Top Video Editing Softwares 2020 (Free)

Last updated on August 30th, 2023 at 03:09 pm

Technological advancements have made video the most widespread and preferred content type in the online space. It has made brands and creators pursue video as the preferred channel for communication with the audience. This has brought in a host of online video editing tools in the online market that has made video editing easier than before.

In this write-up, we seek to interest the reader with free video editing tools that are available online that makes the entire video editing exercise an easier proposition.

Best Free Video Editing Tools

These tools make it possible for anyone to edit video without incurring any cost and without needing the technical expertise of a video professional. Most of these video editing software are versatile by nature and can fulfill the needs of someone who is quite active online. In addition, all these tools are more aligned to a desktop environment. So let’s look at them one by one:

1. InVideo

InVideo is open-source software, which makes it one of the best video editing tools available online. The tool is quite reminiscent of iMovie on Mac with its drag and drop interface. But it happens to have more features than iMovie and comes with its own advanced options like unlimited layers and trimming.

It comes across as a simple video editor due to its simple interface, but with advanced features for the technically inclined. It remains one of the most user-friendly tools for someone beginning on the journey of video editing. Although there aren’t any immediate drawbacks, there is one that might hold back the user – the non-availability of extensive video tutorials.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

2. HitFilm Express

It is one of the most professional video editors you would come across, and it contains all the features one expects in a video editor namely – splicing, trimming and audio editing. While there may be users with the opinion that it may be a little too advanced, there is no denying the fact that it is one of the best video editors available online, packed with some 180 special effects in the free package.

The video tutorials associated with this software are based on Hollywood movies like Star Wars, which makes it more alluring. One of the less desired features on this software is that it would ask you to share a status update on social media before you can download the software. But this seems a small price to pay for such worthy software. There is also an online store where you can purchase the add-ons, but most users would be satisfied with the free features on offer.

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

3. Shotcut

This again is open-source software which means that you get to access all features without a paid upgrade. While the video editor comes with a great set of features, some users just might find the video interface, not along expected lines. It is something to do with the fact that it was originally designed for Linux users.

One of the winning features on the video tool is that it supports 4K HD resolution. This might come as a surprise to many as free software is not known for supporting 4K resolution videos. Besides, one is not expected to import the video into the editor and can be particularly helpful if you are dealing with large video files regularly.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

4. Lightworks

This comes across as software that is packed with features. It is available for free and comes with a paid version as well. For most users, the free version would very well serve the purpose. It is known for its high precision video trimming, supports a wide range of video formats, supports export to YouTube in 720p resolution, and offers Multicam support.

It is invariably one of the most used video editing tools and with more than enough video tutorials online, which is good news for a newbie user. Moreover, it is considered by many as the best tool for desktop video editing. That said, some users think it is fairly advanced for the average user.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

5. Blender

 Another open-source video editor which is completely free to use, it was originally created as a 3D animation suite but over time has proved to be a useful video editor. The editor allows the user to carry out basic actions like video cut and splicing along with a range of advanced actions like video masking. This makes it ideal for a beginner and the technically advanced user.

It comes with an impressive set of features that include syncing, scrubbing, audio mixing, waveform visualization, speed control, adjustment layer, keyframes, filters and so on. There are an incredible 32 slots for adding video, effects, image and audio. While there may be enough features, it can certainly overwhelm a newbie user by making the learning curve a bit steeper.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

6. DaVinci Resolve

 This happens to be the most advanced video editor on the list. It comes with many professional video features and an intuitive interface. It not only allows trimming and slicing but also allows the user to master audio and correct color. For an amateur user, who just wants to trim and upload videos the DaVinci Resolve might seem a little too extensive.

Its other features include audio mastering, color correction, multicam editing and advanced trimming. The video tool is best suited for advanced video projects where there is a need for correcting color etc. The only disadvantage with this software is that some of the video tutorials are only available on a paid basis.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

7. VideoPad

This one is known for its appeal among new users, who are just starting with video editing as it is simple and easy to use. Many of the features on the video tool include – 3D video editing, supports export of movies in multiple resolutions, sound effects library and lessening camera shakes.

The video tool has robust features that allow users to export videos to YouTube and other similar platforms directly. The only visible drawback with this tool is that far too simple for advanced users.

Compatibility: Windows Only

Conclusion:

There may be many video editors that make the exercise of video editing quite easy. For brands and creators, it is not about being able to ace video editing. Instead, it is more about creating video content that will do the talking. Unless engaging content is created and published, no amount of sleek editing will come to the rescue of the creator. Hence all content must get produced with one thing in mind – the audience. It is the engagement from the audience that determines the success of the content and good video editing must be able to enhance the appeal of the content done with a purpose.  Check this link right here now if you want an option especially for Youtube.