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.
Let’s look at the best free video editing tools you can use to create content for your online course.
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.
Record your slideshow with audio
Add animations and transitions
Export as an MP4 video
Basic trimming options
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.
It has limited advanced editing features.
Advanced creators and animation-based courses
Blender is a powerful open-source video editing and 3D animation software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Live preview editing
Audio mixing and syncing
Waveform visualization
32 editing slots for video, images, audio, and effects
Professional-grade 3D animation tools
If you're diving into technical tutorials, 3D explanations, or animated lessons, Blender provides top-notch tools—all for free!
Just a heads up: the interface might seem a bit overwhelming for beginners.
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.
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.
Occasional crashes in the free version.
Beginners who want cross-platform support
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
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.
Interface may take time to learn.
Mac, iPhone, and iPad users
iMovie is a free video editing tool available for Apple devices.
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.
Limited advanced editing tools.
Semi-professional editing
Lightworks offers both free and paid versions. The free version works well for most educators.
High-precision trimming
Multi-camera support
720p export for YouTube
Wide format compatibility
Plus, it offers some great tutorials for those just starting out.
4K export is only available in the paid version.
Basic editing on Windows
VideoPad is a beginner-friendly video editing tool for Windows users.
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.
Not suitable for advanced professional editing.
Editing on the go, Adobe Premiere Rush is designed for quick video editing across devices.
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.
Free version has limited features.
Creators who want simplicity with advanced features
Filmora is available on Windows and Mac and offers an intuitive editing experience.
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.
Not available on Linux and limited for high-end professional workflows.
Further Reading: How to create video lectures?
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
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.
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.