YouTube is an ideal platform to share videos related to all kinds of weird and wonderful interests. But before you share your content with other people, editing your footage is crucial. Besides adjusting colors and lighting, removing sections that don’t add value and adjusting your audio is also essential.
One concern that stops many people from starting YouTube is the perceived cost associated with launching a channel. But the reality is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money, and you’re able to even edit your videos for free.
Today, you’ll discover some of the best options for editing videos on YouTube without needing to pay anything.
1. YouTube Studio
The easiest place to start with editing YouTube videos for free is YouTube Studio. Although you’re not going to get features as advanced as some of the other options on this list, it’s a handy tool if you only want to make minor adjustments.
With YouTube Studio, you’re able to trim and cut parts of the video clips that don’t need to be there. On top of that, you also have the option to pick music from YouTube’s library—and there is an option to search for specific tracks if you want to make your video more lively. But if the options don’t suffice, you can always check out othersites to download free music for your YouTube videos.
YouTube Studio also allows you to add information cards, and for content with a duration longer than 25 seconds, you can create an end screen.
To edit videos on YouTube Studio:
Knowing how to edit YouTube videos is only one part of the jigsaw for launching a successful project. You should also figure out the otherconsiderations for setting up your YouTube channel.
2. DaVinci Resolve
Arguably the best tool to edit YouTube videos for free is DaVinci Resolve. The platform, which was created by Blackmagic Design, is a favorite with amateur and professional YouTubers and filmmakers alike.
Compared to YouTube Studio, DaVinci Resolve has an incredibly advanced suite of editing tools. Besides trimming clips, you can edit your voice audio directly within the app. You can evenrecord audio and voiceovers in DaVinci Resolve 18if you wish.
Another benefit of using DaVinci Resolve to edit YouTube videos is that you can access numerous color editing features. For example, you can use different camera profiles for a host of manufacturers. On top of that, you have the option to adjust temperature, gamma, hue, and much more.
To manage your project workflow in DaVinci Resolve more effectively, you can also use nodes. These can be quite confusing, to begin with, so it’s worth learninghow to use nodes in DaVinci Resolve.
In addition to desktop devices, you can alsoedit videos in DaVinci Resolve on an iPad. Depending on the device you have, you may be able to edit 4K—but even if you don’t, adjusting 1080p shouldn’t be a problem.
If you later want more advanced features and don’t mind paying money for video editing software, DaVinci Resolve Studio is available for a $299 one-time purchase.
Download:DaVinci Resolve forDesktop|iPad(Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe has several video editing apps, with Premiere Pro being the most famous version. However, you can also enjoy editing YouTube videos in Premiere Rush—and unlike Premiere Pro, you don’t need to pay money for the service.
With the free version of Premiere Rush, you can trim clips and add audio to your projects. You’ve also got the option to choose from numerous transitions that can make your content more engaging to viewers. Furthermore, you can make some basic color adjustments—such as using a selection of presets and altering the intensity.
Premiere Rush lets you add graphics and change the scaling options for your video clips. In addition to editing long-form YouTube content, the app makes it easy for you to bring your YouTube Shorts to life. So, if you want togive some of your YouTube Shorts ideas a go, this could be the app you’re looking for.
One advantage Premiere Rush has over DaVinci Resolve is that it’s available on a broader selection of mobile devices. You can use it on your iPhone (along with iPad), and Android users also have access.
Like DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Rush has a premium version that gives you access to more features—such as 100GB of cloud storage and 4K video exporting.
Download:Premiere Rush foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Apple Photos
Compared to even a few years ago,Apple Photos’ video and photo editing capabilities have improved dramatically. You can choose from a broad selection of filters for your videos, including our favorites Vivid and Dramatic. Moreover, you’ve got the option to decide how high you want the intensity for these to be.
Apple Photosalso allows you to make adjustments that you’ll find in other video editing apps, such as highlights, contrast, and saturation. If you want to streamline your workflow, you can also use the Auto feature to make adjustments with minimal input required on your end.
Another helpful feature in Apple Photos is that you can crop and rotate your footage. One thing to note is that you’ll need a separate tool to bring multiple clips together, so Apple Photos is better for editing Shorts or one-take videos. Alternatively, you can use it in conjunction with any of the apps we’ve already mentioned.
Canvais the go-to editing and design tool for creatives in many fields, including photography and graphic design. But did you know that you’ve also got the option to edit YouTube videos within the program?
When using Canva to edit YouTube videos, you’re able to bring multiple clips together after uploading them. For each of these, you have the option to add filters to quickly adjust your colors.
AnAdjustsection is also available, though at the time of writing in August 2023, this is in Beta mode. Within this area of the app, you’re able to alter the temperature in your clips—along with brightness, saturation, and more.
Canva also gives you the flexibility to add different elements to your video, such as text and logos. Moreover, you can create your intros and end screens within the app.
Download:Canva forWindows|iOS|Mac|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
YouTube Video Editing Doesn’t Need to Cost Anything
Having read this guide, you should now be better equipped to edit your YouTube videos for free. Many of these apps have a huge range of features that you don’t need to pay for. As a beginner, the most important aspects to consider are audio, lighting, and basic color adjustments—along with being able to remove sections you don’t want. Give these apps a go to see how you like them.
