Best Video Editing Software in 2024

Video editing tools can be used by amateurs and professionals alike to edit video files for fun or commercial purposes. There are numerous free and paid platforms in this category available in the market. Each offers its own set of features that can be easy or difficult to use depending on your level of expertise. So, how do you do knowledgeable comparisons to select the best video editing tools for your specific needs? We help you in this task by providing details on the standard features you can expect in this type of system and the other relevant factors you should consider while searching.

Start your quest for the best video editing software by signing up for the free trial or demo offered by popular video editing software providers. This will enable you to test drive each application’s top features free of cost, do a general comparison, and gauge their suitability for your purposes. Start by visiting the websites of the following leading tools to check the possibility of availing a free trial: Adobe Premiere Pro, CyberLink PowerDirector, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, and Final Cut Pro. These programs have received high rankings in our video editing software reviews, so check them out. 

• At-home hobbyists and amateurs can utilize this software for fun purposes.
• Full-time video editing professionals can invest in a system that offers advanced features to be able to produce superior quality work.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro: You can make attractive videos anywhere with this top tool for professionals. Create quality productions for web, TV, and film. Key features are a neat interface, custom markers, and flexible trimming tools. This software operates smoothly with third-party solutions and other Adobe CS products.  
2. CyberLink PowerDirector: A capable and fast video editing software application for Windows. This consumer-level platform supports 360-degree VR footage. Main features include multicam editing, look-up table support, color match, and express project templates. In short, video makers can easily utilize this tool to produce professional-quality videos.
3. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate: Designed for professional-level users. Offers top rate editing tools and effects such as motion tracking, multicam editing, and stop-motion. The latest version stands out for its simple interface and tons of effects. Key features include direct online sharing, solid audio tools, 4K support, and good titling.
4. Final Cut Pro: Offers speed and power for the new generation of video editors. The latest edition boasts a clean new look and a low-profile interface that increases workspace. An interesting feature is the improved Magnetic Timeline 2 feature that offers flexible layouts based on roles and automatic color coding. The latest release is ideal for the new MacBook Pro as it supports wide color workflows and the Touch Bar.

There are 4 main types of video editing and depending on your needs you can select a suitable solution:

1. Film splicing. Technically, this is film editing and not video editing. You can use a splicing machine to line up the film footage while cutting or splicing it.
2. Tape to tape (linear). This is an outdated method that is still utilized in some situations. It involves copying video from one tape to another.
3. Digital/computer (non-linear). Video editors use specialized software to edit video footage on a computer and then record the finished product on an optical disk or tape.
4. Live editing. A good example is live television coverage where multiple cameras are routed through a central console for mixing and editing in real time.

1. Automate titles to sequence. If you need to lay down a number of titles in a sequence, you can create a series of markers on the timeline on which the titles should land.
2. Import clips. Use the standard media browser tool to import clips and navigate your operating system to find files.
3. Move-insert edit. Allows you to move a clip in a sequence without producing any gaps.
4. Conform audio levels. Enables you to select multiple audio clips with different sound levels and conform the audio levels.
5. Top and tail editing. Allows you to cut the in or out point of a clip and ripples all adjacent clips in the timeline after the edit is done.

1. No need for plug-ins. You don’t need to install any plug-ins. Simply record the video on your smartphone or small camera and edit the footage on your computer.
2. Saves money. You don’t have to pay for the services of a video editing professional as the software enables even novices and amateurs to edit videos easily on their computer.
3. Enhances video quality. The software enables you to convert poor quality footage into high definition, high-resolution videos.
4. Create videos at home. Even amateurs can use basic video editing software solutions to create and edit videos at home. You can also easily customize the videos according to your needs and taste.
5. Add music. Add a thrilling background score to make your videos more compelling.
6. Add effects. Make your videos more interesting by adding narration, callouts, changing the order of clips, and editing out the bad stuff.

Mobile video editing software. Professional video editing software tools can be expected to go mobile following the trend set by top-quality photo editing systems such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop that launched their smartphone editions a couple of years ago. Now, we can expect vendors of video editing software platforms to launch mobile apps to provide seamless mobility and ease of use.

Live video editing is becoming popular.

Live videos are a happening trend on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. As a result, live video editing is becoming common on these platforms. It involves more than applying just emoji and filters. There is a boom in live video transitions and editors are applying overlays, titles, end credits etc. to enhance the video effect.

Computer crash. This can easily happen especially if your computer is not cut out for the demanding task of video editing. The solution is to save often and after each group of edits and moves you make. This ensures you are covered even if your computer freezes.

Mismatched sound levels. When you shoot different clips in different locations, there is bound to be a mismatch in the audio levels. Video editing software helps you to resolve this issue as you can adjust the sound levels of entire clips or segments within them. You can even add effects and EQ (equalization) to your audio tracks.

Video remains one of the most effective ways when sending a message, especially for digital marketing and content creators. Here are some useful stats as to what’s in store for the industry:

• 85% of Americans consume video content online, at least once a month.
• Users understand a topic 95% better when they watch a video of it.
• 1 in 2 users demand more video content from an organization they support.
• Video is the favorite type of content consumed on social media.
• Median annual wage of a video editor: $82,190.
• 5% of all professionals employed by the movie industry are video editors.

There are two kinds of software deployment for video editing: on-premise and cloud-based. Their capabilities and targeted businesses vary by deployment, as explained below.

On-premise

This is software installed locally, either on a single local machine or on your company’s servers. All data is stored locally as well, unless your company has invested in a network architecture that allows you to access your files via a remote device, like your home desktop or a smartphone.

An on-premise software is great if you need speed and your company has developed proprietary tools for video editing. This is mostly the case in bigger studios, like a special effects studio.

An advantage of an on-premise solution is that you typically pay only a one-time fee for it. Once you pay for it, you install it on your machine. Using the software for commercial purposes often involves license renewals, normally every year.

Cloud deployment

By far the easiest, as these are software stored in the cloud. This means you can access them (and usually your files) whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. These solutions are commercially available and are often used as a service, meaning you have to pay a monthly or annual recurring fee to keep using them.

Cloud software is great for many reasons, chief of which is flexibility. Because you don’t need a local machine specifically set up for video editing, you can use it on any device. This is especially useful in social media or content creation on the fly.

Another thing that sets cloud software apart is its potential for collaboration. When data can be shared with others through the cloud, it lets you “crowdsource” ideas and let other users collaborate on your video.