Video editing does not mean the same for everybody.

For some it may mean combining several clips into one. For others, it means total control over the entire process – magnetic timeline, chroma key, advanced color correction and more.

In this post, I'm going to share some of the best video editing programs to edit a vlog.

Before We Get Started

To make things simple, I've divided video editor for vlogs into 3 levels:

  • Entry-Level –  This level of software allows you to combine two clips, add some animation and music to the video. It's ideal for people who just want basic stuff and don't have a high-end computer, laptop or notebook.
  • Intermediate Level – This level of video editing software lets users add in layers, text animations and more. This is great for people who need a great YouTube video editor. However, to ensure the program runs smoothly, you want a good computer or laptop to install the program on.
  • Advanced Level – This level of video editors are great for creating a whole movie and will have all the features you could need and use in a video editing software. Still, unless you're making good money from your vlogging, the price may be a bit much.

Best Overall: Movavi Video Editor

When it comes to the best option for vloggers, Movavi Video Editor is what you need. It's great for YouTube fashion/beauty vloggers, travel vloggers, gamers and others. The key aspects of the program include free music and sound effects, a user-friendly interface and the ability to create Hollywood-like special effects such as 8-bit gamer set, fashion, etc.

The Movavi Video Editor program can work across various platforms – Windows 7 to 10, Android, iPhone and macOS.

It's got a user-friendly interface that includes a comprehensive how-to video guide so anyone can use and make the videos they want. With over 1,000 special features, any novice YouTuber can look like a professional when they combine videos with music and text.

The program even improves home movies with its picture-in-picture mode, filters, an array of transitions and so much more.

Movavi Video Editor may be just what vloggers have been looking for.

Best Entry Level Video Editing Software for Vlogs

In the past, novice vloggers were using Windows Movie Maker to create their videos. Those days are history, as Microsoft stopped giving support to the program in 2017 and it's no longer available for people to download.

With that in mind, what video editing software could a novice vlogger use and still look like a professional?

2. Shotcut

This open source, free video editing program comes with an array of potent features and support for its various formats.  Shotcut can give a professional feel to any videos with its array of features such as 4K support.

What other reasons do you need to consider Shotcut for your beginner vlogging needs? There is no paid version of Shotcut, which means everything you see in the program you get and can use.  If you're unsure of how to use the program, the developer has come up with tutorials for you to use. You can also find tutorials about the software on the Internet as well.

Shotcut can be used on any Windows, Mac or Linux-running device.

3. iMovie

Do you use a Mac computer? If so, then consider iMovie for your video editing needs. This free video editor is already installed on the MacOS, and it takes less than 30 minutes to understand the facets of the program.

Upon launching the program, it will ask you if you'd like to use a pre-built template or design your own. If you use the pre-built template, you'll drag and drop the files into the program where it takes care of the rest.  Most users go with the second option because they like to have some semblance of control over their video.

If you go to YouTube and look for "how to edit YouTube videos," you'll see that many YouTubers are still using iMovie to create their work. It's got the basic features you'd want from a program, but there is a catch. You can't run it on a Windows device (Mac only), and it's not ideal for all video/audio formats. If you have .avi file, it can't be imported into the iMovie program.

Best Intermediate Level Video Editing Software for Vlogs

4. Movavi Video Editor

This vlogging editing software is great for food vloggers, beauty vloggers, gamers, novice video editors, etc.

Movavi Video Editing program offers many features including the ability to do 4K editing and customize the built-in special effects in its user-friendly interface.

Practice makes perfect… this goes for video editors too. With Movavi, you get a professional feel and look to your YouTube videos whether you've done it before or not.

Movavi has several editing modes to choose from – based on the task you need to carry out. However, its Full Feature Mode gives you all the tools you need to develop a well-thought-out video. You have the ability to add in audio, video and photo files to projects, and you can cut or trim video clips when you need to do.

The program comes with an extensive effects library, so you give videos some color, overlay images and add in text.  With its royalty-free music option, you can find the right soundtrack – exported them from the editor to YouTube.

Text can be added to animations and saved as a preset for future use. Movavi allows you to get creative using the chroma key feature.

5. PowerDirector

This program, which offers an array of tools and features, is ideal for sports video editing and advanced video developers.

Movavi is a great video editing program, but it's not near as powerful as PowerDirector. It's not uncommon for YouTubers to be using this video editing software in their vlogs. After all, it's got a host of features that they need including trimming, cutting, layers, combining, video effects, animation and more.  The developer even added support for 4K and 360 videos – something you don't see with many other video editing programs.

If you want a good long-term video editor that you can quickly learn to use and has many basic features, then PowerDirector may be just what you need. Be aware that it's a Windows-only program and cost about $70 when you factor in discounts.

6. Sony Vegas Pro

If you're looking for a comprehensive video editing program with its advanced features and, collaboration tools, High Frame Rate support and many others, then look no further than Sony Vegas Pro.

This program is designed for professional movie and filmmakers. It's often used in Hollywood for TV shows, movies and music video.

Be aware that Sony Vegas Pro was created for the serious of the serious video editors, which means any great creative video you make can rival the cinema experience you get at a theater.

Best Advanced Level Video Editing Software for Vlogs

7. Adobe Premiere Video

Most people recognize the name Adobe, as it's got a whole line of products that people use on a regular basis (Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Photoshop – the list can go on.) Of course, Adobe as a video maker as well called Adobe Premiere Video.

What's so great about the Adobe Premiere Video program?  First off, there are a plethora of features it comes with such as superior color grading and correction, collaboration support, a complete line of professional editing features, virtual reality to 8K footage, unlimited multi-cam angles, adaptable trimming tools and so much more.

It offers a Morph Cut transition tool, which makes it easy to smooth jump cuts over for dialog shots and interviews (think news reporting).

Although designed for filmmakers and professional video editors, it still has an easy-to-use interface for anybody to navigate in.

8. Final Cut Pro X

Most people know that Apple came up with its iMovie program for novice video editors, which only stands to reason that professional video editors get Final Cut Pro X. Best of all, Apple decided the video editing software program needed an overhaul and gave it a facelift.

This program has so many great features for professional video editors can use such as multi-cam support, Clip Connections and Magnetic Timeline 2. The Magnetic Timeline 2 allows for simple handling of various audio and video tracks in an easy-to-understand matte. Many Hollywood greats have used Final Cut Pro because of the outstanding features it has to offer and the simple user interface.

Best of all, you can personalize the program with the array of Apple-included add-ons – what could be even better than that? Thanks to Final Cut Pro X and its large array of transitions, effects and templates, video post-production and marketing have never been easier. If you're a serious video editor, then you need to pick up a copy of Final Cut Pro X (be aware, it's not cheap!)

Wrapping Up: Best Video Editing Software

Are you new to video editing and just want a basic software program? If so, then iMovie or Shotcut can do the trick. However, your choice of between the two will depend on the computer operating software you are using.

If you're looking for a balanced video editing program, Filmora is the answer.  Or, if you want total control over everything of your video editing and have the money to spend, you've got your choice of Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X.

Are you ready to make your next award-winning or viral video?

Best Video Editor for Vlogs (Top 8 Picks)

5 (100%) 3 votes


Hey, My name is Paul – nice to e-meet you 🙂 I'm a freelance video editor who has over 4 years experiences of making all types of videos. I founded this website to provide step-by-step and easy-to-follow instructions to first-time editors or beginners like you who want to start their journey in video editing.