Best Video Editing Software in 2024

Introduction To Video Editing Software

In the era where content is the king and AI is driving video generation at scale, beating the competition and delivering high-quality videos becomes a challenge for editors. This is where the need for robust and feature-packed video editing software becomes paramount.

It can be tricky to find good video editing software that meets your needs. This is true whether you are a professional video editor, a social media content creator, or a hobbyist. To serve the varied needs of different individuals, we have created this comprehensive guide with expert tips on finding the best video editing software.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Video Editing Software

To simplify the choice of the top video editing software, it is crucial to evaluate certain key features based on your requirements and skillsets. Here is a list of features to help you find the best video editing tools:

• Cropping and Resizing: Cropping and resizing tools help in adjusting the size of a video frame to the desired aspect ratio and resolution. Features like subject detection, auto reframing, and non-destructive editing in addition to basic crop and trim allow more precise editing and focus area preservation. The right online video editing software must combine manual resizing features with advanced reframing tools. This mix is needed to align frames accurately for the target platform.
• Clip Editing and Sequencing: Clip editing and sequencing encompasses split & merge tools for basic timeline editing and drag-and-drop features for resequencing video clips, audio clips, and transition effects.
• Color Correction and Grading: Colour grading and correction include a set of tools for adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue of video clips to improve video quality. It must include color blending tools, a filter library, color LUTs, and auto enhancers to adjust and modify different aspects of the video.
• Motion Graphics and Animations: Another important feature to look for in the top video editing software is motion graphics and animations. Keyframe editing and value curves are the baseline for prompt animation effects, providing the anchor points to define the beginning and end of an animation or function. Additional features include computer-generated imagery (CGI) for building and animating 3D elements in a video.
• Background Remover: Background remover features are crucial in any video editing tool to replace backgrounds, create overlays, or change elements in a video. Most video editing tools offer basic green screen and chroma/luma key features to remove background and create professional-looking videos. Green-screen effects are important for pro background removal. But, online video editing now uses automation. Search for online video editing software with an AI background removal feature to help you save time delivering the video content.
• Visual Effects: Visual effects (VFX) are computer-generated imagery blended with live-action footage. Professional video editors and VFX artists may seek video editing tools with advanced VFX tools to combine fantasy elements with reality. When looking for VFX and motion graphics software, consider features like 3D modeling and animation effects. Also, consider motion capture, simulation, retrospection, and matchmaking.
• Sound Editing: Sound editing features in online video editing software combine powerful tools and sound effects to align the audio with the video. This includes silence removing, audio denoising, audio stretching, audio mixing, and auto synchronization features. Some advanced video editing tools may also include features like auto-ducking and speech enhancers for clarity in the audio.
• Storage and Collaboration: Lastly, cloud storage and file management are crucial features in any online video editing software to organize, store, and share projects with different users and team members. Look for software that offers scheduled auto-save to prevent data loss and a real-time collaboration feature, so that your team can work on a common project efficiently.

Things to Consider While Selecting the Best Video Editing Software

When looking for the best video editing software that fits your needs, it is important to consider your skill level. You must also consider the software's system requirements, performance, and device compatibility. These are among other factors, as discussed below:

• User-Interface: A standard, easy-to-use video editor with a simple interface might not meet the needs of all users. While beginners might prefer an intuitive interface, professionals prioritize functionality and availability of necessary features. Based on your unique requirements and skillsets, opt for a video editing software that caters to your specific needs. Consider a centralized dashboard, accessibility of features, and the learning curve associated with the tool before choosing the video editing software.
• Performance and Speed: Performance and speed in video editing software include the response of software to inputs as well as the speed of rendering high-quality output. Consider the software optimization features to choose the right video editing tool. Consider factors like hardware acceleration, proxy editing, and rendering speed. These factors improve exporting high-resolution output and project performance.
• Cross-Platform Support: To enable flexibility in video editing online projects, make sure that the software is compatible with different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Users who prioritize mobility might also seek software that enables mobile editing through online applications. Another important consideration to back the choice of video editing software is system or hardware requirements. Opt for tools that can be operated on lower-end hardware as well, and do not require extensive RAM and processors to work.
• Format Compatibility: The compatibility of the best video editor with different audio, image, and video formats is also an important consideration when choosing the best video editing tools. Ensure that your software of choice is compatible with various formats and resolutions for an uninterrupted editing experience.
• Plug-Ins and Integrations: It's vital to integrate with other editing tools, collaboration platforms, and social media. Such integration is critical for a streamlined workflow. Make sure that the video editing software supports third-party plugins and integration with other software. Also, consider the social media integration supported by the software for direct posting and video scheduling. This not only maintains video quality across platforms but also automates content sharing.
• Price and Licensing: The key consideration for choosing the best video editing software is finalising your budget and comparing the pricing options offered by the software. Consider the pricing model, licensing cost, or subscription fee of the software before choosing the right tool for you. Some users may be inclined towards free and open-source options due to budget constraints while others might opt for tools with a one-time licensing cost.

Top 10 Video Editing Software

Best Video Editors
Softwares	Best For	Video Editing Software Pricing
Davinci Resolve	3D Animators, VFX Artists, Social Media Content Creators, Live TV Production and Broadcast	Free
Adobe Premiere Pro	Film and TV Industry, Social Media Content Creators, Online Educators, Animation and Motion Graphics	Starting at ₹733.96/month
Final Cut Pro	3D Animators, VFX Artists, Social Media Content Creators, Live TV Production and Broadcast, Post Production Editing	Starting at ₹29,900
iMovie	Beginners, Content Creators, Post-editing Projects, Video Tutorial Creation, Voiceover Artists	Free
Filmora	Small Businesses, Creators, Video Editors, Freelancers, and Individuals seeking a user-friendly, AI-driven image and video editing platform	Starting at ₹839.99 /month
PowerDirector 365	Professional Video Editors, 3D and VR Enthusiasts, Educators and Students, Business Professionals, Content Creators and Influencers	Starting at ₹4,559/year
Shotcut	Beginners and mid-level professionals seeking an open-source video editing software	Free
Lightworks	Social media content, vlogs, corporate videos, student film projects, educational content, marketing videos, and TV broadcast editing	Starting at $10
OpenShot	Best suited for users who require flexibility in cross-platform operations	Free
HitFilm	Social Media Content Creators and VFX Enthusiasts	Starting at ₹1,078

Listed below are the top 10 video editing software with their average reviews, pricing, and use cases:

Emerging Trends in Video Editing Software

The creative landscape is revolutionised by dynamic video generation and editing technologies. We have discussed below the top 5 emerging trends that you need to know about:

• AI-Driven Editing: From performing basic color grading and video enhancement functions to generating videos based on text-based prompts, AI is a prominent advancement in video editing online. While popular applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premier Pro are coming up with AI video editing tools for performing basic editing functions, software like Cyberlink and Filmora are AI video editing software that speed up the entire editing process.
• Text-Based Editing: Text-based editing is the technique of altering the video transcript to make changes in the video clip. With the help of an AI-generated transcript, users can navigate the video clip, search for specific parts and remove sections by deleting text. Filmora, Adobe Premier Pro, and Riverside are some of the best video editor tools equipped with text-based editing features.
• Resolution Upscaling: Developing high-resolution videos is now possible, even from low-resolution video clips. Thanks to AI algorithms, users can upscale video resolutions, adjust brightness levels, reduce video noise, and stabilize shaky videos. Software like CyberLink PowerDirector, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI, and Topaz Video AI are useful AI video editing tools for resolution upscaling without compromising on quality.
• VR Integration: VR technologies are transcending user experience and video editing online approaches. With the help of 360˚ video editing, VR authoring tools, and other specialized features, editors can leverage this emerging trend. Software like DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate have already hopped on the trend of VR editing with a wide array of 360˚ video editing tools.
• Live Stream Integration: Live streaming is all the new buzz on social media platforms. It offers a platform for gaming enthusiasts to build online communities, institutes to broadcast lectures, and organizations to connect with their target audience. Vimeo, Restream, and Wirecast are some of the dedicated live stream editing and management software. Other popular tools like CyberLink PowerDirector also offer live stream integration.

Use Cases of Video Editing Online

Different video editing software cater to the unique needs of users with a tailored set of features. Mentioned below is a list of video editing software for users from distinct industries:

Beginners and Amateur Editors: Beginners, hobbyists, amateur artists, and enthusiasts might look for user-friendly tools with basic editing features to practice and enhance skills. Such users seek open-source or free video editing tools with in-built editing templates, intuitive dashboards, and a low learning curve to excel in their skills.

Software Suggestions: CyberLink PowerDirector, Wondershare Filmora, iMovie

Professional Video Editors: Professional video editors may require video editing software with advanced colour grading tools, overlays, masking, transitions, etc. to create high-quality videos. Such users prioritise high-quality resolutions, rendering speed, multi-cam editing capabilities, and other advanced features for professional-grade edits.

Software Suggestions: Adobe Premier Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro

YouTube and Livestream Video Editors: Social media content creators, vloggers, and influencers require a quick way to YouTube video editing. Their feature requirements include pre-built templates, screen cut detection, easy export, and social media integration for direct posting.

Software Suggestions: Adobe Premier Rush, InShot, Clipchamp

Educational Videos and Tutorials: For creating educational videos and tutorials, the video editing software must include transcribing, AI subtitle generation, picture-in-picture editing, and direct screen recording capabilities.

Software Suggestions: Animoto, Camtasia, iSpring Suite

Filmmakers and Post-Production Editors: Filmmaking and post-production editing requires a defined set of features to perform advanced colour grading and audio mixing. The ideal tool to fit users involved in movie production must include VFX/SFX integration, keyframing, CGI, motion tracking, and so on.

Software Suggestions: Adobe Premier Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro