Learn How To Edit Video Like A Pro With 2024‘s Top 17+ FREE Best Online Video Editing Courses

If you are inspired by directors, cinematographers, and YouTubers, then seeking out the best online video editing courses is a great place to start.

Not only will you learn the art of storytelling, but you will also acquire the skills of how to piece together video footage in a technical way.

While many of the below video classes focus (pun intended) on certain software, fundamental skills such as cutting, transitions, layering will be transferable to any editing tool. Let’s begin!

Top 17 Best Online Video Editing Courses, Training & Certifications 2024

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1. Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners (Skillshare)

Coming in first on my list is a fantastic Adobe Premiere Pro course hosted on Skillshare. This online class has close to everything a filmmaker needs to complete their creative video projects.

Taught by successful professional videographer Jordy Vandeput, it concentrates less on theory and more on using creative tools. Designed for beginners, it is also a great course for those already familiar with Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Some of what’s covered in these Skillshare classes are basic editing, transitions, learning the tools and all of their layers, and how to export the right type of file. Also included are deeper subjects such as video effects, sound mixing from multiple sources, and animation.

Altogether, there are about 3 ½ hours of course modules that are self-paced. Over 27,000 videographers have already taken this course with new updates every year.

As for the price, there is none! Skillshare is running a promotion where new users can get a 1-month FREE trial which gives access to this course and 1,000’s of others!

• Basic editing modules
• Advanced editing modules
• Designed for Adobe beginners but suitable for more advanced students
• Self-paced, about 3 ½ hours 
• Taught by an established professional
• Quizzes and class projects let you try out what you’ve learned

2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC for Beginners (Skillshare)

This course covers much of what you need to start editing with the Creative Cloud version of Adobe Premiere Pro. The program on CC will always have all the latest, most up-to-date tools and support, which this course helps you take advantage of.

It is presented by Will Bartlett, a professional cinematographer, and editor with over 15 years of professional experience. In this Skillshare course, he goes over almost everything you need to get beyond basic editing.

In addition to the on-screen instruction, there are several PDFs for you to use as you practice. Keep these, they will prove useful as you use Premiere Pro after the course. There are also files of video and audio that you can download to work on.

Some of the modules are keyboard shortcuts, title creation, audio mixing, layering tracks, color control, using plugins, and saving client-specific preset.

Course length is right about hours and there are 2,500 students who have taken it on Skillshare. Again, users get a 1-month FREE trial with no strings attached!

• Suitable for beginners and more advanced users of Adobe
• Taught by a working professional
• Modules are short and quick-paced
• Self-paced, 3 hours
• Downloadable PDFs
• Footage and audio provided for you to practice editing

3. Creative Editing Video Course (Udemy)

Up next on my list is a fantastic course that goes into more detail about professional editing techniques used by the pros. Students also get top-notch quality content as this course is taught by Andrew St Pierre White, who has 37 years of experience as a broadcast professional and has won numerous awards and accolades.

Students should ideally be familiar with the basics of editing already to get the most out of this video editing course. The instruction will focus on how to be creative, how to capture and maintain the attention of your audience, and how to provide consistently excellent results.

While the classes are taught using Premiere Pro, the lessons aren’t specific to this software and can be applied to Da Vinci Resolve, Avid, Final Cut Pro, and more.

Other modules include seamless editing, how to edit dialog, adding music and sound effects, and what counts as truly entertaining for your particular audience.

All up, this course is just over 3 ½ hours of self-paced video instruction which has been undertaken by 4,300 other creators. There’s also a certificate of completion included!

• Requires basic editing knowledge to get the most out of it
• Focuses a lot on the creative aspects as opposed to the mechanics of editing
• The instructor is an award-winning pro
• Lots of emphasis on sound editing
• Examines editing styles and how they differ
• Adaptable to several different editing programs
• Certification of completion (printable)

4. Adobe Video and Audio Production (PluralSight)

Takes you through the levels from beginner and raises you through intermediate to advanced. It can be used in conjunction with any of Adobe’s editing software programs.

Multiple instructors teach the various panels. Some of the things you can learn are masking and rotoscope, how to read the waveform displays to make those work for you, adding animation, and even screenwriting.

About 36 hours of instruction altogether. It’s self-paced, so you could go faster over programs you don’t use, but it’s all helpful in general, so you may as well pay attention to all of it.

• Multiple Adobe programs
• 36 hours of instruction
• Multiple professional instructors
• Prerequisite of knowing fundamentals of editing is beneficial
• Includes screenwriting
• Continuing education available

5. Introduction to Video Editing (LinkedIn Learning)

Moving on is an introductory course to both the technical aspects and the art of editing. Ashley Kennedy is the instructor of this course who walks students through a real-world project from start to finish using Premiere Pro.

About 3 hours long, you will learn the “rules” of editing and when to break them, how to handle camera movement, lens zooming, b-roll, focusing during the shot, and the importance of dialog editing in the sound mixing.

More for beginners, advanced users may also appreciate the hints she gives during the actual editing process as she shows how two different projects were completed.

The modules are split up in a logical order during the 3-hour course which has had over 390,000 viewers. Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning also has a 1-month free trial! This is easily one of the best online video editing courses available!

• Very good foundation for beginners
• Shows work on two actual projects
• Examines technical skills and being creative
• Emphasizes workflow
• Concentrates on Adobe Premiere Pro
• 3 hours, self-paced
• Users receive a certificate once completed

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6. Premiere Pro CC for Beginners (Udemy)

Created by Phil Ebiner, this online video editing course delivers a lot of instruction in a manageable timeframe. Specifically designed around the CC version of Premiere Pro, it also works for learning about the stand-alone and older versions from Adobe. 

You should have a copy of Adobe Premiere Pro already installed on your computer because the instruction has students doing a lot of hands-on practice of the things taught. It’s self-paced but with an emphasis on putting tools and skills to use.

The instruction covers such topics as video and audio transitions, adding motion to still footage and titles, color grading for effect and correction, greenscreen, and tips on efficiency.

11 ½ hours of instruction are supplemented with various articles and downloadable resources. Over 136,000 students enrolled.

• Designed for Adobe CC but backwards compatible
• Beginners or more advanced
• Many extra resources included. 
• Almost 12 hours of self paced instruction
• Taught by a working professional
• Students receive a certificate of completion

7. Sony Vegas Pro Video Editing Masterclass (Skillshare)

While specifically designed around Vegas Pro from Sony, you can also adapt the techniques to Adobe and other software. Taught by a working professional filmmaker, Masuk Sarker Batista, you will learn how to keep on growing after mastering the fundamentals.

Some of the subjects covered are how to improve the audio, how to edit with creativity, adding special effects, and other advanced techniques.

At the end of the course, you will edit a class project for yourself. All up, this class is just under 3 hours, with over 70,000 students have enrolled. Users can also take this course for FREE on the 1-month trial!

• Specific to Sony Vegas Pro
• Taught by a successful professional
• 2 hours 46 minutes, self paced
• Students complete a class project
• For beginners
• Includes many helpful examples

8. Mastering Final Cut Pro (Coursera.org)

Apple has an editing program, too, called Final Cut Pro. This course takes you through the basics to some advanced techniques. It helps students pass the Final Cut Pro X certification program from Apple.

You will need to already be familiar with the program as well as a Mac OS user. Knowing basic editing techniques is recommended. Practice exams are included at the end of each module.

The course creators recommend taking the 22 hours of instruction over 8 weeks, 4 to 6 hours per week. Of course, you can adjust the pace as you wish.

Study modules include basic transitions, audio files, and titles. Some advanced techniques cover adjusting the timing of individual clips or the entire video, graphics interfacing, and 360-degree video.

• For Apple Final Cut Pro
• Certification exam prep
• 22 hours of studies
• Practice exams for each module
• Taught by Apple certified trainers
• For intermediate to advanced users

9. Inside The Edit (The Edit)

No technical parts of any program are discussed in this self-paced course. You are expected to already be familiar with your own program. This study course is all about creativity and professional standards of editing.

It’s kind of like a film school on your laptop. In fact, Inside the Edit also conducts seminars at several different film schools.

If you are desiring to take your editing to the next level because you want in the TV or film industry, Inside the Edit is a great way to bring your creative output to the next level. Once you have acquired your skills, you’ll then be able to apply for freelance jobs or even remote working jobs!

• Not program specific
• Concentrates 100% on creativity and professional standards
• Great for anyone wanting to work in reality TV or documentary film
• Lots of resources available to fine tune your own studies
• Taught by well established professional editors
• Lifetime course subscriptions offered

10. Adobe Premiere Pro CC Video Editing: The Complete Guide (CreativeLive)

With over 18 hours of course videos, this is a very complete introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro editing, taught by a Master Trainer, Abba Shapiro. He certifies other instructors to teach Adobe programs, so his insight is invaluable in this comprehensive online course.

After your studies are complete, join Mr. Shapiro in a Facebook forum where collaboration and great ideas continue to enhance your skills and creativity. 

Within the course are modules explaining the basics such as rough cuts, audio, and transitions. You will also explore deeper subjects including animation, motion editing, time-lapses, green screen, and editing footage from multiple cameras.

The over 18 hours of self-paced instruction is split into 65 manageable bits, some very short, few are over 20 minutes at a time. 

Useful for beginners to advanced editors, it’s been accessed by over 331,000 people!

• 18 hours of instruction
• 65 different study modules
• Facebook group for continuing conversations with graduates and instructors
• Includes advanced topics like green screen and time lapse
• Covers most aspects of Adobe Premiere Pro 
• Bonus content included

11. Final Cut Pro X Master Class (Skillshare)

Apple’s video editing software is Final Cut Pro X. It is very full-featured and relatively simple to learn, but we could all use some experienced help in order to the most out of it.

 Taught by working professional filmmaker, Masuk Sarker Batista, this course will provide you with instruction to go beyond the beginner stage. 

With 39 lessons in about 2 ½ hours, the course will discuss how to get started with the software, making transitions, how to correct camera errors and other topics. Pretty much meant for beginners to help them progress in their knowledge and creativity.

• For Apple Final Cut Pro
• Designed for beginners
• Taught by an established professional filmmaker
• Self paced, short course
• Students work on a class project after completing
• Lots of extra resources

12. Video Editing in DaVinci Resolve 15: Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)

DaVinci Resolve is a freeware/shareware alternative to Adobe editing software, but only on Windows platforms.

Produced by working professionals, the course will take you from how to install the software to basic editing for beginners. Among the course modules are instruction in edits and swaps, color correction, adding graphics, and even working on single frames.

About 9 hours of on-demand (self-paced) video with multiple downloadable resources and extra articles.

• DaVinci Resolve
• For beginners
• In depth coverage with 9 hours of instruction
• Instructors are working pros
• Lots of extras
• Students complete an editing project as part of the course

13. Premiere Pro CC Beginner Course (Pluralsight)

A beginner’s course for the Creative Cloud version of Premiere Pro, this class concentrates on the most needed and used portions of the huge program

Taught by a team of experts in editing and in Adobe, the modules will take you from getting started with the program all the way to more advanced users. Modules include learning the fundamentals, action scene editing, multiple camera blending, metadata, and compression.

Over 22 hours of instruction, comes with lots of extra resources.

• Made for Adobe Premiere Pro CC
• Designed for beginners to intermediate
• Includes metadata and other advanced subjects
• 22 hours of self paced instruction
• Multiple expert instructors
• No previous editing experience necessary 

14. The History of Film and Video Editing (LinkedIn Learning)

An in-depth look at the history of film and video editing. Examines the tools, techniques, and methods used throughout the years. 

Taught by Ashley Kennedy, real-world examples are used to illustrate each point being made regarding different advances in editing. 

Valuable knowledge about why editing exists and how it was accomplished, which transcends into a better understanding of what current editing programs are actually doing. To learn more, check out my guide on some of the best LinkedIn Learning classes in 2024.

• Not specific to any program
• A fun break from tutorials
• A little over 2 hours of history
• For any level from beginner to pro
• Narrated by a working professional
• Over 150,000 enrolled

15. Using HDR Media in Final Cut Pro X (Larry Jordon)

A very specific focus, as opposed to more generic instruction, this course of study, highlights how to integrate HDR (High Dynamic Range) into finished video with Apple Final Cut Pro X.

Examines all the different high-end video formats from various different cameras, what the differences are, and how to use them effectively for superior video production.

Requires working knowledge of video editing and Apple hardware.

About 1 hour of instruction from Larry Jordan, a successful working professional in film and video.

Modules include handling RAW files, tone mapping, and the difference between linear and log.

• For advanced users
• Designed for Final Cut Pro X
• Taught by a seasoned professional
• Discusses specific camera brand settings
• About 1 hour long
• Optional live webinars available

16. Editing Fundementals (LinkedIn Learning)

A very basic course, this one doesn’t require you to even have a camera yet. Examines why editing video is a valuable skill set for any modern DSLR or mirrorless digital camera.

It even discusses the Five C’s of Cinematography, a valuable learning technique used for all varieties of film and video, an essential prerequisite for cinema learning in many filmmaker’s education.

This course works with any camera, any program, and is primarily meant for absolute beginners.

Less than an hour-long, the course is taught by Join Eduardo Angel, a successful cinematographer, and editor. If you want to get a certificate with your course, you can see my full guide here on how to get one for free!

• Works with any program
• Discusses important concepts such as the Five C’s of Cinematography
• Less than an hour long
• For absolute beginners
• Taught by a seasoned pro
• Part of a larger, very comprehensive field of study

17. After Effects CC Tutorial (Pluralsight)

Adobe After Effects is a program for making, adjusting, and editing visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing. Many refer to it as an animation program but it’s a lot more than that.

Taught by a team of professional instructors, this course is about 30 hours in length. It is self-paced and covers beginning subjects up to advanced. 

Modules include instruction in transparency and blending, stabilizing and tracking, rotoscoping, and compositing in 3D. This rounds up my guide on the best online video editing courses!

• Specifically for Adobe After Effects CC
• For beginners to advanced
• Taught by a strong team
• Over 30 hours of self paced instruction
• No prerequisites required
• Covers all aspects of motion graphics for cinema

Or Perhaps You Need Professional Video Editing Help

After reviewing these courses, are you ready to dive in? Or would you just prefer to get the project done with the Pro? I know I’ve gotten myself in too deep a few times only to wish I had called on a Pro from the beginning.

And video editing lends itself perfectly to using a freelancer because it’s all digital and they can work from anywhere and at any time. Even while you sleep. And if you haven’t used one before, Fiverr makes it easy. Below are a few Video Editing projects for you to consider.