Do you want to know which tools the top Youtubers use? Maybe you already know what kind of software is used for editing. That does not mean you won’t enjoy this list, because it contains the most popular software, the tools youtubers use or has used in the past. You will learn about audio software, effects software, software for Mac and PC, audio equipment, graphics software and so on.
Here is a collection of the popular free editing software that I found on Youtube. Although there are hundreds of video editing softwares out there, the ones I am going to present here are truly used by Youtube professionals and give you their best results.
Video Editing Software
When you’ve gotten all the hardware you need, you’ll also have to find a good video editing software for post-production. YouTube has its own video editor, but it would be great to have your own software so you have more freedom to modify your video to your liking.
Adobe Premiere Elements 2021 () is a very popular choice for videographers in general. Coming from the top industry leader in video editing software programs, it ensures very usable tools and a wide range of editing options (like video trimming, freeze frames, bounce-back effects, animations, and more) so you can turn your material into professional-quality videos that your viewers will love—and possibly subscribe to your YouTube channel for.
Camera
Obviously, the most important piece of equipment to have is the camera. But before you head to the camera store, know that you don’t have to purchase the most expensive DSLR—you can use pretty much anything that can record high-quality (at least 1080p) video.
Quality camcorders or webcams would suffice if you’re just starting out, but DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are a good investment for when you’re ready to upgrade. Remember, the kind of camera you should purchase greatly depends on the type of Youtube content you wish to create. You can choose from any of the following types of cameras.
Webcam
Webcams are the best choice for those who want an affordable, plug-and-play video camera, especially those who need to record in front of their computers—like gaming YouTubers. Webcams also make live streaming easier since they can be directly connected to your computer.
A good webcam for making YouTube videos is the Logitech C920 HD Pro (), which features full HD 1080p and 720p video recording capabilities. It is also perfectly suited for those who want to record while playing games on their computer, as the C920 uses its own processor to encode videos instead of relying greatly on (and slowing down) your computer power. If you also you need something that can pan and tilt, this Logitech webcam does the job.
Action Camera
Action cameras are known to be the most compact and versatile type of camera. They are best suited for intrepid photographers and videographers who want to capture first-person POVs of their travels or extreme sports adventures. Despite their small size, many of them can produce the highest quality videos possible today, which is why many YouTubers use action cameras for the video quality and durability that they offer.
Arguably the best and most trusted action camera brand is the GoPro, and we highly recommend one of their latest products, the GoPro Hero6 (). If you aren’t already familiar with this popular camera, it’s capable of recording 4K videos at 60fps, has a touchscreen display, integrated voice control, and is waterproof (up to 10 meters underwater). It even already includes an image stabilization system and does better in low-lit areas than its predecessors so you’ll have better chances of capturing quality videos every time.
VLOGGING CAMERA
Sony A5100 This camera is great for beauty because of the mirrored flip up screen. Another great feature is that the camera comes with WiFi so it is easy to take photos and video and send it to your devices. The camera also has a great face perfecting feature that makes your skin look airbrushed. One con is that it lacks an external microphone input. The sound quality is decent, so it’s not a huge issue. However, for the price, the overall camera quality and ease of use is great.
DSLR
DSLRs are favored among YouTubers for their high-quality results. Their adaptability in low light situations and polished video recording quality are just some of the main reasons why they are an excellent choice for creating Youtube content. Though they are pricey, DSLRs are worth the investment if you wish to take videography (and photography) seriously.
Our recommended DSLR camera for making YouTube videos is the Canon EOS Rebel T5i (). OOne good reason is that it’s suitable for both beginners and more experienced YouTube content creators. It can record 1080p videos, has a touch-screen display, and supports Movie Servo for continuous focus tracking so that you remain in focus even as you move around in front of the camera.
Plus, it’s pretty affordable.
External Microphone
Remember that your audio quality needs to complement your video. Even if you record high-quality cinema 4K footage, you’re going to have trouble keeping your viewers interested if the audio is terrible. Built-in laptop or camera microphones usually have bad audio quality as they are not able to record or eliminate ambient sounds effectively, so the next most important tool to have for making Youtube videos is a good microphone.
But before you go out and purchase one, make sure to learn more about the different types of microphones to ensure that you get the best one for your needs.
USB Microphones
USB microphones have gone from being totally unheard of to being one of the standard picks for YouTubers. These types of mics have earned their spot due for their ease-of-use and sound quality together with their versatility and affordability.
The Logitech ClearChat H390 () is a great microphone headset for YouTube video making as it is super easy to use and provides clear, crisp audio quality. As a USB mic-headset, it immediately enables you to start recording after plugging it into your computer. It also has a canceling feature that reduces unnecessary noise for your audio.
VIDEO CAMERA
Canon 80d. This is probably the #1 recommended camera for someone looking to be serious about their YouTube channel. Canon’s 80D is a great option for all YouTubers who are looking to start on a solid foot with excellent quality. The newer 80D version has a new headphone jack, faster autofocus, time-lapse mode and lots more. It is the go-to camera for YouTubers.
RING LIGHT
Diva Ring Light With Stand: A ring light is definitely important when you are doing any kind of facial close up or beauty video. I would put it more in the splurge category because you can still get a beautiful effect with soft boxes or natural light, however if makeup tutorials or anything close up is going to be a consistent focus to your channel, a ring light is a must-have.
SOFT BOXES
Soft boxes create an absolutely beautiful ambience for not a lot of money. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to upgrade the look of your videos, soft boxes is your answer. This set on Amazon is $60 and works great.
EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE
If you are creating a lot of video, an external hard drive is a must-have! Not only will it provide you a backup in case something happens to your computer, it frees your computer of space, making it go faster which is crucial for a smooth editing process. This $180 LaCie Rugged Thumderbolt 2TB is the one I use and highly recommend.
TUBEBUDDY
TubeBuddy is the first tool I recommend for anyone who has a YouTube channel. You can use the free version and get a lot out of it, but I highly recommend the Pro version (less than $10 a month) to really benefit from the SEO tools. You would be crazy not to use this!
Condenser Microphone
Another great USB microphone is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB Plus (). This condenser microphone doesn’t need a pre-amp and allows self-monitoring through its built-in headphone jack with volume control. It also offers mix control to allow you to blend your microphone audio with pre-recorded audio. As with many high-quality condenser microphones, the AT2020USB Plus has extended frequency response that makes it ideal for recording vocals for podcasting and home recording.
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun microphones are a popular, high-quality option for video recording with a small, professional camera. They’re already made with shock mounts that help reduce noise that comes from mechanical vibrations around the mic. Another important feature is its ability to focus on capturing clear sounds and vocals directly in front of it, so it doesn’t pick up a lot of ambient sounds on the sides and behind the mic even when recording outdoors.
We recommend that you use the Rode Microphones VideoMic Pro R (), which is a handy version that’s just perfect for your DSLR, mirrorless camera, or camcorder. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern system and is powered by 9V batteries so you can use it for up to 70 hours.
Lapel Microphone
Also known as a lapel mic, a lavalier mic is wireless and can be discreetly clipped onto your clothes or belt. It comes in a set that includes the transmitter, to which the lapel is connected, and the receiver, which can pick up the signal from the transmitter even from great distances.
A good choice is the highly versatile RODELink Digital Wireless System (), which has a 3/8-inch thread for mounting on tripods and stands, standard shoe mount for cameras, and a clip for belts and clothing. It can select the best signal to deliver audio that’s as reliable as cabled connections, even from a hundred meters away.
CAMERA REMOTE
This is a super inexpensive tool to help with your productivity while filming. A camera remote makes it much easier to control your camera while filming so you don’t have to keep getting up and turning it on and off and possibly losing your position or messing with the camera. It’s a must have!
Tripod or Gimbal Stabilizer
Unsteady footage is a no-no for professional video production as it can distract your viewers or make them dizzy. Tripods and gimbal stabilizers are great tools for stabilizing your photos and videos. Depending on how you will be recording your video, you can choose either of them to increase the production value of your YouTube videos.
Tripod
A tripod is generally the more affordable choice. Many of them don’t go over $100 and are still able to do pretty well, depending on the weight of your camera setup. However, it’s still advisable to invest in a sturdier, more reliable tripod that can last long and to ensure the safety of your camera equipment.
The iKan E-Image EG01A2 () is a great, low-cost, quality tripod that can handle most DSLRs and camcorders. It can hold up to 11lbs and is capable of extending its legs higher than 5 feet, so you can shoot from interesting vantage points. It’s also super handy and compact—it can collapse down to 33 inches and merely weighs 10lbs so it’s easy to pack and carry when you’re on the go.
Gimbal Stabilizer
No matter how steadily you try to hold the camera, handheld shooting will produce shaky and jarring videos. Gimbals are specialized stabilizers that are built with motors or weights to carefully balance your camera and smoothen out your videos, even if you purposely make big and sudden movements. This is particularly helpful for YouTubers who are using lightweight cameras like GoPros and are constantly moving.
The iKan FLY X3-Plus Gimbal Stabilizer () is perfect if you’re going to use lightweight mirrorless and action cameras. It has a 3-axis stabilizer system with brushless motors that will really smoothen out your camera movements and has battery life that can last up to 5 hours. For a motorized gimbal, it’s definitely a great investment that’s worth the price.
Lighting
Lighting equipment is necessary if you’re primarily recording indoors and in dimly lit areas. And even if you’re shooting where there’s ample ambient light, lighting equipment can modify the mood and even out the brightness of your setup. Below are the types of lighting equipment that you can use when recording your YouTube videos.
Softbox
Softboxes can emulate the natural, soft lighting from a window. This is due to the white diffusion panel that diffuses and decreases the intensity of harsh, direct light. This type of lighting gear is ideal if you want to add lighting without producing harsh shadows for a scene or your subject.
The Flashpoint SoftBox (), for example, already comes with a 70W fluorescent light unit and an AC plug so you can plug it in and use it right after setting it up. The kit can be used with camcorders and digital cameras, and are great for indoor subject interviews.
Umbrella Light
Umbrella lights are an inexpensive and portable solution for video makers who need soft lighting. Compared to softboxes, umbrellas create more controlled lighting as the light gets reflected from the silver interior layer of the umbrella. It doesn’t have a diffusing sheet, but it can cover an expansive portion of space. They’re ideal for backdrops and on-location shoots.
We recommend the Westcott 7 Feet Parabolic Umbrella and Flashpoint Streaklight Umbrella Reflector Kit (), so you get all you need for shooting with better lighting both indoors or outdoors. The 7mm tapered umbrella shaft tip is made with sturdy 16 fiberglass ribs, and can easily be adjusted to emit flattering lighting. Storage is also convenient as it can fit its small carry case made with bulky nylon and shoulder strap.
Ring Light
Ring lights are a favorite among vloggers. When its ring shape emits light all around a subject, it eliminates shadows from every direction, making anybody look more attractive in front of the camera. This is why this type of lighting equipment is often used by beauty and makeup vloggers since they’re able to beautifully light up the face and eliminate shadows that tend to highlight blemishes.
Our choice for a ring light is the Flashpoint 19 Kit (). This fluorescent ring light uses 80W power that doesn’t emit too much heat, so you can place it closer to the subject. Its 19-inch diameter build is also very light and easy to carry. If you’re doing videos that need facial close-ups, the Flashpoint 19 would be the ideal pick for you.
On-Camera Lighting
On-camera lights provide continuous lighting and can be mounted on cameras. These can be great for recording certain types of videos such as wedding videos, documentary channels, or YouTube content that involves people and dimly-lit locations.
The iKan iLED-MA Micro Flood Light () is a great option for indoor shooting. This small and lightweight LED light could fit right in your hand but can emit a dimmable, wide 120-degrees beam of bright 5000K+ Daylight with 21 1.2-watt LEDs. It’s chargeable with a MicroUSB cable and has a shoe mount that’s fixed to a back holder so you can position it vertically or horizontally once mounted onto your camera.
Conclusion
Whether you are a digital marketing executive, freelance marketer, agency worker or startup businessman who is looking for ways to learn editing software to make better marketing videos for your business, you are at the right post!
With so many tools available, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best for creating videos. This guide highlights the most widely used editing software, and the best hardware that you need to record high quality videos.