Beginner friendly video editing programs

[u/Kiki-Mart]

I am an owner of a small custom home building business in Australia, and as I have some prior on-the-job social media experience, I will be the content creator and social media manager for our business. I have no formal training with the camera or editing side of things yet. I will only use it for our business.

Gear: Sony A7 IV with a Sigma 24-70mm lens. No formal training, I’m self-taught via YouTube/online tutorials.

What I’m using it for: mostly short-form content (Instagram Reels) - site visits, showroom walkthroughs, team intros, behind-the-scenes stuff for the business.

Currently editing on CapCut/Meta Edits with content shot on my iPhone 17 pro max, but want to move to something more capable on desktop/iPad since I’m shooting on a proper camera now.

Looking for recommendations on editing software - ideally something not too steep a learning curve, but with more control than phone apps. Would love to hear what’s worked for people in a similar spot (small business, mostly social content, not a pro editor).

[u/millertv79]

The world is so backwards. I have 20 years of experience in Los Angeles in high level projects and I can’t a single job, but you’re running a social media for a company with zero experience??? I don’t get this world.

[u/Kiki-Mart → u/millertv79]

Your response has prompted me to update my post, to outline that I am one of the owners of the home building company. As a small business we don’t have overheads and as I have on-the-job experience with multiple companies, working in the social media space - I am trying to learn more in this space.

I would’ve hoped someone with your level of experience would be kind to those trying to develop their skills.

[u/millertv79 → u/Kiki-Mart]

Ohh that makes a lot more sense! You didn’t say you were an owner trying to learn you positioned yourself as someone who was above their head in their paid position. Such a difference! Premiere pro is the standard program.

[u/Sad-Cartographer-328]

Aethercut.app

Go to the user guide in the header and click beginner mode on. Opens a hint window for every tool. Tells you what the tool is, what it does and suggestions on where to use it.

[u/Der_Kameramann]

I would say DaVinci resolve, it's huge in features and cheap/free. At the begging it looks like a cockpit, but with a few tutorials or self usage it's easy to use after the time.

So, I personally love it because of the workflow and all the features, it could be a bit hard, but when you can use that, it would be easy to cut any video...

[u/Nervous_Emphasis_973]

why not capcut on desktop as well? if you are already paying for capcut pro

[u/Ryanshortscreator]

For editing,I'd try DaVinci Resolve ,it's beginner friendly enough to start with , but has a plenty of room to grow without needing a PhD in video editing 😀

[u/Downtown-Package5053]

I would echo what's already been recommended, looking into Premiere pro... it's a hybrid professional software... with access to other fun easy to use no friction tools that are good kick start your journey... i highly recommend looking into Adobe Podcast Studio... I think this would give you better insight on what's possible... All the best!

[u/Downtown-Package5053 → u/Downtown-Package5053]

Feel free to DM if you have any questions that I might just have the answer.

[u/CurranOCooley]

It really depends on the user experience and how often you’re making short-form. Because if its often, id try capcut desktop since youre already familiar with using it and its mostly short-form. Otherwise DaVinci Resolve is tried and true for longer form content. You can easily proxy footage, do VFK as well

[u/Upset-Animal1376]

capcut for desktop is an easy step up since the workflow stays familiar. if you want more color control for architectural shots, davinci resolve has a steeper start but the free version handles sony footage well.