What are the best free beginner-friendly how-to channels for learning video editing basics?

Here are some of the best free, beginner-friendly YouTube channels for learning video editing basics:

Best overall beginner channels

• Justin Odisho – Clear, practical tutorials for beginners in Premiere Pro, After Effects, and editing fundamentals.
• Premiere Gal – Very beginner-friendly, especially for Adobe Premiere Pro and workflow basics.
• Cinecom.net – Easy-to-follow editing tips, transitions, effects, and beginner tutorials.
• Daniel Schiffer – Great for learning editing style, pacing, and b-roll through simple, polished examples.
• Peter McKinnon – More creator-focused, but good for editing mindset, storytelling, and workflow inspiration.

For DaVinci Resolve beginners

• MrAlexTech – Excellent for DaVinci Resolve beginners; very clear step-by-step tutorials.
• Casey Faris – One of the best channels for learning Resolve basics and color grading.
• Darren Mostyn – Strong beginner-to-intermediate Resolve and color grading tutorials.

For short-form / social media editing

• Sam Kolder – Good for fast-paced travel/creator editing style.
• Ben Marriott – Great if you want editing plus motion graphics, with very clear teaching.
• Jordan Orme – Helpful for TikTok/YouTube Shorts style editing and creative cuts.

For absolute basics and workflow

• Film Riot – Fun, approachable, and beginner-friendly for overall filmmaking/editing concepts.
• Learn How To Edit Stuff – Focused on making editing simple for new users.
• HillierSmith – Great for understanding pacing, storytelling, and YouTube editing strategy.

If you want software-specific recommendations

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Justin Odisho, Premiere Gal, Cinecom.net
• DaVinci Resolve: MrAlexTech, Casey Faris, Darren Mostyn
• Final Cut Pro: Apple support + beginner Final Cut creators like Pixel Film Studios tutorials

Best way to start

If you’re totally new, I’d suggest:

1. Learn the timeline, trimming, cutting, and exporting
2. Practice simple music + b-roll editing
3. Learn basic transitions, text, and audio cleanup
4. Then move into color correction and effects

If you want, I can also give you:

• a top 10 ranked list
• the best channel for your editing software
• or a free beginner learning roadmap for the next 30 days