The Best Video Editing Software for Viral-Worthy YouTube Shorts

After TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts (another vertical of the ever-so-popular video-sharing platform) is all the rage since its launch in 2021. Ever since the launch, it has completely changed the way users interact with the platform and has become one of the best ways to captivate and build curiosity among users. Many articles state that, as of early 2024, Shorts have crossed 70 billion daily views.

This only means one thing: if you want to reach a wider audience and watch your videos go viral through YouTube Shorts, it is important to find the best video editing software for YouTube Shorts.

The best video editing software for YouTube Shorts combines intuitive design, AI-powered automation, and seamless compatibility with YouTube’s technical standards to help creators produce high-quality, engaging short videos quickly and efficiently.

In this blog, we have listed down a few video editing software for YouTube Shorts to help grow your online audience.

Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Shorts

Minvo

Minvo is the best free video editing software for YouTube Shorts that offers a great level of automation and efficiency. The platform uses its advanced AI technology to analyze and extract the most engaging parts of the long-form video, allowing you to generate multiple YouTube Shorts in a few clicks. You can also auto-generate captions, add b-roll, apply effects, and translate content in over 50 languages, making your Shorts engaging and accessible.

You can also streamline your workflow by combining editing, analytics, and scheduling. You can schedule Shorts directly from Minvo and track its performance with the built-in analytics. Whether you prefer editing like a Word document or a traditional timeline, Minvo adapts to your style.

Whether you are a creator or an agency, you can manage multiple brands and platforms at the same time from a single dashboard. Minvo’s automation and all-in-one feature make it a great option for all your video editing needs for YouTube Shorts.

CapCut

CapCut is a popular video editing software for YouTube shorts and is well-known for its preset templates, smooth transitions, and creative effects. It is especially favoured by TikTok creators, given its seamless integration and easy export options for YouTube Shorts. However, it lacks advanced automation and bulk editing features, which don’t make it appealing enough for creators looking to transform long-form videos into multiple shorts.

SendShort

This platform is specifically designed for creators and brands who want to convert long-form video content into Shorts with minimal effort. Its AI can handle translations and add customizable captions to make your videos more engaging. While it excels in automating the Shorts creation process, it might not be the video editing software for YouTube shorts you are looking for, as it doesn’t offer creative flexibility or brand management features.

Canva

This is a simple drag-and-drop video editing software for YouTube Shorts that provides access to over a million templates, animations, music, and effects. You can then download and share your videos on YouTube.

Canva is an ideal choice for those looking for a simple, template-driven editing. The platform doesn’t offer video-specific features or automation to create YouTube Shorts.

Other Noteworthy Tools

• iMovie: Simple, intuitive editing for Mac and iOS users; best for basic Shorts creation.
• VEED: Online editor with quick effects and easy sharing; suitable for fast, no-fuss edits.
• InShot: Mobile-first app ideal for quick, on-the-go Shorts editing.

Software	Features for YouTube Shorts Editing	AI & Automation Capabilities	Platform Compatibility	Pricing	Best For
Minvo	- Turn 1 video into 10 clips in 3 clicks Auto-captions, b-roll, effects, translations - Social scheduling, analytics - Edit like Word doc or timeline- Unlimited brands/accounts	- AI highlights extraction- Automated captions & translations- AI b-roll & effects- Performance analytics	Web-based	Free & Paid plans	Agencies, creators, and brands needing fast, automated Shorts production & multi-account management
CapCut	- Preset templates, transitions, effects- Easy export to YouTube Shorts- TikTok integration	- AI auto-clipping- Subtitle generation	Mobile, Desktop, Web	Free & Premium	Quick, trend-driven Shorts edits
SendShort	- Converts long videos to Shorts- Faceless AI video generation- Custom captions	- AI highlight detection- Faceless videos- Automated captions	Web, Desktop	Free & Paid plans	Automated Shorts from long-form content
Canva	- Drag-and-drop editor- 1M+ templates- Custom animations, music, effects	- Template-based automation- Basic AI effects	Web, Mobile	Free & Premium	Simple, design-focused Shorts creation
iMovie	- Basic editing for Mac/iOS- Simple transitions & effects	None (manual only)	Mac, iOS	Free	Beginners, Apple users
VEED	- Quick online editing- Auto-captioning	- AI auto-captioning- Quick effects	Web	Free & Premium	Fast, online Shorts editing
InShot	- Mobile-first editing- Quick trimming, transitions- Music, filters	- Limited AI (mostly manual)	Mobile (iOS, Android)	Free & Premium	On-the-go Shorts editing

How to Choose the Right Software for Your YouTube Shorts

With so many options available, it could be overwhelming to find the right one for you. Considering a few factors when making your decision can help clear the air.

• Consider your workflow: If you have to work on multiple video content for YouTube Shorts, consider a software with strong AI automation that can automate the entire process with minimal effort. If you prefer hands-on editing or requirements aren’t that much, a software with robust manual features will be a great choice.
• Platform compatibility: There are quite a few video editing software for YouTube Shorts available today, not every one fits your work model best. Whether you work remotely or edit on the go, there is a video editor that will suit your needs.
• Key features for your content style (auto-captions, templates, analytics): Reflect on your content style and which features will help you maintain a consistent and engaging style. If you prefer adding captions to all your Shorts, ensure the software you choose has that option.
• Budget: If you are just starting out, a free video editing software for YouTube Shorts might suffice. If you publish YouTube Shorts regularly or need advanced capabilities, a paid version will help you achieve your goal.

Tips for Editing YouTube Shorts That Stand Out

While most video editing software is pretty much straightforward, a few tips and tricks can help you make a huge difference. Here are a few tips that you must consider when creating your next YouTube Shorts.

• More than half of your audience is watching YouTube Shorts without sound. Including captions and translations only makes your content more accessible and can reach a wider audience.
• Adding b-roll, effects, and music can keep your audience engaged. Use video editing software for YouTube Shorts that easily allows you to add these elements, ensuring your Shorts look polished.
• YouTube Shorts that are snappy and to-the-point usually attract your target audience. Keeping edits fast-paced and concise maintains momentum. You can use jump cuts, quick transitions, and visual highlights to keep the energy high and retain viewer attention.
• Always edit in a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical) with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels to ensure your Shorts display perfectly on mobile devices. Keep your video under 60 seconds and pay attention to file size and format for smooth uploading.
• Choose video editing platforms that offer social scheduling and analytics features, like Minvo, to publish your Shorts directly to YouTube and track performance.

Create Engaging YouTube Shorts With Minvo

Minvo offers an easy onboarding process, allowing you to start with a free trial or select a plan that fits your needs best. It is great for individual creators and brands with a huge team, giving each a lot of flexibility for a better workflow. While that is true, the platform is godsent for YouTube creators and channels, as you need to just upload your long-form video or paste a YouTube link, and Minvo’s AI will automatically analyze your content and suggest the most engaging clips for Shorts.

Minvo takes it up a notch by adding b-roll, auto-captions, and effects to make your Shorts stand out on every feed. Minvo, the best video editing software for YouTube Shorts, uses advanced AI features to rapidly create, customize, and publish high-impact YouTube Shorts—maximizing your reach and saving hours of manual editing.

Try it for free today and see for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best video editing software for creating YouTube Shorts?

The best software depends on your needs, but Minvo is highly recommended for its advanced AI automation, easy clip generation, auto-captions, and multi-language support, making it ideal for creators and agencies producing Shorts at scale. Other popular options include CapCut, Canva, and iMovie.

Does Minvo have a mobile app for editing YouTube Shorts on the go?

Currently, Minvo is a web-based platform and does not offer a dedicated mobile app. However, its responsive web interface allows you to access and edit your videos from any device with internet access, including tablets and smartphones, providing flexibility without the need for an app.

What features should I look for in YouTube Shorts editing software?

Key features include ease of use, auto-captioning, templates, effects, music integration, support for the 9:16 vertical format, and the ability to export videos under 60 seconds. Advanced tools like Minvo also offer AI-powered clip selection, translations, and analytics.

Is there free video editing software for YouTube Shorts?

Yes, many editors offer free plans with essential features. CapCut, Canva, iMovie, and Clipchamp are popular free options for editing and exporting YouTube Shorts. Minvo and SendShort also have free tiers with limited access to premium features.

How do I upload and publish my edited YouTube Shorts?

After editing, export your video in the correct format (vertical, under 60 seconds). You can upload Shorts through the YouTube app by tapping “Create” and selecting “Short,” or by uploading it directly from Minvo. Add a title, description, and relevant hashtags before publishing.