Video editing is something that I have had a lot of experience with over the past few years. The editing I will focus on will be geared more toward YouTube, but these editors can also be used when creating Instagram Reels, TikToks, or Twitter posts.

There is no specific ranking from one to five with these editing apps. I will also note that you should use whatever software you enjoy the most or feel the most comfortable with. Now let’s get into my top video editing apps for beginners!

#1: DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is probably my personal favorite editing app to use today. Resolve has both a free and paid version, but Resolve is the best software for video editing for free in my opinion.  This version is at the same level as many paid editing apps you will see on this list. This video editing software is from the company, Blackmagic Design.

DaVinci Resolve is very easy to get into for beginners with a simple edit tab and many ways to import and export video. If you decide to dive deeper into the software, you can explore the color correction and audio features of Resolve as well. Some of my best content has been created using Resolve.

#2: Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro will be the first video editing software that I discuss in which you actually have to pay to use the program. This software can be purchased for $19.99/month if you are a student or $20.99/month for anyone else. While this editing software is expensive, it is one of the best in the industry.

Adobe Premiere Pro can be used to precisely edit clips down to the frame. I think this is a good software for beginners because it isn’t too difficult to use and is great at sizing videos for different formats.

#3: iMovie

iMovie is an editing software that anyone will have access to with their Apple product. This is a very simple software to use for anyone who is going to edit a video. That being said, be aware of the quality of the video when using this editing software. Although iMovie is widely used, you need to be careful with using the templates and music through the app. If you use iMovie’s limited music, it will be very identifiable.

I recommend this to users who have never given video editing a try. It will be very simple for you to put your clips together and begin to create a story.

#4: Final Cut Pro

This video editing app is another option from Apple. I like to call this the big sister to iMovie as it generally is seen as iMovie with more options. Final Cut Pro is a bit more complicated and difficult to use, so I would recommend trying out another option first. Going with this option is more middle of the road in difficulty.

#5: Avid Media Composer

As a disclaimer to this final video editing app, this is going to be the most difficult editing software to use on this list. Avid Media Composer is for beginners who really have a creative touch in wanting to build things from the ground up. 

Avid Media Composer is one of the most used editors in the industry. I don’t want you to look at it and feel afraid as it definitely can be a lot when first looking at it. I would recommend spending more time exploring this one and playing with the different options available to you. As with all of these editing apps, don’t be afraid to utilize YouTube to help answer your questions about these top video editing apps.