Whether creating some simple promo videos to introduce your classes, or building up a content marketing library, you’ll probably need some video editing software.Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used options, which can be a great place to start your video editing journey.
If you really don’t have a head for filmography, you may prefer to hire a professional.You can find people who will help you to edit and polish off the videos you create on sites like fiverr.com, but please be aware that this can be expensive. If you do find someone who’s affordable, make sure to ask for samples of their work so you can be sure that the low pricing doesn’t reflect the low standard!
Free Options
Windows Movie Maker
If you use a Windows PC, you should definitely try Windows Video Editor (previously called Windows Movie Maker). It comes built into the system, so it’s totally free.
To cut videos together, and make simple edits, it’s really all you need.
Windows Video Editor doesn’t have a lot of features but it can do basic tasks like trimming, re-sizing, and adding text or audio.
iMovie
Similarly, if you’re using a Mac, you should definitely start out with iMovie. It’s free, and already available on most apple devices.
iMovie has the ability to insert titles, backgrounds, and audio. Again, it’s quite a basic, pared down editor, but it is possible to create quite polished videos. Importing and rendering can be a bit slow, especially when working with larger files, but it’s ease of use makes it worthwhile.
Movie Maker Online
Movie Maker Online is a totally free platform that lets you edit video inside your browser. You don't even need to register to use it, and unlike most “free” online software, it doesn’t add watermarks to your videos.
It has a library of free music and stock photos to use, and you can also upload your own.
There are a lot of ads, which is understandable since it’s free, and the vertical rather than horizontal timeline can take some getting used to, but for cutting together and finishing off simple promo videos, it has everything you need.
Loom
Loom really considers itself a messaging app rather than a video editor. It's not a live meeting platform like you’d use in your classes. Instead, you can record yourself and easily share a link to the video.
It allows you to create very simple screen-recording videos, and also allows you to use your webcam at the same time, automatically putting your video into a little circle in the corner of the screen. This means that you can easily create a virtual tour of your online school and your classroom experience, without needing much actual editing at all.
Loom does have a paid version, but the free version is feature rich, and has everything you’ll need to create simple videos.
Josh Hall has this really nice 10-min overview and tutorial video.
Paid options (with free trials)
Premier Elements
Premier Elements is a beginner version of Premier Pro, which is a professional editing platform used by many filmmakers.
It’s gotten lots of positive reviews as a platform for beginners. The platform includes lots of useful features and tutorials. There is a 30-day free trial and after that it has a one-time fee of $99.
It’s worth looking at if you are considering producing lots of video content, but if you’re just looking to create one or two promo videos, then it’s probably not worth the cost.
Goober and Buddy have this nice review video which very quickly goes through all of the basic features.
Biteable
Biteable is an online video editing platform. I wasn't sure whether to put this in the free or paid section - it has a free option, but to remove watermarks and access all of the features, Biteable will run you around $49 per month.
The free version certainly has enough features to allow you to do some quite nice editing and polishing. There's a huge library of stock images, videos, and music for you to use. The template gallery is a great feature, especially for those of you who want a more plug-and-play option for creating promo videos.
Special thanks to Neil for recommending this one! :)
Vimeo Create
Vimeo is a video streaming service. Their focus has always been on high-definition video, so they’ve long been considered the filmmaker’s YouTube. A couple of years ago, Vimeo introduced their own free video editing software, Vimeo Create.
It runs online, in the browser, so you don’t need to download anything, and it comes with templates and an easy to use interface, so you don’t need to be an expert to use it.
Please bear in mind that while there is technically a free version, you’ll need to have a pro account in order to access all the features and remove the watermarks. This starts at €16 per month, but does have a free trial.
Ed from Video Tools and Tips has this review and tutorial video, which explains the platform really nicely.
