5 Best Video Editing Courses to Master Your Craft

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: video editing is hard. Not "impossible" hard—but definitely "why-is-this-taking-me-six-hours" hard.

I remember the first time I tried to edit a video. I'd watched countless YouTube videos that looked polished and professional, and I thought, "How hard could it be?" Turns out? Pretty damn hard. Three hours later, I'd managed to cut together about two minutes of footage, and it still looked like a middle schooler's class project.

If you've ever felt that frustration—sitting in front of your editing software, knowing your video could be great but having no clue how to get there—then you're in the right place. Because here's what I've learned: editing isn't some mystical talent you're either born with or without. It's a skill you can learn, and the right course can compress months of trial-and-error into weeks of focused learning.

But here's the catch: not all editing courses are created equal. Some teach you software buttons but don't teach you storytelling. Others focus on cinematic techniques that have zero relevance if you're making YouTube videos or social content. That's why I've curated this list—five courses that will actually make you a better editor, whether you're cutting vlogs, educational content, or story-driven pieces.

What Makes a Great Video Editing Course?

Before we dive into the courses, let me share what I looked for when evaluating them:

Practical Application Over Theory: Anyone can teach you where the buttons are. Great courses teach you why you're pressing them and when to use specific techniques.

Real-World Workflow: The best editors aren't necessarily the most technically skilled—they're the ones who can work efficiently. I prioritized courses that teach you how to edit faster without sacrificing quality.

Storytelling Focus: Editing isn't just about cutting clips together. It's about rhythm, pacing, emotion, and narrative flow. The courses here understand that.

Applicable to Multiple Platforms: Whether you're editing for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or client work, these skills should transfer.

Alright, enough preamble. Let's get into it.

1. The Content Game by Marley Jaxx

Price: Varies
Course Link: https://coursesdrop.com/course/the-content-game-marley-jaxx/

What It Is

Marley Jaxx isn't just teaching editing—she's teaching content creation as a complete system. The Content Game is described as "The Gamified Content Strategy That Turns 23 Minutes a Day Into Evergreen Revenue," which might sound like marketing hype until you realize Marley has built multiple successful businesses using exactly this approach.

While Marley is best known for her Video Scaling System (which we'll touch on), The Content Game takes a broader approach to content creation that includes editing as a core component of the overall strategy.

What You'll Learn

The course is built around turning content creation—including editing—into a repeatable, efficient game where "the more you play, the more you get paid."

• Efficient Content Systems: You'll learn how to batch-create and edit content so you're not constantly scrambling to publish. Think of it as building an assembly line for your creativity.

• The 4 Pillars of Strategy: From Marley's Video Scaling System (which often complements The Content Game), you'll learn the Irresistible Offer Scaling Formula, Messaging for Your Movement, Video Scripting System, and Branding Like a Boss. These all inform how you edit.

• 10x Your Content Framework: This is Marley's viral video framework for repurposing and distributing content correctly. As an editor, you'll learn how to cut one piece of content into multiple formats efficiently.

• YouTube-Specific Techniques: Coverage of YouTube tools, thumbnails (which inform your editing), analytics, monetization, and description templates that work in harmony with your editing style.

• Editing for Business: Unlike pure technical courses, this teaches you how to edit with a business mindset—creating content that drives revenue, not just views.

Pros

• Holistic approach that contextualizes editing within overall content strategy
• Gamified structure keeps you engaged and progressing
• Focus on efficiency and systems means you won't burn out
• Taught by someone with multiple successful businesses to prove the methods work
• Great for entrepreneurs and business owners who need to create video content
• Repurposing framework maximizes value from every edit

Cons

• Less technical depth on pure editing mechanics
• May feel too business-focused if you just want to improve your craft
• Gamified approach might not resonate with everyone
• Broader scope means less time on specific editing techniques

Best For

This course is perfect for entrepreneurs, coaches, and content creators who want to build an efficient content creation system. If you're thinking "I need to create video content for my business, but I don't have 20 hours a week to edit," Marley will show you how to streamline everything.

It's less ideal if you want to become a professional editor who takes on client work or if you're focused purely on the technical craft of editing.

2. The Science of Storytelling by Muse StoryFirst

Price: Varies (Pay-What-You-Can model has been offered)
Course Link: https://coursesdrop.com/course/science-of-storytelling/

What It Is

Here's something most editing courses won't tell you: technical skills matter, but storytelling is what separates good editors from great ones. The Science of Storytelling, taught by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers from Muse StoryFirst, dives deep into the narrative principles that make stories actually work.

This isn't a "press this button" course. It's a comprehensive program that teaches you the psychology and structure behind compelling stories—knowledge that fundamentally changes how you approach editing.

What You'll Learn

The course is structured into three main modules plus bonus content:

Module 1: Why Story and What Is One?
You'll learn the science behind storytelling—why certain narrative elements like narrative transportation and character identification can literally change how your audience thinks and feels. This includes an expert interview with Dr. Anne Hamby, a leading researcher on narrative transportation, plus PDF downloads of Muse's published academic research.

Module 2: How to Get Started and Find a Great Story
This module breaks down story into four main ingredients: People, Places, Purpose, and Plot. You'll get Muse's Storyfinding Manual, strategic breakdowns of different storytelling approaches, and a Storyfinding Tracker spreadsheet to organize your process.

Module 3: Creative Development Process
Through a science-backed storytelling process, you'll learn how to present a clear vision through three core milestones: defining objectives, choosing characters, and outlining structure through storyboards.

Bonus Content: Unlock the Interview
Six video tutorials covering the Golden Rule and 5 Core Techniques, plus a downloadable Companion PDF and Ultimate Question List.

What This Means for Editing

Understanding story structure transforms how you edit. You'll know:

• Where to cut for maximum emotional impact
• How to pace scenes to build tension or release it
• Which shots serve the narrative and which are just filler
• How to use music, B-roll, and transitions to enhance story rather than distract from it

Pros

• Taught by Emmy-winning professionals who've done high-level work
• Rooted in actual research, not just opinions or trends
• Transforms your fundamental understanding of narrative
• Applicable across all types of video content
• Includes comprehensive supporting materials and expert interviews
• Pay-what-you-can pricing model makes it accessible

Cons

• Heavy on theory—you won't learn specific editing software
• Might feel academic or overwhelming for beginners
• More focused on documentary/narrative filmmaking than short-form content
• Requires patience; the payoff isn't immediate

Best For

This course is ideal for editors who already know the technical basics but feel like something's missing from their work. If you can cut footage together but your videos don't feel like they flow or engage people emotionally, this will revolutionize your approach.

It's also excellent for documentary filmmakers, branded content creators, and anyone telling real stories through video.

3. The YouTube Scriptwriter's Playbook V2 by George Blackman

Price: Varies
Course Link: https://coursesdrop.com/course/youtube-scriptwriters-playbook-v2/

What It Is

Wait—a scriptwriting course in a list of editing courses? Hear me out. George Blackman's Scriptwriter's Playbook V2 is here because great editing starts before you ever hit record. Understanding how scripts work makes you a dramatically better editor, because you'll understand the structure you're trying to create in the edit.

George is a professional scriptwriter who works with successful YouTube creators. Version 2 of his course includes brand new cheatsheets (hooks, curiosity gaps, and more), upgraded scriptwriting frameworks, and practical exercises to sharpen your skills.

What You'll Learn

The course is structured into five modules that progressively build your understanding:

Module 1: Foundation & Audience Research
Focus on audience research and format selection. You'll learn different script formats and create detailed audience avatars through demographics and psychographics analysis. As an editor, understanding audience psychology helps you make better cutting decisions.

Module 2: Video Concepts & Framing
Developing engaging video concepts and framing them to grab viewer interest. This includes ideation and packaging—crucial for editors who need to understand what makes a concept work. Bonus video on thumbnail editing adds practical value for editors.

Module 3: Script Writing
By the end of this module, you'll have a fully written script ready to film. Even if you're "just" the editor, understanding script structure means you can identify problems in footage and find creative solutions.

Module 4: Polish & Enhancement
This is where editing and scriptwriting truly merge. You'll learn to cut unnecessary fluff, add elements that boost engagement (B-roll, music, recurring elements), and revisit hooks based on the completed script for maximum retention.

Module 5: Editing Considerations
Directly editing-focused—basic cuts for scene transitions, progression cuts that build narrative momentum, and pacing cuts that control emotional flow and information density.

The 3 Levels System

George's system features three "levels" of scriptwriting that let you prioritize the most important tasks first. This translates directly to editing—you can create a ready-to-publish edit in as little as 1 hour if needed, or invest more time when you have it.

Pros

• Bridges the gap between writing and editing beautifully
• Module 5 directly addresses editing techniques
• Understanding scripts makes you a vastly better editor
• Includes cheatsheets and frameworks you can reference repeatedly
• Teaches efficiency—write/edit scripts in 1-3 hours depending on available time
• Bonus thumbnail editing content adds extra value

Cons

• Primarily a scriptwriting course; editing is secondary
• Focused specifically on YouTube—less applicable to other formats
• Requires time investment to complete all five modules
• Won't teach you software-specific skills

Best For

This course is perfect for YouTube editors (whether editing your own content or for clients) who want to understand the strategic layer beneath the technical skills. If you edit YouTube videos and sometimes feel like you're just "making cuts" without really understanding why, George's course will give you that deeper framework.

It's also excellent for solo creators who both write and edit their own content.

4. YouTube Coaching Experience by Trena Little

Price: $99
Course Link: https://coursesdrop.com/course/youtube-coaching-experience/

What It Is

Trena Little's YouTube Coaching Experience is a 3-month high-touch coaching program designed to turn your YouTube channel into a "daily sales machine." While it's not purely an editing course, editing is a major component of the overall YouTube success system Trena teaches.

At $99, you're getting weekly group calls, personalized video trainings, personalized Loom audits, Slack access, and 4 comprehensive bonuses. The value-to-price ratio here is honestly insane.

What You'll Learn

The course is designed for "course creators, coaches, online business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to use YouTube to generate leads, sales, and growth." Here's what that means for editing:

• YouTube-Specific Editing Strategies: You'll learn how to edit videos that keep viewers watching (retention is everything on YouTube), encourage clicks to your website or offers, and build authority.

• Personalized Loom Audits: This is huge—Trena will actually review your content and give you specific feedback on what's working and what needs improvement in your editing and presentation.

• Weekly Group Calls: Real-time problem-solving means when you hit an editing challenge, you can get expert guidance rather than spending hours searching forums.

• Proven YouTube System: You'll learn the strategic framework that makes editing decisions easier—once you understand what a video needs to accomplish, you know exactly how to cut it.

• Lead Generation Focus: Unlike courses that teach editing for aesthetics, this teaches editing for business results. You'll learn how to create CTAs, strategic cuts that emphasize key points, and narrative structures that move viewers toward action.

Pros

• Incredibly affordable at $99 for 3 months of coaching
• Personalized feedback is invaluable—most courses just give you content
• Weekly calls provide accountability and community
• Slack access means you can get help when you need it
• 4 comprehensive bonuses add extra value
• Instant and lifetime access to materials
• 30-day money-back guarantee removes risk
• Focus on business results means your editing serves a purpose

Cons

• 3-month program requires sustained commitment
• Coaching calls are at scheduled times (less flexible than self-paced courses)
• Very business-focused—not ideal if you want to edit for creative expression
• YouTube-specific; doesn't cover other platforms in depth

Best For

This is perfect for business owners who need to use YouTube for lead generation and want hands-on guidance. If you're the type who needs accountability, community, and personalized feedback to actually follow through and improve, the coaching format will be a game-changer.

It's less ideal for hobbyists or people who prefer completely self-paced learning without scheduled commitments.

5. YouTube Storytelling: Beyond Retention by David Liu

Price: $54 (down from $697)
Course Link: https://coursesdrop.com/course/youtube-storytelling-beyond-retention/

What It Is

David Liu's course takes a storytelling-first approach to YouTube success. With a massive 4.17 GB of content and a 4.8/5 star rating from 124 reviews, this program has proven its value to hundreds of creators.

The title says it all: "Beyond Retention." Most YouTube courses obsess over retention metrics—how long people watch. David teaches something more important: how to tell stories that create genuine connection and impact, which naturally leads to better retention and more meaningful results.

What You'll Learn

While David doesn't break down specific modules in the public sales page, based on the course size (4.17 GB) and focus, you can expect comprehensive coverage of:

• Story Structure for YouTube: How to adapt classic storytelling frameworks to the YouTube format, where you're competing for attention every second.

• Emotional Arc Editing: Learning to edit for emotional impact rather than just information delivery. This is what separates videos people remember from videos people forget immediately.

• Advanced Retention Strategies: Going "beyond" basic retention means understanding why people stay engaged—psychology, pacing, payoffs, and narrative hooks that work on a deeper level.

• Editing for Impact: How to use cuts, music, sound design, B-roll, and pacing to amplify your story's emotional resonance.

• Creating Memorable Content: The difference between content people watch and content people remember comes down to storytelling choices—many of which happen in the edit.

What "Beyond Retention" Really Means

Most creators obsess over average view duration and click-through rates. Those metrics matter, but they're lagging indicators. David teaches you to focus on the storytelling choices that cause those metrics to improve—a more sustainable, creative approach to YouTube success.

Pros

• Significant discount—$54 down from $697 is exceptional value
• Massive content library (4.17 GB) means comprehensive coverage
• Strong reviews (4.8/5 from 124 people) validate the quality
• Storytelling focus creates skills that won't become outdated
• Instant and complete access to all materials
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Applicable across all video content, not just YouTube

Cons

• Limited information about specific module structure
• May be too story-focused if you want pure technical editing skills
• 4.17 GB of content can feel overwhelming
• Less emphasis on business/monetization compared to other courses

Best For

This course is ideal for YouTube creators who want to stand out through storytelling rather than trends or gimmicks. If you're tired of chasing the algorithm and want to create videos that genuinely connect with people—videos they remember and share—David's approach will resonate.

It's perfect for educators, documentary-style creators, and anyone building a personal brand through authentic storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Which Editing Course Is Right for You?

Here's the bottom line: becoming a great video editor isn't about learning every technique or mastering every software. It's about developing three core skills:

1. Technical Proficiency: Knowing your tools well enough that they don't slow you down
2. Storytelling Understanding: Recognizing what makes content engaging and emotionally resonant
3. Efficient Workflow: Being able to work quickly without sacrificing quality

Different courses emphasize different aspects of this trinity. Here's my take on which course fits which situation:

If you want a holistic content creation system → The Content Game by Marley Jaxx teaches editing as part of an efficient content business.

If you want to master storytelling fundamentals → The Science of Storytelling by Muse StoryFirst will transform how you think about narrative—and therefore how you edit.

If you're editing YouTube content specifically → The YouTube Scriptwriter's Playbook V2 by George Blackman bridges writing and editing beautifully, while YouTube Storytelling: Beyond Retention by David Liu focuses on story-driven editing that creates real connection.

If you want hands-on coaching and feedback → YouTube Coaching Experience by Trena Little gives you personalized guidance at an unbelievable price point.

My Honest Recommendation

If I could only choose one course from this list, I'd probably go with The Science of Storytelling first—because understanding narrative at a deep level improves everything else you do. Then I'd follow up with a platform-specific course like George Blackman's or David Liu's to apply those storytelling principles to YouTube editing.

But here's the thing: the best course is the one you'll actually complete and implement. So pick based on your learning style:

• Need structure and accountability? → Trena's coaching program
• Prefer deep, intellectual understanding? → Muse StoryFirst
• Want practical, platform-specific skills? → George Blackman or David Liu
• Building a business and need efficiency? → Marley Jaxx

Whatever you choose, remember this: every professional editor you admire started exactly where you are now—frustrated, overwhelmed, and staring at footage wondering how to make it work. The difference is they pushed through, they learned, and they practiced.

These courses will compress your learning curve dramatically. But they can't do the work for you. You still have to show up, apply what you learn, and edit—a lot.

So pick your course, block out the time, and commit to getting better. Six months from now, you'll look back at your current edits and be amazed at how far you've come.

Now stop reading and start editing. You've got this.