Buzz
Fortunately, there are numerous free applications supporting video editing for YouTube across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. These programs empower users to execute essential tasks like adding text, overlaying filters, creating gradual fade effects, inserting music, removing unwanted video segments, running macros, and more.
1. HitFilm Express: A free video editing tool allowing you to enhance your editing skills
+ Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Abundance of customization options
- Regular updates with improvements/new features
+ Cons:
- Lengthy installation file download time
- High system configuration requirements
- Users need to purchase add-ons for full functionality
HitFilm Express boasts numerous features that any YouTuber would appreciate, such as enhancing color depth and image quality. However, to unlock its full potential, you need to make a payment. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of free video editing features for you to utilize.
Some standout features of HitFilm Express include:
- Auto-save every minute
- Dozens of keyboard shortcuts
- Color grading for 3D effects, text overlays, models, etc.
- Customizable maximum undo levels
- Default template options include 1080p Full HD
- Audio mixing and balancing
- Unlimited addition of music and video
You can use this free video editing tool for YouTube on Windows 10 and Windows 8, as well as macOS 10.14 Mojave, 10.13 High Sierra, and OS X 10.12 Sierra. Create a user account on FXhome before downloading HitFilm Express, then log in with the same account to find the download link and finally activate the program.
- Download HitFilm Express here.
Introducing Clipchamp: Your Online YouTube Editing Suite for Effortless Projects
+ Advantages:
- No software downloads required
- Swift registration process
- Intuitive editing experience
+ Drawbacks:
- File uploads necessary
- No free file options
- Limited video export to 480p format
Clipchamp comes in handy when you need speedy video edits. Its online capabilities eliminate the need for software downloads. Another strength lies in its user-friendly interface, making editing a breeze.
With this free video editor, you won't be able to create HD videos, but it allows you to export the final product as an MP4.
Other features include:
- Change the speed of video clips
- Resize or crop videos to fit the screen
- Rotate and flip videos
- Apply filters
- Blur videos
You can add content to your videos by uploading files to the Clipchamp website, then arrange the files and cut out what you don't need. Since this YouTube editor works only online, it is compatible with all operating systems. You can log in with your email or Google/Facebook account.
- Visit Clipchamp here.
3. Lightworks: YouTube video editor for easy use
+ Advantages:
- Direct upload to YouTube
- Edit while exporting
- Free tutorial videos
+ Disadvantages:
- Unable to export in UHD 4K
- Infrequent updates
- Directly add your voice to the timeline
- Build macros for faster editing
- Real-time preview of fonts
- Export videos up to 720p
- Publish to your YouTube account
Other features of Lightworks include drag-and-drop support, full-screen mode, customizable layouts, precise keyboard video cutting, multi-point clip conversion, automatic synchronization on import, transitions and filters, batch export, and a side-by-side comparison of two sources. Lightworks runs on Windows 10 through Windows Vista, Linux, and Mac (10.9 and above).
- Download Lightworks here.
4. Filmora: Diverse feature YouTube editing application
+ Advantages:
- Many useful features
- Insert free music and other additional utilities
- Ad-free
+ Disadvantages:
- Mandatory watermark
- Very few integrated themes and files
- Unable to save quickly and resume editing later
- FilmoraGo is easy to use and includes some great features like integrated music library, video transitions, and basic editing tools.
Additional features include:
- Directly add your voice from your phone
- Upload videos to YouTube as soon as they're finished
- Apply a theme to the entire video
- Allow automatic insertion of pre-installed or free downloaded music
- Support file uploads from Facebook, Google, and Instagram
- Crop clips to 16:9 or blur/cut edges
- Multiple overlays available
- Add fun-style titles
- Adjust clip speed with 7 options
- Rotate videos
- Adjust brightness, patterns, contrast
FilmoraGo runs on Android and iOS. There is also a desktop version of Filmora, but it will leave a large watermark in the middle of the video if you don't pay to remove it.
- Download Filmora here.
