Creating videos that catch fire on TikTok is a challenging feat. It's not just about catchy trends or savvy sound bites; the real magic often happens behind the scenes in the editing room.
If you're a Mac user, finding the right free video editing software can make all the difference, giving you the tools to create viral content without breaking the bank. In this blog, we'll explore the best free video editing software for Mac, helping you level up your TikTok game and gain that viral traction you're after.What to post on tiktok to go viral.
But before you start editing, check out Crayo AI's clip creator tool. It offers more than just a way to polish your videos; it's a shortcut to crafting content that could be your next big hit.
Table Of Contents
Why You Should Edit a Video on Mac
Exclusive Mac Tools: The Secret Sauce of Video Editing
Regarding video editing, some of the most powerful tools are exclusive to MacOS. This gives Mac users access to top-notch software that can enhance creativity and make the editing process smoother. Whether you’re crafting a viral TikTok or a cinematic short film, these tools offer unique features and capabilities to take your content to the next level. If you’re serious about producing high-quality video content, using a Mac can give you a competitive edge.
How Stability and Reliability Boost Your Creative Flow
With Apple’s tight hardware and software integration, you’re less likely to face compatibility issues or crashes. This stability lets you focus on your project without worrying about technical problems. In the fast-paced world of content creation, having a reliable system can be the difference between meeting a deadline and missing an opportunity.
Why Processing Potential Matters for Video Editors
Editing high-resolution videos, applying effects, and rendering files can be resource-intensive tasks. Macs are known for their processing power, which means they can handle these tasks more efficiently than other devices. This can save you time and frustration, allowing you to work more quickly and efficiently. A Mac can be a great choice to edit videos without lag or slowdown.
How Retina Displays Boost Your Video Editing Game
Apple’s Retina displays offer high-resolution screens with a high pixel density, resulting in crisp and sharp visuals. This can make a big difference when editing videos, allowing you to see more detail and achieve greater precision. With better color accuracy and scaling, you can create videos that look amazing on any screen.
The Importance of Great Customer Support and Community
If you run into any issues while editing videos on a Mac, you can rely on Apple’s excellent customer support to help you out. With options for telephone, chat, and in-person support at Apple stores, you can get the help you need when you need it. There’s also a supportive online community where you can find answers to your questions and connect with other Mac users.
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• What Is Viral Content
• How Do You Go Viral
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• How To Make Short Videos
• What Kind of Videos Go Viral on TikTok
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• How Long Should a TikTok Video Be To Go Viral
14 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
1. Crayo AI
Crayo AI: Create Viral TikTok Shorts Instantly
Crayo AI is your go-to for creating short videos quickly and efficiently. This tool allows you to produce unlimited short videos simultaneously, auto-generating captions, effects, background, and music. You just provide the outline or prompt, customize the style with pre-made templates, and export your video. It’s perfect for tapping into the TikTok creator fund program.
2. iMovie
iMovie: Apple’s User-Friendly Editor for Beginners
iMovie is perfect for Mac users who want a straightforward, pre-installed video editor. It’s great for casual use or beginners who may eventually move to Final Cut Pro. You can start editing on your phone and continue on your Mac smoothly.
Pros
Integrates with iMovie for iOS and Final Cut Pro
Compatible with iPhone’s Cinematic mode
Great for beginners
Free
Cons
Mac-only
Lacks frequent updates
3. Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush: Edit Anywhere, Anytime
Premiere Rush offers a smooth editing experience across platforms. Thanks to online storage, you can start on one device and pick up where you left off on another.
Pros
Easy to use
Multi-platform availability
Integrates with other Adobe apps
Cons
Premium features require a subscription
Some tools are restricted to specific platforms
4. OpenShot
OpenShot: Open-Source Editing with Advanced Tools
OpenShot is a versatile, beginner-friendly editor that supports all operating systems. Its Blender integration allows you to render 3D animations directly.
Pros
Advanced tools with unlimited tracks
Beginner-friendly
Open-source
Cons
Stability issues and bugs
Outdated graphics and animations
5. VideoProc Vlogger
VideoProc Vlogger: Perfect for Action Camera Footage
This editor is excellent for action cameras or drone footage, especially with its fisheye removal feature. It balances ease of use with advanced tools for motion and color correction.
Pros
Low system requirements
Free with no ads or watermarks
Cons
Slow export times for videos with effects
Not ideal for professional use
6. Canva Video
Canva Video: Quick Edits for Social Media
Canva Video is perfect for quickly creating professional-looking short videos and social media assets. Its interface is similar to Canva’s graphic design tool, making it intuitive for most users.
Pros
Easy to master
Decent library of stock designs
Cons
Not a complete video editor
Limited effects and output formats
7. VideoPad
VideoPad: Ease into Video Editing
VideoPad is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers sophisticated tools that are easy to use. It supports 360-degree and 3D editing, with impressive stabilization and green screen effects.
Pros
User-friendly for first-time editors
Supports over 60 video formats
Cons
Slow rendering times
Contains ads
8. Adobe Express Video Editor
Adobe Express: Simple Edits for Fast Results
Adobe Express offers an easy interface for cutting together short clips or creating presentations. While it’s not as fluid as Canva, it’s still effective for simple projects.
Pros
Extremely user-friendly
Free media assets
Cons
Some assets require a Creative Cloud Express subscription
Not suitable for large projects
9. Shotcut
Shotcut: Reliable Open-Source Editing
Shotcut provides a stable editing experience with a robust set of features. It’s a great choice for simple video editing without too many bells and whistles.
Pros
Good selection of features
Supports direct streaming
Cons
Spartan interface
Crashes with voiceover tool
10. Kapwing
Kapwing: Effortless Captioning and Subtitles
Kapwing excels at adding automatic captions, subtitles, and AI-generated speech-to-text and translation tools. It also offers beautifully designed templates for quick editing.
Pros
Includes numerous free design elements
Themed templates for various platforms
Cons
There is a high monthly fee for the Pro version
Occasional lagging
11. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve: The Ultimate Free Editing Suite
DaVinci Resolve is a feature-rich, free video editor compatible with all major platforms. It offers a powerful node-based effects system in professional film and TV production.
Pros
Comprehensive feature set
Multi-platform availability
Cons
Complex for newcomers
Node-based interface may not suit everyone
12. HitFilm
HitFilm: Effects and More for Creative Editing
HitFilm is ideal for anyone interested in editing with effects. It offers a full package of both basic and advanced VFX features, including over 180 editing effects.
Pros
Optimized for newer Macs
Includes advanced visual effects
Cons
Slight learning curve
Resource-heavy
13. Lightworks
Lightworks: Professional Pedigree for Amateurs
Lightworks offers a powerful free editor, albeit with a pared-down toolset. It’s intuitive for beginners, but the free version only allows 720p exports.
Pros
Powerful features
Highly customizable interface
Cons
Steeper learning curve
Limited export options
14. Avidemux
Avidemux: Simple Editing and Conversion
Avidemux is a straightforward editor for basic tasks like cutting, rotating, and encoding video. It supports a wide range of formats.
Pros
A wide array of formats
Excellent for encoding and conversion
Cons
Few advanced features
Unintuitive interface
15 Editing Tips for High-Quality Videos
1. Create Shorts Videos Fast with Crayo AI
Crayo AI is a game-changer for crafting high-quality viral videos. It’s the fastest way to produce short videos, letting you create unlimited clips at once. With automatic generation of captions, effects, backgrounds, and music, it streamlines the process. Simply write an outline, customize the style using Crayo’s free templates, and export. It’s that easy. Ready to go viral and make money? Click the ‘Try Now’ button on Crayo’s homepage. No account is needed.
2. Speed Up Editing with a Fast Computer
Efficient video editing demands speed. Invest in a solid-state drive (SSD) to drastically improve export, loading, and rendering times. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard disks. Boost your RAM to at least 8 GB and ensure you have the recommended video card and processor for your software. These upgrades will streamline your workflow.
3. Master Video Editing with Tutorials
Learning from the pros is key. Dive into tutorials to enhance your editing skills. Websites like Skillshare and Red Giant offer free resources tailored to various software. Focus on tutorials that align with your editing platform and content needs. This will help you refine your process and improve your videos.
4. Cut Unusable Footage
Only some things you record should make the final cut. Eliminate mistakes like misspoken words or clips with poor audio. While some footage might be salvageable, removing low-quality sections is best. This ensures your video remains engaging and cohesive.
5. Edit Audio and Video Separately
Record audio and video tracks individually for a polished result, especially when multiple people are involved. This technique, known as multitrack recording, offers more editing flexibility. It leads to a more professional-looking and higher-quality video.
6. Enhance Efficiency with Keyboard Shortcuts
Mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your editing process. Focus on frequently used functions like undo, redo, and delete. Consider investing in an editing keyboard with pre-programmed shortcuts for your specific software. This can streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
7. Maintain Balanced Pacing
Consistent pacing is crucial for viewer engagement. While some scenes may naturally be faster or slower, avoid abrupt changes that disrupt the flow. Use cuts to create a rhythm that matches the tone of each scene. This ensures a smooth transition from one moment to the next, keeping viewers engaged.
8. Add Text, Titles, and Graphics
Text and graphics can enhance your video’s message. Keep fonts simple for readability and explore various templates for motion graphics. Choose styles that complement your content. This can make your video more visually appealing and help convey your story effectively.
9. Boost Your Edit with Cutaways
Cutaways are essential for maintaining interest and altering the pace of a scene. They shift the focus to a different person or location, keeping viewers engaged. Use this technique strategically to highlight key moments or highlight specific details.
10. Don’t Skip Color Correction
Color can set the mood and evoke emotions. Color correction ensures consistency across scenes, while color grading makes specific moments stand out. Use these techniques to enhance your video’s visual appeal and help it resonate with your audience.
11. Trim the Fluff
Long clips can lose viewers’ attention. Identify the core message of your video and trim unnecessary sections. This keeps your content concise and engaging. Maintain a smooth narrative flow by using transitions or cutaways to bridge gaps.
12. Learn Key Editing Terms
Familiarize yourself with standard editing terms like cutaways, jump cuts, and match cuts. Understanding these concepts will help you navigate the editing process more efficiently and enhance your technical skills.
13. Diversify Shots and Angles
Varying shots and angles keep your video dynamic and engaging. Use a mix of wide shots, close-ups, and creative angles to emphasize important details. This approach adds depth and maintains viewer interest throughout your content.
14. Store Files on an External Drive
Store large video files on an external drive to free up space on your computer. This will speed up your device, making editing faster and more efficient. It’s a simple step that can significantly improve your workflow.
15. Incorporate Sound Effects and Music
Enhance your videos with sound effects and music. Audio elements add depth and emotion, making your content more engaging. Use background music to set the mood and sound effects to create realism and guide viewers through your story.
Why is Editing Videos Important
Boosting Viewer Engagement
Editing can make or break your TikTok videos. Clumsy edits can stop viewers from sticking around even with a great idea. TikTok loves it when people watch your video all the way through, so you need to grab their attention fast and keep it. Sometimes, this means adding eye-catching graphics and clear audio—letting the content shine. Other times, you might need an intro teaser to get viewers curious.
Good editors know how to pull the best bits of your video to the front, encouraging people to stay. Once you’ve got their attention, smooth transitions that fit the story are key. Even if you have a plan for your video, a skilled editor can make it better by picking the proper clips and transitions. This keeps people watching and makes TikTok happy, which means more views for you.
Establishing Brand Identity
Regular viewers often wonder how creators edit their videos. Top YouTubers frequently hire pros. It’s no secret that successful channels usually use familiar intros. This isn’t just for engagement but for building a connection. Fans who know what to expect from a creator are likelier to stick around.
If each video feels different, it can confuse viewers and reduce clicks on other videos. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change. Many channels fade away because they don’t try new things. Signature graphics and effects throughout a creator’s content serve as brand markers. Any changes should be introduced slowly and balanced with familiar themes. This way, you can experiment and keep what works.
Increasing Revenue Opportunities
Making money from YouTube ad revenue is just one way to earn money from content creation. Many creators also cash in through sponsorships and selling merchandise. Sponsors want to associate with a polished product, and creators with a steady viewership and a winning formula are a sponsor’s dream.
Unlike TV, YouTube videos can keep getting views for years, so sponsors are investing in the long term. Knowing a creator is consistent helps advertisers feel secure. Similarly, selling merch with inside jokes or phrases known only to loyal fans relies on using them regularly. Pro editors can spot a good thing and help creators lean into their strengths with clever editing.
Looking to make your TikToks go viral? Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today. It's the fastest way to turn your ideas into short videos. No account is required! Click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to start.
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Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Crayo AI is a game-changer for anyone looking to create outstanding content. This software transforms how you make shorts, instantly generating unlimited videos. How? Start by writing an outline or prompt. Then, customize your video using Crayo’s free templates: choose a background, a voice narrator, and music. You’ll finish and export your video in seconds.
Crayo even auto-generates captions, effects, background, and music for you. This makes it effortless to create shorts that pop. Want to get started? Click the ‘Try Now’ button on Crayo’s homepage. No account is required. With Crayo, you can go from idea to viral video quickly.
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