How To Edit Youtube Videos For Free On Mac

Why do you need a free video editing software

Free Video Editor For Mac
How To Edit Videos For Youtube
How To Edit Videos On A Laptop
How To Edit Videos On Pc
How To Edit Youtube Videos For Free

This video is unavailable. Watch Queue Queue. Watch Queue Queue Queue. Best Video Editor for Mac Free? Best Paid Video Editors Paid? I'll go over both options in this video to help you find what is best for you? I'm always asked. Use this complete all-in-one video toolbox to convert, edit, enhance, download, burn, organize, capture, and play any videos on your Mac. Try It Free Try It Free Wondershare DVD Creator for Mac. Nowadays, you can edit your videos using free or low-cost Youtube video editor tools. Whether you want to string a few shots together or you're a pro user who needs top rate editing, we hope you'll find one Youtube video editor for your own needs (and make your mamma proud). Editing is a brief process-said no one ever.

As with any good video in order to get it right it’ll need some edits. Editing your videos shouldn’t be that expensive either as there are some good, free, safe and easy to use video editing software in the internet.

Video editing has been made easy by tools that are readily available online. However, not all programs do what they're supposed to. A lot of such freeware packages are harmful and contain spyware/adware. Nevertheless, there’re a lot that are quite professional and there are even some that come without watermarks.

As there are so many on the market, we’ve put together a selection of 7 of the best free video editing software on the internet.

7 free and easy to use video editing software

Some of the software listed below are all recommended for either both Windows and Mac.

Openshot
Openshot is a great free video editing software for beginners who wants to edit YouTube videos. It has a very easy drag and drop facility that is much like that of iMovie and it’s excellent for making special occasion films.
Advantages
- The software is available for PC running Windows 10, 8 and 7. It’s also compatible with Linux and Mac platforms.
- It caters for both the novice user and the more experienced one.
- The program’s advanced timeline allows for panning, scrolling, zooming, snapping and easy drag and drop.
- The package comes with a whole trove of 3D animated subtitles, you can create titles or choose some from the hose of templates it has.
- The software is a full open source system.
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t have a very comprehensive help section.
Lightworks
If you’re looking for a professional video editing system then Lightworks is one of the best on the internet. This software is jammed full of useful utilities and features that more meet the needs of any user. It comes with a $25 per month Pro Version but the free version is more than adequate for most people’s editing needs.
Advantages
- Video trimming to the highest precision standard.
- It supports almost all video formats and allows for 720p video export to Youtube.
- It comes with all the standard and advanced video features.
- It’s one of the top packages for all kinds of video editing.
- The software is supported on Windows, Linux and Mac operating system platforms.
Disadvantages
- The video support in 4K for YouTube is only an option in the paid Pro version of the software.
- It’s not user-friendly for a beginner.
iMovie
As with most iProducts they’re relatively easy to use and come with just enough utilities and features. It’s a really great package in which anyone with a Mac can learn the basics of video editing. iMovie has easy to use drag and drop features, it’s very intuitive but there is only so much you can do with this software.
Advantages
- It’s one of the best program packages for Mac users to learn how to edit a video.
- Its features are very easy to use.
- 4k/60fps Video Recording with the Sony IMX377 Image Sensor capturing high-quality video in full High Definition (HD) and 12MP still images.
Disadvantages
- Available only on Mac.
- The software has limited features.
- Slow / sluggish rendering time.
Windows Movie Maker
Movie Maker is a hand free app that comes with Windows. It’s a very easy to use and simple piece of software that allows a person to add various background music, effects, titles and transitions to their videos. It has come a long way since it was first released.
Advantages
- It’s a system application that comes standard with Windows 7, 8.
- Easy to use timeline for adding clips.
- Has all the basic functions like slow motion, speed-up, trimming, video playback preview, etc.
- Enables the user to edit and capture feed direct for the PC camera.
- Excellent for beginners wanting to learn how to do some video editing before going into a more complicated application.
Disadvantages
- Only available on the Windows 7 and 8 platform.
- Limited functionality and features.
- Windows 10 no longer supports Movie Maker. For the OS you have to get Movie Moments from the store.
- People experienced in video editing will be limited with this application.
VSDC Video Editor
VSDC is one of the best apps. However, the problem with this application is that it’s only available for Windows users. It’s also quite expensive to get support on a problem because the free version doesn’t come with free support. The will charge you a monthly cost of $9.99 or a yearly one of $14.99. If you choose to buy the Pro version for $19.99 the support is free, and it unlocks a host of great functions.
Advantages
- The software is available only on the Windows Operating System Platform.
- Although VSDC free version comes with some power packed features, it does lack in quite a bit of powerful features and functionality.
- VSDC comes standard with audio editing and correction of color.
- The software is really easy to use.
Disadvantages
- Most of the features are available only in the Pro version.
- Support of the product is free only for a paid Pro member or if you pay for a month / a year.
Avidemux
If you’re looking for a software to learn how to edit, then this option is for you. It’s very easy to use and it has some great basic features and tasks. Avidemux is powerful in its simplicity and gives the novice user a great place to build the video editing knowledge.
Advantages
- Simple video editing applications for beginners.
- The software hasn’t got a lot of technical jargon, you don’t really even need to read the manual or help documents.
- Few basic editing functions like filtering, encoding and easy cutting features.
Disadvantages
- It’s really limited in its functionality and features.
- The app is not designed for anything other than the simplest video editing.
VideoPad
VideoPad is one of those small applications that end up being hugely surprising. It’s like a super version of Movie Maker.
Advantages
- For use with most Windows Operating system platforms.
- Simple and has great features that are helpful for a beginner user.
- It has a lot of powerful editing tools that even more experienced user will find it good for video editing.
- The software is compatible for video uploads to media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
- It supports various video file formats giving a wider editing choice.
- The editor is completely free for people who are using it for non-commercial use.
- Handy drag and drop features for quick easy timeline video creations which is good for making special occasion film montages.
- It comes loaded with special video effects, features and filters.
- The software has several different transition setting.
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t have as many special features and effects as some of its competitors.

Ask any Youtube creator, and they'll tell you the same thing: editing is one of the most important parts of post-production. But there is more to editing than meets the eye. Those who want to breeze through it know they can't do without the proper Youtube video editor tools.

In this article, we talk about how to hook your viewers with eye-catching Youtube videos and kill that editing game using the best Youtube video editors.

The Best YouTube Video Editors

You must be wondering what editing software YouTubers use the most. Before we jump to it, there are some things you should consider when choosing a Youtube video editor.

What kind of projects are you working on?
Do you need a straightforward tool for basic edits or complex ones?
What platforms are you using?
How much are you willing to invest in getting the most out of a YouTube video editor?

Without further mentions, here are our top 7 picks that run the show:

#1. iMovie

The classic Youtube free video editor that lets you create Hollywood-style trailers and stunning 4K-resolution video clips. Also, a perfect choice for beginner YouTubers who are new to intros, transitions, and filter selections.

Pros:

4K video for stunning cinema-quality films
Highly accessible and easy to use
Has a powerful mobile version that allows you to edit from your iPhone or Android
Extended collection of animated titles and credits
Ten creative video filters too choose from and add a cinematic touch
Clean and welcoming interface
Rich in features
Straightforward sharing options

Cons:

Only available for iOS
Limited editing features
Interface not customizable

User Review:

'iMovie is great for people that are not tech-savvy. It's simple to figure out and navigate around. It uses icons to help you know what to click on---for instance, when uploading to YouTube, there is an icon to click for ease of use. It is great for your basic movie editing needs.' - Tamara S

Price: Free

#2. DaVinci Resolve

A pro-level YouTube video editor including four high-end video-production modules for editing, color correction, audio production, video effects and motion graphics. 'The Basic features [...] are easy to use. Anything beyond the basics, though, and you'll want to consult the manual,' highlights Tom's Guide.

Pros:

Available for Mac, Windows and Linux
Free with no limits or watermarks
Intuitive interface
Great for color grading, compositing and audio production
Its integration with Fusion offers a 2D and 3D workspace with tools for compositing, painting, creating particle effects, keying, rotoscoping, adding text animation, tracking and performing stabilization

Cons:

High-end graphics functions require a powerful PC
No direct export to social media
Big learning curve
The free version lacks a few modern features

User Review:

'I use DaVinci Resolve to edit promotional videos for my own artwork, to edit other artists' videos, and videos for submissions to grant applications. Most of these videos use multiple camera sources, sometimes up to 10. They are regularly from a variety of cameras and the software has to sync all the angles up and allow for color correction to make the clips look similar. I have used Final Cut Pro for about 15 years but switched to DaVinci primarily for its color correction capabilities. It also does an excellent job syncing a variety of sources up.' - Verified User

Price: Free

#3. Lightworks 14

Whether it's social media, YouTube or 4K film projects, Lightworks is the tool to edit videos that stand out from the crowd. Let us just tell you it was the software of choice for editing The Wolf of Wall Street, LA Confidential, Pulp Fiction, Heat, Hug, The King's Speech and other legendary movies.

Pros:

Free Video Editor For Mac

Simple & intuitive user interface
Suitable for Windows, Linux & Mac OS X
Easy timeline editing & trimming
Lo-Res Proxy workflows for 4K
Real-time ready to use audio & video FX
Publish to your YouTube account
Broad file format support including variable frame rate media
Grade your sequence professionally utilizing up to 32bit GPU precision and histogram tool

Cons:

Limited export formats for the free version (MPEG or H.264 files up to 720p resolution)

User Review:

'I primarily used Lightworks for editing tutorial and gaming videos. One aspect of Lightworks I like a lot, and the reason I recommend it frequently is the free version. It's enough for almost all beginning editors despite the limitations. The dynamic workspace also works really well and I like the flexibility in organizing windows. The interface can be a bit confusing at first as it doesn't operate like most NLE interfaces, but once you get used to it, it's not too bad. I'd recommend starting with the trial and comparing it to other video editing programs like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, Vegas, Media Composer, and Edius.' - KC M

Price: Free version + Pro Plan starting at $€19.99 /month.

#4. Filmora9

An elegant Youtube video editing software any user can learn to use, regardless of their skill level.

Pros:

Compatible with Filmstocks effects store
Available for Windows and Mac
Supports 50+ formats
Intuitive, user-friendly interface
4k editing support
Burn your project to a DVD option
Basic editing tools (GIF support, noise removal, reverse mode, social media import, speed control, color tuning, frame preview, etc
Advanced video editing tools (PIP, Audio mixer, advanced text editing, green screen, screen recording, split-screen, 3D lut, tilt-shift, video stabilization, audio separation, scene detection, etc.)
Highly accessible to beginners

Cons:

Can't import and edit 360-degree videos
Doesn't track moving objects
Doesn't configure audio for surround sound
Doesn't suit all the needs of professional Youtube editors
Missing advanced features like closed captioning, Multicam, storyboard editing

User Review:

'Filmora is used at my organization for basic video editing to pitch investors and show the progress of our systems. It is used primarily by myself and, at times, some of my coworkers. We typically do not need to do much actual editing of videos, but we sometimes need to splice videos, overlay audio, and add annotations to the video. Nobody at my organization is an expert at video editing, and we were looking for the easiest software to use.' - Bill Greganti

Price: Several plans, including a free one and a one-time purchase for €59.99.

If you need to create short, snackable social videos, sign up to Lumen5 and produce thumb-stopping content in minutes.

#5. Final Cut Pro X

Apple's Final Cut Pro is a revolutionary Youtube video editing software designed to fit any video need. It's intuitive enough for new users and sophisticated enough for pro video editors. If you’re ready to graduate from iMovie and move to a more powerful Youtube video editor, this is it.

Pros:

360° video editing
4K HDR support
Stunning aesthetics
Advanced video editing features & functionality
Motion Graphics templates
Innovative magnetic timeline for faster, easier editing
Improved reliability when sharing to YouTube
User-friendly interface
High-quality built-in resources/templates
Professional lighting and color correction
Automatic uploads to YouTube

Cons:

Only available for Mac
No dedicated save function, only autosave

User Review:

'I am in the media and outreach department of my organization and we use Final Cut Pro X to edit all of the videos we put out on YouTube. We currently put out one video a week. There are no other departments in the organization that use Final Cut Pro X. The problem that it addresses is it gives me a powerful platform to create a video exactly how I want it to look with the built-in tools. Plus, it gives me the ability to install numerous plugins to expand the functionality. I also use Final Cut Pro X to edit a weekly vlog video on my own YouTube channel.' - Seth Paine

Price: $299/one-time payment (with a 30-day free trial).

#6. CyberLink PowerDirector 16

Bring editing to the mainstream and say good-bye to shaky footages with one of the best 360-degree movie makers. Suitable for beginners, causal users or professionals alike who need a reliable Youtube video editor.

Pros:

Robust stabilization, motion, object tracking and titling
Fast rendering
Complete format support
360 video stabilization
Advanced editing control over 360-degree footage
Video Collage Designer feature
MultiCam Designer feature to switch between footage shot from several cameras
Multi-key Sampling Chroma key editing for green screen editing
Best Matched Profile to select the video profile that best suits your video
Creative video blending
One-click color correction, intelligent color match and color grading
Easy upload to Youtube

Cons:

Only available for Windows
Can't trim video within the source panel

User Review:

'I use PowerDirector for all of my editing needs. I have two different YouTube channels and I've found that this program is just as good as their competition (that charges much more). It looks, smells, and acts just like any high-quality editing program but without the hefty price tag. I've been using this program for years and although the platform still looks the same, the continual improvements make it a great value for anyone wanting to make professional-looking videos on their own.' - Chad Von Dette

Price: there are three stand-alone versions and two suites; the basic starts at $69.99.

#7. Animoto

Animoto makes it easy to create and edit videos that get your brand noticed. From slideshows, recipes, tutorials, promos, marketing and square videos---Animoto handles the job like no other, but with a few limitations. If you don't have high editing demands and money to invest in high-end software, this Youtube video editor does a fine job.

Pros:

Stock and music library
Quickly customize colors, text, aspect ratio, styles
Pre-built storyboard templates
One-click voice-over tool
HD downloads at 1080p.
Instant share on social media
Easy to use
Strong online community
Easy social media integration
Polished looking videos

Cons:

Not suitable for high-demanding video editing
Can't make subtle changes to one frame
Limited edit styles
Lack of features for editing individual clips

User Review:

'Easy to pick up, edit and create videos and add auto links to social media. YouTube uploading is very good. Negatives or areas to improve: pay as you go price point is a little steep, the annual price point is almost 50% off. As an occasional user, I suggest a slightly lower price point may attract more customers or consider a quarterly payment option. The number of stock images or videos you can use is low---we used our own where needed. All in all, this is an excellent product for creating content for social media and networking sites or your own website.' - Matthew Hayward

Price: Starting at $33/month (free trial included)

These are the top tools for Youtube video editors who know their stuff. Now look, we get it. Editing is not always smooth and if you're in this game for real, it's time to get ahead of it.

Let's dive deeper into the editing phase and how to make sure you rock it.

How to Edit Youtube Videos Like a Pro

Once you know how to edit YouTube videos professionally, you'll notice at least one thing:

Your channel starts to grow (a.k.a---your dreams come true).

By learning how to edit your videos, you will be able to hold viewers’ attention longer, increase your watch time and rank higher in YouTube’s search results. Not to mention your channel will look more polished.

But there's a science to professionally editing videos. We did some asking around and gathered some nuggets of wisdom on how to do it in style.

According to Hubspot, 'If you can’t seamlessly weave your shots together or get your cut to hit the right frame, your video will seem unpolished and disengage your viewers.'
Harsh Agrawal's advice is to 'Ruthlessly edit your YouTube videos and make sure only your best videos get published.'
Make Use Of insists on the importance of trimming: 'It’s easy to just toss a clip on your timeline and call it a day. Don’t. Trim the beginning and the end of a clip to keep it clean---find the 'hot' moment before you add it. No one wants to waste time watching an open field before the action happens, so get used to editing succinctly for your audience’s benefit.'
Whatever you do, remember Neil Patel's tip: 'You don’t want to over-edit your videos, though you do want to give them a sense of style that separates you from the crowd.'

We talked about the editing process, but every Youtube creator knows there's a lot happening before it. Last but not least, let's go through the basics and how to make sure your Youtube get the attention they deserve.

What Makes a YouTube Video Stand Out?

It’s not too hard to see why video content rocks.

'Consumers like it because it’s easy to digest, entertaining and engaging, and marketers like it because it can give a potentially huge return on investment (ROI) through many channels,' points out the Digital Marketing Institute.

With 1.9 billion monthly user visits and an average of eight minutes and 41 seconds people spend each day on the platform, no wonder Youtube is a crowd-pleaser. (for more juicy Youtube stats, check out our last post).

Youtube creators use video content as a powerful way to tell their story and engage with their audience.

However, in this world chock-full of content, it's becoming more and more challenging to stand out. Youtube specialist Sunny Lenarduzzi knows the struggle is real. She shares some super actionable steps on how to create noteworthy videos and kill it on YouTube:

How To Edit Videos For Youtube

1. Don't Overlook the Thumbnails

'The things that you can do to differentiate your thumbnails from the other videos [...] is to use bright, colorful backdrops, big, bold text in your thumbnails,' suggests Sunny.

2. Consistent Brand Editing

Whatever you do, 'make sure that your videos are aligned across the board, so people know it’s your video without even knowing it’s yours,' says Sunny.

Hint: be consistent and use the same text color and font throughout your videos.

According to Sunny, 'Creating some sort of a style and brand around the editing you do in your videos is going to help you stand out on YouTube. It will make people familiar with your style of content so they want to keep coming back.'

3. Your Description Style Matters

'Set up your description in a similar way every time, so people get used to it and they know it’s your style. It makes them more apt to click on your video and actually watch it,' says Sunny. Plus, 'every little bit of consistency that you can add into your videos will help you outperform other people in your niche,' she adds.

4. Leverage Other Platforms

Sunny thinks 'the way to making your videos stand out on YouTube is actually getting off of YouTube.' Pay attention to how other platforms work and 'Play to the strengths of each platform---that’s the best way to share out your video to get the most eyeballs and traffic sent directly to YouTube.'

Hint: Call to actions (CTA's) are huge. Make sure your social media posts always send people to go check out your YouTube channel.

How To Edit Videos On A Laptop

And if you're ever looking to create videos for social media that turn heads, Lumen5 is your platform.

And here's one aspect that (almost) goes without mention:

5. Focus On The Knowledge Aspect

How To Edit Videos On Pc

Research shows 70% of millennial YouTube users watched a video to learn how to do something new last year.

Google is investing $20 million in educational content through its Learning Initiative, which will pay Youtube creators to make more explainers, how-tos, lectures, etc. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for Youtube creators to share more knowledge with their audience (and make some $$$).

Back in the days, post-production meant spending a lot of cash on professional equipment. Nowadays, you can edit your videos using free or low-cost Youtube video editor tools.

Whether you want to string a few shots together or you're a pro user who needs top rate editing, we hope you'll find one Youtube video editor for your own needs (and make your mamma proud).

Over to You

Editing is a brief process---said no one ever. A solid YouTube video editor will help you make it easier and hone it to a sharp point.

So what's your favorite Youtube video editor? Feel free to start the conversation and comment below.