Video editing is a highly valuable skill in today's digital world, with many creative professionals and aspiring content creators seeking to learn how to edit videos effectively. Whether you're interested in creating YouTube videos, film projects, or social media content, knowing how to edit your videos is crucial. Fortunately, there are many free online courses and tutorials available to help you learn video editing from scratch or enhance your existing skills. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free video editing courses and tutorials online that can help you get started or advance your video editing career.
1. Coursera: Video Editing for Beginners
Coursera is a renowned platform offering online courses from top universities and organizations. One of the best free courses on video editing is Video Editing for Beginners. This course provides an introduction to video editing and teaches essential techniques that every beginner should know.
Course Overview:
Platform: Coursera
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Level: Beginner
Skills Covered: Basic editing techniques, transitions, trimming, audio editing, and adding special effects.
While Coursera offers paid certification, you can access this course for free by auditing the course. By the end of the course, you’ll have a basic understanding of video editing tools and workflows that can be applied to most video editing software.
Why Take This Course?
This course is perfect for absolute beginners. It covers the fundamentals of editing, ensuring that you understand key concepts such as cutting, trimming, transitions, and more. The tutorials are easy to follow, and the course is suitable for anyone interested in getting started with video editing.
2. Udemy: Free Video Editing Courses
Udemy is another popular platform with a wide range of video editing courses, some of which are completely free. Free Video Editing Courses on Udemy cover different editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and more.
Course Overview:
Platform: Udemy
Duration: Varies by course
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Skills Covered: Basic editing skills, using editing software, adding audio, color correction, and applying special effects.
Many courses on Udemy are beginner-friendly, with clear instructions on how to use editing tools and software. The platform also offers paid courses for more in-depth learning.
Why Take This Course?
Udemy provides a variety of video editing courses for free. The courses are well-organized, and some include detailed tutorials for specific software like Adobe Premiere Pro, which is highly useful for aspiring video editors. You can choose a course that aligns with your interests and preferred editing software.
3. YouTube: Video Editing Tutorials
YouTube is an incredible resource for learning video editing, offering countless free tutorials for users of all skill levels. Channels such as Filmora, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Justin Brown - Primal Video provide step-by-step tutorials on how to use various video editing software and techniques.
Course Overview:
Platform: YouTube
Duration: Varies by tutorial
Level: Beginner to Expert
Skills Covered: Editing software tutorials, advanced effects, color grading, transitions, text animation, and audio syncing.
YouTube is an ideal place to learn because you can find tutorials for free, and the content is continuously updated with the latest trends and techniques. You can learn how to use different video editing software, whether it’s free or premium.
Why Take This Course?
The variety of content on YouTube makes it perfect for finding exactly what you need. Whether you're a beginner or looking for advanced techniques, YouTube’s vast number of tutorials allows you to choose videos based on your interests. Additionally, these tutorials are often specific to certain tasks, so you can learn a particular skill without committing to an entire course.
4. LinkedIn Learning: Video Editing Fundamentals
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is an excellent platform for learning professional skills, including video editing. The Video Editing Fundamentals course is available for free for a limited time or as part of a trial subscription.
Course Overview:
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginner
Skills Covered: Basic video editing, video formats, exporting videos, understanding editing tools, and best practices.
This course focuses on getting you up to speed with the basics of video editing using the industry-standard software. LinkedIn Learning also provides certificates upon course completion, adding extra value to your learning experience.
Why Take This Course?
LinkedIn Learning’s course is perfect for those who prefer structured learning with high-quality video tutorials. The platform offers a professional learning environment, and the course includes practical tips that can be applied to real-world projects.
5. Skillshare: Introduction to Video Editing
Skillshare offers a variety of free video editing classes, and one of the best for beginners is Introduction to Video Editing. The class focuses on teaching the basics of editing and covers essential editing techniques.
Course Overview:
Platform: Skillshare
Duration: 45 minutes
Level: Beginner
Skills Covered: Using editing software, cutting and trimming, adding transitions, and sound editing.
Skillshare offers a 7-day free trial, and during that trial period, you can access a wide variety of video editing courses. This course specifically helps you to get familiar with the basic editing tools used in software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Why Take This Course?
If you’re looking for a quick introduction to video editing, this course is a great choice. It’s short, easy to follow, and perfect for anyone looking to get started without a time commitment.
6. Envato Tuts+: Free Video Editing Tutorials
Envato Tuts+ is a platform known for its high-quality tutorials on various creative disciplines, including video editing. The free Video Editing Tutorials offered by Envato cover topics related to popular editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
Course Overview:
Platform: Envato Tuts+
Duration: Varies by tutorial
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Skills Covered: Transition effects, color correction, audio syncing, and more.
Envato Tuts+ offers detailed, step-by-step tutorials and practical advice on a variety of video editing techniques. These tutorials are often free to access, with options to upgrade for more in-depth content.
Why Take This Course?
Envato Tuts+ provides a comprehensive learning experience with specific focus on creative aspects of video editing, such as color grading and special effects. Their tutorials are ideal for those who want to work on enhancing their creative abilities in video editing.
7. DaVinci Resolve: Free Tutorials on Blackmagic Design
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful, free video editing software used by professionals and beginners alike. Blackmagic Design, the creators of DaVinci Resolve, offer a series of free tutorials to help users master their software.
Course Overview:
Platform: Blackmagic Design
Duration: Varies by tutorial
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Skills Covered: Video editing, color correction, effects, audio mixing, and visual effects.
DaVinci Resolve is an excellent free alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro, and the tutorials provided by Blackmagic Design are highly detailed and well-structured. These tutorials range from basic to advanced, ensuring you can grow with the software.
Why Take This Course?
If you’re looking for a free, professional-grade video editing tool, DaVinci Resolve is a great choice. The tutorials provided by Blackmagic Design are perfect for anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of this software and develop their editing skills.
8. CreativeLive: Free Video Editing Workshops
CreativeLive offers free workshops and classes on various creative topics, including video editing. Their Free Video Editing Workshops are taught by experienced industry professionals, giving you the chance to learn from the best.
Course Overview:
Platform: CreativeLive
Duration: Varies by workshop
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Skills Covered: Workflow optimization, special effects, lighting, and advanced editing techniques.
CreativeLive provides live sessions and free workshops, which are excellent for getting real-time advice from professionals. It’s an interactive learning experience that can help you become proficient in video editing.
Why Take This Course?
CreativeLive’s workshops allow for real-time interaction, so you can ask questions and get feedback during the learning process. This is especially helpful for those who prefer more personalized instruction.
9. CapCut: Free Video Editing Masterclass
CapCut, developed by ByteDance—the parent company of TikTok—has rapidly become one of the most popular video editing apps worldwide. It's renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned editors. Whether you're editing on mobile or desktop, CapCut offers a seamless experience.
CapCut Video Editing Masterclass on Alison
For those seeking a structured learning path, the CapCut Video Editing Masterclass on Alison is an excellent choice. This free course covers a comprehensive range of topics, from basic editing techniques to advanced features.