Best Apps to Edit YouTube Videos for Beginners

Searching for the best apps to edit YouTube videos can be overwhelming. I tend to prefer written content over video, but there’s just no denying the increasing power of video — especially short form video.

Here’s what I know for sure. The faster you go from idea to implementation, the more successful you’re going to be. Based on my conversations with all of you, I’ve found that the tech behind making YouTube videos — or any other type of video often turns into a massive obstacle and hence, doesn’t get done.

Well, I’ve been playing with a variety of different apps to edit YouTube videos and I thought I’d share this with you.

This write-up cuts through the noise, bringing you a curated list of apps tailored for different editing needs – from mobile-friendly interfaces to sophisticated desktop solutions. Forget about fancy jargon—this article gets straight to the point, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each contender. Find the right tool to make your YouTube videos stand out, without the sales pitch.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your video editing skills, these apps offer a vast range of tools to suit any skill level:

• Best for Mobile Editing: CapCut
• Best for Advanced Features: Movavi Video Suite
• Easiest to Use: Filmora
• Best for Apple Users: iMovie
• Best for Browser-Based Editing: Kapwing

Why I Think These are The Best Apps to Edit YouTube Videos

When it comes to finding the best apps to edit YouTube videos I have a few general criteria:

• Free or one time price: Personally, I don’t do a ton of YouTube videos, so I’m generally looking for something that costs less than $50 per month.
• Online only: I hate downloading and updating software, so I prefer SaaS types of editors. This is tough, because I’m philosophically against the idea of renting things. But you do you.
• Easy, low-tech, WYSIWYG: I’m not a professional video editor, complicated folders, timelines, and features confuse me. So I like to keep it simple. Again, I don’t do a lot of complicated editing, so this suits me fine.

Snapshot of Top Video Editing Apps

In the sea of video editing apps and video editing software, five stand out as the best video editing app options for their unique blend of features and user-friendly aspects.

Best for mobile editing, CapCut offers a range of features such as cutting, speed adjustments, reversals, and multimedia integration, catering to a wide audience from beginners to advanced users.

Movavi Video Suite is the ideal video software choice for those seeking advanced features. It provides a rich set of editing tools including:

• AI motion tracking
• Professional-grade color correction
• Perfect-match overlay effects
• A vast collection of professionally designed effects

These basic editing tools are part of a professional editing software, enhancing the experience to edit videos and making editing video a breeze.

If you are in the Apple ecosphere, iMovie provides a dependable option for basic video editing tasks, especially for Apple enthusiasts. As a video editor, its simple and intuitive interface makes it a popular choice. Filmora, recognized for its user-friendly interface and extensive effects library, is an ideal option if ease of use is a priority.

For those who prefer browser-based editing, Kapwing serves as a versatile editor that enables easy collaboration and multi-device access.

CapCut – Best for Mobile Editing

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Specifications:

• Compatible with iOS and Android
• Offers a variety of editing tools

Pros:

• Wide range of features
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Some reported technical issues
• Some features behind a paywall

CapCut distinguishes itself as the top choice for mobile video editing, thanks to its:

• Intuitive interface
• Advanced editing tools
• AI-powered features
• Vast selection of templates

These factors contribute to its popularity among content creators. Moreover, its compatibility with multiple platforms and cloud storage support aids in media sharing and management, enhancing the overall editing experience on mobile devices.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported technical issues and slow performance, particularly when performing animation tasks. Furthermore, the escalating number of ‘pro’ features behind a paywall could limit access to certain advanced tools. But overall, despite these minor hiccups, CapCut remains a highly popular choice for video editing on mobile devices.

Movavi Video Suite – Best for Advanced Features

Price: Starts at $95.00

Specifications:

• Compatible with Windows and Mac
• Offers advanced editing features

Pros:

• Rich set of advanced features
• User experience improvements

Cons:

• Kind of pricey
• Some users report software lag and bugs
• Aggressive pricing model

Movavi Video Suite stands out with its spectrum of advanced features such as AI motion tracking, professional-grade color correction, and perfect-match overlay effects, alongside a vast collection of professionally designed effects. It enhances the editing experience with user experience improvements, such as AI background and noise removal and direct upload options for social media platforms like TikTok.

However, there are some pitfalls. Users have reported experiencing software lag and encountering bugs, which can be frustrating. Criticisms also include the trial version’s watermark and dissatisfaction with the software’s pricing model and the size of the files it creates.

Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers consider Movavi Video Suite a reliable tool for producing high-quality content efficiently.

Filmora – Easiest to Use

Price: Starts at $29.99 per quarter

Specifications:

• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS
• Offers a user-friendly interface

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Vast library of effects

Cons:

• Dissatisfaction with customer support
• Reported technical challenges

Filmora is part of the Wondershare suite (that you can purchase individually). I use several of their products and have to say that I’m a fan.

Filmora distinguishes itself with its beginner-friendly interface, while also catering to professionals with its advanced features. The application boasts a vast library of effects, transitions, and overlays that are frequently updated, empowering users to enhance their videos creatively.

However, some users have reported the following issues with Filmora:

• Dissatisfaction with customer support
• Difficulties with website navigation and obtaining refunds
• Technical challenges such as lagging and flickering during video preview

These issues can detract from the smooth editing process.

Despite these drawbacks, Filmora is recommended for beginners and content creators who want to create professional-looking content without extensive video editing knowledge.

iMovie – Best for Apple Users

Price: Free

Specifications:

• Compatible with iOS and Mac devices and Windows too!
• Offers basic video editing tools

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• No ads or watermarks

Cons:

• Limited transition effects
• Large file sizes of exported videos

iMovie is known for its simplistic and intuitive interface, making it suitable for video editing beginners. The app is known for being reliable for basic video editing tasks, especially among Apple device owners. One of the key advantages of iMovie is the absence of ads and watermarks, which is particularly appreciated by content creators who aim to maintain a professional appearance in their videos.

However, iMovie is not without its limitations. The app faces criticism for its limited transition effects and restricted movement of text elements. Users have also expressed concerns about the large file sizes of exported videos, which could lead to storage problems.

Despite these limitations, for Apple users, iMovie is a reliable choice for basic video editing tasks.

Kapwing – Best for Browser-Based Editing

Price: Free, with a Pro version available for $24/month

Specifications:

• Browser-based editing
• Compatible with any device with internet access

Pros:

• Operates entirely within the web browser
• Accessible across multiple devices and platforms

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version
• Internet connection required for use

Kapwing, a browser-based editor, is notable for its accessibility, allowing for effortless collaboration and multi-device access. It operates entirely within the web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads, and its user-friendly interface facilitates the editing process for content creators of varying skill levels.

However, while Kapwing provides a comprehensive set of editing tools, the free version of the software has limited features, and an internet connection is required to use the editor. Despite these drawbacks, Kapwing’s browser-based editing capabilities make it a versatile choice for individuals and teams alike.

Choosing the Right Video Editing App for Your Needs

Several factors should be considered when selecting the ideal video editing app for your needs. Here are some important considerations:

• The app should support the video formats produced by your camera, especially if you use specialized equipment like drones or action cameras.
• Compatibility with preferred storage solutions is important.
• The ability to import from and export to various platforms is also important.

Ease of use and the learning curve of the app are critical. Look for software with templates, auto modes, and accessible tutorials to streamline the video editing process. Also, consider the content libraries of a video editing app. A good variety of stickers, graphics, special effects, type fonts, sounds, and music that match your style and project needs can make all the difference.

Lastly, budget considerations are important. While free options may have limitations, professional-grade software can be expensive and include unnecessary features for YouTube content creation. Before making a purchase, trying out the free version of a video editing app can help determine if it meets your requirements.

What to Look for in a YouTube Editing App

The ideal YouTube editing app ultimately depends on what aligns with your preferred working style. How many YouTube videos are you going to be making? If video is a big part of what you do, you’ll need to get very good at it, and a YouTube create app might be the perfect solution for you.

The app interface should be intuitive, with a timeline that clearly indicates how to add the following materials effectively:

• Videos
• Sounds
• Transitions
• Texts
• Other materials

Moreover, the app should be compatible across different devices and offer seamless cross-device use.

Lastly, consider the quality of customer support and the availability of tutorials or educational resources. A dedicated YouTube channel or third-party tutorial videos for the app can ensure there is adequate instructional support for learning how to use it effectively.

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the best app to edit YouTube videos for beginners comes down to understanding your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s mobile editing with CapCut, advanced features with Movavi, ease of use with Filmora, compatibility with Apple devices with iMovie, or browser-based editing with Kapwing, there’s something for everyone. So dive in, start experimenting and discover the world of video editing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What app do YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Many YouTubers use programs like Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Premiere Pro, and Adobe Premiere to edit their videos, as these tools offer powerful editing capabilities and are widely used in the industry.

How do you edit videos on YouTube app?

You can edit your videos on the YouTube app by opening the YouTube Studio app, selecting the video you want to edit, and then tapping on “Edit” to make any necessary adjustments to the video details.

Which free app is best for YouTube video editing?

For YouTube video editing, DaVinci Resolve and YouCut are two great free apps with advanced features and user-friendly interfaces. Both apps offer powerful editing tools and a range of functionalities to meet your video editing needs.

Which tool is best for YouTube video editing?

For most people, Adobe Premiere Pro is the best tool for YouTube video editing. However, if you prefer something mobile-focused or free, you can consider Premiere Rush or Apple’s iMovie. Choose the one that best fits your needs!

What is the best app for mobile video editing?

CapCut is the best app for mobile video editing due to its wide range of features and intuitive interface. Try it out for all your editing needs!