Video, photos, audio, texts – all of this requires processing. But which tool to choose? There are dozens of solutions on the market, from mobile apps to professional studio programs. In this article, we will analyze the key categories of editors, their strengths and weaknesses, share statistics and interesting facts, and also tell you how to make a choice without getting confused in a sea of options.
Classification: What editors are there?
Editing programs can be divided into five main types: professional editors, software for beginners, online editors, mobile applications, and open source solutions. Each type was created for specific tasks and levels of training. For example, what is ideal for editing a video on TikTok is unlikely to cope with color correction tasks when working on a short film. And professional software may be excessive for a simple video blog.
Professional solutions: Powerful but demanding
If you work in the TV industry, shoot commercials or production content, you are most likely familiar with programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Their capabilities are almost limitless: a multi-layer timeline, detailed color correction, work with effects, audio and even 360-degree video. These programs support working with large formats (for example, ProRes or RED RAW), which makes them indispensable in film and television.
But you have to pay for everything. Literally. A Premiere subscription will cost you more than $275 per year, and this does not include the cost of equipment – a minimum usable computer must have at least 16 GB of RAM and a powerful video chip. In addition, mastering all the functions can take months. According to statistics, more than 70% of editors undergo training or courses before starting full-fledged work in such environments.
Affordable solutions for enthusiasts and bloggers
Not all tasks require expensive solutions. If you are a beginner video maker, run a YouTube channel or create content for Instagram, programs like iMovie, Filmora or Movavi Video Editor come to the rescue. They provide basic but high-quality functionality: editing, trimming, transitions, effects, music. All this is available through an intuitive interface and does not require many system resources.
It is especially worth paying attention to video editing software for Mac from Movavi. This is an example of a tool that combines simplicity and powerful features. 4K support, sound work, built-in templates – all this makes it an excellent choice for beginners and advanced users who do not need excessive functionality.
Online editors: Editing in the browser
With the spread of cloud technologies, many tasks have moved to the browser. Online editors are accessible and flexible tools that are especially loved by marketers, social media specialists, and small business owners. You can now edit videos directly in Google Chrome, without downloading and installing bulky software. Clipchamp from Microsoft is one of the leaders in this category. It allows you to upload videos, add music, and even automatically create subtitles.
However, online editors have their limitations. Firstly, most of them require a stable Internet connection. Secondly, video processing is often carried out on servers, which raises concerns about data privacy. Finally, the functionality is limited – you will not be able to control each frame or make complex sound corrections.
Mobile editors: fast and vertical
Editing on the go has become the norm. Modern smartphones handle video processing no worse than weak laptops. Apps like InShot and VN allow you to trim videos, overlay text, animate titles, and even sync video with sound. This is an ideal solution for stories, Reels, and TikTok.
But, of course, working on a 6-inch screen is not the most comfortable for long-term editing. Especially when you need to sync tracks or hit the beat exactly. In addition, smartphones quickly run out of battery and overheat, especially when processing 4K video.
Open source: freedom for zero Rubles
There are those who prefer freedom and flexibility. Open source programs like Shotcut, OpenShot, and Blender offer a surprising amount – and completely free of charge. You can customize the interface, use third-party plugins, and even make changes to the code if you understand programming.
However, despite their appeal, such solutions are rarely stable. Lack of support, lack of regular updates, and unfamiliar interfaces are the challenges you will have to face.
Blender, for example, is surprisingly powerful. Originally created as a 3D editor, it includes a full-fledged video editing module, which is used even by some indie directors.
How to choose?
The right choice depends not on popularity, but on the tasks. If you plan to edit videos regularly and in large volumes, invest in a professional tool. If you shoot stories or training videos once a week, it is better to choose a simpler but reliable solution.
The same video can be edited in dozens of ways – it’s only a question of approach, tools and purpose. Choose software that works for you, and does not require constant struggle with yourself. And remember: even the best tool is useless without an idea and a story you want to tell.