YouTube's editor lets you trim, cut, and rearrange clips without leaving the platform
YouTube has a built-in editor that works on videos you have already uploaded. You can trim the beginning or end, cut out sections from the middle, add chapters, blur faces or license plates, and adjust audio levels — all without downloading the video or using separate software. The editor is free and saves changes as a new version of your video, leaving the original untouched.
The catch: you can only edit videos you own, and the editor works best for straightforward cuts and fixes rather than complex projects with multiple clips, transitions, or effects. If you need to combine footage from different sources, add music, or layer text over video, you will need desktop software instead.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube's editor is built into the platform and requires no software read — you access it from your video's details page under the "Editor" tab.
- You can trim the start and end of a video, cut sections from the middle, add chapter markers, and blur moving objects, all in one tool.
- Changes create a new version of your video; the original upload stays intact so you can revert if needed.
- The editor works only on videos you own and uploaded yourself, not on videos from other channels or unlisted drafts.
- For projects that combine multiple clips, add music, or layer effects, you will need desktop editing software like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut instead.
How to access YouTube's editor and trim your video
Sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer (the editor is not available on mobile). Go to the left menu and click Content, then find the video you want to edit and click its title to open the details page. Click the Editor tab near the top.
The editor opens with a timeline showing your full video. To trim the start or end, click the trim icon (it looks like two brackets) at the bottom left of the screen. Drag the left handle to cut out the beginning, or drag the right handle to cut out the end. A preview window shows you what will remain. When you are satisfied, click Save.
Trimming creates a new version of your video. YouTube keeps the original in case you want to restore it later — you can always click Restore original from the same Editor tab.
Cut sections from the middle of your video
Click the Trim button again to cut out a section from anywhere in the video, not just the ends. Move your cursor to the point where you want the cut to start, then click to place a marker. Move to where you want the cut to end and click again. The section between the two markers will be removed.
You can make multiple cuts in one video. Each cut appears as a separate segment in the timeline. If you make a mistake, click the undo arrow at the top right before you save.
After you finish all your cuts, click Save. YouTube will process the new version, which usually takes a few minutes. Your video will remain live during processing, but viewers will see the original until the edited version is ready.
Add chapters and blur sensitive content
Chapters let viewers jump to different sections of your video — useful for long uploads like tutorials or podcasts. In the Editor tab, scroll down to Chapters and click Add chapter. Type the chapter name and the timestamp where it starts. Add as many chapters as you need. Chapters appear in the video player's progress bar so viewers can see them.
To blur faces, license plates, or other sensitive objects, click the Blur button in the editor. Select the object you want to blur and YouTube will track it across the video automatically. You can adjust the blur strength and the size of the blur box. This is useful if you accidentally filmed someone who did not consent to being recorded, or if you want to hide a license plate.
Adjust audio levels and mute sections
Click the Audio button to see a waveform of your video's sound. You can lower the volume of the entire video by dragging the volume slider, or mute specific sections by clicking and dragging to select a portion of the waveform, then clicking Mute.
This is helpful if you have background noise, an unwanted sound, or a section where you want to add your own audio later. The audio adjustment applies to the final saved version of your video.
What the editor cannot do
YouTube's editor is limited to trimming, cutting, blurring, and audio adjustments. It cannot combine multiple video files, add transitions between clips, layer text or graphics, add music from your computer, or explore color correction. If your project needs any of these, you will need to use desktop software before you upload to YouTube.
Free desktop options include DaVinci Resolve (which has a full free version with professional tools), CapCut (straightforward and fast for social media), and OpenShot (lightweight and open-source). Paid options like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro offer more control but require a subscription or one-time purchase.
When to use YouTube's editor versus desktop software
Use YouTube's editor if you have a single video file that needs trimming, cutting, or straightforward fixes. It is fast, requires no software installation, and keeps your original file safe. Use desktop software if you are combining clips from multiple sources, adding music or voiceover, layering text, or creating effects.
A common workflow is to do rough cuts and add music in desktop software, then upload to YouTube and use the editor for final tweaks like removing a few seconds at the end or blurring a face that you missed. This gives you the best of both tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo changes after I save them?
Yes. Go back to the Editor tab and click Restore original to revert to the version you uploaded. YouTube keeps the original file for 90 days, so you have time to change your mind. After 90 days, you cannot restore the original.
Does editing a video affect its view count or comments?
No. The view count, likes, and comments stay the same when you edit. YouTube treats the edited version as the same video, not a new upload. Viewers who watched the original will not see a notification that you made changes.
Can I edit videos on my phone?
The YouTube editor is only available on desktop. On mobile, you can trim videos before you upload them using YouTube Studio's mobile app, but the full editor with blur, chapters, and audio controls only works on a computer.
What happens if I cut out a section and then want it back?
Click Restore original in the Editor tab to bring back the full video. You cannot selectively restore just one cut — restoring reverts all changes at once. If you need to keep some edits and undo others, you will need to re-edit after restoring.
Can I edit someone else's video?
No. The editor only works on videos you uploaded to your own channel. If someone gave you permission to edit their video, they would need to upload it to their channel first, or you would need to read it and edit it in desktop software, then re-upload it as your own (with credit to the original creator).