10 Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
In today’s digital age, video content is everywhere—whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or online courses. But if you’re just starting, finding the best video editing software for beginners can be overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
Luckily, you don’t need to be a professional editor to create stunning videos! Many video editing tools are designed with beginners in mind, offering user-friendly interfaces, drag-and-drop features, and powerful editing capabilities.
Whether you want to create vlogs, business presentations, or short social media clips, this guide will help you find the 10 best video editing software for beginners in 2024. We’ve carefully reviewed each software based on ease of use, features, price, and compatibility to help you make an informed choice.
Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
| Software | Best For | Platform | Free Version | AI Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector | Overall best editing experience | Windows, Mac | Yes | Yes |
| Promeo | Quick social media content | Windows, Mac | Yes | Yes |
| Corel VideoStudio Ultimate | Motion tracking & 360° editing | Windows | No | Yes |
| VideoProc Vlogger | Simple vlog editing | Windows, Mac | Yes | No |
| WeVideo | Cloud-based collaboration | Windows, Mac | Yes | No |
| OpenShot | Open-source & free editing | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | No |
| iMovie | Best for Apple users | Mac, iOS | Yes | Yes |
| VideoPad | Lightweight & beginner-friendly | Windows, Mac | Yes | No |
| Movavi Video Editor | Feature-rich yet simple | Windows, Mac | No | Yes |
| Kapwing | Online & collaboration-friendly | Web-based | Yes | Yes |
| Adobe Premiere Elements | Advanced features with beginner ease | Windows, Mac | No | Yes |
Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
1. PowerDirector – Best Overall for Beginners
PowerDirector is one of the most beginner-friendly yet powerful video editing tools available. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, AI-powered tools, and hundreds of built-in effects to make editing effortless.
Why Choose PowerDirector?
- AI Features: Auto-scene detection, motion tracking, and AI-powered background removal.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive timeline editing with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Advanced Features: Multicam editing, color grading, and 360° video support.
- Free Version Available: The basic version allows beginners to explore key features.
Who Should Use It?
If you’re a beginner looking for a powerful yet simple editing tool, PowerDirector is a fantastic choice.
2. Promeo – Best for Social Media Content
Promeo is designed for those who want to create quick, engaging videos for platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. It comes with ready-made templates and easy-to-use editing tools.
Key Features
✅ Pre-made social media templates
✅ AI-powered auto-captions
✅ Background music and text animations
Why Promeo?
If you’re an influencer, small business owner, or social media marketer, Promeo makes content creation easy and efficient.
3. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate – Best for Motion Tracking
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is an excellent choice for beginners who want to experiment with motion tracking, 360° video editing, and stop-motion animation.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Smart Motion Tracking for advanced effects
- Split-screen video editing
- Built-in tutorials to help beginners learn quickly
If you’re interested in adding professional motion-tracking effects to your videos, this is the perfect tool.
4. VideoProc Vlogger – Best for Vlogging
For vloggers looking for a simple yet powerful tool, VideoProc Vlogger is a top pick. It’s optimized for action cameras, drones, and mobile footage.
Top Features
🎥 Speed ramping & motion effects
🎵 Audio editing tools for clear voiceovers
📽️ Support for 4K video processing
Ideal for YouTubers and travel vloggers who need fast, high-quality video editing.
5. WeVideo – Best Cloud-Based Video Editor
WeVideo is a cloud-based editor that allows you to edit from any device without downloading heavy software.
Why WeVideo?
☁️ Edit from any device
👥 Real-time collaboration for teams
🎬 Green screen effects included
Great for collaborative projects or businesses that need remote editing capabilities.
6. OpenShot – Best Free Open-Source Editor
For those who want a 100% free and open-source editing tool, OpenShot is a fantastic choice.
Key Benefits
🔹 Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
🔹 Unlimited layers for video/audio editing
🔹 Advanced keyframe animations
Perfect for students or hobbyists who need a free yet powerful video editor.
7. iMovie – Best for Mac Users
iMovie is pre-installed on all Apple devices, making it the go-to choice for Mac users.
What’s Special About iMovie?
🍏 Simple drag-and-drop editing
📽️ Hollywood-style trailers & effects
📱 Syncs seamlessly between Mac and iPhone
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, iMovie is a great free option.
8. VideoPad – Lightweight and Beginner-Friendly
VideoPad is one of the lightest video editors, making it perfect for older or lower-end PCs.
Best Features
🔸 Simple timeline editing
🔹 Export to multiple formats
🔸 Built-in sound effects & transitions
Best for beginners who want something easy & fast.
9. Movavi Video Editor – Best for Fun & Creative Edits
Movavi is a beginner-friendly software with tons of fun effects, filters, and transitions.
Key Features
🎭 AI-powered motion tracking
🎨 One-click filters & transitions
🎬 Fast video rendering
A perfect pick for hobbyists and social media creators.
10. Kapwing – Best Online Video Editor
Kapwing is an online video editor that allows quick, browser-based editing with no software download.
Why Kapwing?
☁️ Works on any device
📝 AI-powered auto-subtitles
🎨 Drag-and-drop interface
Ideal for quick and simple projects without installing software.
11. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Advanced Beginners
Adobe Premiere Elements bridges the gap between beginner-friendly tools and professional-grade editing.
Best Features
⭐ AI-powered auto-editing
🎞️ Guided editing for beginners
📺 Stunning visual effects
If you’re serious about video editing, Premiere Elements is a great step toward professional tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best video editing software for absolute beginners?
The best option for beginners is PowerDirector due to its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop editing, and AI-powered tools. Other great choices include iMovie for Mac users and OpenShot for those looking for a free editor.
2. Which free video editing software is the best?
If you’re looking for a completely free editor, OpenShot, iMovie, and VideoPad are excellent choices. They offer basic editing tools, transitions, and export options without a cost.
3. What is the easiest video editing software to learn?
Movavi Video Editor, iMovie, and PowerDirector are considered some of the easiest video editors to learn, thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and built-in tutorials.
4. Can beginners edit videos on a low-end PC?
Yes! VideoPad and OpenShot are lightweight and can run smoothly on low-end computers. WeVideo is also a great cloud-based option that doesn’t require powerful hardware.
5. Which video editor is best for YouTube content creation?
PowerDirector, Movavi Video Editor, and Adobe Premiere Elements are excellent for YouTube due to their professional transitions, sound editing tools, and YouTube export options.
6. What is the best video editing software for social media content?
For quick and engaging social media content, Promeo, Kapwing, and WeVideo are the best choices. They offer pre-made templates, auto-subtitles, and fast exports for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
7. Do I need a powerful computer for video editing?
Not necessarily. Many editors like WeVideo, OpenShot, and iMovie work well on average computers. However, for high-quality 4K video editing, a dedicated graphics card and sufficient RAM are recommended.
8. Can I edit videos on my phone using these software?
Yes! Promeo, iMovie, and PowerDirector have mobile versions, making them great choices for editing on the go.
9. Is it worth paying for premium video editing software?
If you’re planning to create high-quality content regularly, premium software like Adobe Premiere Elements or Corel VideoStudio Ultimate offers more features and better performance. However, free tools like OpenShot and iMovie can still get the job done for basic editing.
10. Which software is best for creating professional-looking videos?
If you’re a beginner but want a professional touch, go for PowerDirector, Adobe Premiere Elements, or Corel VideoStudio Ultimate. They offer advanced editing tools while remaining user-friendly.
Conclusion
- Want the best overall? → PowerDirector
- Need quick social media content? → Promeo
- Prefer a free editor? → OpenShot or iMovie
- Looking for professional features? → Adobe Premiere Elements