With the rise of video-based social media giants like YouTube and TikTok, its editing has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Everyone wants to be an influencer and post the next viral video, but that dream is contingent on one critical factor: having the right tools.
For businesses looking to create promotional videos, there is a plethora of desktop-based editing software available. The main advantage of free desktop video editing software is that it has more features than most mobile video editing apps.
While Windows PC has long been the preferred device for editors, Mac is quickly becoming the standard for creative professionals such as video editors and photographers. With the release of more affordable models such as the Macbook Air, iMac, and Mac mini, more students and enthusiasts have begun to embrace Mac computers.
1. Lightworks
Lightworks has an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to get started. It is one of the more accessible and simple-to-learn Linux video editing software options on this list, with a collection of detailed video tutorials. Lightworks includes a library of original stock videos and music clips that are licensed for use in any videos you edit in the program, allowing you to give any marketing video a polished look.
Features
- High-quality simple trimming functions for quick and accurate video editing
- Speed optimization allows you to continue editing while importing new content. Multicam editing allows you to sync clips from multiple cameras.
- Real-time team project collaboration with complete control over who has editing access.
- Video sharing is made simple with quick export to YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Support for a variety of video formats
Available for: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price: Free, $24.99 per month for the Pro version
2. VideoPad
VideoPad is an excellent free video editing software for anyone looking to create high-quality videos without spending any money. With VideoPad, you can experiment with various video compositions and styles by using simple and easy-to-use features such as 3D video editing and a sound effects library. You can add special effects, overlays, texts, and transitions to your videos and color and sound effects. Then, quickly and easily export all of your completed videos to YouTube, Facebook, Google Drive, and other mobile devices.
Features
- For simple and intuitive editing, there are two built-in screens (one to preview selected clips and one to preview the entire sequence).
- Transitions that are pre-made and customizable for polished professionalism
- Exporting presets allows you to quickly create video files optimized for specific platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, and then post them directly from the software.
- To instantly share videos online, use social media sharing and publishing tools.
- A large collection of video transitions and visual effects for personalized videos.
- Tools for optimization, such as stabilization
Available for: Mac, Windows
Price: Free
3. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express may seem a little advanced at first—it is used to create Hollywood-style films—but it is worth the learning curve because it is one of the best all-in-one free video editors available. (When you download the software, HitFilm will ask you to share a social media status update, but it is a small price to pay.) HitFilm includes animation tools that allow you to create and edit audio and video transitions without the need for composite shots, which saves a significant amount of time when editing videos.
Features
- Professional video editing features such as motion tracking, color pickers, and cropping tools.
- Enhancements to composite shots that allow you to animate two separate shots together for surreal video effects.
- An auto-stabilizer that smoothes out shaky footage.
- Create an unlimited number of video and audio timeline tracks.
- An adaptive trimmer that allows you to re-cut clips after being added to the timeline.
- Capability to copy a set of attributes from one clip and apply them to another or an entire project.
- Audio mixer for fine-tuning sound for high-quality output.
- Transition options include push, zoom, and dissolve.
Available for: Mac and Windows
Price: Free, $349 for the Pro version
4. VSDC Free Video Editor
There are two versions of VSDC’s desktop video editing software available: free and paid. VSDC’s full video editing suite, including a mask tool and chroma key functionality for green-screen video effects, is included in the free version.
If you upgrade to the full version, the toolkit expands to include stabilization, powerful post-production effects, slideshow/presentation capabilities, 3D diagram templates, and direct social media publishing.
Features
- Color-correction software for a more professional appearance
- A comprehensive set of transitional effects
- Image filters that are simple to use, similar to those found on Instagram
- Masking tools are used to hide, blur, or highlight specific elements.
- Share videos on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo using this social media link.
- HEVC/H.265 (an advanced video-compression standard) for maintaining maximum quality while maintaining the smallest file size—essential for processing 4K and HD files.
Available for: Windows
Price: Free, $19.99 for the Pro version
5. OpenShot
Because of its simple user interface, OpenShot is an excellent video editing program for beginners. While more complex tools may include more editing features, OpenShot’s simple interface, and minimalist design are ideal for basic editing. OpenShot is a good choice for small businesses because it is good for clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, and. Credit scrolling, frame stepping, time mapping, audio editing, and real-time preview are also included.
Features
- Watermarks, background videos, and audio tracks can all have unlimited layers.
- Templates for customizing title cards
- Drag-and-drop functionality makes it simple to add videos, audio, and image files.
- Brightness, gamma, hue, greyscale, and chroma key compositing for green-screen effects are examples of digital effects.
- Capabilities for powerful keyframe animation for creating animated videos
Available for: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price: Free
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