Best Five Free Video Editing Software in 2018
Finding the best free video editing software should be a core part of any ecommerce entrepreneur’s video success. Stunning video content can really help boost conversions and ROI for your online store. Whether its Instagram stories, Facebook ads, or Youtube product testimonials, the best free video editing software will make your brand look slick and professional.
With the amount and quality of video editing software available, you don’t have to be Spielberg – or have his budget – to get epic results.
Our selection is divided into the best free video editing software for desktop, mobile video editing apps. Ready to get started?
Best Free Video Editing Software for Desktop
The following list of the best free video editing software is desktop based. Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for Youtube or your website.
All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advanced.
1. Blender
Blender, one of the best free video editing software, is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender is an open source program that is entirely free to use. Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor. Blender video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. it also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users.
The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:
- Live preview, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope and histogram displays. Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization. Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects. Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters, and more.
2. Lightworks
Lightworks is another one of the best free video editing software. It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. It’s absolutely packed with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most users.
This video editor includes the following in the free version:
- High precision video trimming.
- Multicam support.
- Export to 720p for Youtube.
- Wide range of video formats supported.
While most features are included, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example, Lightworks has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running.
3. Shotcut
Shotcut the best free video editing software is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut, like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade.
This video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky. This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood it’s still a quality video editor.
Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing. Not many free versions of software include 4K resolution support. Shotcut also doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor: this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files.
4. VSDC Free Video Editor
The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC.
VSDC is video editing software only available to Windows users. The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing.
5. HitFilm Express
Available for both Mac and Windows.
HitFilm Express is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus many more. While some users may find HitFilm a little advanced, it’s certainly one of the best all round free video editors out there. The free package includes over 180 special effects.
The tutorials are mainly based on well known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but these are very interactive and engaging.
Before you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced software. Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature set should be more than enough.
Features included:
- Advanced cutting tools
- Keying for green screen effects
- Audio and video filters
- Compositing tools
- Layers and masking
- 3D video support
Best Four Free Video Editing Software for Mobile
These apps are for people who like to capture and share videos from their smartphones and edit videos on the go. While there are many great video editing apps out there, this list covers some of the best, most intuitive, and free to use video software for mobile devices.
1. Splice
Splice, one of the best free video editing software for mobile, is only available on iOS.
Splice is one of the most popular free video editing apps available for iPhone and iPad users. From the makers of GoPro, this app is simple to learn due to its simple interface. You can edit and cut videos in just a few taps. Add some transitions and sounds from the large built-in library and your video is ready to share.
2. Quik
Available on iOS and Android
Quik is another free video editing app from the makers of GoPro. This app is similar to Splice but takes a little editing power away from the user. It has auto trim and edit features that do speed up the editing process, however, you can still manually edit your clips if you want more control.
It’s impressive what Quik can do automatically: it searches your video to find great moments and can even add transitions. If you really need a fast edit, this is the app for you. Also, unlike Splice, it’s available to Android users, too!
3. Adobe Premiere Clip
Available on iOS and Android
Adobe Premiere Clip is a very popular video editing app. This app links into Adobe’s well known Premiere Pro product, but works equally well as a standalone app. Add music (your own or from the library included), transitions, auto correct the color, and you’re ready to share your video.
With its two modes, Freeform and Automatic, you can choose whether you retain editing control, or you let Adobe pick transitions and trim your clip automatically. Adobe users will be happy to know that this app syncs beautifully with other Adobe staples such as Lightroom.
4. Horizon
Available on iOS and Android.
Horizon is a simple app that enables users to capture videos horizontally no matter the position of their phone. When we rush to capture a moment we may forget to tilt the phone and capture the action horizontally. This app can help you solve that problem: all footage shot in the app is captured horizontally no matter how you tilt your phone.