YouTube adds basic video editing
updated 05:00 pm EDT, Wed September 14, 2011
YouTube editing allows post-shot effects
YouTube started its path to handling the full video editing pipeline with a new editing feature. Clips can be edited for basic changes, such as stabilization, brightness, contrast and saturation, but given special effects. The filters brought over from the Picnik buyout mimic those from apps like Instagram or Picplz and range from simple black and white to Lomo-like or cel-shaded effects.
All edits are non-destructive and can flip back, although YouTube is using the edits as a form of copy protection. If a video has third-party elements or is already popular enough to have more than 1,000 hits, editors have to make changes to the video with the editor before it will save to a separate copy.
Everyone should have access to the editing feature by the end of Wednesday.
The editing in its current phase won't challenge desktop apps like iMovie or Premiere Elements but could eventually lead to YouTube hosting much of the editing work itself instead of putting the burden on native apps. Mobile users may always need a native app due to size limits. Desktop and tablet owners may see the most benefit with the screen space to work with clips remotely instead of having them stored locally first.
