Maker Online. First of all, it is completely free with no watermark and even has a free stock library. Second, you can start editing videos for YouTube immediately, as there is no signup, nothing to download and it has zero learning curve. Simply visit the site, drag and drop your video clips, and use the simple tools to create a clickable video. 

Why We Picked It 

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 effects like reverse video, slow-motion, chroma key, text tools, and a mirror effect.   

Bottom Line

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 atypical interface. This video editing software for YouTube has a vertical editing timeline instead of horizontal, which could mean a learning curve for editors used to other software.  

16. Animoto

Best For: Busy creators and daily vloggers who need to edit YouTube videos daily

Key Features:

• Stock libraries: Access millions of images and video clips from Getty Images.
• Collaboration tools: Invite anyone to leave a time-stamped comment on your video.
• Trim/Crop: Remove unwanted sections or adjust the frame size of photos and videos.
• Voice-Over: Record, upload, and edit voice-over narration.

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 Professional Plus

Who It’s For

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 YouTube-Friendly video templates you can easily customize with your own video clips, or pull clips from the stock library.

Why We Picked It 

Animoto is a cloud-based YouTube video editor with hundred of YouTube-specific templates. It is one of the best video editing software for YouTubers with little design experience to create a professional-looking video in minutes. Pick a template, then customize with over 40 professional fonts and millions of stock images, videos, and music tracks.

Bottom Line

Animoto is one of the best video editing software for YouTubers who need a quick fix and don’t mind forgoing creative control. Most of the online reviews complained about the lack of creativity involved in using this program, something we found in our test as well. Also, this video editing software for YouTube only has basic editing tools yet the cost is similar to professional software.

17. Windows Video Editor

Best For: Windows Photos users

Key Features:

• Customizable titles: Use a template to create cinematic title and credits sequences and adjust colors, speed, and duration.
• Draw feature: Allows for drawing or annotating directly on the video frame.
• Split/Trim clips: Remove unwanted sections or adjust a clip’s duration.
• 3D effects: Offers various 3D effects and objects to add depth and visual interest to videos.

Compatibility: Windows

TechRadar Rating: 2/5

Price: Free

Who It’s For

Windows Video Editor (which replaced Windows Movie Maker) is an easy-to-use free YouTube video editor included with Windows 10 and up. It is found inside the Windows Photo App and is the best video editing software for YouTube for users who are already using it to edit and organize their photos. 

Why We Picked It 

Windows Video Editor is found inside the Windows Photo App and is the best video editing software for YouTube for users who are already using it to edit and organize their photos. Beginners can edit YouTube videos quickly with the Auto Movie option, and it comes with all the basic editing tools you need such as filters, themes, transitions, music, and text. 

Bottom Line

If you use Windows Photos to store photos and videos, Windows Video Editor is the best video editing software for YouTube for putting together fun video projects from your personal videos. However, the software is too basic to grow with you as your YouTube career progresses.  

Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Comparison Chart

Download the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube for Free

Finding the best video editing software for YouTube involves a lot of trial and error, especially for beginners. If you are launching a new channel, you won’t have time to spare looking for the right YouTube video editor for your needs. 

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.