Video Editors Used by YouTubers

What video editing software are YouTubers using nowadays?

In this guide, we’re studying just that. By the end of this ultimate list, you’ll know:

  • What your favourite YouTube content creator uses
  • How to edit videos like them
  • And what that implies: features, pros + cons etc

Let’s get going.


What Video Editor Do YouTubers Use?

Honest Answer: YouTubers use a mix of professional and beginner-friendly video editors, depending on their editing style and needs.

Many YouTubers prefer:

  1. Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for high-quality, full-length videos
  2. SendShort for short-form content creation

But let’s find out what’s best for you!

5 Video Editing Software used by Popular YouTubers

In 2024, most YouTubers use SendShort for short-form video editing, mixed with Adobe Premiere Pro for long-form videos.

Time to go into the details!

1. Short Form Creators – SendShort

SendShort is the go-to tool for top short-form creators who want to turn long videos into viral clips effortlessly.

sendshort.ai website homepage

With AI-powered editing, it automatically detects key moments, adds captions, and makes precise cuts, saving creators hours of manual work.

Designed for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, it ensures every video is perfectly optimized for maximum engagement.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered editing to turn long videos into short clips.
  • Automatic caption generation, B-roll insertion, and key highlights detection.
  • Ideal for creating YouTube Shorts and Reels with minimal manual effort.
ProsCons
Can generate YouTube ShortsLess suited for complex, long-form projects
Auto-edited videos by AIFocused more on short-form content
Simple and intuitive for all experience levels
Optimized for YouTube Shorts
Auto-subtitles in any language

Why They Used SendShort:

  • Fast and automated – Instantly turns long videos into short, engaging clips for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
  • AI-powered editing – Auto-generates captions, jump cuts, and key moments to save hours of manual work.
  • Perfect for social media – Optimized for vertical video formats with built-in trends and templates.
  • No editing skills needed – Simple interface that makes repurposing content effortless.
  • Increases reach and engagement – Helps creators maximize content exposure by turning one video into multiple viral clips.

SendShort is the go-to tool for YouTubers, content creators, and marketers who want to repurpose videos fast, grow on social media, and boost engagement without complex editing.

2. Casey Neistat – Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is the go-to editing software for many top YouTubers across different niches.

Filmmakers like Peter McKinnon and Casey Neistat rely on it for cinematic storytelling, while tech creators like Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) use it for polished, high-quality reviews.

Even educational channels like Veritasium and comedy creators like Lilly Singh trust Premiere Pro for its professional-grade tools.

Key Features:

  • Industry-standard professional editing software.
  • Advanced features like multi-cam editing, color correction, and motion graphics.
  • Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps (Photoshop, After Effects).
ProsCons
Professional-grade tools for serious editingExpensive subscription model
Excellent color correction and effectsSteeper learning curve for beginners
Works across all platforms and file typesRequires high-performance hardware

Why They Used Adobe Premiere Pro:

  • Industry standard – Used by professional editors, YouTubers, and even Hollywood filmmakers.
  • Cross-platform compatibility – Works on both Mac and Windows, unlike Final Cut Pro.
  • Deep integration with Adobe apps – Syncs seamlessly with Photoshop, After Effects, and Audition for advanced editing.
  • Advanced timeline control – More precise editing features than iMovie or Final Cut Pro.
  • Collaboration-friendlyTeam Projects allow multiple editors to work on the same project remotely.

Many YouTubers use Premiere Pro because it’s powerful, flexible, and widely supported, making it ideal for high-production content, from tech reviews to cinematic vlogs.

3. MBKHD – Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro is the preferred video editing software for many YouTubers who use Macs and want a balance between power and speed.

Final Cut Pro is a popular choice among top YouTubers who prefer fast and efficient editing on Mac.

PewDiePie made the switch from Adobe Premiere Pro to Final Cut for a smoother workflow, allowing him to edit his content more quickly without performance issues.

Key Features:

  • Mac-exclusive software with intuitive, user-friendly interface.
  • Optimized for speed with powerful tools like magnetic timeline and 360° video editing.
  • Built-in advanced color grading and motion graphics tools.
ProsCons
Fast rendering and performance, especially on MacOnly available on macOS
Great for pros and semi-pros alikeExpensive one-time purchase
Optimized for high-resolution video (4K/8K)Less plug-in support than Adobe Premiere

Why They Used Final Cut Pro

  • Fast and optimized for Mac – Uses Apple’s Metal engine, making it faster and smoother than Premiere Pro on MacBooks and iMacs.
  • One-time purchase – Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro is a one-time payment instead of a subscription.
  • Easy-to-use interface – More user-friendly than DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro, making it great for YouTubers who want efficiency.
  • Magnetic timeline – Allows for faster and more flexible editing, helping vloggers and content creators cut and rearrange clips easily.
  • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem – Works well with iMovie, Motion, and Logic Pro, making it a natural upgrade for Mac users.

Final Cut Pro is the go-to choice for Mac-based YouTubers who want powerful editing tools without the complexity of other pro-level software. Many vloggers, tech creators, and filmmakers use it for its speed, stability, and easy workflow.

4. Peter McKinnon – DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software developed by Blackmagic Design, known for its high-end color grading, advanced editing tools, and all-in-one post-production features.

It’s widely used by filmmakers, YouTubers, and video editors who want Hollywood-level quality without a monthly subscription.

Key Features:

  • Free and pro versions available, offering high-end editing tools.
  • Known for best-in-class color correction and grading features.
  • Combines editing, visual effects, and audio post-production in one app.
ProsCons
Excellent for color gradingSteeper learning curve for beginners
Free version offers plenty of featuresRequires a powerful computer for 4K+ projects
Combines video editing, VFX, and audio toolsInterface can feel cluttered at times

Why They Used DaVinci Resolve

  • Free version with pro features – Unlike Adobe Premiere, DaVinci offers high-end tools for free, including color grading and audio editing.
  • Hollywood-level color grading – Best-in-class color correction and grading, making it ideal for cinematic content.
  • Optimized performance – Runs smoother than Premiere Pro on many systems, leveraging GPU acceleration for faster rendering.
  • All-in-one editing suite – Combines editing, color correction, VFX, and audio post-production in one software.
  • One-time purchase (Studio version) – Unlike Adobe’s subscription model, DaVinci offers a lifetime license, making it cost-effective.

Many creators switch to DaVinci Resolve because it provides professional-grade tools without monthly fees, making it a favorite for tech reviewers, filmmakers, and content creators who want high-quality editing on a budget.

5. Think Meedia – iMovie

iMovie is a free video editing software developed by Apple, designed for beginners and casual creators who want a simple yet effective way to edit videos on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It provides an easy-to-use interface while offering essential editing tools for creating high-quality content.

Key Features:

  • Free video editing software for macOS and iOS users.
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface perfect for beginners.
  • Built-in themes, filters, and transitions.
ProsCons
Free and easy to use, great for beginnersLimited advanced editing features
Optimized for Apple devicesMac-only software
Good for basic projects, quick editsLacks pro-level editing tools

Why They Used iMovie:

  • Free and simple – Great for beginners without the learning curve of pro software.
  • Mac-optimized – Runs smoothly on MacBooks and iMacs.
  • Decent editing tools – Basic cuts, transitions, and text animations are enough for many YouTube videos.

Even though most professional YouTubers move on to Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie is one of the best starting points for new creators looking to make quality content with minimal effort.

How to Choose the Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

Choosing the right video editing software depends on your editing experience, content type, and workflow needs. Whether you’re making full-length YouTube videos or short-form content, the right tool can save time and improve video quality.

Table: Key Factors to Consider 👇

FactorWhat to Look For
Ease of UseIntuitive interface, beginner-friendly tools
Editing FeaturesTrimming, transitions, color grading, effects
Audio & CaptionsBackground music, voiceover, auto-captions
Export OptionsHigh-quality formats, platform-specific settings
AI & AutomationSmart cuts, auto-captioning, AI effects
PricingFree vs. paid options based on your budget

1. Choose Based on Experience Level

  • Beginners – iMovie, CapCut, or SendShort for easy drag-and-drop editing.
  • Intermediate Users – Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve for better control.
  • Advanced Editors – Adobe Premiere Pro for industry-standard tools.

2. Prioritize AI and Automation for Speed

If you create YouTube Shorts or fast-paced content, AI-powered editors like SendShort automate trimming, captions, and effects—saving hours of work.

3. Check Export and Platform Optimization

Ensure the software supports high-resolution exports (1080p, 4K) and correct aspect ratios for both full-length videos and Shorts.

For an effortless, AI-powered YouTube editing experience, SendShort makes video creation quick and seamless. Try it now.


FAQ: YouTube Video Editors

1. What editing software do most YouTubers use?

Most YouTubers are increasingly using SendShort for its AI-powered editing capabilities tailored for short-form content. Additionally, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X are popular for their advanced features, while DaVinci Resolve is favored for its exceptional color grading.

Beginners often start with user-friendly options like iMovie or Filmora.

Though, here’s a list of the most commonly-used tools:

  • SendShort
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro X
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • iMovie
  • Filmora
  • Sony Vegas Pro

2. What video editor do vloggers use?

Vloggers commonly use software like SendShort, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X for advanced editing.

Beginner vloggers often opt for iMovie or SendShort for their user-friendly interfaces.

3. Do YouTubers use DaVinci Resolve?

Yes, many YouTubers use DaVinci Resolve. It’s particularly popular for creators who prioritize high-quality color grading and advanced editing features. The free version offers a comprehensive set of tools, making it accessible to beginners and pros alike. Key reasons YouTubers choose DaVinci Resolve include:

  1. Professional-grade color correction: Known for some of the best color grading tools in the industry.
  2. Multifunctional: Combines video editing, visual effects (VFX), and audio post-production in one platform.
  3. Free version: Offers most features at no cost, making it a powerful tool without the need for paid software.

While DaVinci Resolve is widely respected, YouTubers who need more intuitive or fast editing workflows may opt for simpler tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X.


Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort

About the author

David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.

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