How To Edit Youtube Videos on a Budget

Best Affordable Video Editing Tools for YouTube Creators

Starting a YouTube channel is an exciting way to share your ideas, whether you’re a gamer, a traveler, or a vlogger. Editing your videos before publishing is key to gaining more viewers and making your content stand out. However, learning video editing can be hard, especially if you are just starting out and don’t have expensive tools or much experience.

Fortunately, there are many free and low-cost video editing tools for beginners. This guide highlights the top 8 affordable video editors, along with essential editing tips, to help you create professional-looking YouTube videos on any budget.

Top 8 Free and Inexpensive Video Editing Tools

Don’t let a tight budget stop you from making great video content. Here are the best easy-to-use tools that both new and experienced creators use today:

1. YouTube Studio

• Price: Free
• Where to get: Available directly at studio.youtube.com for anyone with a YouTube account

YouTube Studio offers basic video editing tools right in your browser. With it, you can:

• Trim video clips
• Add subtitles
• Insert royalty-free music
• Add text and simple transitions
• Create end screens to drive more views or subscribers

You can also manage comments, track analytics, and organize your channel. It’s simple to use, perfect for quick edits without any extra software.

2. Apple iMovie

• Price: Free for Mac and iOS users
• Where to get: Download from the Apple iMovie site or the Mac/iOS App Store

iMovie features a clean interface and beginner-friendly templates. Key features include:

• Easy drag-and-drop editing
• Modern filters and soundtracks
• Color correction and noise reduction tools
• Consistent video coloring (“match color” function)

iMovie is well-optimized and reliable for most video editing needs. If you have a Mac, it’s an excellent free solution.

3. Videoshop – Video Editor

• Price: Free
• Where to get: Available on the Apple App Store

Videoshop is designed for fast, creative editing with social sharing in mind. It lets you:

• Trim or split videos
• Add music and sound effects
• Adjust video speed (slow/fast)
• Add filters and effects

Easily share your creation to various platforms, from YouTube to Instagram or Dropbox.

4. Videorama

• Price: Free, with in-app purchases for extra features and music
• Where to get: Available at the iTunes App Store

Videorama is made for quick edits, especially for short social media clips. Features include:

• Combining photos and videos
• Trimming and real-time preview
• Wide range of effects (some paid)

It is simple for beginners and ideal for anyone editing videos on a phone or tablet.

5. Lightworks

• Price: Free, Pro version $24.99/month or $174.99/year (as of 2024)
• Where to get: Download at lwks.com/lightworks

Lightworks has been a leader in video editing since 1989. Even with the free version, you get:

• Multi-format export options (including AVI, MXF, and more)
• Direct upload to YouTube and Vimeo
• Advanced timeline features

It’s powerful, but its many features may require some learning for beginners. Tutorials are available to help you get started.

6. DaVinci Resolve

• Price: Free; Studio version is a one-time $295 purchase
• Where to get: Download from Blackmagic Design or the Mac App Store

DaVinci Resolve stands out for offering:

• Professional color correction
• Visual effects and motion graphics
• Robust audio editing tools

This all-in-one app is used by many film professionals. However, it will take time to learn if you are new to editing.

7. VideoPad Video Editor

• Price: Free
• Where to get: Download at nchsoftware.com/videopad

VideoPad offers simple controls while allowing advanced features like:

• Fine-tuning color and speed
• Adding effects and overlays
• Audio tools and narration
• Direct upload to YouTube, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive

Its classic interface makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned editors.

8. HitFilm Express

• Price: Free
• Where to get: Download at fxhome.com/product/hitfilm-express

HitFilm Express brings professional-quality tools to users at no cost. Key benefits:

• Easy interface for editing and effects
• Large effects library and motion tracking
• No watermarks, free 4K exports

Great for gaming videos, short films, or anyone serious about effects.

Essential Editing Tips for YouTube Videos

The right tools are just the beginning. Follow these tips for better engagement and more viewers:

• Create Visually Appealing Thumbnails: This is the first thing people see. Use bright images and clear text (Canva and Adobe Spark are free options).
• Balance Images, Text, and Music: Use overlays and audio to keep your video interesting. Make sure they fit together well and don’t distract from your message.
• Establish a Consistent Style: Use the same type of transitions, music, and thumbnail templates to make your channel memorable.
• Add Subtitles or Captions: This makes your content accessible and can bring in global viewers. Consider using closed caption services or subtitling services for accuracy.
• Optimize Video for Search: Write clear titles, tags, and descriptions. Good transcription can boost accessibility and ranking—explore transcription services for your uploads.

How GoTranscript Can Help You Succeed

Editing your YouTube videos with these affordable tools will help you produce great content, but for true professionalism, details like captions and transcripts matter. GoTranscript provides:

• Accurate human-powered transcription for your videos
• Fast automated transcription options
• Captioning services to make your videos accessible
• Subtitling in multiple languages
• Affordable rates for creators on a budget

You can order transcription or order captions directly to speed up your workflow and reach more viewers. With the right editing tools and GoTranscript’s services on your side, you can create polished, engaging, and accessible YouTube videos from day one.