Discover the top editing software used by YouTubers to create engaging videos. 

From beginner-friendly options to professional-grade tools, explore the best platforms for enhancing your content, improving your storytelling, and boosting your channel’s success. Save time and elevate your video production with our comprehensive guide!

Editing software YouTubers use for professional-quality videos

In this era of digital technology, video plays an important role in communication. A well-structured video can pass the message and get the desired results. 

This means that some necessary tools and things should be put in place to achieve this.

Every Youtuber wants to make the perfect video, but not everyone knows how to get it right, so if you stumbled on this piece, you are in the right place. I have taken the time to carry out extensive research and share my findings with you.

At the end of this journey, if you are an aspiring YouTuber or are already one and want the perfect video like your colleagues, well, it is going to happen!

Walk with me!

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Key Takeaways

• Flexclip: Perfect editing software that makes video editing effortless
• Imovie: Best editing service with reliable tools for quick edits. 
• Final Cut Pro: Perfect editing software for exceptional speed, especially when rendering and exporting videos
• Clipchamp: The best go-to editing software for making videos that look great without a fuss.
• Descript: The best editing software, a one-stop shop where you transcribe your audio, edit videos, and even record your screen.

Why It Pays to Edit Your YouTube Videos Before Uploading

Before I tell you why? Let’s talk a little bit about video editing. 

Video editing is the process of manipulating and combining video clips to create a completed video file. So, what this means is that we cannot overemphasize the importance of editing videos.

Editing your videos before uploading not only gives them a more professional look but also adds a different look that attracts prospective viewers and triggers more engagement. Does this answer your question?

Not just that, it is not a proper act to upload your videos without some fine-tuning and checking that everything is in place. This act is important because it is in the process of editing that we get extra creative, add what should be and take out what shouldn’t.

Some popular editing Software used by Youtubers

• FlexClip
• Imovie
• Final Cut Pro
• Clipchamp
• Descript

FlexClip

FlexClip redefines video editing, making it effortless for beginners and professionals alike. 

Whether you’re crafting engaging YouTube videos, promotional content, or social media clips, this online editing powerhouse ensures you don’t need complex software or professional expertise to bring your vision to life.

Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface eliminates the learning curve, allowing users to create polished videos in minutes. 

From trimming clips to adding smooth transitions, effects, and overlays, every tool is designed for speed and simplicity. 

Plus, with cloud-based access, you can edit from anywhere, on any device, without worrying about heavy downloads or installations.

Creativity flows freely with FlexClip’s vast stock media library, featuring high-quality royalty-free videos, GIFs, images, and music. 

No need to search for external assets; everything you need is built in. Exporting is just as seamless, with multiple aspect ratios and resolutions optimized for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

Key Features

• Effortless Drag-and-Drop Editing: No complicated software, no steep learning curves, just simple, intuitive video editing. With FlexClip’s easy drag-and-drop tools, you can trim clips, add text, insert transitions, and arrange everything exactly how you want in just a few clicks.
• Massive Stock Library at Your Fingertips: Need the perfect background music? A high-quality video clip? A stunning image? FlexClip’s royalty-free stock library is packed with professional assets, so you never have to waste time hunting for extras elsewhere.
• AI-Powered Magic: Flexclip can do the heavy lifting! Whether it’s generating a video from text, converting text to speech for voiceovers, or auto-subtitling your clips, FlexClip’s AI tools make video creation faster and smarter.
• Customizable Templates & Stunning Effects: Want a professional look in minutes? Choose from hundreds of ready-made templates designed for everything from YouTube intros to business promos. Add smooth transitions, filters, and effects to make your video pop.
• Seamless Collaboration: If you are working with a team,  FlexClip makes it easy to share projects, gather feedback, and edit together, so you can bring your ideas to life without the back-and-forth hassle.

Pros

• Intuitive design makes editing a breeze.
• It is highly customizable so that it can be tailored to match your vision.
• Access high-quality media at your fingertips.

Cons

• Media file uploads can take time, delaying workflow.
• It lacks advanced features for complex video projects.

Pricing 

Flexclip offers:

Free plan 

Plus plan: $11.99 monthly and 143.88 annually 

Business plan: $19.99 and $239.88 annually 

Imovie

iMovie offers a clean, easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making video editing easy, even for beginners. 

The workspace is neatly divided into sections for your media library, preview window, and timeline, ensuring a smooth and organized workflow.

While it’s not packed with advanced features, iMovie gets the job done. You can trim clips, apply basic colour corrections, add filters (though they’re limited), and use picture-in-picture for layered video effects—perfect for explainer videos and simple edits.

One of its standout features is the Trailer templates, which let you create polished, professional-looking movie trailers with ease. 

It also includes a Green Screen effect, allowing you to swap backgrounds and add a creative touch to your videos.

Despite its simplicity, iMovie is a reliable tool for quick edits. If your footage is already high quality, you don’t always need complex tools, just a straightforward editor to bring everything together.

Pricing

It is free

Key Features

• Magic Movie – Instant Video Creation
  Want a polished video without the hassle? Magic Movie automatically picks the best moments from your footage, adds transitions, titles, and music, and gives you a ready-to-share video in just a few taps.
• Storyboards – Guided Video Editing
  Not sure where to start? iMovie’s pre-made storyboards help you structure your video with shot suggestions based on themes like cooking, travel, or product reviews—making storytelling easy.
• Cinematic Mode Editing – Pro-Level Focus Control
  If you’ve shot a video in Cinematic mode on your iPhone, iMovie lets you fine-tune the focus and depth of field after recording, giving your videos that smooth, professional film look.
• High-Quality Filters – Instant Visual Enhancements
  Choose from 13 stylish filters to give your video a unique vibe—whether you want a vintage feel, a modern touch, or a fun comic book effect.
• Green Screen Effects – Easy Background Replacement
  Swap out backgrounds effortlessly with iMovie’s green screen feature. Whether you want to place yourself in a different location or create a fun visual effect, it’s simple to use with built-in controls for precision.

Pros

• iMovie comes completely free and is already built into your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, so you can jump right into editing without spending a dime.
• Designed with beginners in mind, it’s one of the easiest video editors to use, making it perfect for anyone looking to start creating content.
• Due to its seamless syncing across Apple devices, you can start a project on your Mac, tweak it on your iPad, and finish it on your iPhone.

Cons

• It is restricted to Apple users only
• It doesn’t offer a lot of advanced features for professionals 

Pricing 

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a high-performance video editing software designed for professionals. 

It offers powerful file organization, enabling seamless management of assets across multiple projects and ensuring an efficient workflow.

With a range of advanced editing tools, users can enhance their videos using colour grading, effects, transitions, and text overlays to achieve a polished, professional look. 

One of its standout features is the Magnetic Timeline, which streamlines the editing process by automatically adjusting clips to prevent gaps and overlaps.

Final Cut Pro is known for its exceptional speed, especially when rendering and exporting videos. It consistently outperforms many competitors in speed tests. 

Its deep integration with Motion, Apple’s motion graphics software, allows users to create intricate animations and custom titles without leaving the editor.

Key Features

•  Blazing-Fast Performance for Professionals: Final Cut Pro is built for speed, letting you edit complex projects with high-resolution footage, fast frame rates, and multiple effects—all without slowing down. Whether you’re working on a MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro.
• Optimized for Apple Silicon: This software runs like a dream on Mac computers powered by Apple Silicon. Thanks to the ultra-fast unified memory system, your CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine work together effortlessly, letting you play back multiple high-resolution video streams and render projects at record-breaking speeds.
• Magnetic Mask—Effortless Object Isolation: Forget green screens and complicated manual masking. The new Magnetic Mask uses AI to detect and separate people or objects from the background—just drag and drop it onto your video. It automatically tracks movement with pinpoint accuracy, making it easy to apply colour corrections, effects, or creative stylization without any hassle.
•  Automatic Captions: Transcribe to Captions instantly converts spoken dialogue into accurate closed captions using Apple’s advanced AI language model. It’s fast and seamlessly integrated into your timeline, ensuring accessibility and improved viewer engagement.
• Pro-Level Color Grading: Fine-tune every pixel with Final Cut Pro’s professional colour grading tools. Adjust brightness, contrast, and hues with intuitive colour wheels, curves, and saturation controls. Plus, full support for HDR ensures your videos look stunning on any screen.

Pros

• Perfect for Apple users as it seamlessly integrates with macOS for a familiar, optimized experience.
• One-Time Purchase: No subscriptions and save money in the long run.
•  Supports third-party plugins for added functionality.

Cons

• This software is restricted to only those who use the Apple operating system.
• The free plan doesn’t support batch file exports.

Pricing

Final Cut Pro offers: 

Free plan
Paid plan: $299

Clipchamp

Imagine you’re diving into video editing but want something easy and fun.

That’s Clipchamp! Think of it as your friendly video-making sidekick. It’s perfect whether you’re just starting or already know your way around editing.

Clipchamp lets you mix videos, pictures, and sounds. Want to add cool text or fun effects? Easy peasy. Plus, it has tons of free stuff like videos and music to spice things up.

For those quick social media videos or marketing clips, Clipchamp makes it a breeze. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can create eye-catching content without needing to be video editing pros.

It’s super simple, with tools that are easy to find and use. You can even start with ready-made templates and tweak them to your heart’s content. Clipchamp is your go-to for making videos that look great without fuss.

Key Features

• Auto Cut: We all have those little pauses when we’re talking, right? Clipchamp’s Auto Cut is like having a buddy who gently trims away those awkward silences in your videos, making you sound like a pro without the “umms” and “ahhs.”
• Zero Watermarks: Imagine having all the video-making freedom you want without those pesky watermarks cramping your style. Clipchamp lets you create as many HD videos as your heart desires, so you can focus on making awesome content without worrying about hidden costs.
• Background Noise Elimination: Ever tried recording a video, but all you hear is the neighbor’s dog barking or the traffic roaring? Clipchamp’s noise suppression is like having a superpower that magically quiets down those distractions so your voice shines through loud and clear.
• Video Resizing: This feature is like a magic wand for your videos! Clipchamp lets you resize your videos to fit perfectly on any platform. Plus, you can add cool backgrounds to make them look even more awesome.
• Text-to-Speech Storyteller: Need a narrator but feeling camera-shy? Clipchamp’s text-to-speech feature is like having a friendly voice actor at your fingertips. Just type your script, pick a voice, and watch your words come to life with natural-sounding narration.

Pros

• It is super easy to use, which makes it great for beginners.
• There are a lot of templates which can serve as an inspiration when editing your videos.
• This software is browser-based and  Convenient, no download is needed.

Cons

• It can be slow, and this can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the clock.
• The free version of Clipchamp comes with limitations, offering only basic features for users to work with.

Pricing 

Clipchamp begins with:

Free plan

Paid plan: $11.99 per month and 119.99 per year

Descript

Descript is like having a creative buddy by your side when it comes to audio and video editing.

Imagine being able to edit your videos just as easily as you would edit a Word document—no more complicated timelines or confusing software!

With Descript, you can simply tweak the text, and the video updates automatically. Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, teacher, or corporate communicator, Descript has something for you. You can transcribe your audio, edit videos, and even record your screen—all in one place. 

Plus, Descript’s friendly interface and helpful tutorials make it easy to dive in, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro. With this tool, creating engaging videos becomes not just easier but also a lot more fun. It’s like having a smart assistant who helps bring your ideas to life without getting in the way of your creativity.

Key Features

• Text-Based Editing: Descript allows you to edit audio and video by editing text. This means you can cut, copy, and paste within the transcribed text, and the corresponding changes will be made in the audio or video. 
• AI-powered tools: This software offers various  AI-driven features to streamline the editing process. These include: Regenerative AI to remove noise and enhance voices, Filler Word Removal, a green Screen, AI Eye Contact that adjusts the video to make it appear as though you are looking directly at the camera, even when reading a script and much more.
• All-in-One Platform: Descript combines multiple tools into one platform, covering the full content creation workflow. This includes recording, editing, collaborating, and publishing, which eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions.
• Templates and Layouts: Descript provides templates and layouts that allow you to quickly create visually appealing content. This feature allows you to arrange visuals like a slide deck, simplifying the design process.
• Clip Creation with AI: Descript’s AI can identify moments in your content that are most likely to go viral. This helps content creators focus on making those clips engaging and shareable, leveraging both AI insight and creative input.

Pros

• Descript lets you edit your videos as easily as editing a text document
• Even with the free plan, you get access to Descript’s “Underlord” AI suite, which helps you automate tedious editing tasks.
• Descript lets you edit your videos as easily as editing a text document. Simply tweak the script, and your video changes automatically.

Cons

• The caption translation feature is only available on the Creator plan or higher, so simply being on a paid plan won’t grant you access.
• There is no mobile app for editing on the go

Pricing

For subscription plans, this is what Descript offers.

• Free plan
• Hobbyist plan for $12
• Creator plan for $24
• Business plan for $40
• Enterprise is custom-based; contact sales to know more.

Tips for Choosing the Right Editing Software as a Youtuber

Finding the perfect video editing software is all about balancing your needs, skills, and creative vision. Here’s what to keep in mind before making your choice:

• Match It to Your Skill Level:  If you’re new to editing, look for a tool with a simple, intuitive interface. For more advanced creators, software with professional-grade features will offer greater creative control.
• Set a Budget That Works for You: Some options are completely free, while others require a one-time purchase or a subscription. Consider what features you truly need and invest accordingly.
• Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the software runs smoothly on your device and operating system. If you edit on the go, look for a program that supports mobile-friendly workflows.
• Focus on Essential Features: Think about what matters most for your projects, whether it’s multitrack editing, colour grading, special effects, or AI-powered tools. Choose a software that aligns with your creative goals.
• Learn from Others:  User reviews and community feedback can offer real insight into performance, ease of use, and customer support.
• Test Before You Commit:  Free trials or demo versions let you explore the interface and features before making a final decision. This ensures the software feels right for you.

Final Thoughts: My #1 Editing Software for YouTubers

Choosing the right editing software as a YouTuber depends on your skill level, creative needs, and workflow preferences. After reviewing various options, Final Cut Pro stands out as the top choice for serious YouTubers who want speed, efficiency, and professional-quality results.

Final Cut Pro offers exceptional performance, especially on Apple devices, with optimized rendering and exporting speeds that outpace many competitors. 

Its Magnetic Timeline streamlines the editing process by keeping everything organized and eliminating gaps, making it perfect for fast-paced content creation.

For those who want polished, cinematic-quality videos, Final Cut Pro provides advanced colour grading, motion graphics integration, and high-end effects—all without needing third-party plugins. 

The deep integration with Motion lets creators build custom animations and eye-catching titles without switching between programs.

However, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly, no-fuss editor, Clipchamp or iMovie might be better suited for quick edits and social media content. And for AI-driven editing with auto-transcription, Descript is an excellent alternative.

But if you’re serious about YouTube and want the best mix of power, speed, and creative control, Final Cut Pro is the ultimate investment to take your videos to the next level.