In today’s attention-driven digital content world, properly editing your YouTube videos is as important as the content of the video itself. With so many YouTube video editor options available in 2024, it can be overwhelming to choose the right video editor for YouTube videos.
Finding the right video editor is one of the keys to producing professional, engaging content that stands out. So, what are the top YouTube video editors this year, and how can they help improve your channel? Let’s dive in and explore the best options for every creator.
Top Features to Look for in a YouTube Video Editor
When choosing the right YouTube video editor, there are a few essential features that can make or break your editing experience. First, look for an editor that offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface. You don’t want to spend hours learning complex software when you could be focusing on your content.
Here are the key features to look for in a video editors for YouTube videos:
- User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate for beginners and pros alike.
- Basic editing tools: Trimming, cutting, and splitting clips should be simple and effective.
- Transitions and effects: Adding a professional touch to your videos with smooth transitions and visual effects.
- Multi-layer editing: Ability to add overlays, music, and effects on separate tracks.
- Audio editing: Adjust volume, add background music, and fine-tune sound quality.
- Export options: Export in various formats and resolutions, including 4K.
- Templates and presets: Pre-designed options to speed up your editing process.
- Integration with YouTube: Direct upload options or easy export settings tailored for YouTube.
Free vs Paid YouTube Video Editors: What’s Worth It?
When choosing a YouTube video editor, one major decision is whether to go for a free or paid option. Free editors can be great for beginners or those on a budget. They often include essential tools like trimming, cutting, and basic effects. However, free editors may come with limitations, such as watermarks, fewer export options, or a limited range of features.
Paid YouTube video editors, on the other hand, unlock advanced tools and more flexibility. You’ll often get premium effects, smoother editing, and better support for high-quality exports like 4K or even 8K. These paid options are ideal if you’re serious about creating professional-level content or running a successful YouTube channel.
Ultimately, the choice between free and paid depends on your needs and goals. If you’re just starting out, a free YouTube video editor might be enough. But if you want more control and creativity, investing in a paid editor could be well worth it.
10 Best YouTube Video Editors in 2024
Now that we’ve covered the essential features and the difference between free and paid YouTube video editors let’s dive into the top options available in 2024. Whether you’re looking for a free editor or are ready to invest in a premium tool, these editors will help you take your video content to the next level.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerhouse in the video editing world, widely regarded as one of the best video editing software for YouTube, available in 2024. Its versatility makes it a go-to tool for both amateur creators and seasoned professionals.
Packed with advanced features like multi-cam editing, motion graphics, and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, Premiere Pro offers unmatched flexibility. For those in affiliate marketing, this tool provides the perfect setup for creating polished, high-quality videos that can help drive traffic and conversions.
Pros:
- Professional-grade tools: Offers advanced editing features that make your videos stand out, which is crucial for affiliate marketers looking to build trust with their audience.
- Integration with Adobe apps: Seamlessly integrates with Photoshop, After Effects, and other Adobe tools, allowing you to streamline your content creation process.
- Flexible export options: Supports all major formats and resolutions, including optimized settings for YouTube, ensuring your content looks crisp and professional.
- Customization: You can tailor almost every part of your editing process, from transitions to color correction, which is perfect if you want unique branding for affiliate videos.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve: While powerful, Adobe Premiere Pro may be overwhelming for beginners, especially those new to video editing.
- Subscription-based pricing: Can be expensive over time, particularly for those just starting in affiliate marketing.
Verdict: If you’re serious about growing your YouTube channel or making affiliate marketing videos that stand out, Adobe Premiere Pro is an excellent choice. Its professional features give you the control to craft high-quality content, though it may take time to master the software fully.
Price:
- Individual plan: $20.99/month (annual plan, paid monthly)
- Business plan: $35.99/month per license
- Student plan: $19.99/month for all Adobe apps
- Creative Cloud All Apps: $54.99/month (includes access to all Adobe software)
2. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is Apple’s flagship video editing software, known for its intuitive design and professional-level features. It’s a favorite among YouTube creators who want to produce high-quality videos without the complexity of some other professional editors.
With features like magnetic timelines, advanced color grading, and seamless integration with Mac’s ecosystem, Final Cut Pro offers a streamlined experience. For affiliate marketers, this YouTube video editor allows you to produce slick, engaging content that can captivate your audience and increase conversions.
Pros:
- Optimized for Mac users: Final Cut Pro is designed to take full advantage of macOS, providing smooth performance even with high-resolution footage, perfect for creating engaging affiliate videos.
- Magnetic timeline: This unique feature makes editing faster and more efficient, helping you save time on projects.
- Advanced color correction: With built-in tools for color grading, you can make your videos visually stunning, which is important for standing out in the crowded YouTube affiliate space.
- One-time purchase: Unlike many video editing software for YouTube, Final Cut Pro offers a one-time purchase model, which can be more affordable over time for creators.
Cons:
- Mac-only software: Final Cut Pro is exclusive to Apple devices, which limits access for Windows users.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners: While it’s more intuitive than some competitors, Final Cut Pro still requires time to master if you’re new to video editing.
Verdict: Final Cut Pro is an excellent choice for Mac users looking to invest in a one-time purchase YouTube video editor. It offers a balance of professional features and ease of use, making it ideal for affiliate marketers who want to produce high-quality, polished videos without recurring software fees.
Price:
- One-time purchase: $299.99 (lifetime access)
- 90-day free trial available for those wanting to test the software before committing
3. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a comprehensive video editor that combines professional-grade editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production in one package. Known for its powerful color-grading tools, DaVinci Resolve has become a popular choice among filmmakers and YouTubers alike. For affiliate marketers, this YouTube editor is perfect if you want to produce high-quality content while keeping costs low, as it offers a robust free version packed with essential features.
Pros:
- Free version with pro features: DaVinci Resolve’s free version includes many high-end tools like color correction, transitions, and multi-cam editing, making it one of the best YouTube editor candidates available.
- Advanced color grading: Known for its industry-standard color tools, DaVinci Resolve allows you to create visually stunning videos, giving your affiliate content a professional look.
- All-in-one software: Includes features for video editing, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio editing, reducing the need for multiple programs.
- Collaboration tools: Ideal for teams working remotely, which could benefit affiliate marketers collaborating on projects with other creators or editors.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve: While feature-rich, the complexity of DaVinci Resolve can be daunting for beginners, especially those new to video editing.
- Performance issues on lower-end hardware: Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, particularly when working with 4K footage or effects-heavy projects.
Verdict: DaVinci Resolve is one of the best YouTube video editors, offering a pro-level suite of tools even in its free version. It’s perfect for affiliate marketers who want to create high-quality, visually engaging content without investing in expensive software. However, its learning curve may require some patience.
Price:
- Free version: One of the best free editing software for YouTube
- DaVinci Resolve Studio (paid version): $295 one-time purchase (adds features like 3D tools, more effects, and higher resolution support).
4. Filmora
Filmora is designed for creators who want a simple yet effective YouTube video editor without the steep learning curve of more professional-grade tools. Offering a balance of intuitive design and powerful features, Filmora is perfect for beginners or affiliate marketers looking to produce engaging content quickly. It provides a range of pre-made templates, effects, and transitions that make editing fast and easy, while still allowing for enough customization to make your videos stand out.
Pros:
- Easy to use: Filmora’s drag-and-drop interface is perfect for beginners who want to create polished videos without the hassle of learning complex software.
- Affordable pricing: With both free and paid options, Filmora is accessible for content creators at any budget level, including affiliate marketers starting their journey.
- Templates and effects: Pre-built templates, transitions, and effects can make your affiliate marketing videos more dynamic without spending too much time on edits.
- Fast export options: Filmora offers quick export features with optimized settings for YouTube, making it easier to upload your videos with the right format and resolution.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features: While Filmora is great for beginners, advanced users may find its feature set lacking compared to professional YouTube video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
- Watermark on the free version: The free version leaves a watermark on exported videos, which might be a drawback if you’re trying to maintain a professional appearance in your affiliate marketing content.
Verdict: Filmora is one of the best editing software for YouTube for beginners and affiliate marketers who want to create eye-catching videos quickly and without much fuss. While it may not have the advanced features of more professional editors, its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it a solid choice for those just starting out.
Price:
- Free version: Includes basic features with a watermark on exports.
- Annual plan: $49.99/year (removes the watermark and unlocks more features).
- Lifetime plan: $79.99 one-time purchase (full access, no watermark).
- Filmora Pro: $149.99/year (for more advanced editing features).
5. iMovie
iMovie is Apple’s second entry in today’s product review, and this time as a free video editing software designed for casual creators and beginners. As an editing software for YouTube, iMovie is a simple yet powerful tool that comes pre-installed on Mac devices, offering an intuitive interface perfect for quick edits.
It’s especially great for affiliate marketers who are just starting out and need a straightforward tool to create professional-looking videos without investing in expensive software. iMovie includes features like built-in themes, transitions, and the ability to export directly to YouTube, making it an ideal choice for easy video production.
Pros:
- Free and pre-installed on Mac: iMovie is free and comes with every Mac, which is perfect for creators looking to avoid additional software costs.
- User-friendly interface: With its simple drag-and-drop editing and built-in templates, even beginners can create polished videos for their affiliate marketing efforts quickly.
- Good for basic editing: iMovie offers all the essential editing tools you need, like trimming, splitting, adding text, and inserting transitions, without overwhelming the user.
- Seamless integration with iCloud: iMovie works seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing you to start projects on one device and finish them on another, ideal for Mac users on the go.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features: iMovie lacks the advanced editing tools found in more professional YouTube video editors like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, which may limit its appeal for experienced editors.
- Mac-only: As an Apple-exclusive program, iMovie is not available to Windows users.
Verdict: For Mac users and beginners looking to create YouTube content, iMovie is an excellent starting point. It’s easy to use, free, and provides enough basic tools to help you produce quality videos for your affiliate marketing strategy. While it may lack the advanced features of paid editors, it’s more than capable of handling simple to moderate editing tasks.
Price:
- Completely free (available on all Mac devices)
6. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is one of the most powerful free YouTube video editors available, offering a wide range of features typically found in premium software. It combines video editing with visual effects tools, making it ideal for creators who want to elevate their content without spending money upfront.
For affiliate marketers, HitFilm Express provides everything needed to create professional-looking videos that can boost engagement and drive conversions, especially when you’re working with limited resources.
Pros:
- Powerful free version: HitFilm Express offers advanced features like color correction, transitions, and special effects, making it one of the most robust free video editing tools for YouTube.
- Visual effects integration: The software includes built-in VFX tools, allowing you to add cinematic effects, which can make affiliate videos more engaging and help you stand out from the competition.
- Customizable interface: HitFilm Express lets users customize their workspace, which can speed up your editing workflow and make content creation more efficient.
- YouTube direct upload: You can export videos in YouTube-optimized formats and upload them directly from the editor, simplifying the publishing process.
Cons:
- Learning curve: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners, especially those with no previous editing experience.
- Additional costs for premium features: While the free version is impressive, some advanced tools and effects are locked behind paid add-ons, which could limit your creativity unless you purchase them.
Verdict: HitFilm Express is a fantastic option for affiliate marketers and YouTubers who need a free, feature-rich video editor. Its combination of editing and visual effects tools makes it stand out in the free software market, though you may need to invest in add-ons for more advanced features. If you’re willing to learn the interface, this video editing software for YouTube videos can be a game-changer for your affiliate marketing content.
Price:
- Free version: Includes many essential tools and features.
- Add-ons: Starting at $9.99 for additional effects, transitions, and tools.
- HitFilm Pro: $349 one-time purchase (for more advanced features and professional-grade tools).
7. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is a user-friendly, mid-range video editing tool designed for beginners and intermediate creators. It’s especially appealing for YouTubers and affiliate marketers looking for an affordable option with a straightforward interface.
Movavi offers an intuitive drag-and-drop design, various built-in effects, transitions, and even basic audio editing tools. Whether you need to create tutorials, product reviews, or promotional content, this YouTube video editor is ideal for quickly producing polished videos that can help grow your affiliate marketing efforts.
Pros:
- Easy to use: Movavi is perfect for beginners, thanks to its simple interface and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to start creating content without any hassle.
- Built-in effects and transitions: With plenty of pre-designed filters, transitions, and effects, Movavi helps you create dynamic affiliate marketing videos that capture attention.
- Affordable pricing: Movavi offers a one-time purchase option that is cheaper than many other paid YouTube video editors, making it a budget-friendly option for creators.
- Fast rendering: The software offers quick export times, even with larger files, ensuring you can publish your videos promptly.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features: While great for beginners, Movavi lacks the advanced tools professional editors may need, such as 3D effects or multi-cam editing.
- Watermark in the free trial: The free trial adds a watermark to exported videos, which can be a disadvantage if you want to present professional content for affiliate marketing without purchasing the full version.
Verdict: Movavi Video Editor is an excellent choice for YouTubers and affiliate marketers who are new to video editing or those who want an affordable, easy-to-use tool. It provides enough features to produce professional-looking videos without overwhelming users, though it may not satisfy more advanced editors. If you’re looking for a YouTube video editor that balances simplicity with functionality, Movavi is worth considering.
Price:
- Free trial: Includes all features but exports with a watermark.
- One-time purchase: $74.95 (no watermark, full access to features).
- Annual subscription: $54.95/year (includes updates and access to new features)
8. Lightworks
Lightworks is a powerful, professional-level YouTube video editor that offers both free and paid versions, catering to creators at any skill level. It has been used in Hollywood films, which speaks to its high-quality editing capabilities.
For affiliate marketers looking to elevate their video content, Lightworks provides advanced features such as multi-cam editing, built-in effects, and precise trimming tools. Its free version is packed with enough features to produce professional videos, making it a strong contender for those on a budget.
Pros:
- Robust free version: Lightworks offers a generous free plan that includes professional editing tools like multi-cam support, color correction, and built-in effects, making it one of the best free YouTube video editors available.
- Pro-level features: Advanced features like precise trimming and real-time effects give affiliate marketers the ability to create polished, professional videos.
- Cross-platform support: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for users across multiple operating systems.
- Export options: You can export your videos in YouTube-ready formats, making it easier to get your affiliate content online quickly.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve: Lightworks is more advanced than many other YouTube video editors, so beginners may need time to get familiar with its interface.
- Limited export options in the free version: The free version limits you to 720p resolution exports, which might not be sufficient for affiliate marketers looking to create high-quality content.
- Subscription model for the full version: The paid version offers more features but requires a subscription, which might not be ideal for those seeking a one-time purchase option.
Verdict: Lightworks is another one of the fantastic editing programs for YouTube for affiliate marketers who need professional-grade tools but don’t want to commit to a hefty software investment upfront. Its free version offers many high-end features, but for those who need full HD or 4K exports, upgrading to the paid plan is necessary. If you’re serious about affiliate marketing and want to produce top-quality videos, Lightworks is a solid choice—provided you’re willing to learn its interface.
Price:
- Free version: Includes basic editing tools with 720p export limit.
- Lightworks Create (paid version): $9.99/month or $99.99/year (unlocks full HD export, more formats, and additional features).
- Lightworks Pro: $23.99/month or $239.99/year (adds advanced features, including 4K support and additional export options).
9. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source YouTube video editor that provides a wide range of features for creators who want professional-quality videos without the price tag. Its simple interface, combined with powerful editing tools, makes it an excellent choice for affiliate marketers looking to produce high-quality videos.
Shotcut supports a vast array of formats and resolutions, including 4K, and offers customizable editing features. While it may not have the polish of paid software, it packs a lot of punch for a free editor, making it ideal for budget-conscious creators.
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source: Shotcut offers an impressive array of features at no cost, making it an ideal tool for affiliate marketers looking to produce videos without financial investment.
- Wide format support: The software supports a variety of video, audio, and image formats, allowing you to work with almost any media file you need for your YouTube content.
- 4K video support: Unlike many free editors, Shotcut allows you to export videos in 4K resolution, which is perfect for affiliate marketers wanting to create high-quality, professional content.
- Customizable filters and effects: Offers a variety of video and audio filters that you can adjust, making it easier to create unique, polished videos.
Cons:
- Less intuitive interface: The interface can feel dated and isn’t as user-friendly as some other YouTube video editors, which might make it harder for beginners to get started.
- Lack of pre-built templates: Shotcut doesn’t offer ready-made templates or built-in effects like some other editors, which can slow down your editing process if you need quick, polished videos for affiliate marketing.
- Learning curve for advanced tools: While Shotcut offers advanced features, it may take some time to learn how to use them effectively.
Verdict: Shotcut is one of the best free YouTube video editors for creators who want advanced features without paying a dime. It’s perfect for affiliate marketers looking to produce professional-quality content, especially with its support for 4K resolution.
However, its somewhat dated interface and lack of built-in templates may slow down your workflow if you’re not experienced with video editing. Overall, it’s a great choice for those who are willing to put in the time to master its tools.
Price:
- Completely free and open-source: One of the best free editing software for YouTube with no paid versions or hidden costs.
10. InVideo
InVideo is an online YouTube video editor designed to make video creation fast and easy, especially for those who prefer working with templates. With a focus on speed and simplicity, InVideo allows users to create polished videos without needing advanced editing skills.
For affiliate marketers, this editor is perfect for quickly producing engaging content, whether it’s product reviews, tutorials, or promotional videos. InVideo offers a vast library of pre-designed templates, stock footage, and music to help create professional-quality videos in minutes.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: InVideo is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an ideal tool for beginners and affiliate marketers who want to create videos quickly.
- Massive library of templates: With over 5,000 customizable templates, affiliate marketers can easily find and modify templates to suit their needs, speeding up the video creation process.
- Cloud-based: As an online YouTube video editor, InVideo doesn’t require any downloads or powerful hardware, making it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Stock media integration: InVideo offers access to royalty-free images, videos, and music, perfect for creating eye-catching affiliate marketing videos without needing additional resources.
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing features: While InVideo excels at providing quick templates and basic tools, it lacks the advanced features needed for more complex edits, which could be a downside for experienced editors.
- Watermark on free version: The free version adds a watermark to exported videos, which can be a drawback if you’re aiming to present professional-looking affiliate marketing content without upgrading.
- Internet dependency: Since it’s cloud-based, you need a stable internet connection to work smoothly, which might be limiting if you’re traveling or in areas with spotty internet access.
Verdict: InVideo is a fantastic YouTube video editor for affiliate marketers who need a quick, easy-to-use solution for creating promotional content. Its vast library of templates and stock media makes video production effortless, especially if you’re working on tight deadlines or multiple projects. However, if you’re looking for more advanced editing capabilities or offline access, InVideo might feel limiting.
Price:
- Free plan: Includes watermark on videos, access to limited templates, and basic tools.
- Business plan: $15/month or $180/year (removes watermark, unlocks premium templates, and offers HD export).
- Unlimited plan: $30/month or $360/year (includes everything in the business plan plus unlimited premium media).
Conclusion
In 2024, there are plenty of excellent YouTube video editors to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned content creator. Each tool offers unique features to help you create high-quality videos that can boost your affiliate marketing efforts. From the professional-grade Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro to the more beginner-friendly options like Filmora and InVideo, there’s something for everyone.
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