If you want to start making videos in 2025, you have many good choices. The most popular video production software for beginners right now are Filmora, CapCut, and iMovie. These tools are easy to use and have simple features. You can see how popular they are in the chart below:
Software that is good for beginners makes making videos less scary. With AI-powered features, even new users can make cool videos fast. Many video production software choices have drag-and-drop tools, free plans, and helpful groups. You can make your first video with confidence, even if you have never used video production software before.
Key Takeaways
-
Many easy video editing tools like Filmora, iMovie, and Canva help you make videos. They have simple screens and smart AI features that help you.
-
Free programs like DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, and Clipchamp have strong features. You can start editing videos without paying money.
-
Choose software with drag-and-drop tools, templates, and guides. These things help you learn and edit faster. They also make it more fun.
-
Make sure the software works on your device and fits your budget. Many programs let you try them for free before you buy.
-
Try different tools and practice often. This helps you find what you like and makes your video editing skills better.
Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
Top Picks Overview
It can be hard to pick video editing software. There are so many choices for beginners. Let’s make it easier. Here are some top video editing software picks for 2025. These tools help you make videos without worry. You do not need to have edited videos before.
Software Name | Key Features & Suitability for Beginners |
---|---|
CyberLink PowerDirector 2025 / 365 | Fast rendering, AI-driven tools, intuitive interface, handles 360-degree footage, great for consumer-level beginners. |
Wondershare Filmora | Simple, elegant, intuitive UI, suitable for absolute beginners progressing to semi-pro, AI features included. |
Movavi Video Editor | User-friendly, intuitive timeline, supports many formats, easy drag-and-drop, good for beginners seeking polished results. |
Clipchamp | Simple interface, free options, easy for beginners. |
Canva | Drag-and-drop, AI-assisted, free version without watermark, good for social media videos. |
Invideo AI | AI-powered editing, drag-and-drop, quick video creation, perfect for beginners who want fast results. |
Adobe Premiere Pro | AI-assisted editing, professional-grade, good for beginners wanting to grow skills. |
Each video editing software has something special. Some let you use drag-and-drop to edit. Others have AI tools to help you work faster. If you want beginner software for your PC, you have many options. Most work on Windows and Mac.
Key Strengths
You want video editing to be easy and fun. Here are the best features to look for:
-
Intuitive interface: You can start editing right away.
-
Drag-and-drop tools: Move clips and effects with your mouse.
-
Fast rendering: Your video finishes quickly.
-
Free or trial versions: Try it before you buy it.
-
Helpful tutorials: Step-by-step guides and community support.
Tip: OpenShot and Filmora are easy to learn and use. OpenShot does not put watermarks on your videos. This is good if you want to share your videos soon.
You can find software that fits your needs. Make YouTube videos, school projects, or social media clips. Many tools now use AI to help you edit faster. With these video editing software choices, you can start making videos today. You do not need any editing experience.
How We Picked the Best Video Production Tools
Picking video production software can be hard. It is even harder if you are new. You want something that helps you make good videos. You do not want to feel confused. Here is how we chose the best tools for beginners.
Ease of Use
You need software that is easy to use. The best video editing software lets you start right away. You do not need to read a big manual. An easy interface helps you find tools fast. You can see what each button does. Many top video production software choices have drag-and-drop. You can move clips and effects with your mouse. This makes editing feel fun, not like work.
Features
You want software with the right tools for your projects. We looked for video production software with easy features. These include templates, AI-powered editing, and simple transitions. These features help your videos look professional. You do not need to be an expert. Some software has automation. This helps you finish projects faster.
Here is a quick look at what matters most:
Evaluation Criteria | What It Means for You |
---|---|
Ease of Use | Simple controls, no hard learning |
Customization | Ways to make your video special |
Templates | Ready-made designs to help you work faster |
AI Capabilities | Smart tools that help you edit quickly |
Output Quality | Great-looking videos for any website |
Pricing
You may want to know the cost. Many video production software options are free. Some free versions add watermarks. Paid plans often start at about $50 per year. Some advanced software costs up to $300 once. You can usually try before you buy. You do not have to pay right away.
Compatibility
You need software that works on your device. Most popular video production software works on Windows and Mac. Some run in your browser. You do not need to download anything. You can use a laptop, desktop, or tablet. There is a tool for your setup.
Learning Resources
It is easier to start when you have help. Look for video production software with lots of tutorials. Community forums and support pages are helpful. YouTube, Udemy, and official websites have step-by-step guides. Some brands offer in-person help at stores. These resources help you learn editing skills fast. They also help you fix problems.
Tip: Try new things. The more you use your video production software, the more confident you will feel!
In-Depth Reviews of Best Video Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is good for beginners. It gives you step-by-step help and easy templates. The interface is friendly and simple to use. You pay once and can use it for years. You do not need a subscription. This is nice if you do not want to pay every month.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Does not have pro features like multi-cam editing | |
License only lasts three years | |
Has strong AI tools for editing | Sometimes you must fix AI edits yourself |
Lots of tutorials and support | May run slow on old computers |
Simple interface with different editing modes | Moving to Premiere Pro is hard because it is very different |
You get help at every step, so you will not get lost. It works well for school, family, or social videos. You pay one time, not every month. If you want to use more advanced Adobe tools later, it might be hard to switch.
Note: Adobe Premiere Elements is not free. You pay once and own it. There is no free plan or subscription.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free video production software. It has many strong features. You can edit, color grade, and work with audio. Many pros use it, but beginners can start with easy tools.
-
Advantages:
-
Best color grading tools
-
Flexible editing pages for different needs
-
Workspace is clean and neat
-
Gets updates often and has many users
-
Disadvantages:
-
Hard to learn advanced tools
-
Has fewer plugins than some other software
You can export up to 4K at 60fps for free. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you want more AI tools, you need the paid Studio version. Most beginners will find the free version is enough.
iMovie
iMovie is great for Mac, iPhone, or iPad users. This video production software comes free with Apple devices. It is very easy to use.
-
Strengths:
-
Already on most Apple devices
-
Has templates, storyboards, and effects
-
No limits on video length
-
Weaknesses:
-
Not many advanced features
-
Can be slow with big projects
-
Needs enough space on your device
-
You can make videos for social media, school, or family. iMovie only works on Apple devices. Windows and Linux users need something else. You do not pay extra for upgrades.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is for Mac users who want pro results. You get a 90-day free trial to test it. The interface is friendly for beginners. You can make great videos even if you are new.
-
Benefits:
-
Has strong features like multi-camera editing and 3D animation
-
Fast for basic editing
-
Works well on Macs
-
Limitations:
-
Only for macOS
-
Hard to do advanced edits without help
-
Some tutorials cost money
-
Final Cut Pro costs $299.99 once. The free trial lets you try most features. If you want to go from beginner to pro, this is a good choice for Apple fans.
Camtasia
Camtasia is great for screen recording and editing. You can use it on Windows or Mac. It is easy to learn and good for making how-to videos.
Pros (for Beginners) | Cons (for Beginners) |
---|---|
Does not have tools for big projects | |
Has features like batch export and cursor effects | Not many ways to customize videos |
Makes captions automatically | No keyframe tracking for animations |
Lets you change playback speed for editing | Needs a lot of RAM to run well |
Sometimes crashes or has bugs | |
Good for tutorials and training videos | Costs more than some other options |
You can buy Camtasia once or pay every year. One-time cost is $299.99. Yearly plan is $179.88. Students and teachers get discounts. There is a 7-day free trial, but videos have a watermark.
Filmora
Filmora is a top pick for beginners. This video production software is simple and has many templates. You can use it for YouTube, school, or social videos.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Pricing can be confusing and lifetime plan is limited | |
Has many features for making movies | Some features are hard to find and use |
Lots of templates and effects | Slow with big or high-quality videos |
Saves time with quick tools | Some users say support is not always good |
Easy to learn for new editors | Some effects need extra subscriptions |
Good customer support for most | Some users have problems on Windows only |
Has screen recording and AI features | Cannot multitask well and sometimes glitches |
You can try Filmora for free, but videos have a watermark. Paid plans start at $29.99 per quarter or $49.99 per year. Lifetime plan is $79.99. Filmora is a good choice for beginner video editing software for pc.
Canva Video Editor
Canva Video Editor is a web-based video production software. You can use it free or pay for more features. It is great for quick social videos and team work.
-
Pros:
-
Big library of templates and media
-
Tools for working with others
-
Cons:
-
Not many advanced editing tools
-
Free version limits video length and premium content
-
Free exports have a watermark
-
Pricing Tiers |
---|
Pro: $120/year, unlimited premium templates, larger cloud storage |
Teams: $100/year per person, real-time collaboration |
If you want to make fast, simple videos with friends, Canva is good. You can pay for more templates and storage.
Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a browser video production software from Microsoft. You do not need to download anything. You edit videos right in your browser.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Needs good internet; slow with bad connection | |
Has lots of stock footage, templates, and text | Slows down with big or complex projects |
Easy to use creative assets | Many features like 4K export need a paid plan |
-
Free Version:
-
Edit and export up to 1080p HD
-
Use basic stock media and AI tools
-
No watermark
-
-
Premium Version:
-
Export up to 4K UHD
-
Get premium stock and effects
-
Brand kit and backup
-
Clipchamp is good for quick, easy videos. Free version is fine, but you need to pay for 4K and premium features.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a cloud video production software. You can use it free or pay for more. It is great for fast social videos and branded content.
-
Strengths:
-
Simple interface
-
Many templates and AI tools
-
Free plan is available
-
Can work with others and schedule posts
-
-
Weaknesses:
-
Not many advanced editing tools
-
Some features need a paid plan
-
Not as easy for people used to Adobe desktop apps
-
Plan Type | Key Features | Storage | Adobe Stock Access | PDF Quick Actions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free Plan | Many templates, free photos, videos, music, fonts, design assets, Quick actions | 5GB | Free Adobe Stock photos under Standard License | 10 PDF Quick action downloads every 7 days |
Premium Plan | All content and premium features, more apps, PDF editing and exporting (desktop only), Adobe Portfolio | 100GB | Full royalty-free Adobe Stock collection including premium photos under Limited License | Unlimited PDF features (desktop only) |
You can start free and pay for more if you need it. Adobe Express is good for fast, branded video production.
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source video production software. You can edit videos, make 3D models, animate, and more. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Hard to learn because the interface is complex | |
Addons let you add more features | Right-click selection and some tools are confusing |
Helpful community and lots of learning resources | Needs a strong computer to run well |
Video editor can do basic and 3D video edits | Interface can be scary at first |
You can change the layout and colors |
|
You can cut, join, add effects, and make 3D animations. Blender is powerful, but the interface can be hard at first. If you want to learn video production and 3D animation, Blender is a strong choice.
Free Video Editing Software for Beginners
Looking for free video editing software? You have some great choices. These tools help beginners start making videos without spending money. You can try different apps and see which one fits your style. Let’s check out some of the best options.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve gives you powerful features for free. You can cut clips, add music, and even color grade your video. Many beginners like this software because it feels professional. You might need a strong computer, but you get a lot for zero cost. If you want to learn video editing for beginners, DaVinci Resolve is a smart pick.
iMovie
If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you already have iMovie. This app makes video editing easy for beginners. You can drag and drop clips, add music, and use fun effects. iMovie works well for school projects or family movies. You do not need to download anything extra.
Blender
Blender does more than just edit videos. You can create 3D animations and add cool effects. Beginners sometimes find the interface tricky, but you can find lots of tutorials online. If you want to try something creative, Blender is a good choice.
Canva Video Editor
Canva Video Editor runs in your browser. You do not need to install software. You can use templates, add text, and share your video online. Beginners love Canva because it feels simple and quick. The free plan gives you enough tools to get started.
Clipchamp
Clipchamp is another browser-based tool. You can edit videos without downloads. The free version lets you export in HD. You get access to stock footage and easy drag-and-drop editing. Beginners find Clipchamp friendly and fast.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express helps you make short videos for social media. You can use templates and add music. The free plan works well for quick projects. If you want to try video editing apps for beginners, Adobe Express is worth a look.
Tip: Try more than one free video editing software. You might find one that feels just right for you!
Paid and Subscription Options
When you want more features and support, you might look at paid video editing software. These tools give you extra power and help you grow your skills. Let’s check out some top choices.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements stands out if you want easy editing with strong features. You pay once and use the software for years. You get guided edits, smart tools, and lots of templates. This paid video editing software helps you make family movies, school projects, or social media clips. You do not need to worry about monthly fees.
Tip: You can try a free trial before you buy. This helps you see if it fits your style.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro works only on Mac. You get a one-time purchase and lifetime updates. This paid video editing software gives you pro-level tools with a friendly interface. You can edit 4K video, use cool effects, and work fast. Many YouTubers and teachers love it. You can start as a beginner and grow into advanced editing.
-
One-time cost: $299.99
-
90-day free trial
Camtasia
Camtasia is great if you want to record your screen and edit videos. You can use it for tutorials, lessons, or business demos. The software is simple to learn. You pay once or choose a yearly plan. Camtasia gives you effects, transitions, and easy sharing.
Plan | Price | Best For |
---|---|---|
One-time | $299.99 | Teachers, trainers, business |
Yearly | $179.88 | Frequent updates, support |
Filmora
Filmora is a favorite for beginners. You get lots of templates, effects, and AI tools. This paid video editing software works on Windows and Mac. You can pay by the year or buy a lifetime license. Filmora makes it easy to create fun, polished videos for YouTube or school.
-
Free trial available
-
Yearly plan: $49.99
-
Lifetime plan: $79.99
Note: Paid plans remove watermarks and unlock more features.
Comparison Table: Best Video Editing Software
Picking video production software can be tough. You want something that helps you make good videos. The table below compares the best video editing software for beginners in 2025. It shows how each one is different in important ways.
Software | Ease of Use | Features | Pricing | Compatibility | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Filmora | Very easy | Templates, AI, effects | $49.99/year | Windows, Mac | Beginners, YouTube, school |
DaVinci Resolve | Moderate | Pro tools, color grading | Free / $295 | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free pro-level editing |
iMovie | Very easy | Templates, storyboards | Free | Mac, iOS | Apple users, quick projects |
Canva Video Editor | Very easy | Drag-and-drop, templates | Free / $120/yr | Web | Social media, team projects |
Clipchamp | Easy | Stock, AI, templates | Free / $72/yr | Web, Windows | Fast browser editing |
Adobe Premiere Elements | Easy | Guided edits, AI tools | $99.99 (one-time) | Windows, Mac | Family, school, social videos |
Final Cut Pro | Moderate | Pro tools, fast editing | $299.99 (one-time) | Mac | Mac users, advanced beginners |
Camtasia | Easy | Screen recording, effects | $299.99 | Windows, Mac | Tutorials, training, business |
Blender | Hard | 3D, animation, editing | Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3D video, animation, creative |
Adobe Express | Very easy | Templates, AI, branding | Free / $99.99/yr | Web, iOS, Android | Social media, quick branded vids |
Ease of Use
You want software that is simple to use. Filmora, iMovie, Canva Video Editor, and Adobe Express are easy to learn. You can start editing right away with these. Blender is harder and takes more time to figure out.
Tip: Try a free version first. This helps you see if the software fits your style before you spend money.
Features
Pick software with features you need. Templates, AI tools, and drag-and-drop make editing faster. DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro have more advanced tools. Canva Video Editor and Clipchamp are good for quick social media videos.
Pricing
Some software is free, like DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, Blender, Canva Video Editor, and Clipchamp. Paid choices like Filmora, Camtasia, and Final Cut Pro give you extra features and support. Many let you try them for free before you buy.
Compatibility
Check if the software works on your device. Most work on Windows and Mac. Canva Video Editor and Clipchamp run in your browser. iMovie and Final Cut Pro only work on Macs.
Best For
Think about what you want to make. Do you want YouTube videos, school projects, or social media clips? Each software is best for different things. Pick the one that matches your project and style.
How Beginners Can Choose the Right Video Production Tool
Budget
You want to start with video production, but you might worry about cost. Many video production software options offer free versions or trials. You can try iMovie if you use a Mac, or Clipchamp if you want something in your browser. Some paid video production software, like Adobe Premiere Elements, only ask for a one-time payment. Others, like Filmora, use a subscription. Think about how much you want to spend before you choose. Free tools work well for most beginners. As you get better, you might want to invest in more advanced software.
Device and Platform
Check if your device can run the video production software you like. Some tools work only on Windows or Mac. Others, like Canva Video Editor and Clipchamp, run in your browser. Make sure your computer or tablet has enough power. Good video production software needs a strong CPU, enough RAM, and sometimes a good GPU. If you use a smartphone, you can still make great videos. Many beginners start with mobile apps before moving to desktop software.
Editing Goals
Ask yourself what you want to do with your videos. Do you want to make YouTube clips, school projects, or family movies? Some video production software has simple templates and drag-and-drop tools. Others offer powerful editing features like multi-track editing, color correction, and audio mixing. If you want to grow your skills, look for software that lets you move from basic to advanced editing. You can always start simple and switch to pro tools like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro later.
Tip: Write down your goals before you pick your video production software. This helps you find the best fit.
Learning Curve
Some video production software is easy to learn. iMovie and OpenShot are great for beginners. They have simple interfaces and built-in tutorials. Other software, like DaVinci Resolve, has more features but takes longer to master. Try to pick a tool that matches your comfort level. You can always move to more complex software as you gain confidence.
Free Trials
Most video production software offers free trials or free plans. Use these to test if the software fits your needs. You can check if it supports the file formats you use and if it runs well on your device. Free trials help you avoid spending money on software that does not work for you. Try a few options before you decide.
-
Try free versions or trials before buying.
-
Make sure the software supports your video file types.
-
Check if the software matches your hardware and project needs.
You have so many great options for video production as a beginner. No single tool works for everyone. Try a free or trial version first to see what feels right. Practice and experiment with each video you make. You will get better every time. > Ready to start? Pick a tool and create your first video today!
FAQ
What is the easiest video editing software for beginners?
You might find Filmora or iMovie the easiest to use. Both have simple layouts and helpful guides. You can start editing right away, even if you have never made a video before.
Can I make good videos with free software?
Yes! Free tools like DaVinci Resolve, Canva Video Editor, and Clipchamp let you create great videos. You get many features without paying. Try a few and see which one you like best.
Do I need a powerful computer for video editing?
Most basic video editors work on regular laptops or desktops. If you want to use advanced features or edit 4K videos, you might need a faster computer with more memory.
How do I learn to use video editing software?
You can watch YouTube tutorials, read guides, or join online forums. Many programs have built-in tips and step-by-step help. Practice makes you better every time.
Can I edit videos on my phone or tablet?
Absolutely! Apps like CapCut, iMovie (for iOS), and Canva let you edit videos on your phone or tablet. You can make quick edits and share your videos right from your device.