When it comes to content creation on YouTube, there’s endless ways to approach video editing. You can stick with filming with your camera and editing on a free app like CapCut, or you can film on a DSLR and edit with professional software like DaVinci Resolve. But what editing software do YouTubers use? We asked 5 different creators with successful YouTube channels about the best video editing software options for creating YouTube content.
What video editing software do YouTubers use?
To learn more about what YouTubers use to edit their videos, we asked 5 different creators: Gerald Undone, Jade Beason, Daniel Batal, Tymon Reynders, and Katie Steckly. We were surprised to find that there was a clear favorite when it came to the software they used to edit their videos.
DaVinci Resolve
The clear winner, with 4 out of 5 of our surveyed creators mentioning it, is DaVinci Resolve. Resolve has been gaining momentum as a popular choice for new video editors, especially since it offers a free version. “I love that DaVinci Resolve has a fully free version (that’s what I’m currently using!) that still has pretty much all the features you would need to make a great YouTube video,” Katie Steckly explained.
We go over the differences between the free and Studio version of Resolve in this post, but for most content creators, the free version should give you everything you need.
Gerald Undone also uses Resolve, saying, “DaVinci Resolve is my choice and the one I’d recommend most.” Daniel Batal also highly recommends Resolve: “I edit my videos with DaVinci Resolve video editing software. Hands down the best product on the market.”
If you’re interested in getting started with Resolve, we go over the basics in this tutorial, along with essential keyboard shortcuts for beginners.
Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro was the second most popular editing software mentioned, with both Katie Steckly and Tymon Reynders saying they use it along with Resolve. It’s not uncommon for creators to use two or more editors, depending on the type of video they’re creating.
But in Katie Steckly’s case, it’s more that she learned Premiere first: “I’ve been a die-hard Premiere Pro editor for years – I’ve been using it ever since I started my YouTube channel in 2011. But recently, I’ve been learning DaVinci Resolve and I’m loving it! Premiere is great because I’ve gotten so fast in it over the years, but I’d heard lots of good things about Resolve so I had to try it out.”
Premiere Pro is still a top option when it comes to video editing software, but the ongoing subscription price tag can be a lot for smaller creators. To learn more about how Premiere stands up to Resolve, we have a full article comparing the two.
But as Katie Steckly points out, the two aren’t all that different: “At the end of the day though, [DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro] are pretty similar – so I think when it comes to choosing the editing software for you, it’s all about what you’re comfortable and efficient in.”
Other software
While none of the creators we talked to mentioned other editing software, there are a lot available in the market. Final Cut Pro, iMovie, CapCut, and other mobile editing apps are all great choices for new editors.
Ultimately, the editing software you choose boils down to exactly what Katie said – it’s all about the one you work best in. So if you’re new to editing, try out as many different options as you can and see which one you like the best. Especially if you don’t need technical specs or access to the highest-quality video export options.
Hiring an editor
You may have noticed that we haven’t mentioned our fifth and final creator yet. And that’s because Jade Beason doesn’t use any editing software. Instead, she hired a video editor. That’s becoming a popular option for established content creators and YouTubers, since editing can have a tough learning curve. Especially if you want to learn how to create motion graphics, animations, or other visual effects too.
If you’re interested in learning more about that line of work, we talked to Rachel Kisela, a freelance video editor who’s worked with YouTubers like MrBeast, about her experience going freelance. It can be a profitable career, especially with content creation becoming easier to do than ever. You can find and post freelance video editing jobs on lots of different websites if that’s the route you want to go. But for most new YouTubers, hiring an editor will probably be out of budget.
Learn the secrets to becoming a successful YouTuber
To set your YouTube channel up for success, we have a free course to help you get started. The Beginner’s Guide to Creating Video teaches you the fundamental steps to create high-quality video fast, with advice from successful content creators. Also be sure to check out our other YouTube articles, like how to add chapters to your videos, recommended equipment for beginners, our guide to YouTube Shorts, everything you need to know about YouTube monetization, and 10 things you need for a successful YouTube channel.
Storyblocks has everything you need to create high-quality videos that draw viewers in. From high-quality 4K and HD footage to time-saving templates for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, you’ll get unlimited downloads of everything in our library of over 2 million stock assets. Explore our plan options and sign up for a subscription today to start downloading instantly.
