From Raw to Ready: Which Video Editing Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing a video editing platform can be overwhelming—especially when you're a small business owner trying to get consistent content out into the world. This article is a companion to our “Webinar Wednesday” session exploring the strengths and weaknesses of six major tools that dominate the editing space.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to streamline your content creation workflow, this guide will help you choose the right tool for your needs, your skill level, and your schedule.

Why Video Editing Matters

Video is no longer optional—it’s the leading form of content across nearly every platform. Whether you're publishing reels, testimonials, tutorials, or promo clips, a smooth editing workflow can make or break your consistency. Great video starts after you hit record, and that's where the right editing tool comes in.

Platform Categories: An Overview

We divided the editing world into three categories:

1. Social Editing Tools – Fast, phone-friendly, built for creators (CapCut, Edits)

2. Pro Editing Software – Designed for detailed storytelling and long-form video (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro)

3. Nontraditional & Emerging Tools – Great for low-friction content creation and beginners (Canva, Descript)

Each has a place, depending on your content goals.

Social Editing Tools: CapCut vs Edits

CapCut

• Ideal for: Reels, TikToks, short-form content

• Pros: Free, intuitive mobile app, effects-rich

• Cons: Cloud syncing limitations, limited for longer videos

  
  

Edits

• Ideal for: Branded vertical video with a clean look

• Pros: Fast AI-powered templating, built-in captioning

• Cons: Subscription required, limited customization compared to traditional editing

  
  

These are great for speed and simplicity, especially when you need to turn around content quickly on your phone.

Pro Editing Platforms: DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro

DaVinci Resolve

• Ideal for: High-end storytelling, color grading, detailed edits

• Pros: Free version available, Hollywood-level tools

• Cons: Steeper learning curve, heavy on system resources

  
  

Premiere Pro

• Ideal for: Professionals and agencies, collaborative projects

• Pros: Powerful, integrates well with Adobe tools

• Cons: Monthly subscription, crashes more frequently than DaVinci for some users

  
  

Go here if you want control and flexibility, or if you're building longer videos with multiple assets.

Emerging Tools: Descript vs Canva

Descript

• Ideal for: Podcasts, interviews, and talking-head content

• Pros: Edit video by editing the transcript, fast audio cleanup

• Cons: Less control over visual polish, quirky interface

  
  

Canva

• Ideal for: Quick promos, animated graphics, low-lift edits

• Pros: Familiar interface, drag-and-drop ease, social templates

• Cons: Limited control for complex edits, weaker audio handling

  
  

These tools are great when you need something fast, flexible, and don’t want to feel overwhelmed.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Ask yourself:

• What kind of content am I making?

• How much time do I have?

• Do I need this to be done fast, or polished?

• Will I be editing on my phone or desktop?

  
  

You don’t have to pick one platform forever. In fact, most creators use a blend depending on the content format.

The Takeaway

Choosing an editing platform is about finding what supports your consistency. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. The right platform is the one that removes friction and keeps you creating.

Want help choosing and learning your tool? Join our Video Basics Workshop, held monthly, where we help business owners build a sustainable editing workflow tailored to their needs.