Videos are a must-have for any online course and free video maker tools are your best bet to create them without spending a rupee.

If done right, you can achieve with a two-minute video what a 10-page PDF document cannot. This is because we are a deeply visual species that processes images 60,000 times faster than we process text.

Years ago, creating your own video was laborious and expensive. Fast forward to the present times and the process is fairly simple even for newbies.

All you need is a camera and the right set of tools to create any kind of video that you wish for. The good news is that you don’t have to shell out thousands to use a video-making tool. There are some free tools whose features should suffice your needs. 

Top Free Video Creation Tools for Building Your Online Courses

Let’s look at the best free video editing tools you can use to create content for your online course.

1. Microsoft Powerpoint

Best for:

Recording presentation-based lessons

Many teachers might not know that Microsoft PowerPoint has a handy screen recording feature built right in. You can easily record your slideshow along with voice narration and save it as a video file.

Key Features:

• Record your slideshow with audio

• Add animations and transitions

• Export as an MP4 video

• Basic trimming options

Why It’s Perfect for Course Creators:

If your course revolves around presentations—think theory subjects, marketing, or exam prep—PowerPoint is a straightforward and effective tool for whipping up lesson videos in a flash.

Limitation:

It has limited advanced editing features.

2. Blender 

Best for:

Advanced creators and animation-based courses
Blender is a powerful open-source video editing and 3D animation software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Key Features:

• Live preview editing

• Audio mixing and syncing

• Waveform visualization

• 32 editing slots for video, images, audio, and effects

• Professional-grade 3D animation tools

Why It’s Useful:

If you're diving into technical tutorials, 3D explanations, or animated lessons, Blender provides top-notch tools—all for free!

Limitation:

Just a heads up: the interface might seem a bit overwhelming for beginners.

3. VSDC 

Best for:

Windows users needing feature-rich free editing.

VSDC is a free video editing software available for Windows. It supports almost all video formats and codecs.

Key Features:

• Color correction tools to enhance your visuals

• A range of visual and audio effects to spice up your videos

• Filters and blending modes for creative flair

• Basic to intermediate editing tools for all your needs

The free version is robust enough for most educators, while the paid version offers advanced features tailored for professionals.

Limitation:

Occasional crashes in the free version.

4. Shotcut 

Best for:

Beginners who want cross-platform support

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Here are some of its standout features:

• Supports 4K resolution

• Compatible with a wide range of formats

• Offers various audio and video effects

• Includes color grading tools

• No need to import your media before you start editing

This makes it perfect for educators looking for a flexible solution without the hefty price tag.

Limitation:

Interface may take time to learn.

5. iMovie   

Best for:

Mac, iPhone, and iPad users

iMovie is a free video editing tool available for Apple devices.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• A user-friendly drag-and-drop interface

• Support for stunning 4K videos

• Options to add titles, music, and smooth transitions

• Speed control for both slow and fast motion

• Basic background replacement features

It’s an ideal choice for beginners looking to create professional-looking videos without getting bogged down by complicated tools. 

Limitation:

Limited advanced editing tools.

6. Lightworks 

Best for:

Semi-professional editing

Lightworks offers both free and paid versions. The free version works well for most educators.

Here are some of its standout features:

• High-precision trimming

• Multi-camera support

• 720p export for YouTube

• Wide format compatibility

Plus, it offers some great tutorials for those just starting out.

Limitation:

4K export is only available in the paid version.

7. VideoPad

Best for:

Basic editing on Windows

VideoPad is a beginner-friendly video editing tool for Windows users.

Key Features:

• A variety of built-in transitions and sound effects

• Free 3D video editing capabilities

• Easy export options to YouTube and social media

• User-friendly editing tools

It's perfect for creating basic course videos.

Limitation:

Not suitable for advanced professional editing.

8. Adobe Premiere Rush 

Best for:

Editing on the go, Adobe Premiere Rush is designed for quick video editing across devices.

Key Features:

• Works seamlessly on mobile, Mac, and Windows

• User-friendly interface that anyone can navigate

• Offers color correction and motion graphics

• Syncs across multiple devices

You can start capturing videos on one device and finish editing them on another without a hitch.

Limitation:

Free version has limited features.

9. Filmora  

Best for:

Creators who want simplicity with advanced features

Filmora is available on Windows and Mac and offers an intuitive editing experience.

Here are some standout features:

• Layering for clips and audio

• Keyframing to get your timing just right

• Background noise removal to enhance your sound

• Support for 4K exports

• A variety of export formats to choose from

This software is perfect for those who are at an intermediate level in their creative journey.

Limitation:

Not available on Linux and limited for high-end professional workflows.

Further Reading: How to create video lectures?

Choosing the Right Free Video Editing Tool

When you're on the hunt for a video creation tool for your online course, keep these points in mind:

• What operating system you're using (Windows, Mac, Linux)

• If you need support for 4K resolution

• Your level of editing experience

• The type of course you're creating (presentation-based, screen tutorial, animation-focused)

• How you plan to export and share your videos
  
  

What is Learnyst and how it can help?

Learnyst is one of the most preferred Learning Management Systems by online educators today. It offers a variety of features ranging from your own branded website, mock test creation,  live classes etc. Create your videos in one of the above free video maker tools and upload them to your course. The video could be a simple file or from YouTube and Vimeo.

To know more about how you can combine the power of the above tools with Learnyst, contact us  today.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to break the bank to make high-quality course videos.

Whether it’s using PowerPoint for straightforward screen recordings or diving into Blender for more complex animations, there’s a free tool out there for every kind of educator.

Start with the basics. Prioritize clarity and sound quality, and then build on that over time.

Remember, the best course video isn’t necessarily the most cinematic one, it’s the one that clearly explains concepts and keeps your students engaged.