12 Best Video Editing Software for Creating Engaging Content

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Videos have a 92% audience reach globally. They are regarded as the most effective type of content, engaging people on a much deeper level.

Videos provide value, enhance brand awareness, and greatly boost conversions—if they are of high quality, of course. Simply creating an informative video is not sufficient. You also need to make it visually appealing and engaging by utilizing various tools.

Below, we present 12 video editing software options that assist in creating engaging content for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms.

Paid and Free Video Editors You Should Choose in 2024

These programs are available in various shapes and sizes, accommodate all types of budgets, and offer a wide range of features. We are confident that after reading our comprehensive guide, you will discover the best software to create videos that rival Oscar-quality films.

1. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor

Price:

Free trial for 7 days

1-year subscription for $16.95

Lifetime license for $21.95

Compatible systems:

Windows and Mac

Movavi Video Editor is utilized by millions for personal use and as a component of video content marketing to generate leads.

With its clear design, reasonable prices, and regularly updated versions, this program has become an indispensable tool for creating engaging content.

Pros
  • AI background and noise removal
  • Direct upload to Google Drive, TikTok, Vimeo, and YouTube
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Movavi Effects Store
  • Quick video creation
  • Motion tracking
Cons
  • Rendering could be better

2. VEED

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Price:

Free
$12-$59 per month

Compatible systems:

Any web browser

VEED is recognized for its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for creating and editing videos for various purposes.

This online video editor provides advanced tools such as a video translator, background noise remover, audio converter, and subtitle generator.

VEED is also actively developing AI tools, including the newly introduced eye contact correction tool.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Online accessibility
  • Collaborative editing
  • Ready to use templates
  • Free stock videos
Cons
  • Additional pricing for advanced features
  • Relies on a stable internet connection

3. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve

Price:

Free version

Premium offers for $295 lifetime

Compatible systems:

Windows and Mac

DaVinci Resolve is an excellent video editor that caters to both experienced editors and beginners.

The basic version includes all standard features, allowing you to edit the video without any cost. However, be prepared for a learning curve as you familiarize yourself with the interface.

Pros
  • Audio overlays and scrubbing
  • Adjustment clips
  • Multicamera editing
  • Closed captioning 
  • DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor and Keyboard
Cons
  • Only a lifetime subscription
  • Occupies lots of system resources

4. Shotcut

Shotcut

Price:

Free

Donation-based

Compatible systems:

Windows, Linux, and Mac

Using Shotcut, you can create engaging videos for LinkedIn, Instagram, and other popular platforms.

It is an open-source video editor with numerous tutorials, making it easy for beginners to understand how it works.

A wide range of supported formats, advanced tools, and bandpass features are just a small part of what Shotcut has to offer.

Pros
  • Supports FFmpeg, ProRes, 4K, and other formats
  • Native timeline editing
  • AVI encoding and decoding
  • Webcam and audio capture
  • Network stream playback
Cons
  • Quirky design

5. KdenLive

KdenLive

Price:

Free

Donation-based

Compatible systems:

Windows, Mac, and Linux

KdenLive is an open-source video editing software that is available for free.

You can express your gratitude to developers through a donation that supports the program’s growth and evolution. The MLT Framework primarily handles video processing.

Pros
  • Audiometer, histogram, and vectorscope 
  • Proxy editing
  • Automatic backups
  • Timeline previews
  • A variety of interface themes
Cons
  • Relies on other open-source projects 

6. HitFilm

HitFilm

Price:

Free

$349 for Pro Version

Compatible systems:

Windows and Mac

If you want to learn how to create cutting-edge videos, consider using HitFilm. While it is typically used by more advanced editors, the results are certainly worth the effort.

When using the free version, HitFilm requests a social media status update with each download. The range of features this editor provides is truly impressive.

Pros
  • 3D effects
  • Motion tracking and cropping
  • Numerous transition tools
  • Composite shots
  • Audio mixers
  • Auto stabilizer 
Cons
  • Mostly targets advanced users 
  • The pro version is pricy

7. Kapwing

Kapwing

Price:

Free

$24 monthly or

$192 annually for the Pro version

Compatible systems:

Any web browser

Kapwing is an unconventional video editor, as it focuses on teams rather than individuals.

With this collaborative software, teams can embed YouTube videos in Outlook, create presentations, and accomplish many other tasks.

The free version permits unlimited exports with a watermark, auto-generated subtitles for up to 10 minutes each month, and 720p quality.

Pros
  • Videos up to 120 minutes
  • 4K quality
  • AI editing instruments
  • Custom fonts
  • Limitless cloud storage
Cons
  • A limited set of features in the free version

8. VSDC

VSDC

Price:

Free

$19.99 for advanced features

Compatible systems:

Windows

VSDC Video Editor is suitable for beginners and for those who prefer not to invest much time in creating engaging content.

It can quickly enhance the footage using motion tracking, color correction, and other helpful tools. The number of VSDC users exceeds 5 million.

Pros
  • Mask tool
  • Green screen
  • Chroma Key functionality
  • Post-production effects
  • 3D templates
Cons
  •  No acceleration features
  • Clunky interface

9. KineMaster

KineMaster

Price:

Free

$3.99 monthly paid plan

Compatible systems:

Android, iOS, and Chromebook

KineMaster is an affordable yet powerful video editor for individuals who prefer to work on the go.

With its assistance, users can record a video, edit it, and upload it to the desired platform in just a few minutes.

There are more than 2,500 downloadable effects and transitions available to achieve exceptional results.

Pros
  • KineMaster store with fonts, stickers, effects, and sounds
  • 4K videos
  • Automatic backups
  • Blending options
Cons
  • No PC version

10. Wave.video

Wave.video

Price:

Free

$16 -$48 per month

Compatible systems:

Any web browser

Wave.video is a convenient and user-friendly editor that offers a variety of features, including video marketing, thumbnail creation, and live streaming.

There are many video tutorials and articles available for each tool and feature. If you want a video without a watermark, you will need to purchase the advanced version. 

Pros
  • Stock library with millions of templates and images
  • Automatic subtitles
  • Background removal
  • Video hosting
  • Screen sharing
Cons
  • Absence of a downloadable version

11. SoapBox

SoapBox

Price:

Free trial

Annual packages start from $228

Compatible systems:

Any web browser

SoapBox is a free Chrome extension designed to capture screens and videos, enhancing them with a variety of editing tools.

SoapBox is an essential tool for startups and influencers seeking high-quality talking heads, product demonstrations, and tutorial videos.

Pros
  • Browser-based screen recording
  • Intuitive video trimmer
  • Video CMS
  • Custom Video Player
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other editors

12. CapCut

CapCut

Price:

Free

$7.99 monthly or

$44.99 annual subscription

Compatible systems:

Windows and any web browser

CapCut is a comprehensive video editor available in both online and downloadable formats.

You can enhance your videos with over 500,000 audio files, 4,600 stickers, and 200 filters.

CapCut also offers social media tools for creating and editing TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram videos.

Pros
  • Many templates
  • AI tools
  • Speech to text
  • Background removal
  • Video resizing
Cons
  • 60 FPS maximum frame rate

13. Lightworks

Lightworks software

Price:

Free

$24.99/month for Pro Version 

Compatible systems:

Windows, Mac, and Linux

Lightworks has been available for over 30 years and continues to be one of the most popular video editors globally.

Its Pro version has even been used in Hollywood films such as ‘The King’s Speech’ featuring Colin Firth. Lightworks is somewhat complex but includes an introductory guide that covers the main features. 

Pros
  • Background processing
  • Real-time sharing
  • Speed optimization
  • Simple multi-camera editing
Cons
  • Exports of up to 720p in a free version

Conclusion

Video editors are among the best content creation tools because they allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the process.

You don’t need to be a professional video editor, as modern online programs are intuitive and user-friendly. You already have a list of the top 12 free and paid video editors, so now is the perfect time to take the first step toward creating the content of your dreams. 

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author on the blog

Stefan Mitrovic

Stefan is a long-time content creator and one of the Stream Mentor's co-founders. He's a tech geek and a Dota 2 player (not even a good one) who wanted to help others become professional streamers and earn from the comfort of their home.