Video creation and editing have rapidly emerged as one of the most popular and effective ways for creators and individuals to engage with new audiences across social media platforms and beyond. Whether it’s crafting videos for TikTok challenges, YouTube tutorials, live gaming, or coaching, the world of video creation is expanding at an unprecedented pace.
While YouTube has always been a video-centric social media platform, the landscape is evolving. Facebook and Instagram, once primarily photo-based, are now embracing more video content. The rise of TikTok has further accelerated this trend, turning ordinary individuals into viral video creators. Indeed, in Q4 2023, 92.3% of global internet users consumed some sort of video content online, meaning that content creators using video editing software like Dadan have a huge audience to aim at.
This massive rise in the use of video content has made accessible video editing software tools such a crucial part of the content creator’s toolkit. This article looks at ten of the best beginner video editing software for PCs and other operating systems, helping you get the best start to your video editing experience.
So, whether you’re a student, hobby videographer, or an aspiring social media influencer-in-waiting, here are 10 of the best video editing software tools to kick-start your journey.
What to look for in beginner video editing software
Before starting your video editing journey, it’s essential to consider a few things when choosing the best video editing software for Windows 10. Here are some simple tips to make sure you make the right choice:
Features: List everything you need from your video editing software tool. Consider the content you’re creating and your target audience, and find a tool that offers everything you need in one easy-to-use package.
Before selecting, consider whether you need snipping tools, captioning capability, animations, annotations, or anything else. Whatever your needs, a tool on the market meets them.
Compatibility: Before beginning, check the software’s compatibility requirements with your operating system. For instance, if you’re a Mac user and purchase one of the best beginner video editing software for Windows 10 that’s incompatible with iOS, you’ll find yourself snookered.
Affordability: Some free video editing software packages are available on the market. However, these often come with basic functionality. Most payment subscription services usually come with free trial versions that you can try before you buy to get an idea of how the software works. However, check the subscription is affordable before you commit to purchasing.
Onboarding and customer support: The best video editing software, free and paid subscription, should come with easy-to-follow guides to help you learn how to use it, from online tutorials to YouTube guides, user forums, blog posts, and online manuals. Many reputable providers also offer good levels of customer service hotlines to help support your onboarding process.
The Top 10 best beginner video editing software tools compared
Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of the ten best video editing software packages:
| Software | Top Features | Pricing | Unique Aspects |
| Dadan | Password-protected video sharing Screen croppingAnnotations | $9/month | Video and audio synchronization |
| CyberLink Power Director | AI effectsYouTube channel and blog | $4.58/month | Huge library of assets |
| Wondershare Filmora | AI features Built-in screen recording | $50.99 annually | Excellent beginner UI |
| Corel VideoStudio Ultimate | 360-degree camera footage GIF creations | $79.99 annually or$99.99 for Ultimate | Excellent facial effects |
| VideoProc Vlogger | Excellent slow and fast motion effects Layer videos | Free | Slow and fast motion effects |
| VideoPad | 3D and 360-degree camera footage Record voiceovers | Home $80 | Social media videos |
| Movavi Video Editor | Share and export in popular formatsRemove and replace color backgrounds | £19.95/month | Excellent entry-level UI |
| DaVinci Resolve | Slimline version of professional editing softwareExtensive free version | $299 lifetime | Professional-standard video editing |
| FlexClip | 5000-plus customizable templates Simple UI and visuals | Free | Entry-level editors |
| Icecream Video Editor | Easy-to-use editingStoryboard layout | Pro $29.95 annually | Short video edits |
Top picks for best beginner video editing software
Here’s our comprehensive guide to our top picks for the best beginner video editing software packages.
1. Dadan
Whether you’re a content creator in a professional business setting, a hobbyist, or an aspiring video editor, Dadan is one of the best all-around video editing packages on the market. You can add chapters and buttons to videos to increase interactivity, create thumbnails, easily crop videos, and add annotations and synchronized voiceovers.
Features
- 4K Video recording capability
- Audio recording
- Automated captioning
- Screen cropping
- Password-protected video sharing
Pros
- Easy-to-use UI
- MP4 downloads
- Easy content-sharing capability
- Great for social media or professional settings
Cons
- It may not work with earlier versions of Windows than Windows 10
Pricing
$9 per month
Best For
Starters, experts, professionals, and hobbyists
2. Cyberlink Power Director
PowerDirector from Cyberlink is an award-winning, simple-to-use video editing software with excellent editing capabilities and compatibility with new technologies, including AI.
Features
- Massive library of templates and effects
- AI effects are available with a single click
- Upload directly to popular platforms
- Official YouTube channel and blog to help learn the software
Pros
- Highly user-friendly interface
- Tooltips to explain each feature
- Thousands of titles and pre-made effects
Cons
- Stock content needs a subscription
Pricing
Premium subscription begins at $4.58/month
Best For
Editors of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned professional content creators
3. Wondershare Filmora
Although it has a slightly clunky interface, Wondershare Filmora allows you to edit videos seamlessly while learning new skills quickly. It has animated tooltips and over 20 filters available at the click of a button, and you can use stock assets from Giphy, Pixabay, and Unsplash.
Features
- Massive library of editing tools
- Multi-platform functionality
- AI features
- Built-in screen recording
Pros
- Vast range of editing tools
- Built with beginners in mind
- AI capability speeds up the learning process
Cons
- Interface can be confusing and complex
- No preview of special effects
Pricing
$50.99 annually
Best For
Beginners wanting AI functionality
4. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate, available only on Microsoft Windows, is perfect for beginners who want to add unique facial effects to videos. Using tools usually used for editing photos, users can smooth skin, adjust skin tone and brightness, remove shadows, and adjust the width of faces.
Features
- Create stop-motion animation by capturing individual frames
- 360-degree camera footage adds context to videos
- Create image sequences or animated GIFs within seconds
Pros
- Extremely easy-to-use video maker
- Massive range of advanced editing tools
- Excellent and flexible user interface
- Cons
- Not available on Mac or iOS
- Some AR features are clunky
Pricing
$79.99 annual subscription for Video Studio Pro, $99.99 for Video Studio Ultimate
Best For
Great package for editing video facial effects
5. VideoProc Vlogger
VideoProc Vlogger is excellent video editing software for beginners. It allows users to edit with slow and fast-motion effects. While the tools appear pretty complex at first glance, they’re straightforward with speed ramping, Bezier curves, and time-lapse capabilities. Add in 28 motion presets, including motion cropping, panning, and zooming, and users can learn as they edit with this simple software package.
Features
- Outstanding slow and fast motion effects
- Layer multiple videos
- Remove and replace backgrounds
- Remove distorted eyes
Pros
- Supports widescreen formats
- 28 motion presets to choose from
- Advanced effects for expert users
Cons
- Files are slow to export
- It may not be suitable for professional video content creators
Pricing
Free
Best For
Editing with slow and fast motion effects
6. VideoPad
If you’re new to social media publishing, VideoPad is one of the best beginner video editing software packages. With direct uploads to Facebook and YouTube, you can tailor your SEO by adding and editing metadata, including title tags and descriptions. Inside the software, you can reduce camera shake, convert 2D images to 3D, and export in multiple video resolutions.
Features
- Edit videos with 3D and 360-degree camera angles
- Adjust video playback speeds
- Excellent range of audio editing features, including adding voiceovers
Pros
- Drag-and-drop templates are simple to use
- Excellent direct links to social media platforms
- Superb audio editing capabilities
Cons
- Looks dated
- Learning materials online are a few years old
- Software can be unstable
Pricing
$80 for a home subscription. $7.72 monthly Masters subscription, including ongoing software updates
Best For
Social media content creators
7. Movavi Video Editor
Movavvi Video Editor is one of the most straightforward video editing software packages available, making it highly accessible and an excellent option for beginners. Combining AI tools and an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, Movavi is easy to learn and helps you create outstanding videos for any content creation project.
Features
- Easily share and export videos in popular formats, including MP4
- Use the chroma key to remove and replace colored backgrounds
- Overlay videos with a Picture-in-Picture function
Pros
- Simple to use
- Intuitive user interface
- One-click effects
Cons
- Lacks multicam, 3D and 360-degree editing
- Rendering speeds are slow
Pricing
$19.95 monthly, or $222.95 for a lifetime license
Best For
Entry-level editing
8. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is an outstanding video editing software package, especially for people who can quickly learn new software. Although more complex to learn than others on this list, DaVinci Resolve is a slimline version of DaVinci Resolve Studio, a program used by leading Hollywood filmmakers.
Features
- Outstanding range of editing tools on the free version
- Very good smart video stabilization tool
- Smart Reframe automatically reframes videos for different platforms (e.g., TikTok)
Pros
- Powerful editing tools
- Enormously versatile platform
Cons
- It can be complex and time-consuming to learn
- Not great for combining clips
Pricing
The free version may have everything you need; the paid version is $295
Best For
Professional users
9. FlexClip
FlexClip is only available in a desktop or laptop web browser, making it ideal for anyone who works at a desk. The free version allows you to edit videos up to 10 minutes long. With 12 different projects available and over 5,000 customizable templates to choose from, FlexClip is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to edit videos.
Features
- 5,000+ customizable templates available
- Good choice of royalty-free audio choices
- Add your own watermark to videos
Pros
- Great range of templates
- Easy and intuitive UI
- Browser-base makes it accessible on any internet connection
Cons
- 720 HD maximum video quality on the free version
- Free version is not a long-term solution
Pricing
Free, or $9.99/month
Best For
Beginners starting out
10. Icecream Video Editor
If you’re focusing on creating short videos, Icecream Video Editor has everything you need. Its easy-to-use editing software allows you to merge videos, audio tracks, and images on a storyboard. Best of all, most tools are accessible without watermarks, so long as your video is under 5 minutes or 10 scenes.
Features
- Massive library of graphics, stickers, and effects
- More than 20 video transitions
- Adjust the position, size, and speed of title presets
Pros
- Compatible with most systems
- Excellent range of content-sharing options
Cons
- Quite a basic range of editing tools
- Videos over 5 minutes are watermarked in the free version
Pricing
Free, although the pro version is only $29.95 annually.
Best For
Editing and creating short videos
Use Case Scenarios
Here are some of the best use-case scenarios for the best video software editing software for beginners:
Social media videos
VideoPad and IceCream Video Editor are two of the best software editing tools for creating social media videos. While Video Pad’s excellent interactivity with platforms like Facebook and YouTube allows for seamless uploads and content sharing, IceCream Video Editor is ideal for shorter content, with watermark-free videos available for those under 5 minutes.
Long-form videos
Meanwhile, DaVinci Resolve and PowerDirector from Cyberlink are the best video editing software packages for creating high-quality, longer-form videos. While PowerDirector has a vast library of templates and effects and a massive range of learning literature to support beginners, DaVinci Resolve’s slimline Hollywood studio-esq editing suite allows you to create HD videos with an enormous range of free effects and tools.
Tutorials
If you’re a gamer, influencer, or professional business user using video editing software to create tutorials, look no further than Dadan. Its comprehensive range of editing options includes annotations, snipping, and synchronized voiceover and audio tools, making it the ideal software for creating tutorials, guides, and how-to video content.
Conclusion
If you’re a beginner video editor, finding the piece of software that best meets your needs can be overwhelming. Begin by making a list of the features and tools you need, and look for software that meets these requirements.
Most of the packages on this list come with a free trial, which allows you to try before you buy and ensure you’re happy with the software, its functionality, and how easy it is to use before committing your hard-earned money to a subscription.
So, why not begin your video editing journey with Dadan’s outstanding all-round platform that offers versatility, and fantastic functionality with a free trial today.
