What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use? (Best Video Editors for Beginners & Pros)

If you’re starting a YouTube channel (or you already have one), one question always comes up:

What editing software do YouTubers use?

And honestly… it’s a smart question.

Because your video quality doesn’t only depend on your camera — it depends a LOT on editing. Editing is what makes videos look smooth, professional, and enjoyable to watch.

In this guide, I’ll explain what editing software YouTubers use, which one is best for beginners, and which one is used by top creators.

Why Editing Software Matters for YouTube

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk real.

You can record a video on a normal phone, but if your editing is good, the video will still look premium.

Editing helps you:

• Cut boring parts
  
• Add music and sound effects
  
• Improve video quality
  
• Add text, captions, and transitions
  
• Make thumbnails and intros
  
• Keep viewers watching longer (this helps ranking too)
  

So yes — choosing the right editor matters.

What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use the Most?

Most YouTubers use one of these popular video editing programs:

1) Adobe Premiere Pro (Most Popular for YouTubers)

If you search what editing software do YouTubers use, Adobe Premiere Pro will show up everywhere — and for good reason.

It’s used by:

• Professional YouTubers
  
• Filmmakers
  
• Editors who work for big creators
  

Why YouTubers love Premiere Pro:

• Very powerful editing tools
  
• Best for YouTube content (vlogs, tutorials, reviews)
  
• Works great with Adobe After Effects
  
• Lots of plugins, templates, and effects available
  

Best for:

✅ Intermediate to professional creators
❌ Not the best for beginners (it can feel heavy)

2) Final Cut Pro (Best for Mac YouTubers)

Final Cut Pro is a favorite among YouTubers who use MacBooks.

It’s fast, smooth, and professional.

Why YouTubers use it:

• Super fast rendering
  
• Easy timeline editing
  
• Great for vlogs and talking videos
  
• One-time payment (not monthly)
  

Best for:

✅ Mac users
❌ Not available for Windows

3) DaVinci Resolve (Best Free Professional Editor)

DaVinci Resolve is one of the strongest answers to:

What editing software do YouTubers use for free?

Because the free version is insanely powerful.

It’s used by:

• YouTubers
  
• Film editors
  
• Color grading professionals
  

Why YouTubers love it:

• Free version is enough for most creators
  
• Amazing color correction
  
• High-quality effects
  
• Professional audio tools
  

Best for:

✅ Creators who want pro editing without paying
❌ Needs a good PC (can be heavy)

4) CapCut (Most Popular for Shorts & TikTok Style Videos)

CapCut is HUGE right now.

If you watch YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or TikTok videos, chances are they were edited in CapCut.

Why YouTubers use CapCut:

• Very easy to use
  
• Best for fast editing
  
• Auto captions (very useful)
  
• Trending effects and transitions
  
• Works on mobile + PC
  

Best for:

✅ YouTube Shorts creators
✅ Beginners
❌ Not the best for long professional films

5) iMovie (Best for Absolute Beginners on Mac)

iMovie is free for Mac and iPhone users.

Many beginners start with it before moving to Final Cut Pro.

Why YouTubers start with iMovie:

• Simple interface
  
• Easy drag-and-drop editing
  
• Great for basic cuts, music, and text
  

Best for:

✅ Beginners
❌ Limited advanced features

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6) Filmora (Best for Beginners Who Want Easy Effects)

Filmora is one of the most beginner-friendly editors.

It’s popular with YouTubers who want a clean interface and built-in effects.

Why YouTubers use Filmora:

• Easy editing tools
  
• Built-in transitions, titles, and effects
  
• Great for YouTube beginners
  

Best for:

✅ Beginners
❌ Not used much by high-end professional editors

7) Sony Vegas Pro (Old Favorite for YouTubers)

Sony Vegas was super popular years ago, and many YouTubers still use it.

It’s good for:

• Gaming videos
  
• Simple edits
  
• Fast timeline cutting
  

Best for:

✅ Gaming creators
❌ Less popular today compared to Premiere and Resolve

8) VN Video Editor (Best Free Mobile Editor)

VN is a free editing app used by many creators on mobile.

It’s simple, clean, and doesn’t feel too complicated.

Best for:

✅ Mobile YouTubers
✅ Beginners

What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use for Gaming Videos?

Gaming YouTubers usually use:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
  
• DaVinci Resolve
  
• Sony Vegas Pro
  
• CapCut (for short gaming clips)
  

For screen recording, they often use:

• OBS Studio (free)
  

What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use for Vlogs?

For vlogs, the most common choices are:

• Final Cut Pro (Mac vloggers)
  
• Adobe Premiere Pro
  
• DaVinci Resolve
  
• Filmora (beginners)
  

What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use for Shorts?

Short-form creators mostly use:

• CapCut
  
• VN Video Editor
  
• InShot
  
• Premiere Pro (pro-level Shorts)
  

Best Editing Software for YouTube (Quick Recommendation)

If you’re confused and want a simple answer:

✅ Best for beginners:

• CapCut
  
• Filmora
  
• iMovie
  

✅ Best for professionals:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
  
• Final Cut Pro
  
• DaVinci Resolve
  

✅ Best free option:

• DaVinci Resolve
  
• CapCut
  

How to Choose the Right Editing Software for YouTube

Here’s the easiest way to choose:

If you want simple editing:

Go with CapCut or Filmora.

If you want professional editing:

Go with Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

If you have a Mac:

Go with Final Cut Pro.

If you edit on mobile:

Go with CapCut or VN.

Common Features YouTubers Need in Editing Software

When people ask what editing software do YouTubers use, they usually want something that can do:

• Cutting and trimming clips
  
• Adding background music
  
• Adding subtitles
  
• Adding transitions
  
• Adding overlays and effects
  
• Exporting in 1080p or 4K
  
• Fast rendering
  

Most editors above can do these things.

FAQs About What Editing Software Do YouTubers Use

Final Thoughts

Now you clearly know what editing software do YouTubers use, and the good thing is: you don’t need the most expensive editor to start.

If you’re a beginner, start simple with CapCut or Filmora.

And when you’re ready for professional editing, move to Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.