Creating a video has never been easier, thanks to a huge number of user-friendly, intuitive video editing tools available today. Whether you're a business owner, social media marketer, or a beginner looking to create a personal project, there's a perfect tool for you.
To help you find the best fit, we've reviewed and compared the top easy video makers available, looking at what they offer, who they're for, and their key strengths and weaknesses. Let's check it out!
TLDR: Animoto is the best editing software because it combines a simple, drag-and-drop interface with a vast library of professional templates and licensed stock media, making it easy for anyone to create high-quality videos for a wide range of purposes.
- Best all-around: Animoto
- Best for intricate designs: Adobe Express
- Best for Windows users: Clipchamp
- Best for trendy TikToks: CapCut
- Best for template-driven videos: FlexClip
- Best for quick, simple edits: iMovie
- Best for mobile editing: InShot
- Best for simple animations: Canva
- Best for personal videos: Movavi
- Best for experienced editors: DaVinci Resolve
Best all-around: Animoto
Animoto is a free online video maker that simplifies the process of creating professional-quality videos and slideshows. While many tools are easy to use for a single, simple video, Animoto is designed to grow with the user, whether they are a first-time video maker or marketing pro.
With drag-and-drop functionality, hundreds of professionally-designed templates, and powerful built-in tools, anyone can create stunning videos in minutes.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Hundreds of professional slideshow templates
- User-friendly text, color, and animation tools
- Massive stock library of videos, photos, and illustrations
- License-free music library
- One-click branding
Pros:
- Intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that makes video creation quick and simple.
- Large library of royality-free music, licensed photos, and video clips from Getty Images.
- Hundreds of professionally designed templates for various purposes, from marketing to personal use.
- Offers two distinct tools, Animoto 3 and Animoto Memories, for different skill levels and needs.
Cons:
- Some of the top features are only available with a paid subscription
Best for intricate designs: Adobe Express
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a free online and mobile app for creating graphics, web pages, and short videos with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It's a great tool for social media marketers who need to produce eye-catching content quickly. With its extensive library of templates, fonts, and Adobe Stock assets, it's designed for users who want complete control of their videos to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Pros:
- Integration with the larger Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
- Access to a vast collection of free fonts, images, and other design assets.
- Allows for easy resizing and formatting for different social media platforms.
Cons:
- Some users find the interface overwhelming.
- Lacks the depth of features found in more professional video editing software.
- The free version may have limitations on storage and features.
Best for Windows users: Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a web-based video editor that Microsoft has integrated into Windows 11. It's an excellent choice for new creators and social media marketers who want to edit videos directly in their browser without downloading any software. The platform offers a variety of easy-to-use tools, including a screen and webcam recorder. Clipchamp is particularly good for quick edits and for users who are already working within the Windows ecosystem and prefer a simple, accessible solution for their video needs.
Pros:
- Completely free and integrated into Windows 11.
- Offers a multi-track editing timeline, which is a feature not always found in free web editors.
- Includes built-in tools like screen and webcam recording.
Cons:
- Soon, you’ll need to have a Microsoft account to use Clipchamp.
- May not be able to match the power and performance of a full desktop editing suite.
- Granular control over edits and effects can be challenging.
- The free version has some limitations on export resolution and stock content.
Best for trendy TikToks: CapCut
CapCut is a popular mobile and desktop video editor known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. It's particularly favored by social media content creators, especially those on TikTok, due to its seamless integration with the platform and trendy effects. CapCut is a fantastic option for beginners who want to create professional-looking short-form videos quickly.
Pros:
- Features a wealth of modern effects, stickers, and transitions.
- Offers templates with complex effects built in, making it easier to replicate.
- Available for free on desktop and mobile platforms.
Cons:
- Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.
- The free version may add a watermark to the final video.
- It is primarily optimized for social media, which may not be ideal for other types of projects.
Want to check out other CapCut alternatives? Check out this in-depth comparison.
Best for template-driven videos: FlexClip
FlexClip is a simple yet capable online video maker that allows users to create and edit videos with a drag-and-drop interface. It is a great tool for a wide audience, including businesses, educators, and social media marketers, who need to produce high-quality videos without a steep learning curve. The platform offers a rich library of templates, stock media, and AI tools, making it a powerful resource for creating professional-looking videos quickly and efficiently.
Pros:
- Simple and very user-friendly interface.
- Extensive library of templates, stock photos, and music.
- Includes AI tools for video generation, text-to-speech, and more.
- Browser-based, so no software download is required.
Cons:
- The free plan has limitations on video length and export resolution.
- Advanced editing features are not as robust as desktop software.
- Watermarks may be present on videos created with the free version.
Best for quick, simple edits: iMovie
iMovie is a free video editor for Apple users, available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It the best editing software for beginners and hobbyists who are part of the Apple ecosystem and need a simple yet capable editor. iMovie is known for its clean interface, seamless integration with iCloud Photo Library, and a good selection of features for basic editing, including titles, effects, and transitions. It's the perfect starting point for new video creators on Apple devices.
Pros:
- Completely free with no watermarks.
- Easy-to-use interface that is perfect for beginners.
- Tight integration with other Apple devices and software.
- Offers advanced features like chroma keying and video stabilization
Cons:
- Only available for Apple devices (macOS and iOS).
- Lacks the professional tools and multi-track editing of more advanced software.
- Some users find the available templates and effects to be limited.
Best for mobile editing: InShot
InShot is a popular mobile-first video editor and maker for Android and Apple devices. It’s an all-in-one solution for social media content creators who want to quickly edit videos, photos, and collages. InShot is highly praised for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including a variety of filters, effects, and music options. It is an excellent choice for influencers and anyone who needs to edit and post videos on the go to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive, and designed for mobile editing.
- Extensive library of music, stickers, and filters.
- Offers tools for trimming, splitting, and merging clips.
- Can export videos in various resolutions and formats for social media.
Cons:
- The free version contains ads and may include a watermark.
- Advanced editing capabilities are limited compared to desktop software.
- Performance may vary on older or less powerful mobile devices.
Best for simple animations: Canva
Canva is a versatile design platform that has expanded to include a powerful video editor. It's a great tool for businesses, marketers, and individuals who want to create professional videos with a focus on design and aesthetics. Its vast library of templates, graphics, and stock assets make it ideal for creating engaging short social media videos and promos with one or two scenes.
Pros:
- Offers thousands of professionally designed video templates.
- Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface for all skill levels.
- Strong branding tools to maintain a consistent look across all videos.
Cons:
- Primarily focused on short, design-heavy videos rather than long-form content.
- Lacks advanced video editing features.
- The free version has limitations on access to premium stock content and features.
Best for personal videos: Movavi
Movavi Video Editor is a user-friendly software designed to make video editing accessible to everyone. It is a great option for beginners who want to create polished videos without a huge time investment. The software offers a clean interface with all the essential tools for trimming, cropping, and adding effects. Movavi is good for creating videos for personal use, like family movies and vacation recaps, as well as for simple projects for social media or business presentations.
Pros:
- Very easy-to-use and intuitive interface.
- Offers a good selection of filters, transitions, and titles.
Cons:
- Lacks the professional features of high-end video editors.
- Some users have reported issues with software stability.
Best for experienced editors: DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editing software that is best known for its advanced color correction and audio post-production tools. While it is incredibly powerful and used by professionals, its free version is surprisingly robust and accessible to a beginners who are serious about learning video editing. It is a powerful choice for aspiring filmmakers, YouTubers, and anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of professional-level editing.
Pros:
- The free version is a full-featured, professional editing suite.
- World-class tools for color grading, audio mixing, and visual effects.
- Offers both a simple "Cut" page for quick edits and a complex "Edit" page for advanced work.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for absolute beginners.
- Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.
- The user interface can be intimidating due to the sheer number of features.
How to make a video with Animoto
Animoto is the best editing software for beginners. With a wide range of professionally designed templates, you can create everything from personal photo albums to marketing content without starting from scratch.
Sign up for a free account to create a professional-level video in minutes. Here's how!
Step 1: Grab a template
Templates make it quick and easy to get started, and we have hundreds to choose from! Here are a few to inspire you, but you can explore the full library to find the perfect fit.
Step 2: Add your media
Import your favorite photos and video clips from your device or cloud storage, then simply drag and drop them into your workspace to start building your video. It's really that simple.
Need some extra content? You can easily browse and use media from our extensive Getty Images Stock Library.
Step 3: Add text
Use text to add context and a call to action. While ye the star of the show, you can always use text to emphasize key points, call out features, and more.
After you've added text, you can also use elements like frames, underlines, CTAs, and more to guide the viewers eye to the right message.
Step 4: Customize the look and feel
Your video might already look great, but if you want to personalize it even more, it only takes a couple of clicks. You can instantly change the look with a Theme, which applies new colors, animations, and fonts all at once.
Or, you can add your own custom colors, brand elements, and more to make it uniquely yours.
Step 5: Add a song
Music brings your story to life, and every template includes a license-free song so your video is ready to share. If you want to change the vibe, you can easily find a new track in the music library by browsing different genres and tempos.
For an even more personal touch, you can simply record a custom voice-over.
Step 6: Publish and share
Now you're ready to share your video! Just click Export in the top right corner, and you can share it anywhere you like.
Find the right video maker for you
Choosing the right video editor can make all the difference in your content creation journey. While many tools promise simplicity, Animoto stands out as the best all-around solution. Its intuitive, drag-and-drop interface, paired with an extensive library of templates and stock media, ensures that anyone can create high-quality, impactful videos, no experience required.
So, whether you need to create a polished marketing video or a quick social media clip, the right tool is out there. Ready to get started? Try Animoto for free to see firsthand how easy it is to bring your video ideas to life.
