There are various things you will need to be successful in vlogging. You will need a good camera, microphone, tripod, and an excellent editing tool. This piece will focus on the best vlog editors. You will also learn how to choose vlog editors that will get the job done. So, keep reading to learn more. Ready?
How to choose the right editor for your vlogging channel
Before we dive deeper and have a look at the best vlog editors, let’s go through some of the things to consider when choosing.
- Your budget: Many people will tell you that for you to become a professional vlogger, you need to use the most expensive vlog editors. That is not true. A good vlog is all about content and the clarity of the video and audio, and this is independent of the editor you use. So, if you can use cheaper or free editors and get better results, there is no need to go for expensive options.
Besides, if new to vlogging and not yet sure if you will end up being a vlogger, it is best to start with free or cheaper versions. Later and once you are comfortable and experienced, you can try more advanced editors.
- Hardware: Whether you opt for free or paid editors, it is crucial to make sure they will run seamlessly in your existing equipment. Of course, you will need a PC or laptop. Will running the editor cause your machine to malfunction? Basically, make sure your equipment are ready for the different types of vlog editors you decide to settle for.
- Special effects: How complex will your editing be? If you just want to record simple vlogs with no special effects, there is no need to go for advance vlog editors. Most of the advanced editors have special features that allow adding special effects that are required to make professional vlogs. No to mention you are more likely to pay more to access those features.
- Storage: Where will you store the finished videos? Without a doubt, you will need space to store your videos. You can store them locally on your machine or online. Whether you plan to store them locally or online, you need to have a sound plan.
Top 7 best vlog editors
DaVinci Resolve
First in our list is the DaVinci Resolve, an editor that gives you the freedom to do whatever you want to do with it. It is just completely customizable.
It has great features which have seen it been used to edit Hollywood movies. So, this means you will be using a very reliable application.
With its most features accessed at no cost, you will find this editor very helpful. Unless you want to edit 4k videos and access more advanced features, you will find everything for free.
Pros
- The light and color correction features are as good as you’d expect.
- Free unless you need to edit 4k+ video
- Good optimization so it can be used with cheaper computers
Cons
- Still in beta phase, so you might find unexpected bugs.
- Lacks more audio editing options and integration with diverse apps
Adobe Premiere Pro (Paid)
Adobe Premiere is one of the most popular editors among professionals, such as photographers and vloggers. Its unmatched ecosystem of features is one reason why Adobe Premiere has earned its place in the industry.
Supporting 4K, HDR video, Lumerti color tool, and 360 VR, this editor allows different experts to do more without using other editing tools.
Not to mention that you access an unlimited combination of video and audio effects and transitions that you can easily apply by using this editor. All these make Adobe Premiere an excellent editor for any vlogger out there.
Pro
- The light and color correction features are as good as you would expect.
- Integrates well with the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Excellent preset audio modes that stunningly fit into your videos.
Cons
- It is pretty expensive. If running on a tight budget, it is best to consider
- The program is a resource hog. Its complex features tend to slow down its functionalities.
- It has a subscription-based model.
- The interface could be presented in a more user-friendly way.
Final Cut Pro (Paid)
This is yet another tool that is similar to adobe premiere. It offers many features offered by adobe premiere. The only difference is that it is available with a single payment and only runs on macOS.
Final Cut is designed to handle both simple and complex editing. And by supporting various video formats such as MOV, AVI, Mp4, and AVCHD, professionals also find it worth it.
It also has some intelligent features such as Smart collection, which automatically helps in categorizing your library.
As a vlogger, you will find Final Cut very helpful if you are making small movies, educational videos, or high-quality music videos.
Basically, this Final Cut is an excellent editing software suitable for both newbie vloggers as well as seasoned vloggers.
Pros
- A smooth, organized workflow and user-friendly interface
- High-quality effects, titles, and transitions.
- Great importing function for videos and integration with other Apple devices.
Cons
- Requires macOS
- It is also pretty expensive considering you need a Mac to run it.
- No integrations with more useful media editing tools
Filmora Video Editor (Paid)
Unlike Final Cut, Filmora Video Editor is available on both Mac and windows. Besides been compatible across all major operating systems, this editor also guarantees fast speed, friendly user interface, and simplicity. All these, when combined, make this tool very fascinating.
The best thing with this editor is that it is designed for amateurs audience, specifically vloggers. This means you will find it more friendly than most of the editors we have discussed.
Its free version gives you enough time to test it, and if ok, you can upgrade to premium option and access all features. The only downside of using a free version is the presence of a watermark that won’t go away until you upgrade.
Pros
- Made for beginners
- Great tutorials for beginners
- Lower price makes it more accessible, and you only purchase the effects that you need.
Cons
- Only one main video editing track
- Limited ways to change color elements
- Doesn’t support 360-degree videos
Pinnacle Studio (Paid)
Do you use a windows computer? If yes, Pinnacle Studio is one affordable editor that will not disappoint you. It is easy to use, has tons of effects, create excellent 3D videos, and can edit 4K videos, which is why it is still popular among professional vloggers.
Basically, Pinnacle Studio is suitable for newbies vloggers as well as experienced vloggers.
Pros
- Simple interface
- Edits 360-degree VR content
- Good price for the feature it offers
- 4K and H.265 support
Cons
- Motion tracking issues on some PCs
- Occasional crashes
- Not as complete as the more expensive editors
Sony Vegas Movie Studio (Paid)
Last in our list is the Sony Vegas Movie Studio, which is not too far from outperforming Adobe Premiere. For now, it lacks the 3D capacity.
It comes with two editing modes: simple editing and advanced editing, which allow you to create professional vlogs.
It can edit 4K videos and allow you to make green screen projects.
Sony Vegas Movie Studio will not disappoint if looking for a tool that will help you edit your vlogs as it has many excellent features every vlogger is looking for.
Pros
- Simple interface
- Edits 360-degree VR content
- Good price for the feature it offers
- 4K and H.265 support
Cons
- Requires too much mousing
- Basically Premiere but without the app integrations
- Occasional crashes
iMovie (Free)
This is yet another free editing tool that is available to all Mac users. It is a product of Apple and offers all the basics you need to edit a simple video. You can use it to add text to your videos, when adding a video to another, when adding animation, and so on. In a nutshell, you can do a lot with iMovies.
Its great features that allow you to speed and slow some part of a video, and trimming down videos make it an excellent editor. Not forgetting this editor comes with plenty of modern animation templates and tons of tutorials that you can use to learn more about it.
Pros
- Good timing cuts for audio and video transitions
- Simple interface
- Abundant audio tools
- Free
- Theater feature that can share videos to all Apple devices
Cons
- Lacks motion tracking and Multicam, features
- Limited output controls
- Very few video effects
- Doesn’t support 360-degree videos
Conclusion
Now that you have a list of vlog editors to consider, the ball is in your court. Take your time and find out that one vlog edit that will not only make your work easier but is also future proof. Why future proof? Such a software cut the need to relearning another software as technology advances. In other words, pick a solution that is reliable today and in the future.
Starting with free trials is a good idea and especially when you have little knowledge about an editing tool. Once you are ok with a tool, and after the free trial period, you can upgrade to the premium option.
One thing to note is that, whichever vlog editor you settle for, you must practice and practice to master everything and to be good at what you do.