What do you do if you don't know what video editing tool to use for your next project?

1 Define your purpose

The first thing you need to do is to define the purpose of your video project. What are you trying to achieve with your video? Who is your target audience? What is the message or story you want to convey? How do you want your video to look and sound? These questions will help you narrow down your options and focus on the features and functions that matter most to you.

2 Consider your budget

The next factor you need to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a video editing tool? Some tools are free or have a low-cost subscription plan, while others require a one-time purchase or a high-end license. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and see if they offer enough value for your money. For example, a free tool might have limited features, watermark your videos, or have ads, while a paid tool might have advanced features, customer support, and no restrictions.

3 Compare the features

Once you have a clear idea of your purpose and budget, you can start comparing the features of different video editing tools. You need to look at the technical aspects, such as the format compatibility, the editing speed, the storage space, the export options, and the security. You also need to look at the creative aspects, such as the transitions, effects, filters, audio, titles, and animations. You need to find a tool that offers the features that suit your style and vision, and that are easy to use and customize.

4 Read the reviews

Another way to help you choose the right video editing tool is to read the reviews of other users. You can find reviews on websites, blogs, forums, social media, or video platforms. You can learn from the experiences, opinions, tips, and feedback of other people who have used the tools you are interested in. You can also see examples of the videos they have created and how they look and sound. You can get a better sense of the quality, performance, and usability of each tool.

5 Try it out

The final step you need to take is to try out the video editing tool yourself. Most tools offer a free trial, a demo, or a sample project that you can use to test their features and functions. You can experiment with different settings, effects, and edits, and see how they affect your video. You can also compare the results with other tools and see which one gives you the best outcome. You can also check the customer service, the tutorials, and the community support of each tool.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?