When it comes to video editing software, the first thing that comes to our mind may be Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Sony Vegas and EDIUS. For novices, this kind of professional editing software is really too complicated and the price is too high. Since you're finding a video editor like the free iMovie, I will introduce some free and easy-to-use video editing software similar to iMovie in this article. I hope everyone can find the one you like most and make your own cool video with happiness.

Best for Mac and iOS: iMovie. IMovie is a reputable and tested video editing software that is noted for its easy to use nature, top-notch output and the tons of school project that it has helped create. Sep 16, 2020 Blender is unique in that video editing is only a fraction of what it can do. The free open-source software, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, is actually an entire suite of professional-grade 3D-creation tools. You can use it for 3D modeling, sculpting, painting, animation, and much more.

As you may know, iMovie only works on Mac and iOS. The PC users have to take an iMovie for PC alternative. This time, I'll try my best and get all platform users covered by recommending cross-platform free video editing software at first, with the quality keeping in mind. Now enjoy free video editing software like iMovie and salute to its developer.

> #1 Best Video Editing Software Like iMovie - Shotcut
> #2 Free Video Editing Software Like iMovie - OpenShot
> #3 Free Video Editing Program Like iMovie - Davinci Resolve
> #4 Free Video Editing Software Like iMovie - Lightworks
> #5 Free Video Editing Program Like iMovie - HitFilm Express
> #6 Free Video Editor Like iMovie - VideoPad Video Editor

#1 Free Video Editing Software Like iMovie - Shotcut

Shotcut is an open source and free video editing software developed by Meltytech LLC, which supports Mac, Windows and Linux. It follows the GNU/GPL protocol, which means anyone can use Shotcut for video editing and movie making for completely free.

Talking about video editing, Shotcut has functions such as GPU acceleration, broad format support, drag and drop operation, filter effects, etc. Like iMovie, Shotcut processes media files fast and does not occupy few computer resources. In my own experience using the software, Shotcut is an intermediate free video editor similar to iMovie. It's much easier than those professional video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, but it is slightly more complicated than other free video editing software with simple features. It can be said that Shotcut is the best of free video editor software. So it won our Gold price of iMovie-like free video editing software.

#2 Free Video Editing Software Like iMovie - OpenShot

The second iMovie alternative free video editing software is called OpenShot, a name similar to Shotcut. It combines all the powerful tools you need for video editing, such as splitting, merging, rotating, transition, effects, animated and 3D titles, etc. The same with Shotcut, OpenShot also works on Mac, Windows and Linux. It helps you quickly and easily create the video you desired.

OpenShot was previously a free video editing program for Linux OS only. Now Mac and Windows versions are also available, but only for 64-bit operating systems. As for the video editing features, this iMovie-like free video editor software provides you with real-time video preview, an array of title templates (2D & 3D), special effects like Slow Motion and Reverse, audio mixing and other features. It comes with a simple interface like iMovie. If you're afraid of intermediate interface, try OpenShot first before Shotcut.

#3 Free Video Editing Program Like iMovie - Davinci Resolve 15

Davinci Resolve is an all-in-one solution for video editing, color adjustment, post-production and visual effects. It's designed to realize unlimited creativity using different toolsets. You can now produce video easily by working together with other creative people.

In all, it's a more powerful and professional video editing solution than iMovie. It's more like Final Cut Pro X. Davinci Resolve is a commercial video production solution but it also provides free version which could be used as a professional iMovie alternative. Keep in mind that this iMovie alternative might require a deep learning curve. Either Mac or Windows is compatible. Thank Blackmagic Design for bring such an amazing video editing and post-production software for free. Download Davinci Resolve 15 now.

#4 Free Video Editing Software Like iMovie - Lightworks

Lightworks is another advanced video editing software like iMovie. Different from other pro software, Lightworks comes with a simple and intuitive interface. Similar to iMovie, it includes media management, video editing tools, multi-color correction, and support for 3D graphics, real-time effects, and built-in support for royalty-free stock video and music.

LightWorks is also a cross-platform free video editing software, which means you can download and use it on Mac, Windows and Linux. You can take this Hollywood-level video production tool anywhere you want. It's an Academy and Emmy award-winning video editing software for totally free. Salute to EditShare. Download Lightworks now.

#5 Free Video Editing Program Like iMovie - HitFilm Express

HitFilm is a commercial video editing and VFX software with two versions: HitFilm Pro and HitFilm Express. As a free video editing software similar to iMovie, it's also simple and easy to use HitFilm to split and trim your video, add transitions and title, as well as make green/blue screen and color correction. As a professional video editor, HitFilm also empowers you to design your own transitions, import 3D models and apply 400+ specialized effects like lens flare, muzzle flashes, distortion, lightning, and much more. For those artists who want more video creation elements, HitFilm Express provides many add-on packs, adding more values to this iMovie-like free video editor.

HitFilm works on Mac and Windows. To download this free video editor for Mac and PC, you have to sign up to create an account on their website, and share on your social account. Then you need to claim your free license.

#6 Free Video Editor Like iMovie - VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad is definitely an all-platform video editing software free for personal and home use. It can run on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android, and even Kindle! Unbelievable! From this view point, it's a free video editing software better than iMovie which only supports Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

VideoPad is a fully-featured and classic video editor. Totally different from the above video editing software, VideoPad enables you to capture video from a DV camcorder, VHS, GoPro, webcam, then edit video with its free editing tools like split, reverse, transition, effects, audio mixer, and speed control. When your video editing is complete, you're able to share your video anywhere. DVD burning is not a popular feature nowadays. If you want to watch your movie on TV, DVD disc is still a good choice. VideoPad can export videos in multiple resolutions up to 4K, same with iMovie. If you make videos for non-commercial use, download this free video editor like iMovie right now.

Comparison Table of iMovie-like Free Video Editors

Check out some important differences between free video editing programs to choose your favorite one.

iMovie Alt.	OS	Import	GPU Accel.	3D Titles	VFX	Export
Shotcut	Mac, Windows, Linux	All common media formats, webcam, ProRes, DNxHD	Yes	No	No	YouTube, Facebook, iPhone, iPad, PSP, Video Files, Audio Files
OpenShot	Mac, Windows, Linux	All common media formats	No	Yes	No	All common media formats
Davinci Resolve	Mac, Windows	All common media formats, webcam	Yes	Yes	Yes	YouTube, Vimeo, FCP, PR, and all common media formats
LightWorks	Mac, Windows, Linux	ProRes, Avid DNxHD, AVC-Intra, DVCPRO HD, RED R3D, DPX, AVCHD, and all common media formats	Yes	Yes	Yes	YouTube, Vimeo, and all common media formats
HitFilm Express	Mac, Windows	All common media formats, webcam	Yes	Yes	Yes	YouTube, 8K video export,all common media formats
VideoPad	Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Kindle	All common media formats, webcam, GoPro, VHS, and DV Camcorder	No	No	No	YouTube, Facebook, iPhone, iPad, PSP, Video Files, Audio Files, VR headsets, DVD disc.

Conclusion for iMovie-like Free Video Editors

iMovie is the entry-level video editor for Mac and iOS users. The standard equivalent should be the same free Windows Movie Maker for Windows operating system. The reasons why I haven't recommended WMM to you as a free video editing software alternative to iMovie are: a) Windows Movie Maker is much simpler than iMovie. It's a crapped free video editor for Windows only.
b) Windows Movie Maker only runs in Windows which conflicts with my choosing standard I described at the beginning of this article.

In short, all the picked free video editing software like iMovie has similar or more powerful features than iMovie. All of them supports two or three platforms (Mac and Windows at least). If you still want to try Windows Movie Maker, get it here.

For paid video editing software similar to iMovie, I humbly recommend Movavi Video Editor, which has the closest interface and features with iMovie for Mac. Below is its demo video.

Download Movavi Video Editor now to assemble your media files and share anywhere.

Before 2017, YouTube Video Editor was the best editor for all YouTubers, but then Google announced that only people having more than 100,000 views on their videos could save the changes they made. It put creators in a frenzy, making them find free alternatives that offer the same features.

But don’t worry anymore, because we have ten free video editing software that have all the essential features, including cutting, cropping, rotating, and trimming.

The 10 Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube in 2020

1. Shotcut

Shotcut is one of the best video editing software on Microsoft, Linux, and Mac as it supports a variety of video formats. Since it is an open source software, once you download it you can start using it immediately without upgrading to the paid version. It was initially developed for Linux and later adapted to Microsoft and Mac, so you might find the interface a bit quirky. Two features that we love about the YouTube video editor are timeline editing and 4K HD resolution support. It is one of the few free software that offers 4K support. It is the best software for HD and 4K video projects.

2. Blender

Another open source software that runs on all operating systems including iOS, Microsoft, and Linux, Blender was first introduced as a 3D animation suite and then developed into a video editor for YouTube. Apart from the basic functions like splicing and video cutting, Blender offers a plethora of advanced features including luma waveform, audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, and filters.

Most of these features are something that you won’t find on other average free video editing software for YouTube. All of them are enough for you to produce a clear and professional quality video. The only downside of Blender is that there aren’t too many videos available as most of them are focused on modeling and 3D animation.

3. Avidemux

Video Editing Software For Mac Like Imoviesupernalcrown Free

Avidemux is a basic video editor for YouTube, which is perfect for beginners. It comes with basic functions, including encoding, filtering, and cutting. It works on all three platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Microsoft. Since it is a simple software, use it only to fine tune your video editing skills. Once you get the hang of the basic features, you can download more complex software like Shotcut and Blender.

4. Machete Video Editor Lite

Machete Video Editor Lite is another wonderful free video editing software that runs only on Windows computers and laptops. It is available in two versions — free and paid. In the free version, it supports only two video formats, including AVI and WMV. The paid version costs $19.95 and gives access to audio editing and supports a number of formats. It is best known for its video splicing feature but as it is a basic software, you can’t use it for a long time if you plan to turn into a professional YouTube creator.

Video Editing Software For Mac Like Imoviesupernalcrown Full

5. HitFilm Express

Another efficient YouTube video maker, HitFilm Express is available on Windows and iOS platforms. It is a professional YouTube video editor that comes with all basic editing features, including trimming and audio editing along with advanced features like cutting tools, keying for green screen effects, 3D video support, and multiple composition tools.

The free version offers over 180 premium features. HitFilm Express also has a paid version, which is affordable, so you purchase it to upgrade the software. Most video editing tutorials are for superhero action movies including Star Wars, so you will need a little time getting used to it.

Editing Software For Mac Free

6. DaVinci Resolve

One of the most advanced YouTube video editing software, DaVinci Resolve has an intuitive interface that makes editing easier. Advanced features offered by the software, including advanced trimming, audio mastering, color correction, and multicam editing. You can also add 2D and 3D titles to your videos and give them a professional touch. The only con of DaVinci Resolve is that there are too many features, which can overwhelm a beginner. Also, not all tutorials are free, so that’s an added cost you will have to pay to learn the software.

Tip: Need to download videos from YouTube or other sites? Here are 12 of the best YouTube video downloaders recommended for you.

7. VideoPad

VideoPad is the best video editing software for YouTube available on Windows. If you want to try your hand at video compositions, we recommend you to use this software. It isn’t for advanced editors as they will find it too essential. Some features offered by the software include sound effects library, pre-made transitions, camera shake reduction, 3D video editing, and supports multiple resolutions. One of the best features of VideoPad is that it lets you export videos to YouTube and other social media platforms directly.

8. iMovie

If you are a Mac or MacBook user, iMovie is the best free video editing software for you. It has an intuitive interface and a great tool for learners to furnish their skills and get ready for using more advanced software. If you don’t upload regularly on YouTube, you can continue using iMovie as it has a number of good features including audio editing, video trimming, pre-made transitions, 4K resolution support, and split screen. It is easy to learn. The disadvantage of using this software is that it takes too long to export the video, which will delay the upload.

9. Openshot

If you are a Mac user and have little bit knowledge of iMovie, you will find Openshot easy to use. This YouTube video editing software has more features than iMovie and a variety of layers and audio mixing options. With its simple interface and combination of premium features, Openshot makes video editing easy.

You can watch real-time previews before you transition one scene into another. Features that Openshot offers include scaling, snapping, tripping, image overlays, subtitles 3D animated titles, title creation, watermarks, and advanced timeline, among others. There aren’t many tutorials available, so you will have to figure out how the YouTube video editor works on your own.

10. Lightworks

Audio Editing Software For Mac

Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for YouTube with powerful features. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is free software, but there’s a premium version available only for $25 a month. But you don’t need to purchase that because the free version offers some very advanced features like multicam support, high precision video trimming, and export to 720p to YouTube.

It supports a range of video formats as well. One massive advantage of Lightworks is that you get access to many tutorial videos. Unfortunately, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo only comes with the premium version. It isn’t too advanced either, so you will have to switch software or purchase the paid version once your YouTube channel starts growing.

Conclusion

If you want to know how to edit YouTube videos, open YouTube, and check tutorials of the software you plan to use. We tried all 10 YouTube video editing software to find out the best among them, so you can download them for editing your YouTube videos. Blender is our favorite choice because it offers premium features for zero costs including audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, filters, and luma waveform. You will find many tutorials online that will help you furnish your skills and add cool animations to your videos.

Also Read: Top 3 Free Video Grabbers to Download YouTube Videos Online

Allow yourself some time to get used to the complex functions as the software is a bit advanced for beginners. You start with basic software like iMovie or Avidemux and work your way up. Another software that we liked is DaVinci Resolve. It is a professional software, but the intuitive interface makes it easy to learn. The features can be overwhelming at first, so experiment with one feature at a time.

Have you used any of these software before? Let us know your review in the comments below.