How do I choose the right video editing course for my goals?

Start by identifying your goals—whether you're editing videos for social media , film , YouTube , or a professional portfolio—and the tools you want to learn (like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut). For a tool-based, hands-on intro, try Quickstart Video-Editing using Adobe Premiere Pro . If you're building a creative foundation, consider The Art of Visual Storytelling from the University of Colorado. Want to learn post-production in a broader media context? Explore Modern Video Editing Techniques to build aesthetic fluency for editing work.

Which video editing course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses introduce editing tools and basic video production techniques with step-by-step guidance: Create a Video Using Canva – No editing experience needed; perfect for quick, polished social videos. Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners – A Guided Project with real-time software practice. Cameras, Exposure, and Photography – Great for learners who want to understand lighting and framing, foundational for editing.

What’s the difference between a video editing course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course teaches a specific topic or tool—like The Video Production Process . A Specialization combines multiple courses for creative depth—like The Evolution of Video Editing Techniques Specialization , which includes editing and interpreting ideas through selection shots. A Professional Certificate is less common in this category on Coursera, but offers some multimedia or creative career programs (like the Adobe Content Creator Certificate ) including multimedia as part of broader job-ready training.

Can I take free video editing courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning video editing on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many video editing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in video editing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a video editing course?

You’ll learn how to cut and arrange video clips, add transitions and effects, sync audio, and tell compelling stories through video. Some courses also cover color correction, motion graphics, and exporting formats for platforms like YouTube and social media .

Do I need experience to start learning video editing?

No experience is required. Many courses are beginner-friendly and introduce editing concepts and tools step by step. You can start with free or browser-based tools and move to professional software as your skills grow.

Can a video editing course on Coursera help me get a job?

Yes. Video editing skills are in demand across media, marketing , content creation, and film. A course on Coursera can help you build a portfolio, learn industry tools, and gain confidence in your editing workflow—whether you're freelancing or aiming for a creative role.

Best Video Editing Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Video Editing Course for Your Goals

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Start Your Freelance Video Editing Career
Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Video Editing, Client Services, Rapport Building, Social Media Marketing, Data Storage, Videography, Verbal Communication Skills, Style Guides, Customer Relationship Building, Data Storage Technologies, Social Media, Post-Production, Workflow Management, File Management, Video Production, Social Media Strategy, Customer Relationship Management, Cloud Storage, Organizational Skills
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Foundation of Video Editing
Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Editing, Video Production, Post-Production, Storytelling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners: Quickstart Video-Editing
Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Adobe Premiere, Storytelling, Post-Production, Content Creation, TikTok, Timelines, Color Matching, File Management
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
AI Video Creation: A Beginner's Guide to Realistic AI Videos
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Storyboarding, Generative AI, Storytelling, Video Editing, Animations, Video Production, Motion Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Image Analysis, Creativity
2.8
Rating, 2.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
DaVinci Resolve
Skills you'll gain: Animations, Video Editing, Post-Production, Timelines, Motion Graphics, Color Theory, Editing, Configuration Management, Video Production, Storytelling, Data Import/Export, Color Matching, Image Quality, Music, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, File Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Premiere, Post-Production, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Video Production, Timelines, Animations, Media Production, Color Matching, Data Import/Export, Editing, Graphic and Visual Design, File Management, Quality Assurance
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Advanced Videography
Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Video Production, Storyboarding, Videography, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Photography, Storytelling, Design Reviews, Post-Production, Creativity
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Storytelling and Pro-Level Editing for YouTube Success
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Video Production, Video Editing, Post-Production, Instagram, Storyboarding, Collaborative Software, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Social Media Content, Adobe Premiere, Videography, Content Creation, Motion Graphics, Adobe After Effects, Editing, Media Production, Knowledge of Apple Software, File Management, Timelines, Scripting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Create a Promotional Video using Canva
Skills you'll gain: Sales Presentation, Customer Engagement, Canva (Software), Video Production, Marketing Materials, Promotional Materials, Copywriting, Promotional Strategies, Multimedia, Product Promotion, Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Value Propositions, Content Creation, Animations
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Evolution of Video Editing Techniques
Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Post-Production, Storyboarding, Editing, Video Production, Animations, Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Music, Typography, Creative Problem-Solving, Communication
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modern Video Editing Techniques
Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Storyboarding, Post-Production, Editing, Video Production, Animations, Writing and Editing, Typography
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Art of Visual Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Premiere, Video Production, Videography, Post-Production, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Video Editing, Storyboarding, Storytelling, Adobe Creative Cloud, Media Production, Image Quality, Proposal Development, Editing, Writing, Graphic and Visual Design, Scripting, Multimedia, Creativity, Timelines, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
131 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months