5 Free Platforms for Video Content Editing

With video increasing as a medium for content marketing, you’re probably looking for platforms that while free, offer high powered editing features. Well below are some of the best options out there, covering all ranges of ability from total novice, to budding pro.

Windows Movie Maker

A free option from Microsoft offering a simple linear editing interface that will suit most needs. If all you need to do is stitch together separate clips and add a few transitions and titles then this is perfect for you. It offers a range of editing effects that will allow you to get a bit creative with your content, and easily export them to your chosen format for implementation on your website.

Avidemux

This is an open source option with a range of simple tools to help achieve your creative content goals. It allows you to overlay logos, flip and rotate, resize and adjust colours etc. While not as instinctive intuitive as WMM, it is decent program in a small package if you’re willing to take the time to learn it.

Lightworks

The free version lacks codecs which might make its use a little more complicated, but in terms of features it’s up there with the industry standards. So if video content is a serious goal for you, then perhaps worth considering purchasing the license which is only £40 (£20 for students) for a year. This unlocks the codecs allowing a range of exporting options. It is a multi tracked linear based application, which is intuitive and easy to work with. However if you have no experience whatsoever with video editing, then make sure you ease yourself in as you might find the wealth of control a little overwhelming.

Blender

If you’re wanting to expand your horizons and get deeper into video creation then maybe have a look at Blender, it is primarily a 3D animation suite, but offers powerful video editing tools as well. Though, as with Lightworks, If you’re completely new to the world of video production, have a good read up about it first. Fortunately though, there is a very active support community that will be able to help you along your way.

Adobe After Effects

My personal favourite! Obviously not technically free, though Adobe do offer a 30 day free trial on all their programs. So if you’re looking for a one shot effort, then consider AE. Perhaps you want to animate your logo, or create an introductory video to your business, then you can’t beat Adobe for creative products. Be aware that AE is intended for shorter videos, as it is an effects program (as the name suggests). If you’re going to be editing long sequences then you’ll find that this program devours your processing power. Consider using in tandem with another linear editing program. Also, you would of course be setting yourself a 30 day deadline. So the key is preparation; read all you can about After Effects, watch tutorials, check out examples. If you’ve ever used an Adobe product before, then you should be somewhat familiar with the UI, and you will also know how powerful and deeply developed Adobe products are. After Effects is no different, it is an industry standard animation software program, with a host of features and built in effects to add creative flair to your videos. If this is a route you’re interested in taking, I’m more than happy to offer guidance or point you in the direction of some decent educational resources for AE.

So hopefully this offers a few options for video editing, to help add another string to your content marketing bow. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to offer them up in the comments section below. And, as ever, any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.