The great news about editing videos? You can do it for free! There is some great video editing software out there. And you can produce professional-quality content using them. So, nothing can stop you from getting started creating content for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.

 We’ve compiled some of our favourite free editing tools for both mobile and desktop.

Summary of the best video editing software

Top 3 Free Desktop Video Editing Software

1. DaVinci Resolve

Professional-Grade Editing for Free

DaVinci Resolve is the go-to software for free editing. It offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production. It's a powerful tool that rivals many paid software options, perfect for those who want to elevate their editing skills.

DaVinci Resolve Pros:

• Professional-grade features: DaVinci Resolve offers advanced editing, colour correction, visual effects, and audio post-production in a single software. It's one of the best video editors out there, especially for a free version!
• High-quality output: Create up to 4k videos with excellent colour grading.
• Extensive tutorials: DaVinci Resolve is a well-known and tested product. So, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you.

DaVinci Resolve Cons:

• Learning curve: The professional-grade features means there is a steeper learning tool than other simpler software. It can be slightly overwhelming to start with.
• System requirements: Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly. The minimum requirements are the same for both the Free and Studio versions.

Best for: Serious creators looking to produce high-quality content.

2. Shotcut

Simplified Editing for Everyone

Shotcut is an underrated tool that is perfect for beginners. It is an open-source, cross-platform video editor with a user-friendly interface. It supports a wide range of formats and offers essential editing features without overwhelming users. And as it's open-source, it is completely free.

Shotcut Pros:

• User-friendly interface: Easier to use compared to more advanced editors.
• Frequent updates: Regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.

Shotcut Cons:

• Limited advanced features: Might lack some features needed for more complex projects. For example, multicam editing and motion tracking capabilities. It will depend on your requirements.
• Occasional bugs: Users sometimes report minor bugs, although these are usually fixed quickly with updates.

Best for: Beginners looking for an easy-to-use editor with essential features and no watermarks.

3. HitFilm (Free)

Professional XF Tools, Free Access

FXHome previously offered HitFilm Express. They now have HitFilm (Free) version. Both can still be downloaded.

It offers a robust set of editing and VFX tools for free. With its built-in tutorials and community support, it's a great option for those who want to explore more advanced editing techniques.

HitFilm (Free) Pros:

• Comprehensive editing tools: Professional-grade editing and VFX tools.
• Built-in tutorials: Interactive tutorials to help you get started.
• Community support: There is a large online community for helps and tips.

HitFilm (Free) Cons:

• In-app purchases: Some advanced features require additional payment.
• Resource-intensive: Requires a robust computer to function optimally.
• Exports HD only: HitFilm (Free) exports up to HD. Anything larger will have a watermark. This may be enough for creating content for social media.
• Have recently changed their subscription model: HitFilm Express has now moved to HitFilm Free version. Reviews have been left unimpressed with these move. Especially it looks like some previously free tools and filters have now become paid. We will see how they continue forward, if the free version becomes any more limited.

Best For: Creators looking to explore advanced editing and VFX without upfront costs.

Top 3 Free Mobile Video Editing Apps

1. CapCut

Powerful Mobile Editing without Watermarks

CapCut is a feature-rich mobile video editing app offering a variety of tools including trimming, splitting, speed control, and advanced filters and transitions. It's particularly attractive as it doesn’t add watermarks to your videos. It integrates seamlessly with TikTok.

CapCut Pros:

• Rich features: CapCut is an advanced tool for mobile editing. It has many filters, captioning capabilities, overlay, noise reduction tools, and more! And it is constantly updating and releasing new features.
• User-friendly interface: It is easy to navigate and edit. It is especially easy if you're used to editing on TikTok. There are also many tutorials online to help.
• No watermark: No watermarks on the free version.
• Integrates with TikTok: It's especially worth it if you're posting on TikTok. CapCut connects to your TikTok account so it's extremely easy to post directly on your channel. It also enables you to use TikTok saved sounds.

CapCut Cons:

• Occasional bugs: Minor bugs reported by users.
• In-app paid features: There are many pro version only features. You cannot filter these out. And they're constantly changing what is free and what is paid.
• Limited advanced features: CapCut does offer both mobile and desktop experiences, the desktop-level capabilities are lacking. The app is designed to make it easy for users to edit with one click. This does mean there is a lack of control when compared to desktop video editors.

Best For: Mobile editors and social media content creators looking for powerful tools.

2. Adobe Premiere Rush

Edit Anywhere, Anytime

Adobe Premiere Rush is a cross-platform video editor that offers seamless editing across mobile and desktop. It provides professional features like multi-track editing and easy sharing to social media.

Adobe Premiere Rush Pros:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Seamless editing across mobile and desktop with cloud sync.
• Professional features: Multi-track editing, color correction, and audio mixing.
• Easy sharing: Directly export and share videos to social media.

Adobe Premiere Rush Cons:

• Free version limitations: Limited exports per month. Some features are only available on the paid version of the app.
• Requires Adobe ID: Need to sign up for an Adobe ID.

Best For: Creators who want professional features and cross-platform editing. Especially those already familiar with Adobe's interfaces.

3. InShot

Quick Edits, Professional Results

InShot is a popular mobile app offering a range of editing tools ideal for creating content on the go. It’s particularly well-suited for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

InShot Pros:

• User-friendly: Intuitive interface perfect for quick edits.
• Social media optimized: Great for creating content tailored for social platforms.

InShot Cons:

• Watermark: Free version adds a watermark, removable with a subscription.

Best For: Quick and easy editing on the go for social media content.

Summary

The best way to see what software works for you is by testing it! Each software has its pros and cons, and will depend on what kind of content you are creating.

Personally, my favourite free software for editing on desktop is DaVinci Resolve. I've found it to be the most well-know, with great tools, and a lot of educational content available.

While my favourite app for creating social short-form videos is definitely CapCut. It makes adding captions and music so easy. And there's lots of fun filters to play around with!

Happy editing!

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Keywords: free video editing software, best free video editors, video editing for YouTube, mobile video editing apps, beginner video editing tools