The trick to creating a good video is all in the details – cuts, edits, color gradation, audio production, and the like – and these details can be created using quality video editing software.
But not all video editing software is the same. Some are outdated, while others are too simplistic for anything beyond a slideshow. A lot of free video editing software misses the mark. This is why professionals turn to video editing softwares.
What Are Video Editing Services?
What’s the difference between video editing software and video editing services? Software is a program that uses various services to edit videos.
Video editing services can refer to two things: all the little tools included in the software – splicing a video, adding subtitles, and merging two clips, among others – is one of them. But it can also refer to the service that a video editor provides, which consists of using said software and tools to produce pro-level video editing.
Working With a Professional Video Editor
You can save time searching for paid or free video editing software by hiring a video editor. Many of these professionals work freelance. A Google search will bring them up in your area.
Another reason why you would hire a video editor is if you don’t have the necessary computer equipment to finish your video editing jobs. No matter the reason, working with a professional video editor is a great way to get your project completed.
What Is the Best Video Editing Software?
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of great video editing software out there. They come at all price points, though some work best on certain computers and others specialize in a particular service.
The Most Popular: Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is the most popular video editing software on the market today – most videos on YouTube are made using Premiere Pro.
As Premiere Pro is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, you can download it onto any device you might be using. And because Adobe syncs your work to the cloud, it’s easy to pick up where you left off even from a different computer.
Premiere Pro has a wide array of features, meaning that your creative options are endless. However, that functionality comes with a steep learning curve, meaning that you may need to take extra time getting to know the software’s ins and outs.
Additionally, because Adobe is such a premium-level service, the cost is rather high. You’ll need a monthly subscription to use the software, which can quickly add up.
Pros
- Cloud-based
- Cross-platform
- Trusted
- Full-featured and can handle almost anything
- Advanced
Cons
- Pricey
- Steep learning curve
- Adobe has questionable business practices
Best For Macs: Final Cut Pro
The best video editing software for Macs is Apple’s own Final Cut Pro. It is just as feature-packed as Premiere Pro, but like many Apple products, it is very user-friendly.
Final Cut Pro also backs up to the cloud (in this case, to Apple’s iCloud) so your work is available wherever you go. Best of all, it comes with a pay-once business model. It’s expensive, but you only need to shell out money once, and then you own the software.
Pros
- Apple’s user-friendliness
- Feature-packed
- Powerful and reliable
- Backed up to iCloud
Cons
- Apple-only
- Expensive
Most Versatile: Cyberlink PowerDirector 365
Experienced video editors may have to relearn how to do everything the first time they open PowerDirector. The interface is a unique take on video editing where the project is shown as a storyboard.
However, this just scratches the service – PowerDirector offers three modes, including “Full Mode,” which is akin to traditional video editing software, “Easy Mode” (the original storyboard layout), and the self-explanatory “Slideshow Mode.”’
PowerDirector can tackle any project and export in a dozen formats, making it one of the most versatile video editing services out there. The new 365 model allows you to subscribe on a monthly or annual basis.
Pros
- Versatile
- A unique take on video editing
- Cross-platform
- Affordable
Cons
- May require learning all over again
- Built-in AI is not that intelligent
Best for Windows: Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is the best all-around video editing software for Windows computers. This has never been more true, as VideoStudio Ultimate’s 2021 update tackles its stability issues and adds more video editing services to create a powerful and intuitive package.
One thing that sets VideoStudio Ultimate apart is its drag-and-drop interface. It’s easy to move clips and graphics around with your mouse. VideoStudio includes dozens of templates to get you started, so half of your video editing is taken care of by the time you start.
Additionally, to keep up with modern trends, VideoStudio includes floating AR stickers for TikTok videos and Instagram Stories.
Pros
- Powerful and full-featured
- Intuitive interface
- Drag & drop
- Affordable
- Modern
Cons
- Windows only
Best for Professionals: Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is another Corel video editing software, and is aimed at the professional market. There’s a steeper learning curve than with VideoStudio, but if you can master it, you have access to a wide suite of premium features, like editing 8K videos and using smart object tracking.
Pinnacle also features batch processing, gif support, face motion tracking, and dozens of other services.
Pros
- Powerful
- Innovative and feature-packed
- Professional-grade software
Cons
- Expensive
- Windows only
- Steep learning curve
Conclusion
There are a lot of video editing services out there, but only a few qualify as the best. Armed with this software, you’re all set to create high-quality content.