October 30, 2018

In June VSDC team participated in CeBIT 2018, the largest international IT expo, where Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) were among the most discussed and fastest-growing trends. To follow the latest tendencies and demands, the new VSDC updates are focused on 360°/3D footage support. As usual, that is the main but not the only enhancement we look forward to sharing with you.

360°/3D Video Editor

If you are into shooting panoramic videos either with a specialized action camera or a top-notch smartphone, VSDC Free Video Editor will be able to process this footage with maximum ease possible. Enabling the corresponding option (‘360 to 2D’) in ‘Video effects’ allows you to select a required type of the 360° video as well as a viewing angle convenient for the preview.

The needs of stereoscopy fans have been met too. 3D video can be previewed and edited in a hassle-free manner, selecting the ‘3D to 2D’ option. The settings in this case provide you a possibility to choose a certain visible image you need to work with at the moment.

New templates and presets

The previous release saw a new custom template system that aims at giving more flexibility and choice at work. With this version launched, there is a new template category available – transition effect presets.

Not everyone likes creating their own unique masterpieces and some of you might be looking for quick solutions here and now. We’re happy and excited to invite you to the recently launched VSDC store. Currently it offers a series of ready-made background templates for Halloween, Christmas and other special occasions. We sure have plans to expand this range of creative presets on a regular basis.

Last but not the least

As always, the new update has a range of minor improvements that do not fall into any specific category. Starting this release, you will also be able to:

• give a try to a new format of the timeline settings and its scale saving modes;
• enjoy new group operations and Audio Spectrum parameters;
• save a scene together with its output resources.

For any questions or recommendations, do not hesitate to drop a line to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To download the new version of VSDC Free Video Editor, please proceed to www.videosoftdev.com/free-video-editor

On this page you’ll find a brief VSDC review based on the most popular queries: feature-set, formats, pricing model, and system requirements. If you’re here to read what bloggers, journalists, and users say about our video editor – keep scrolling down.

“A brilliant free video suite for Windows”
Techradar

VSDC review: feature-set

VSDC is a non-linear video editor for Windows. “Non-linear” (as opposed to “linear” video editing like in Movie Maker) means you can combine video files and images in any sequence and create incredible compositions. If you’ve never heard of non-linear video editing before and still feel confused, think of it as “photoshopping” a video. You’ll be able to create layers, place several objects onto a scene, overlap them, blend fragments and even make them half-transparent if your goal requires that.

Here are some popular features available due to the technology of non-linear video editing:

• Picture in picture
• Side by side and split screen videos
• Video in text effect
• Green screen removal (Chroma Key)
• Double exposure

If this sounds more complicated than you expected, know that VSDC can be used for basic editing operations as well. Cutting, cropping, merging, and rotating videos; adding titles, subtitles, transitions, filters and video effects – all these one-click features and many more are available in this software, and even someone with zero experience will be able to take advantage of them.

There are over 200 video instructions on our YouTube channel. Here you’ll find a playlist with basic video editing tips’n’tricks for beginners. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Like this VSDC Video Editor review? Download the program here

What about formats?

Working with formats flawlessly is VSDC superpower.

“Unlike Lightworks, the free version of VSDC will export to a range of different formats including AVI and MPG. If you’re unsure about formats, you can even tailor the output so that it works well on particular devices for playback”
Creative Bloq

In a nutshell, it will open any video file, no matter what device you used to record the footage. It is technically possible due to a built-in video converter instantly recognizing all the codecs and opening them in the editing mode. You can edit 4K videos recorded on your favorite action camera too!

At the export level you can adjust every parameter of your video, including format, codec, resolution, frame rate, width and height, and quality. You can also upload projects directly to YouTube right from VSDC interface or save them in automatically pre-configured profiles for Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook – if the plan is to publish your masterpiece on social media.

Unconvinced? Check the full list of video and audio formats supported by VSDC here.

VSDC video editor review pricing model: is it really free?

The short answer is yes.

One of the most frequent questions we receive is whether our video editor is truly free. It’s not too surprising given how many companies state their software is absolutely free and then “surprise” you with a watermark, a limited feature-set, a narrow choice of export formats, or even a time-restricted trial period. Our goal is to be transparent and honest with our users. So, if you are wondering (or worrying) how we make money to sustain the development, the technical support, and the marketing teams, here is a very detailed breakdown for you.

"VSDC Free Video Editor is a simple and easy to use video editor featuring a lot of functions even a pro editor wouldn’t be ashamed of"
ZDNet

Fact #1. VSDC is a really, truly, completely free piece of video editing software. There is no better way to put it. Worry not: you can benefit from all the features and export your video in any format without a watermark. If your project comes out larger than average, you’ll see a pop-up window suggesting upgrading to Pro and exporting the video faster, however, if you don’t want to, you can simply click on “Continue” button at the right bottom corner of the pop-up window. That’s it, no surprises.

Fact #2. As you have probably figured out, we are able to support our team by offering VSDC Pro subscriptions. They are available at $19.99 and valid for a year.

How is a Pro subscription different from a free one? It activates hardware acceleration, adds up a multicolor Chroma Key tool, a masking feature, an audio waveform, a video stabilization tool, a voice over function, and few other features professional videographers may make use of. Truth be told, most of our fans are non-professional users and for them, hardware acceleration is the main incentive to upgrade to Pro. It allows for increasing export speed significantly. The impatient ones appreciate this opportunity a lot.

You can learn more about VSDC PRO here or you can drop us a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fact #3. We also accept donations! If you like VSDC and want to support your favorite video editor, you can do so by sending us a bit of love here. If you’re looking for alternative ways to help the project, it will mean the world to us if you review VSDC on any of the following websites: G2Crowd, Capterra, TrustPilot, or CNET. VSDC video editor reviews help us spread the word and who knows – maybe yours will end someone’s tedious search for a free video editor!

“VSDC is really easy to use. It runs really well, you don’t need to have the latest and the greatest system. For someone who is a beginner up to intermediate, this will be perfect”
Justin Brown – Primal Video

VSDC system requirements

We’re proud to make semi-professional level video editing affordable and available to everyone. That’s why our software has very low system requirements. In fact, you won’t find another non-linear video editor requiring as little as RAM 256Mb for the program and just 50 MB of free disk space. At least, we haven’t!

It means that even if your favorite PC is a bit outdated, has limited amount of memory left, or runs on an old version of Windows (XP SP3 / Vista / Win7 / Win8), you can still enjoy working in VSDC. For your convenience, there are two options available - a 32-bit version of the program and a 64-bit optimized version. The latter is an optimal choice for those typically struggling with software crashes.

You can see the full list of system requirements here.

VSDC reviews by users

Our user family is the best audience we could wish for. And each time we hear from them, it fills our hearts with pure joy. There’s nothing better, really, than knowing our solution has helped someone achieve a business goal, finish a school project, share vacation memories, create a breathtaking drone video, grow a YouTube channel, or just have a lot of fun.

Here are some beautiful messages we received in the past few months. You can find more on our Facebook page.

“VSDC is well-designed and not hard to learn. I used it to create professional-standard training videos for business web-applications. The support team is friendly, responsive and accommodating”.
Pieka Grobbelaar

Finally, iMovie allows you to remove green and blue screens from your footage easily by the same old drag-n-drop movement where you just overlay the green/blue screen video on the video or image that is supposed to replace the background. Overall, there are more than 200 different effects available in this editor including the popular picture-in-picture, slow motion, fast-forward, fade transitions, zoom, freeze frames, and many others.

“I'm still as impressed with VSDC today as when I first tried it years ago. Every one of the videos on my channel (over 900) had been edited through use of VSDC".
Quadcopter 101, YouTuber and drone enthusiast

“I have been using it for a couple of months and I am very impressed. Still lots to learn, it's amazing what it can do”.
Russell Macpherson

“I love it! I've had big trouble finding free video editor for windows until I've found this. After using it for ½ year for youtubing and gaming videos I bought it for ca. 20$. That unlocked few futures like faster rendering and adaptive alfa background remover. They are constantly developing so once in a while there are new options. Last update was 64bit hardware enhancement for faster rendering and editing, previews update gave us 4K videos. Thanks VSDC”.
Zdenek Walker

“Awesome software! I just got my kids some action cameras and the file type used is MOV. I ran into issues with other editors and converters. Go Pro Studios would not recognize the files and this editor is easier to use anyways in my opinion. This software works so good that I even went and got a cheap action camera for myself so I can start recording my kayak fishing trips. Once I start putting out YouTube videos on my fishing channel I will be sure to put out the good word on your product! The editor seems fairly simple to figure out and the converter opinions are outstanding! It’s been fun learning the basics of video editing which I never thought I’d be able to do. Thank you very much for the free version! I am already telling all my friends and family about your awesome free software! As soon as I have the hang of the basics I will be purchasing the pro version for more opinions and effects”!
Derek Perez

“I am a total beginner at editing, but I understand programs quite fast. To make a simple video was no big deal, also the tools like audio capture and screen capture are nice to have and you do not need extra programs for it. As it goes for the free solution it is just great.
I also think the company philosophy for providing a free edition is great in this point”.
Benjamin Georg Berg

“I love VSDC. I've tried a lot of free video programs, but this is my favourite and I've been using it for a long time. Great job, guys”!
Andra Ariadna

VSDC reviews in media

Over the past few years VSDC has been reviewed and evaluated by many industry experts as well. Our video editor has even become an official recommendation of GoPro team for Windows users! Below you’ll find mentions that we think may help you get a better picture of how VSDC stands out among similar solutions.

“VSDC is one of the best free video editor options for Windows users. Free video editing software is hard to find, but VSDC fits the bill for most users who are looking to edit GoPro videos, YouTube videos, family movies, you name it”!
VidProMom, YouTuber and GoPro Enthusiast

“VSDC supports a multitude of file-input and -output formats, and even the new H.265 codec that Adobe Premiere Elements has eschewed thus far”.
Tom’s Guide

“VSDC Free Video Editor has many features one level up in comparison with many free and affordable non-linear video editors. I think it's well worth trying”.
FSToppers

“VSDC Free Video Editor is a feature-packed non-linear video editing suite that can compete with even expensive editing software”.
TechRadar

“VSDC has a lot of features you won’t find in other free video editors, like picture-in-picture, video stabilization, and the ability to upload multiple YouTube videos at once. If you can deal with its quirks, it’s one of the most powerful options available”.
PCWorld

“VSDC Free Video Editor looks and feels just like a professional video editor. If you want to experience that style of in-depth video editing, this program is an epic way to do it for free”.
CNET

“VSDC has been named one of the best software to edit video from drones”.
The Guardian

“The good part is that the intuitive software offers training and tutorials. So, even if you have rudimentary skills, you can learn to use the VSDC quickly and make polished videos”.
The Windows Club

"In experienced hands, the VSDC Free Video Editor сan produce some seriously professional-looking video. And unlike WeVideo, VSDC is truly free. You can use the program’s full feature set without having to deal with pesky watermarks".
HubSpot

"Not only does VSDC Free Video Editor offer powerful video editing capabilities, it is also surprisingly easy to use. Forget video conversion back and forth between different formats - the program fluently reads all of them".
TuCows

"This appropriately titled editor is another solid choice for people who want a semi-professional option without having to pay a professional price tag”.
MakeUseOf

"VSDC Free Video Editor is a surprisingly powerful, if unconventional video editor".
PC Advisor

Intro

Drones have dramatically changed the world of video production. Have you ever seen the incredible footage a drone can capture? It can be breathtaking! But filming is just the beginning. To make sure your footage looks perfect in your project, you’ll likely need to do some post-processing, and it’s important to choose the right tool that won’t reduce the quality of your videos. Not all drone video editing softwares support the format, resolution and color space of drone footage.

We’ve put together a list of 8 best drone video editing softwares that are free of watermarks, ads, or third-party apps. Our team tested them all, checking everything from smooth operation to the quality of the final exported video, and now we’re happy to share the results with you.

Key Takeaways

Here is the list of video editing software for drones we’ve reviewed below:

1. Why Drone Video Editing Matters
2. Key Considerations Before Choosing
3. VSDC Free Video Editor
4. DaVinci Resolve
5. iMovie
6. Kdenlive
7. Shotcut
8. OpenShot
9. HitFilm Express
10. Blender
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ
    • Are free video editors really good enough for my drone footage?
    • What's the catch with 'free' software?
    • Can I upgrade from the free version if I like the software?
    • I want to add cool special effects to my drone videos, which free software is best?

All of these video editing programs for drone footage allow you to perform various tasks — from simple trimming and splitting to advanced effects like picture-in-picture, VFX, and color correction. You can confidently download them and start testing. However, keep in mind that their features and system requirements may vary, so we recommend reviewing the detailed information about each program beforehand to make the right choice. In conclusion you can find a table where we have collected the pros and cons of each video editing software for drones.

Why Drone Video Editing Matters

Drone video editing is essential due to the unique characteristics of drone footage. Drones capture video in wide-angle formats and often use codecs that may not be recognized by popular platforms. Additionally, the color space of drone footage can differ from standard video, which can cause difficulties when combining it with other content.

This is why drone video editing matters: it allows you to optimize the video for the desired resolution, convert it into a compatible format, and ensure color consistency. These steps are important to ensure your video is well-presented, whether it’s for online publication or other purposes.

Key Considerations Before Choosing

When reading about any software, before downloading, consider answering a few key questions that we believe will help you determine if the software is right for your needs:

• Is my computer compatible with this software?
• Does this software support the format and codec of my drone video?
• Does the software offer the effects I need?
• Can I export the video in the same quality, format, and codec that I require?

Of course, depending on your specific tasks, these questions might change, but this is the foundation that our team recommends focusing on first.

VSDC – drone video editing software for Windows

If you're using a Windows PC, VSDC Free Video Editor is a perfect option to consider. It is the most lightweight video editor that has a wide toolset easily compared to professional-level software. In this editor you can quickly cut what you’ve recorded and choose the best takes, crop a video, zoom in, use beautiful transitions and apply color correction.

VSDC also offers dozens of quick filters, provides LUTs and a built-in text editor. You can create a slow-motion video, a text mask, and use stylish effects like Lens flare, particles, glitch, long shadow, and many more.

VSDC supports all popular formats and codecs, which is its undoubted advantage over other video editors. If you’ve ever tried editing aerial footage, you probably know that format compatibility is quite important, because there might be some difficulties otherwise. For example, you’re flying a Phantom and therefore looking for a DJI video editor. DJI drone owners know that their videos are saved in either .MOV or .MP4 depending on their settings. Some Windows-based video editors struggle to recognize .MOV files, but not VSDC.

You can even export the .H265 codec, also known as HEVC, that helps you keep the highest video quality and reduce the file size significantly making it easier to share videos via email or upload them to platforms like YouTube.

For its format compatibility, VSDC is officially recommended by the GoPro team and multiple drone owners including Quadcopter 101 (bookmark his YouTube channel to watch various drones being tested and reviewed in real-time and get some ideas of how to edit drone footage!).

If you’ve ever tried editing aerial footage, you probably know that format compatibility is crucial, and here is why. Let’s say you’re flying a Phantom and therefore looking for a DJI video editor. What DJI drone owners already know is that their videos are saved in either .MOV or .MP4 depending on the settings. And while there is barely any difference quality-wise, some Windows-based video editors struggle to recognize .MOV files. Not VSDC. This tool easily handles even the “tricky” formats, allows you to process 4K and even to export the .H265 codec. Why is it so important? Because the .H265 or HEVC codec helps you keep the highest quality of the video while minimizing the file size, so you could share your clips over email and upload them to YouTube faster without quality loss.

Pros:

• Support for a vast array of video formats;
• Non-linear video editing;
• A comprehensive range of visual and audio effects;
• A robust editing toolset in the free version;
• High-end features like chroma key, motion tracking, and video stabilization;
• Editing of immersive 3D and 360-degree videos;
• An integrated function for capturing video directly from your screen;
• Direct exporting of videos to platforms like YouTube;
• Comprehensive audio editing capabilities;
• Precise positioning and smooth animations of objects;
• Hardware acceleration.

Cons:

• Windows only

Download the latest version of VSDC

2. Davinci Resolve

Davinci Resolve is a cross-platform solution, which means it works on any OS: Mac, Windows, or Linux. On this list, Resolve is the most resource-consuming and the most advanced video editing software. So, if you’re serious about learning the art of post-production and you have a powerful enough computer (recommended RAM is 16 GB), look no further. It’s been recommended by professional videographers and the DJI community on Reddit.

The free version of Davinci Resolve boasts exclusive color correction tools and stands out with its set of filters. There are several video tracks, so it suits for non-linear video editing, plus the trimming tool is quite intuitive. Resolve virtually supports most popular video formats including Quicktime. And indeed Davinci is considered to be one of the best software for drone video editing.

Pros:

• An extensive tools for video editing, motion graphics, audio processing;
• Cloud collaboration for team projects;
• A full suite for professional color correction and grading, including curves, scopes, masks, and tracking;
• Support for numerous formats and codecs.

Cons:

• Confusing and non-intuitive user interface;
• Lack of integration with external software;
• High system requirements.

Download the Free Version of Davinci Resolve

2. iMovie

iMovie, well-regarded among Apple aficionados, is now available for free to all users, not just new Mac owners, and it also supports mobile devices. This user-friendly video editor boasts a minimalist interface suitable for beginners and intermediate users alike, offering essential features like dual video and audio tracks for creative editing, including split-screen and video-in-video effects. Its functionality extends to a variety of themes, title templates, transitions, and effects, facilitating intuitive, drag-and-drop editing. iMovie supports a wide range of video formats, ensuring high-quality output for HD and 4K content, making it an excellent starting point for those new to video editing.

Working in iMovie reminds of using a virtual canvas a lot because most actions are performed via drag-n-drop movement. Thus, you get full control of the picture – you can cut, crop, rotate, and zoom a chosen area. Plus, you can apply speed settings to get that slow-motion effect when needed or set up the length of transitions between scenes.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface;
• A range of advanced video editing features for complex projects;
• 13 distinct creative video filters;
• Direct export to multiple social media platforms.

Cons:

• Only compatible with Apple devices, restricting access for non-Apple users;
• Limited to two video tracks, potentially hindering elaborate edits;
• Lacks motion tracking and multicam features, which may affect sophisticated video production tasks.

Download iMovie from Apple Store

4. Kdenlive

Kdenlive, short for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, is an open-source video editing software that is part of the KDE project but available for multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is designed for both amateur and professional video editors, offering a broad range of features and a flexible, user-friendly interface

Kdenlive stands out for its robust feature set, cross-platform availability, and active development community, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable and cost-effective video editing solution.

Pros:

• A comprehensive list of effects and transitions;
• Non-linear editing;
• Configurable Interface;
• Support for various formats;
• Support for proxy editing;
• Regular updates from a dedicated community of developers.

Cons:

• New users might experience a learning curve.

Download the Kdenlive

5. Shortcut

Shotcut is a comprehensive open-source video editing tool available for users of Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is renowned for its extensive range of features, notably including the chroma key effect, which is ideal for those interested in green screen techniques. However, the straightforward yet minimalistic design may pose a challenge for beginners, who might struggle to navigate and utilize the full array of tools and functionalities initially.

Pros:

• Cost-free access;
• User-friendly interface;
• A broad spectrum of video, audio, and image formats;
• Customization of the editing workspace.

Cons:

• A limited variety of built-in effects and transitions;
• Some instability during intricate editing tasks or on less powerful systems;
• Lack an audio ducking feature to automatically lower background noise or music during dialogue.

Visit the official website to download the software for your OS

6. OpenShot

OpenShot makes a mark as a user-friendly video editing platform, designed with simplicity at its core to welcome newcomers. Its straightforward and customizable interface, alongside a clear menu layout, positions it as a preferred choice for those seeking an alternative to more complicated editing tools. This software goes beyond simplicity, offering a wealth of effects like greyscale, hue, and gamma adjustments for creative video embellishment. Unique features such as both 2D and 3D animations set OpenShot apart, and its flexible timeline supports endless tracks, making it easy to add titles, watermarks, or overlays. The inclusion of a preview option for transitions allows for meticulous edits, contributing to a smooth editing workflow.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface;
• Comprehensive user manual and tutorial videos;
• Broad compatibility with different formats;
• A wide array of video effects.

Cons:

• The straightforward interface may still present a steep learning curve for video editing novices;
• Some elements of OpenShot's workflow might seem intricate, possibly making the editing experience more complex for some users.

Visit the official developer’s website

7. HitFilm Express – another promising video editor for your consideration

HitFilm Express, offered free by FX Home for 64-bit Mac and Windows users, presents a unique download process requiring social media sharing and account creation with an email address. Its interface, while initially challenging, is supported by a comprehensive suite of tutorials on the developer's website. Primarily focused on effects, HitFilm Express also accommodates basic editing tasks like trimming, layer creation, adding filters, and text.

Choosing HitFilm Express for drone video editing doesn't limit you to its free features; the software allows for enhancements through the purchase of premium add-on packs directly within the interface. These packs include sought-after effects and tools such as the picture-in-picture effect, 360° editing, retro effects, and LUT color filters, enriching the editing experience.

Pros:

• Exporting in 4K resolution;
• More than 420 effects and presets;
• No watermarks;
• Editing and producing 360-degree videos.

Cons:

• Access to numerous features is limited in the free version;
• A narrow range of supported output formats;
• Demanding system requirements.

Get HitFilm from the official website

8. Blender

Blender, renowned for its comprehensive 3D animation suite, features a powerful built-in video sequence editor, making it a versatile tool for both novice and advanced video editing tasks. From fundamental operations such as cutting and splicing videos to more sophisticated functions like video masking and color grading, Blender equips users with a broad range of capabilities.

With up to 32 slots available, users can incorporate a diverse mix of video clips, images, audio tracks, scenes, masks, and effects into their projects. Blender's timeline is highly flexible, offering speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, and a variety of filters. Whether you're looking to execute simple edits or delve into complex video production, Blender's video editing tools are designed to support a wide range of creative needs.

Pros:

• Straightforward interface;
• Realistic rendering options;
• Free of charge;
• 3D content creation.

Cons:

• Complex interface layout

Get Blender from the official website

Conclusion

Finding the perfect drone video editing software is as essential to drone videography as the drone itself. The best 8 drone video editor options we've reviewed provide diverse functionalities to elevate raw footage into compelling visual stories. Whether it's the sophisticated color grading of DaVinci Resolve or the intuitive design of iMovie for Apple users, each editor caters to different needs and skill levels. These free tools enable you to craft engaging content for audiences, free from the constraints of watermarks and hidden fees, fostering limitless creative freedom.

Among these, VSDC Free Video Editor distinguishes itself as an ideal pick, especially for those on Windows. Apart from effective drone video editing, it supports a broad spectrum of video formats, making it versatile for any drone model. Its inclusion of high-end features like chroma key, motion tracking, and a wide array of effects, often found only in paid software, positions VSDC as a premier choice. VSDC not only offers professional-grade editing capabilities but does so with a user-friendly interface, making sophisticated video editing accessible and cost-free.

FAQ

Are free video editors really good enough for my drone footage?

Yes, free video editors, particularly VSDC, can be exceptionally good for editing drone footage. They offer a broad spectrum of editing tools, effects, and support for various video formats, making them capable enough to handle the intricacies of drone video editing. The key is to choose software that matches your skill level and editing needs.

What's the catch with 'free' software?

While many free video editing software options are genuinely free, some might come with limitations. These could include watermarks on your final video, limited access to advanced features, or prompts encouraging you to upgrade to a paid version for additional functionality. It's important to review the specifics of the free version to ensure it meets your needs.

Can I upgrade from the free version if I like the software?

Yes, most free drone video editors, including VSDC, offer an upgrade path to a premium version. Upgrading usually unlocks advanced features, such as additional effects, higher video resolution support, and the removal of watermarks. This option allows you to start with the free version to learn the basics and then upgrade as your skills and demands grow.

I want to add cool special effects to my drone videos, which free software is best?

For adding cool special effects to your drone footage, VSDC is highly recommended. It stands out for its wide range of special effects, including color correction, object transformation, filters, and more. The software also supports 360-degree video editing, making it a versatile tool for creating engaging and dynamic drone videos.

Go ahead and start editing your first drone video today

You may start small – just cut and merge a couple of fragments – that’s fine. Nobody is born with professional video editing skills. Just like you’ve learned to operate your drone, you’ll master the art of montage to the required extent. And when you’re ready for the next level, check out this article about 7 video editing tricks to make your drone footage look cinematic.

If you've been around for the past year and a half, you probably remember YouTube video editor and its power of simplicity. Beginning video bloggers loved it. Nothing could beat the convenience of editing YouTube videos right there... on YouTube. Avoiding the hassle of switching between your browser and the desktop, downloading, converting, processing, saving, and uploading videos again felt great. Yet, starting September 2017 YouTube Video Editor has been gone. So let's take another moment of appreciation and move on to the solutions you can use to edit your clips instead. After all, you were looking for one, weren't you?

In this article, you'll find three pieces of software to help you handle the process of post-production and take your channel game to the next level.

Now, you're probably wondering why there are three products. Truth be told, even professional YouTubers barely stick to one product, so why should you? Some apps are just unparalleled at one particular feature, so you may want to use a couple of them to achieve better results.

VSDC - Free and Powerful Alternative to YouTube Video Editor for Windows (Download)

VSDC interface is slightly more tricky than the original YouTube video editor was. Yet, it offers a much wider feature-set, hence recognized by the community of technology enthusiasts.

Used by: a Drone Expert YouTuber Quadcopter 101.

Recommended by: GoPro official community, gamer YouTubers, Techradar blog.

Received honorable mentions from a video editing expert Justin Brown at Primal video, VidProMom, and Steven Van.

Visit VSDC official page

What makes VSDC a great video editor for YouTube creators

First, it's non-linear. That means you'll be able to easily apply popular effects like picture-in-picture, news-style, split screen, gradual zoom, video-in-text, and many others. There is a decent text editor, so you'll be able to add contour titles and comments to a scene when needed.

Second, it's absolutely free. There is a Pro version you might want to consider to speed up video exporting (it's a $19 annual subscription). It activates hardware acceleration using more additional PC resources, therefore the program might double the rendering rate. Other than that, VSDC free version should be more than sufficient for you.

Third, you can upload videos to YouTube directly from the video editor interface, once you finish the process of montage. And it's a great time-saver, given that otherwise, you would have to export and save the file to your PC first and then publish it online.

If you're into creating reaction videos or tutorials, VSDC might also be a convenient choice for you because of the built-in screen capture and video recorder. You won't have to employ 3-rd party software to fulfill these tasks anymore. Finally, there is a mighty Chroma Key tool available, so if you're shooting with a green screen, you'll be able to easily remove it from the footage using VSDC Video Editor as well.

On top of that, there are over 200 video tutorials about working with this software uploaded to the official company channel on YouTube. So, if you're ready to invest a bit of time into getting familiar with the interface and some basic combinations, using VSDC as a primary video editor for YouTube clips will be a no-brainer.

For example, look how it takes less than a minute to create a beautiful video in text effect that will be an ideal intro for just about any channel. No video editing experience or special knowledge required.

Enhancements feature - consider using what's left after YouTube Video Editor

Although YouTube Video Editor is no longer available, you can still perform a decent number of basic but essential operations in the Creator Studio. Perhaps, it's not the ultimate solution for those having complicated project ideas in mind, but the Enhancements feature does a great job when you quickly need to polish a video, cut out a fragment or add an audio track to the video record.

In fact, among the list of not-so-uncommon filters, color correction tools, and speed settings, YouTube has few tools you won't find in other free video editors. They are: shaky camera motions stabilizer - great for videos recorded on the go without professional equipment, face blurring, and custom blurring - typically performed by means of masking tools in other video editing software. The latter is often used for confidentiality purposes rather than creative goals. You may consider blurring faces, numbers, names, brands, dates, GPS coordinates, car plates - what have you.

If needed, you can download your previously uploaded videos from YouTube in a 720p resolution and even retrieve the original files using Google Takeout.

While this is certainly not an ideal tool for an aspiring video vlogger, it's beneficial for you to know that there is no need to pay for 3rd-party editors if all you want is to fix a shaky footage or to blur a face of someone who wasn't supposed to be caught on camera.

Davinci Resolve - professional color grading video editor for YouTube

This desktop tool is a powerhouse of color correction, and we won't even try to compare it to what YouTube Video Editor used to be, because Resolve represents an entirely different level of post-production.

Recommended by: indie filmmakers, color grading enthusiasts.

Davinci Resolve might be a good choice for those having a more serious approach to video editing - say, this is something you're planning to do for a living, and it's a professional solution you're looking for, not just a cutter and a splicer. Think of it as of Photoshop for videos rather than an average editor. You'll be able to achieve some breathtaking results, but you should have some understanding of color grades and be passionate about it enough to invest time and effort into this software.

Certainly, there will be a steep learning curve even for those with experience because the program interface appears somewhat overwhelming. Luckily, there are dozens of tutorials and even online courses available for those willing to master Davinci Resolve. Before jumping to installation, you should also understand that if you choose such a powerful tool as Resolve, your machine needs to comply with its requirements. The absolute bare minimum is 8GB of system RAM, at least 4GB of graphics RAM and enough storage space. Note, that the installation file alone weighs 780MB.

You can download the free version of Davinci Resolve from the official website of Blackmagic Design - the developer company.

What makes Davinci Resolve a good YouTube video editor

Although we started complimenting Davinci Resolve for its color grading tools, it actually has the set of basic features as well. Thus, you'll be able to cut, split, trim, and merge video files, work with audio, use Chroma Key (remove green screen from your footage), add titles, create transitions, apply speed effects, composite a split screen effect, and much much more.

When it comes to trimming, Resolve is incomparably convenient because of the real-time timeline zooming feature (for a more precise cut) and a number of hotkey combinations you can use when applying repetitive actions. At the export level, just like VSDC, Davinci Resolve allows you to avoid extra steps and upload your project directly to YouTube (or Vimeo) in 1080p.

On top of that, Resolve is a crossplatform solution, which means it works on Windows, Mac, and Linux as well.

iMovie - probably the most overlooked free video editor for YouTube (Mac)

If you think you must use a fancy expensive piece of video editing software to stand out on YouTube, you're wrong. What really matters is your content quality, determination, and creativity, of course. So, if you're on Mac, your first best choice should be iMovie. In fact, according to the Influencer Equipment database, even after becoming well-known, some YouTubers still use this absolutely free default video editor by Apple. Tana Mongeau, Zane Hijazi, Trisha Paytas, and Brawadis are some of the most famous iMovie advocates.

Recommended by: vloggers

What makes iMovie a great choice

First, it's pre-installed on every new Mac, and even those having old Apple computers can install iMovie for free from the App Store (it used to be impossible previously). Second, it has a minimalistic intuitive interface and most operations are performed via a simple drag-n-drop motion. Third, known for meticulous attention to details and the visual components, Apple video editing software developers have embedded a library of themes and title templates. It comes in especially handy if you're working on a series of videos and willing to apply the same style to every episode.

And because Apple products create such a unified ecosystem, you can benefit from it in many ways too. For example, you can add pre-uploaded royalty-free audio tracks to your movie as well as quickly import songs from your iTunes and anything you have in your iCloud.

Finally, iMovie allows you to remove green and blue screens from your footage easily by the same old drag-n-drop movement where you just overlay the green/blue screen video on the video or image that is supposed to replace the background. Overall, there are more than 200 different effects available in this editor including the popular picture-in-picture, slow motion, fast-forward, fade transitions, zoom, freeze frames, and many others.

Afterword. Why you should consider free video editors for YouTube instead of paid solutions

You may be wondering what most YouTubers use. Truth be told, among the established creators working on their channels full-time, the most frequently mentioned video editing software is Adobe Premiere (cross-platform program, starts at $19.99/mo - if annual subscription purchased). Then comes Final Cut Pro (Mac only, $299) and Sony Vegas (Windows only, starts at $400).

Yet, is there any correlation between video editing software and their achievements? We seriously doubt that. Moreover, if you're following some popular channels, you probably know that quite a few started their blogging career as a hobby using the most primitive free video editors. In fact, it appears that many still use freeware for their channels, and that's noteworthy.

There's no need to break your piggy bank to purchase a video editor for your brand new YouTube channel. Experienced creators often say that it's always wise to focus your effort on the production versus thinking that post-production can turn a poor quality footage into a masterpiece. So if you're willing to invest, consider upgrading your hardware instead. A decent source of light and a microphone are already half a battle, as you probably won't have to sweat the color balance and the audio settings afterward.

What makes a good YouTube video editor anyway?

Great question. It really comes down to your skills and needs. For instance, if you're planning to publish game walkthroughs, obviously, you might need a built-in screen recorder. If reaction videos are your thing, look for an embedded video capture tool. If you are a person typically making a dozen of shots before merging them into one episode, you should certainly make sure the trimming tool is intuitive. Finally, download a free green screen sample stock video and quickly test the Chroma Key tool if this is what you're planning to use in the future.

Here is a checklist you may refer to when choosing a video editor for a YouTube channel:

• It should be a non-linear tool.
• It should comply with your PC or Mac resources and run stably. Check software system requirements before installing it to avoid unexpected crashes.
• It should allow you to export videos in 1080p (720p will do most of the times too, though, but 1080p is definitely a better option), ideally using H.265 codec because it will keep the highest quality with a minimum file size.

Let's recap the above said. While there are dozens of free video editors on the Internet, many of them won't make a good choice if you're looking for a YouTube video editor. Some are too primitive and lack crucial features - such as direct YouTube uploader, high resolution export, green screen, and text objects. Others put restrictions on the exported projects, such as a limited choice of format or a watermark. We believe, the editors reviewed in this article are great examples of a rich feature-set available at zero cost with no restrictions whatsoever. Hopefully, the list has been of use. If it hasn't, however, here are few more tools you may check out: ShotCut, Openshot, Videopad, and Hitfilm Express.

For those interested, here is a detailed review of free Windows 10 video editors.

Don't forget to share this article if you've found it helpful, and best of luck.