3 cheap (or free) editing tools

While video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo provide a free way to upload and distribute your organization’s videos, other costs, such as editing software, can add up quickly. Here are a few tools that can help get your organization started editing videos on the cheap.

While previously uncommon, more offices have begun using Apple computers instead of Windows PCs. Apple’s entry-level video editing software, iMovie, is pre-installed on every Mac. For a low-cost tool, iMovie has a robust set of features and a very short learning curve. If you don’t have a Mac at home or the office, find a friend, coworker, family member or college student who does.

If you don’t have access to a Mac, or if you’re willing to spend a bit more money for more features, Adobe Premiere Elements is available at a discount to nonprofits. Premiere Elements might take a little longer to learn than iMovie, but is easier to learn than the full version of Premiere.

Finally, YouTube has recently added a small suite of editing tools to its website which might be useful to organizations that don’t need the features of actual editing software. Ultimately, the software you choose has little to no effect on the quality of your video, so it’s best to follow these small guidelines:

Don’t “fix it in editing.” Getting things right the first time will save you a major headache.Is there enough light on your subject? Can you hear what’s being said? If your video doesn’t look good in the camera, it won’t look good finished.Ignore the special effects. They almost never look good.

Remember, your videos don’t have to be perfect. They take some effort, but the payoff — constituent engagement — can be tremendous.