The Best Software for Editing Your Law Firm’s YouTube Videos

Video is a huge deal. Users watch almost 5 billion videos on YouTube every day. Using this channel presents a lot of opportunities for lawyers and law firms to display their expertise and their offerings. The only problem is, with so many videos out there, it’s hard to stand out. Needless to say, it’s important to create compelling and high-quality content that people actually pay attention to. The quality of your video is highly dependent on the equipment and tools you use. Here’s a list of the best editing software (both free and paid) for your law firm to use when editing and crafting YouTube video content. 

Free Video Editing Options for YouTube

Shotcut

This is an open source video editor that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Operating similar to Windows Movie Maker, the tool offers features like filters, effects, and the ability to cut video footage to certain lengths. Its video and audio filters are fully customizable as well. Users like that they can add, remove, or alter changes at any time. 

VSDC Free Video Editor

Popular among YouTube Vloggers, this software allows users to import existing clips or record right from their webcam. It offers a simple interface and “Instagram-like” filters. Other impressive features are voice overs, titles, shapes, and audio effects. Available for Windows only, there is a premium version available for $19.99 as well. 

DaVinci Resolve 15

YouTubers have compared this tool to other, pricey options with favorable results. Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, this system provides tools for online and offline video editing. Not only that, though, users can take advantage of color correction, post-production audio effects, visual effects, and SEO help. DaVinci Resolve 15 offers impressive features to help videos rank for SEO, such as sorting and displaying videos based on metadata criteria. This software also offers a paid version for $299. 

LightWorks

Users say that this software is extremely customizable and professional. The tool is known for media production features that you can use to edit film nonlinearly, with over 100 special effects. It also has support for up to 4K resolution, is compatible with both HD and SD formats, and offers lots of royalty-free audio options. Many people who try the free trial end up investing in the software for $24.99 monthly. 

Magisto

Many law firms are intimidated by the technology involved when they first start creating videos for YouTube. This tool is designed for those beginners and uses AI to create videos from content that users upload. Simply upload your footage and audio files and the software will take care of most of the work based upon the style of video requested. 

Paid Video Editing Options for YouTube

Wondershare Filmora 9

Touted as “a video editor for all creators”, this tool is easy to use no matter your level of video experience. You can use filters, overlays, transitions, and custom titles to enhance your content and better connect with your audience. Users also mention the audio features for key-framing and background noise removal, as well as the audio equalizer. It’s worth noting that this software is available for Windows, Mac, or an app version for iOS or Android. You can start with a free trial, but an annual investment is $44.99. 

Premiere Pro

This tool is a very high quality software used by lots of professional movie-makers, YouTube professionals, and video editors. More advanced features include color grading, data visualization, and audio tools to remove background noise. They also offer an app that allows users to edit footage on their phone, then share directly to social networks such as YouTube. Premiere Pro is offered as a standalone app on Mac or Windows for $239.88 per year. 

VideoStudio

An excellent video editing software, this tool helps even beginner video creators to improve their content. With all the standard features for storyboarding and sound editing, this software also offers more advanced functions that assist in simplifying the video editing process. Many YouTube professionals used this tool when just starting out. They offer a few different packages ranging from $59.99 to $79.99. 

Pinnacle Studio 24

This editing software is geared toward video makers who want to create more eye-catching content. With high end features like fast rendering performance, motion tracking, and color correction, the tool offers a range of effects that go beyond the other software on this list. For instance, users are able to create frame by frame edits for enhanced masking or warping of footage for advanced visual effects. Users also like it for simplifying screen recording or multi-camera editing which helps with a variety of YouTube series formats. There are multiple packages to choose from, with fees from $59.95 to $129.95. 

CyberLink PowerDirector 365

A subscription-based software, users can enjoy new effects, music samples, and general improvements added monthly. This editing software offers features similar to Photoshop, only for recordings. There is definitely a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it the opportunities for creativity are almost endless. Use this tool for $19.99 monthly on Mac or Windows. 

Related: 10 Video Marketing Examples from Lawyers Doing it Right

Takeaway

The fact is that video is no longer a nice-to-have component of marketing – it’s a must-have. Too many lawyers and legal marketers let a fear of getting started paralyze their YouTube marketing efforts. Start by exploring video creation, editing, and publishing tools to see what your firm is comfortable with and which meet your needs. And don’t forget: at the end of the day, if you simply don’t have the bandwidth to produce high-quality videos, you can always outsource to an expert. Whichever way you choose to incorporate video – either by creating in-house or leveraging a partnership – don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from publishing this essential content. 

If you would like further assistance developing a video marketing strategy or are ready to start producing your own content, reach out to us for help.