Best Video Editing Software for Beginners (2024) tested

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During the course of my own personal journey through the ever-changing world of content creation, I have emerged with the realisation that video editing is a crucial talent that possesses the capacity to alter. In this fast-paced digital world, when visual storytelling is at the forefront, video editing has become an indispensable tool for individuals who are just starting out, such as me, and who want to bring their creative ideas to reality.

The video editing software that I’ve used acts as a catalyst, driving novices like myself into the world of proficient producers for the first time. An interesting development is the way in which technology has progressed, resulting in the availability of a wide variety of user-friendly tools that eliminate the once-disappointing obstacles connected with video editing. These tools make it possible for individuals who are not technically savvy to participate in the process.

There was a time when learning to use editing software meant experiencing a high learning curve, which discouraged many people from entering the field of video creation. However, those days are long gone. These days, we have access to strong tools and user interfaces that are easy to understand, which makes it possible for prospective designers to manage the editing process without any difficulty.

Users, such as myself, are given the ability to experiment with advanced techniques such as colour grading, special effects, and subtle transitions thanks to these tools, which not only help with fundamental activities such as cutting and splicing but also provide assistance with more complex tasks. The ability to observe how technology has democratised the creative process and made video editing an activity that is pleasurable and accessible to everyone is an experience that is both amazing and exhilarating.

What is the Video Editing Software for Beginners?

When I started editing videos for the first time, I was thrilled to find that there are editing tools that are easy for beginners to use. These software choices focus on being simple, so anyone can make great videos, even if they don’t know a lot about complicated editing techniques. I discovered that these tools have easy-to-use menus, basic editing features, and a number of effects that are already set up.

These choices for beginners may not have all the advanced features of professional software, but they made me feel like I could explore my creative side without worrying about how hard it would be to learn. It changed everything for me because I could focus on sharing my thoughts and making great movies without having to worry about complicated editing steps.

Best Video Editing Software for Beginners: Comparison Table

Video editing has gone from being a specialised ability to becoming an essential qualification for content creators of all levels. This is because the need for visually appealing material is only expected to continue to climb. Beginning video editors who are eager to get their feet wet in the realm of video editing may find that choosing the appropriate software can be a game-changer.

Feature	Apple iMovie	CyberLink PowerDirector	OpenShot	Movavi Video Editor	Lumen5
Platform	macOS, iOS	Windows, macOS	Windows, Linux, macOS	Windows, macOS	Web
Price	Free	$39.99 – $139.99	Free	$39.95 – $79.95	Free plan, $49/month – $299/year
Target Audience	Beginners, Mac users	Hobbyists, semi-professionals	Beginners, budget-conscious users	Beginners, intermediate editors	Social media video creators, marketing teams
Ease of Use	Very easy	Easy	Moderate	Easy	Easiest
Features	Basic editing tools, templates, trailers, sound effects, green screen	More advanced editing tools, color correction, multi-cam editing, motion graphics, sound design	Basic editing tools, titling, effects, audio mixing	Basic editing tools, transitions, filters, titles, chroma key, stabilization	AI-powered video creation, templates, stock footage, music library
Export Options	Common video formats, social media sharing	Common video formats, Blu-ray burning, 360° video	Common video formats, YouTube upload	Common video formats, social media sharing	Multiple video formats, social media optimization
Strengths	Simple interface, free, Mac integration	Feature-rich, affordable, good performance	Free, open-source, cross-platform	Easy to use, good for short videos	AI-powered, quick video creation, social media focus
Weaknesses	Limited advanced features, Mac only	Steep learning curve for some features, subscription model	Less polished interface, fewer features than PowerDirector	Limited advanced features, watermark in free version	Limited customization, less control over editing

Best Video Editing Software for Beginners

In this day and age, where visual storytelling is at the forefront of the industry, video editing has evolved into a skill that is absolutely necessary for aspiring content creators. When you are just starting out in the world of filmmaking, selecting the appropriate video editing software is an essential first step. This is true whether you want to start a YouTube channel, share great experiences on social media, or just get started in the world of filmmaking.

Apple iMovie

Feature	Description
Drag-and-drop editing	Easy to assemble clips and arrange sequences.
Movie-making templates	Quick starting points for different project types.
Green screen effects	Transform your background with ease.
Titles and transitions	Spruce up your video with stylish text and visual effects.
Voiceover recording	Add narration directly within the app.
Free with Mac devices	No additional cost involved.
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My experience with iMovie has shown me that simplicity is the most important feature, represented by a streamlined user interface and drag-and-drop capabilities that are easy to use. Being a user of a Mac, I discovered that it was especially well-suited for the creation of straightforward material for social media. Green screen effects, convenient movie-making templates, and seamless connection with other Apple devices are all features that are included in iMovie. In spite of the fact that it does not have any complex capabilities, the fact that it is free and easy to use makes it my top recommendation for people who are just beginning out.

CyberLink PowerDirecto

Feature	Description
AI-powered smart tools	Automates tasks like cropping and audio balancing.
Guided edits	Step-by-step instructions for basic editing techniques.
Drag-and-drop templates	Time-saving starting points for different video styles.
Extensive effects library	Add cinematic flair with Hollywood-style visual effects.
Fast rendering	Export your finished video quickly.

It came as a surprise to me that PowerDirector, with its combination of power and accessibility, had an approach that was favourable to beginners. Complex jobs are automated with the incorporation of AI-powered technologies like as Smart Fit and Audio Ducking, and the editing process is simplified through the use of guided edits and templates that can be dragged and dropped. Because of its huge effects library and its ability to generate content quickly, it is an ideal choice for anyone who are interested in becoming YouTubers or vloggers.

OpenShot

Feature	Description
Multi-track timeline	Edit video, audio, and titles on separate layers.
Trimming and transitions	Slice and dice your clips and add smooth visual connections.
Audio editing tools	Fine-tune sound levels, add fades, and apply sound effects.
Unlimited tracks and filters	Layer multiple effects and create complex visuals.
Open-source and free	No cost to download or use.

OpenShot, which is geared towards novices who are concerned about their finances, piqued my interest because it offers a substantial feature set without charging an exorbitant price. Creative storytelling is made possible by tools such as trimming, transitions, and audio editing, which are all easily accessible through the timeline interface, which is a familiar one.

OpenShot is an appealing alternative for individuals who are interested in beginning their video editing journey without paying a fortune. Although it may have a learning curve that is slightly steeper than that of some other options that are more beginner-friendly, the fact that it is free and open-source makes it an appealing choice.

Movavi Video Editor

Feature	Description
Chroma key	Replace your background with any image or video.
Multi-cam editing	Combine footage from multiple cameras seamlessly.
Color correction	Enhance the visual style of your clips.
Built-in effects and music library	Add polish with pre-made elements.
Guided tutorials	Learn the ropes at your own pace.

During the course of my investigation on Movavi Video Editor, I came across a programme that manages to bring together ease of use and powerful capabilities. Chromatic key, multi-camera editing, and colour correction are just some of the advanced tools that are included in its user-friendly interface alongside other features. The user-friendly interface and the provision of guided tutorials made for a more streamlined educational experience.

Although it is not free, Movavi is a smart investment for novice content creators because it is available for a one-time purchase that is not prohibitively expensive and it has a permanent licence.

Lumen5

Feature	Description
AI-powered video creation	Turn text and images into videos automatically.
Drag-and-drop template customization	Easily personalize pre-made video styles.
Vast library of stock footage and music	Access royalty-free visuals and audio.
Cloud-based platform	No software installation required.
Ideal for social media content creation	Optimized for quick and engaging videos.

On the basis of its speed and ease of use, I discovered that Lumen5 was an exceptional option. Because it is a cloud-based platform, it is particularly effective at converting articles and blog posts into videos that are interesting for social media. Because of the extensive library of templates and the drag-and-drop feature, I was able to produce visually appealing content in a matter of minutes, even though I had no prior expertise with editing.

When it comes to marketing or the development of content for social media, Lumen5 has proven to be a great tool because it prioritises efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Video Editing Software for Beginners

Beginning your journey into the world of video editing as a novice is an exciting endeavour, and choosing the appropriate software is an essential first step in the process. You may feel overwhelmed by the enormous number of possibilities that are accessible; nevertheless, if you take into consideration the most important aspects, you will be able to pick a tool that is suitable for your creative goals and abilities. Let’s go deeper into the fundamental aspects that ought to serve as the foundation for your decision-making process.

• User Interface and Ease of Use: Based on my own experience, I always look for software with a clean and easy-to-use layout. From my own experience, I know that a simple style keeps things clear and makes editing easy, which is especially helpful for someone like me who is just starting out.
• Editing Features: I’ve learned how important it is to find a mix between basic editing tools and ease of use as I’ve worked with video editing software. It’s important for beginners to be able to use basic tools like cutting, trimming, and adding changes without getting too confused by more advanced tools. Finding software that meets these requirements has made my editing skills a lot better.
• Import and Export Options: Easily importing media files and simple export choices are two other things I like about it. I like software that works with a lot of different file types and makes sharing files easy. This makes editing faster and easier for people who are just starting out.
• Affordability: Cost is a very important thing to think about for beginners like me when it comes to money. I usually choose software that either lets me try it out for free or has prices that are easy on the wallet. Some sites even have free versions with limited features, which lets me try them out and move up as I get better.
• Support and Learning Resources: From my own experience, having strong customer service and easy access to learning materials makes a huge difference for newbies. Choosing tools with a helpful community, like tutorials and forums, has sped up my learning curve a lot. Helping me figure out problems and getting advice from people who have used video editing tools for a long time has been very helpful.

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