Microsoft finally replaces Windows Movie Maker with ClipChamp | Full demo and details

Microsoft Finally Replaces Windows Movie Maker with ClipChamp | Full Demo and Details

There are a ton of really good free and inexpensive video editors out there on the market. DaVinci Resolve comes to mind, but I must admit that many years ago, I did edit a lot of videos on something called Windows Movie Maker. That was part of the suite of apps in Windows. There really isn't something like that now—well, maybe until now.

In some recent builds of Windows 11, Microsoft has actually added a web app solution called ClipChamp. If I'm not mistaken, they just purchased this company to kind of make this be a thing. So in this article, I'm going to open up ClipChamp, which now has a set of subscriptions, including a free version. These subscriptions have been reworked, and now I think it might actually be worth using. Let's explore ClipChamp in real-time to determine if this thing looks like it's any good.

Getting Started with ClipChamp

Here we are on ClipChamp. As I mentioned, this is a web app running inside of a sort of web browser shell, so there's nothing to download. If you're on a recent build of Windows 11, this app will just be there in your list of apps. When you load it up, you'll see the option to choose your plan. Previously, 1080p exports were behind a paywall, which was ridiculous. Now, let's take a look at the current tiers that have been reconceived:

• Free Tier: Includes 1080p exports, which is a big improvement.
• $ 9 per Month: Includes unlimited cloud storage and unlimited audio stock.
• $ 20 per Month: Adds a branding kit along with previous features.
• $ 40 per Month: Adds video stock, image stock, and everything else mentioned.

For this article, we're going to stick with the free plan.

Exploring the Brand Kit and Templates

The Brand Kit allows you to add logos and fonts, streamlining your video creation process. ClipChamp also offers templates for various needs like slideshows and social media handles. These features are actually quite useful, saving you time in creating elements like subscribe panels.

Using the Editing Suite

We'll now explore ClipChamp’s editing suite. Over on the left, you’ve got your media section where you drag your files. You also have options for recording and creating straight from your screen, text-to-speech, camera recording, and screen-and-camera recording. This is somewhat similar to what I do with OBS, but simplified and integrated here.

You also have access to music, stock videos, stock images, text templates, graphics, and transitions directly within the app. This plethora of resources makes ClipChamp a powerful tool even in its free version.

Hands-On Editing

I uploaded a gameplay clip of me playing Warzone, which is around 15 minutes long. The drag-and-drop functionality is smooth, and you can split, delete, and move clips around easily. The process is intuitive and comparable with more established video editors.

There are also integrated tools for adding subscribe panels, which are frequently custom-made and paid for but are available for free here. That's a significant value add.

Exporting Your Video

After editing, you can export your video in HD. Exporting is not hardware accelerated and is relatively slow, utilizing about 45% of the CPU but almost none of the GPU. Once exported, videos can be saved directly to several platforms like YouTube, Dropbox, or even LinkedIn.

Conclusion

ClipChamp is indeed a viable replacement for Windows Movie Maker. It is lightweight, requires no downloads, and is packed with comprehensive features that even the free version makes the editing process much easier. The ability to access more advanced features with paid subscriptions is also a plus.

Keywords

• ClipChamp
• Windows Movie Maker
• Video Editor
• Windows 11
• Free Video Editing
• Subscription Plans
• Brand Kit
• Templates
• Export

FAQ

Q: What is ClipChamp? A: ClipChamp is a web app video editing solution that comes built-in with the latest builds of Windows 11.

Q: Is there a free version of ClipChamp? A: Yes, there is a free version that includes 1080p exports among other features.

Q: What features are available in the free version? A: The free version includes 1080p exports, basic editing tools, access to some templates, music, and stock images.

Q: How much do the subscription tiers cost, and what do they include? A: The subscription tiers range from $ 9 to $ 40 per month. The $ 9 tier includes unlimited cloud storage and audio stock. The $ 20 tier adds a branding kit, and the $ 40 tier includes video stock, images, and more.

Q: Can I use ClipChamp on devices other than my Windows 11 PC? A: Yes, ClipChamp is a web app, so you can use it on multiple devices and pick up where you left off if using a paid plan.

Q: How does exporting work in ClipChamp? A: Exporting in ClipChamp is not hardware accelerated and is relatively slow. It uses the CPU heavily but not the GPU.

Q: Can I upload the edited videos directly to platforms? A: Yes, you can upload directly to platforms like YouTube, Dropbox, TikTok, OneDrive, and even LinkedIn.