The Internet allows anyone to make art these days. And with smartphone video technology making everyone a Spielberg coupled with the means of sharing to sites like YouTube, Vimeo and the like, you can quickly publish your homemade movies in minutes. But what if you don't have high-end software? And what if you have a Chromebook? If you're on a budget and need free video editing options, look no further than these three Chrome apps, compatible with both your browser and Chrome OS.

It should be noted that each tool adds their logo at the very end of the movie, and some have restrictions on the number of media clips, size of files, total volume of media uploaded, and video length. If you're seeking more functionality and quality, all three have options for upgrading to a premium version.

WeVideo

A full-featured video editor for all skill levels.

You may already have heard of WeVideo as a video editing app for Android. It's also one of the most popular video editing web apps. The reason behind this is due to its user-friendly and intuitive interface coupled with great features.

Uploading The Media

1.1 WeVideo - Upload Media

You can upload the media for your video from several sources: your computer, Google Drive, Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, Dropbox, Picasa, Box, OneDrive and DailyMotion. Unfortunately, there is no option to drag and drop media files into WeVideo at this time.

WeVideo allocates a generous 5 gigabytes of space and has no file size restrictions. Keep in mind though, the larger the file, the longer the upload time.

NOTE: It's worth saying that during the time of uploading my video clips, I experienced some Internet-connectivity issues and that it did not lose upload progress, but the file continued where it left off once connection was regained.

Creating The Video

1.2 WeVideo - editor

One thing that makes WeVideo stand out among the rest is the ability to access and reuse uploaded media and previous projects.

There are three editing views: Storyboard, Timeline Simple and Timeline Advanced.

In addition to your own media and audio, you can access WeVideo's database of graphics, audio and complete themes, which incorporate specific transitions, music and sound effects, and text font. Graphics consist of image and solid colored backgrounds, frames and overlays. For audio, you can access free and premium music, and sound effects. You can choose between many transition patterns and effects, and add text.

Saving And Sharing

1.3 WeVideo - publish

When your project is complete, click "Publish" and you will have several options to chose from. You can export it to Google Drive, DailyMotion, YouTube, Vimeo or Dropbox. You can also just publish it to WeVideo. From there you can download it to your computer, by clicking "Exports" and the "down arrow" on the movie clip.

1.4 WeVideo - share

To share the video, click the blue circle with the "share icon". You can post directly to Facebook and Twitter, or copy the video link or embed code.

The Finished Product

Stupeflix Video Maker

A streamlined video editor with all the features you need to create a great movie.

Stupeflix is a less advanced video editor than WeVideo, but still packed with some good features. For instance, adjusting video clip speed (e.g. slow motion) in WeVideo requires a premium account, but it is a free feature in Stupeflix.

Uploading The Media

When adding video clips there isn't a way to drag and drop the files from a folder on your computer into Stupeflix. You can, however, select multiple files at a time to upload. Just click the "plus sign" to get started and choose "Add Photos & Videos".

2.1 Stupeflix - upload

You can't upload files larger than 40 MB for free, however a workaround is first uploading the file to Dropbox and then importing from Dropbox into the editor.

2.2 stupeflix - upload sources

In addition to Dropbox and your computer, you can import media from URLs, record through the webcam, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr and Picasa.

To add audio, you can upload a track from your computer or choose from the library of music on Stupeflix.

2.3 stupeflix - audio

NOTE: In my experience, the bulk upload didn't well during the intermittent Internet connectivity that I mentioned previously – I had to re-upload several of the media files individually.

Creating The Video

Stupeflix comes with several themes to choose from, though only two are free. Others cost $5 or require a Pro Account.

2.4 stupeflix - themes

Once you have an account, you can save previous projects or make a new edit of a published video.

2.5 stupeflix - videos

From the editor, you can upload new media, add title slides, custom transitions and even a map using Google Maps by clicking the "plus sign" icon, like you did to add the initial media. Each video clip has several options: Edit, Duplicate, Delete, Add Text Overlay, Add Audio Overlay, Add Text to Speech (Pro) and Insert Custom Transition.

2.6 stupeflix - clip options

Small, but excellent features like adapting the pace of the video to match the music and several video editing options make Stupeflix a great choice.

2.7 stupeflix - project settings - pace

Saving And Sharing

The free account allows you to download a 360P (640x360) version of your video.

2.8 stupeflix - dowload video

You can share your video directly to Facebook, Twitter and email, and upload to YouTube and Facebook.

2.9 stupeflix - share

The Finished Product

Magisto

Easy and fast movie maker – no editing required.

Magisto takes a different approach that the previous two tools mentioned. Instead of you doing the editing, all you need do is upload the files, pick a theme and music and let Magisto do the rest. The result is pretty impressive!

If you're looking for an option to quickly make a great looking video, while not having to spend much time doing so, Magisto is for you. It's also the perfect tool for kids who want to make videos.

Uploading The Media

3.1 Magisto - drag and drop

Though Magisto doesn't connect with the wide array of cloud services that WeVideo and Stupeflix do, it does allow you to easily drag and drop your files from a folder.

3.2 Magisto - upload

NOTE: The upload process also wasn't interrupted at all by intermittent Internet connectivity as other tools were.

Creating The Video

3.3 Magisto - editing style

As previously stated, the video creation process is very simple and straightforward. Select from the many "Editing Styles" Adventure Sports to Foodie.

3.4 magisto - pick music

Then pick your tunes. You can upload your own music or choose from the large selection of audio tracks.

3.5 magisto - publish

Lastly, just add a title, choose the length and click the blue, "Make my movie" button.

Saving And Sharing

3.6 magisto - share

You can always access your published movies from your Magisto account by clicking "My Movies". From the video, you can share to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, email and an embed code.

The Finished Product

Take Your Pick

Each of these tools will appeal to different people and skill levels. Sometimes we just want to throw a bunch of video clips together and not put in a whole lot of time. This is where Magisto works its magic. There is also a level of curiosity in me that wonders what Magisto will come up with.

For those who are looking for a full-fledged video editor, WeVideo is no doubt the best, no matter what skill level you have.

That said, Stupeflix definitely shouldn't be overlooked. Though it may not have the most fluid interface or the traditional timeline video editing features, it still has all you need to create a great video.

For more choices, check out additional great Chromebook video editors.