Top 5 Free Video Editing Apps - Every Creator Must Know

Recently, with lockdown and the increasingly large amount of time used on screens. Videos have been an important source of media for all types of uses. The number of videographers and creators has also increased in these times, and something that is 100% needed for good content, is video editing. There are options like Premier Pro and Final Cut Pro X, but many of these are pricey and expensive, but as a wise man once said, there is no price to creativity. So here are 7 Free Video Editing apps every Creator must know.

1. DaVinci Resolve

Level: Advanced - Expert App Usage: Heavy Software: Windows, Mac

Recently, DaVinci Resolve has taken the video editing community by storm. The reason for this is that its professional industry-level software has so many features yet is free. The workflow is also a big plus, from VFX in the Fusion Page to Color Grading in the Color Page, to Audio in the Fairlight page, you have everything you need for your editing in one click. Although Resolve 17 can be overwhelming at first, a few tutorials and experiences over time can really change that con into a positive.

Many creators on YouTube have made the switch to resolve, and the majority definitely seems to enjoy it. Resolve isn't much you can complain about, used in many top-standard movies, there is a premium version with more features such as noise reduction and extra effects or 300$, but the free version for many is more than enough.

2. iMovie

Level: Beginner - Intermediate App Usage: Light Software: Mac

iMovie's been in the game for a long while on Apple Devices, and it's the perfect example, of "Simple Yet Effective". Free due to being built-in to MacOS, iMovie's great for video editing videos like Vlogs, Lifestyle Videos, and more. You can color correct, add titles, easily add voiceovers, and transition with ease as the UI is extremely clean, making difficult things seem so simple. I personally use iMovie for any school presentations, simple sequences, and friends' videos, as it's very easy to send over to them, and edit quickly. And if you ever think it's the time to get something more advanced, using Final Cut Pro X will be very easy as it's similar.

When I first started using iMovie, I thought it was too light of software and I'd eventually need to switch. But as long as you're not trying to edit something so complex as an industry-standard Movie, iMovie is seriously worth a shot. It doesn't require a heavy laptop, it's great for YouTube videos, and it's so easy to use.

3. Hitilm Express

Level: Mid-Beginner - Intermediate App Usage: Medium Software: Windows, Mac

HitFilm is a very unique video editor, the UI is a bit more cluttered than other editing programs, but it's very user-friendly for all types of creators. Centered towards VFX, you can make a lot of things in HitFilm, with the numerous packs and tutorials on their site, it's also very easy to learn and doesn't take too much time to use.

I've seen people use HitFilm mainly for Gaming Videos, and it performs pretty well. With the ability to edit and keyframe audio, and switch scenes quickly, HitFilm is perfect. The background and layout are very similar to Premiere Pro, which is known to organize every single part of editing. Overall, HitFilm is amazing for some Gaming Videos, Films, and Visual FX.

4. VSDC Free Video Editor

Level: Beginner - Intermediate App Usage: VERY Light Software: Windows

When starting on YouTube, VSDC was the software I used, and it's probably the most underrated one on this list. VSDC is a simple editor which packs a lot of powerful features such as advanced color grading, changing settings such as speed and pitch, and much more. And you don't have to worry about how powerful your laptop is since VSDC is meant for low consumption yet you can still edit 4k footage.

VSDC also has a Pro version for 20$, which unlocks more features such as motion tracking, and waveforms. The only con to VSDC is that it's only available on Windows. But that bad doesn't remove the good, and VSDC has a ton of good.

5. Shotcut

Level: Beginner - Intermediate/Advanced App Usage: Light Software: Windows, Mac, Linux

When the word Beginning Free Video Editing Software comes to mind, the first one I'd suggest is ShotCut. Shotcut has a pretty simple concept for editing, that does amazing. Like most great editors, you have different sections for different areas of editing. With Color Grading, Audio Ducking, and many more features, Shotcut's great for any type of video/film. The UI is pretty simple to understand as to add something, you add a filter that appears on the clip. Similar to FCPX, which is known to make the most complex things, easy to use.

Shotcut's also pretty light, so you can use any type of laptop regardless of power. And it's available, on Mac, Linux, and Windows, so as long as you have a laptop. You can probably run Shotcut smoothly and edit your videos with a simple click and drag.

2. Extra Honorable Mentions

6. OpenShot

Level Beginner - Half-Intermediate App Usage Light Software Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS

OpenShot is the simplest editor to use. Not meant for anything advances, but you can definitely edit some short YouTube videos. You can add some simple effects, trim, and even do a bit of keyframing. The look is a bit childish but it's better to not underestimate its power. It's great for reaction videos, gaming, and more. Since it's got all the features specifically for those genres.

The main part of the editing process, (cutting and trimming), is extremely easy, with clips snapping, and the ability to ripple delete, making a smooth sequence doesn't take too much time. OpenShot is on more platforms than Shotcut, and its light usage doesn't complicate the experience. You definitely won't feel overwhelmed by Openshot.

7. VN Video Editor

Level: Beginner-Advanced App Usage: Light Software: iOS, Android, Windows (Emulator), Mac

VN Video Editor is probably the best for the majority of people. You can cross edit, on the go from your phone, or at home with your laptop. The Interface and the way every tool is organized are brilliant and really satisfying to look at. Making it easy for a beginner, but there are also a load of tools at your disposal, so advanced users will also be content.

You've got options, to color grade, crop, transition, and add a load of graphics and audio. Everything is stored in such a playful and appealing way, there's a mini timeline to show your whole progress, and a button to add music for example, which is much easier than dragging to media, trimming and cropping, and then adding, so you can't really complain about much in VN. There's nothing to add, but nothing much to remove either. Overall VN Video Editor is absolutely amazing, and something I'd recommend for everyone to check out.