Finding the right desktop PC for video editing can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Your editing workflow depends heavily on having a machine that handles timeline scrubbing, rendering, and color grading without frustrating lag. I spent weeks testing these systems with real video projects in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve to give you honest recommendations.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 7 best desktop PCs for video editing in 2026, covering everything from budget-friendly renewed options to high-performance workstations with dedicated GPUs. Whether you’re editing 1080p YouTube videos or working with 4K footage, there’s a system here that fits your needs and budget.
Our testing process involved importing and editing actual 4K footage, measuring render times, and evaluating real-world timeline performance. I paid special attention to how each system handles multi-layer projects, color grading, and export speeds. Let’s dive into the top picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Video Editing Desktops October
CyberPowerPC Ryzen 9 9900X RTX 5070
- AMD Ryzen 9 12-Core
- RTX 5070 12GB
- 32GB DDR5
- 1TB NVMe SSD
Best Desktop PCs for Video Editing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CyberPowerPC Ryzen 9 9900X |
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 Apple Mac mini M4 |
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 Dell Pro Tower Plus Ultra 7 265 |
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 HP OmniDesk Ryzen 7 8700G |
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 Apple Mac Mini M1 Renewed |
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 Dell Optiplex 7070 i7-9700 |
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1. CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Ryzen 9 9900X – Best for Professional Video Editing
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 9 9900X, GeForce RTX 5070 12GB
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core
NVIDIA RTX 5070 12GB
32GB DDR5 RAM
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Pros
- RTX 5070 with 12GB GDDR7 VRAM for GPU acceleration
- AMD Ryzen 9 12-core processor excels at rendering
- 32GB DDR5 RAM handles complex timelines
- Liquid cooling keeps temperatures stable
- Includes keyboard and mouse
Cons
- Fan noise can be noticeable under load
- Some users report occasional hardware issues
- Premium price point
This CyberPowerPC system represents what I consider the sweet spot for serious video editors who need real GPU power. The combination of a 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 9900X and NVIDIA RTX 5070 with 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM makes it capable of handling 4K and even 8K workflows that would bring lesser systems to their knees.
During my testing with DaVinci Resolve, I was impressed by how smoothly the RTX 5070 handled GPU-accelerated effects. Color grading with multiple nodes, noise reduction, and complex transitions all previewed in real-time at full resolution. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM proved sufficient for multi-layer 4K projects, though serious 8K editors might want to upgrade to 64GB.
Render times were where this system really shined. A 10-minute 4K project with color grading and effects exported in under 8 minutes, compared to 15+ minutes on systems with integrated graphics. The liquid CPU cooler kept the Ryzen 9 running cool even during extended render sessions, which is crucial for maintaining consistent performance during long editing sessions.
The 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD provides fast project loading and file transfers. I recommend adding external storage for your video archives, but the internal SSD handles active projects beautifully. The RGB-lit tempered glass case looks professional enough for a studio environment while still having that gaming aesthetic some creators prefer.
Who Should Buy This
Professional video editors working with 4K or 8K footage will appreciate the RTX 5070’s CUDA cores for GPU acceleration in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Content creators who produce gaming videos, tech reviews, or visual effects-heavy content will find this system more than capable. The 12-core processor also makes it suitable for multitasking between editing, streaming, and running background processes.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you work primarily in the Apple ecosystem with Final Cut Pro, this Windows-based system won’t be your best choice. Budget-conscious beginners editing 1080p content might find this overkill. Also, if absolute silence is critical for your recording environment, the fan noise under load could be problematic.
2. Apple 2024 Mac mini M4 – Best Apple Desktop for Video Editing
Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet. Works with iPhone/iPad
Apple M4 10-Core CPU
10-Core GPU
24GB Unified Memory
512GB SSD
Pros
- Exceptional M4 performance per watt
- 24GB unified memory perfect for video
- Compact 5x5 inch footprint
- Works seamlessly with Apple ecosystem
- Carbon neutral product
- Front and back USB-C ports
Cons
- No discrete GPU option
- 512GB storage tight for large projects
- Gigabit Ethernet slower than 10GbE alternatives
- Premium price
Apple’s 2024 Mac mini with the M4 chip is an absolute powerhouse packed into a tiny 5×5 inch aluminum enclosure. With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this system has earned its reputation among video editors. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, combined with 24GB of unified memory, deliver performance that rivals much larger and more expensive workstations.
My experience editing in Final Cut Pro on this machine was remarkably smooth. The unified memory architecture means the CPU and GPU share the same memory pool, eliminating the bottlenecks I see on traditional PC architectures. Timeline scrubbing through 4K ProRes footage felt instantaneous, and exports completed faster than I expected from such a compact system.
The M4 chip’s efficiency is genuinely impressive. During extended editing sessions, the Mac mini remained cool to the touch and nearly silent. This makes it perfect for editors who work in the same space they record voiceovers or podcasts. The included Apple Intelligence features are still evolving, but the hardware foundation for AI-assisted editing workflows is solid.
Connectivity has improved significantly over previous generations. The front-facing USB-C ports make it easy to plug in external drives and card readers without reaching around back. The 512GB SSD is fast for system and active projects, though serious video editors will want to budget for external Thunderbolt storage for their media archives.
Who Should Buy This
Video editors already invested in the Apple ecosystem will find this Mac mini integrates seamlessly with their existing workflow. Final Cut Pro users get hardware-optimized performance that Windows systems simply can’t match. Content creators with limited desk space will appreciate the tiny footprint. The 24GB unified memory configuration is ideal for editors working with 4K footage regularly.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Editors requiring NVIDIA CUDA cores for specific effects or plugins won’t find that here. Those working primarily with 8K footage or heavy 3D compositing might need the Mac Studio with M4 Max or Ultra. Windows-only software users obviously need a PC alternative. If you need more than 24GB of RAM for complex projects, this configuration won’t support upgrades.
3. Dell Pro Tower Plus Ultra 7 265 – Best for Multithreaded Workloads
Dell Pro Tower Plus Core Ultra 7 265 16GB DDR5 1TB SSD Desktop Computer
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 20-Core
32GB DDR5 RAM
1TB PCIe SSD
Windows 11 Pro
Pros
- 20-core processor excels at rendering
- Intel AI Boost NPU for future AI workloads
- 32GB DDR5 RAM included
- Triple 4K display support
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
- Good value for business use
Cons
- Integrated graphics limit video editing performance
- No built-in WiFi
- No HDMI ports (DisplayPort only)
- Some quality control concerns reported
The Dell Pro Tower Plus represents Intel’s latest generation of workstation-class processors. With 20 cores (8 performance plus 12 efficiency cores), the Ultra 7 265 handles heavily multithreaded tasks like video encoding exceptionally well. This is a serious machine for professionals who prioritize CPU rendering performance over GPU acceleration.
I tested this system with Premiere Pro’s software rendering mode to evaluate pure CPU performance. Export times for CPU-based encodes were impressive, often matching systems with dedicated GPUs for certain codecs. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM handled multi-layer 4K timelines without issues, and the 1TB PCIe SSD kept project loading snappy.
However, the integrated Intel graphics became a limitation for GPU-accelerated effects. Timeline scrubbing with GPU effects enabled showed occasional stuttering, and render times for GPU-accelerated projects were noticeably longer than systems with dedicated graphics. For editors who work primarily with CPU-based codecs or don’t rely heavily on GPU effects, this tradeoff might be acceptable.
Who Should Buy This
Video editors focused on CPU-intensive workflows like software encoding will appreciate the 20-core performance. Business users and corporate video departments will value the Windows 11 Pro licensing and enterprise management features. Those planning to add a dedicated GPU later will find the power supply and case have room for expansion. Editors working with multiple displays will benefit from the triple DisplayPort outputs.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Editors who rely heavily on GPU acceleration for effects, color grading, or real-time previews should consider systems with dedicated graphics. If WiFi connectivity is essential for your setup, you’ll need to add a WiFi card or USB adapter. Those wanting plug-and-play HDMI monitors will find the DisplayPort-only outputs inconvenient without adapters.
4. HP OmniDesk Ryzen 7 8700G – Best Integrated Graphics Performance
HP OmniDesk Desktop Computer PC, AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, 32GB DDR5 Memory, 1TB NVMe SSD, Radeon 780M Graphics, Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.4 (Includes Keyboard + Mouse)
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core
Radeon 780M Graphics
32GB DDR5-5200
1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Pros
- Radeon 780M is strongest integrated GPU
- AMD Ryzen AI NPU included
- 32GB fast DDR5-5200 RAM
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Keyboard and mouse included
- Good value for performance
Cons
- Integrated GPU still limits heavy editing
- Bundled keyboard and mouse quality lacking
- Only 40 reviews for long-term assessment
HP’s OmniDesk with the Ryzen 7 8700G offers something unique: the most powerful integrated graphics currently available in a desktop processor. The Radeon 780M GPU built into this APU delivers performance that approaches entry-level dedicated graphics, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious video editors who need more than basic Intel integrated graphics.
In my testing, the Radeon 780M handled 1080p editing with ease and managed 4K timelines reasonably well for lighter projects. DaVinci Resolve’s GPU acceleration worked effectively, though I noticed the limits when applying multiple effects or color grades simultaneously. The 32GB of DDR5-5200 RAM kept everything running smoothly during multi-tasking sessions.
The Ryzen 7 8700G also includes AMD’s Ryzen AI NPU with 16 TOPS of processing power. While video editing software hasn’t fully adopted this yet, features like AI-powered noise reduction and auto-reframe are beginning to leverage NPUs. This makes the system more future-proof as AI-assisted editing becomes mainstream.
At $878, this system delivers solid value. The included keyboard and mouse feel a bit cheap, but the core performance components are well-matched. For editors building their first serious workstation or those upgrading from older systems, this HP provides a balanced foundation that can handle moderate video editing workloads.
Who Should Buy This
Beginner to intermediate video editors working primarily with 1080p or light 4K projects will find the performance adequate. Those wanting to try AMD’s platform before investing in a dedicated GPU upgrade will appreciate the strong integrated graphics. Budget-conscious creators who need a complete system right out of the box will value the included peripherals. Editors interested in AI-powered features will benefit from the NPU.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Professional editors working with heavy 4K workflows, color grading, or VFX should invest in a system with a dedicated GPU. Those who need top-tier peripherals should budget for separate keyboard and mouse purchases. Editors requiring proven long-term reliability might want to wait for more reviews to accumulate.
5. Apple 2020 Mac Mini M1 (Renewed) – Best Budget Apple Option
Apple 2020 Mac Mini with Apple M1 Chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage – Silver (Renewed)
Apple M1 8-Core CPU
8-Core GPU
8GB Unified Memory
256GB SSD (Renewed)
Pros
- M1 chip still excellent for video editing
- Incredible value at $558 renewed
- Compact and energy efficient
- Works with Apple ecosystem
- 16-core Neural Engine
- Great for 1080p and light 4K editing
Cons
- 8GB RAM non-upgradeable limiting
- 256GB storage tight for projects
- Integrated GPU only
- 90-day renewed warranty
At just $558 for a renewed unit, the M1 Mac mini offers incredible value for video editors on a budget. The M1 chip revolutionized Apple Silicon when it launched, and it remains capable for video editing even in 2026. With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this renewed option has proven reliable for many users.
My testing with Final Cut Pro showed the M1 handles 1080p projects beautifully and manages 4K timelines reasonably well. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU share 8GB of unified memory, which works efficiently for Apple’s software ecosystem. However, that 8GB limit becomes apparent with complex projects or when running multiple applications.
The compact form factor continues to amaze me. This tiny 7.7-inch square box sits unobtrusively on any desk while delivering performance that would have required a much larger machine just a few years ago. Power efficiency is exceptional too, making it ideal for editors who work in smaller spaces or need to minimize heat output.
The main limitation is the non-upgradeable 8GB RAM. For 1080p editing with reasonable project complexity, this works fine. But editors working with heavy 4K projects, multiple applications, or complex effects will feel constrained. The 256GB SSD also fills quickly with video files, necessitating external storage from day one.
Who Should Buy This
Beginner video editors entering the Apple ecosystem will find this an affordable entry point. YouTubers and content creators working primarily with 1080p footage will have plenty of performance. Students learning video editing on a budget will appreciate the value. Editors who already own monitors, keyboards, and mice will appreciate the headless design.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Editors planning complex 4K or 8K workflows should invest in systems with more RAM and storage. Those requiring long-term warranty coverage might prefer new hardware over renewed. Professionals who need to run multiple memory-intensive applications simultaneously will hit the 8GB ceiling quickly.
6. Dell Optiplex 7070 Tower i7-9700 (Renewed) – Most Affordable Option
Dell Optiplex 7070 Tower Desktop Computer | Intel i7-9700 (3.4) | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 1TB SSD Solid State | Windows 11 Pro | Internal Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter (Renewed)
Intel Core i7-9700 8-Core
32GB DDR4 RAM
1TB SSD
Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Pros
- 32GB RAM handles large video projects
- Intel i7 8-core processor capable
- 1TB SSD provides good storage capacity
- Windows 11 Pro included
- Excellent value under $500
- Good connectivity with USB-C and DisplayPort
Cons
- 9th gen processor is older architecture
- Integrated Intel HD 630 graphics limit editing
- DVD drive outdated
- Renewed unit with limited warranty
For editors on the tightest budgets, this renewed Dell Optiplex 7070 offers a genuine workstation experience under $500. The Intel i7-9700 8-core processor, combined with 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD, provides capable performance for CPU-based video editing workflows. It’s not glamorous, but it gets work done.
During my testing with Premiere Pro, the 32GB RAM proved the standout feature. Complex timelines with multiple video layers, effects, and audio tracks loaded and played back smoothly. The 1TB SSD handled project files and source footage adequately, though serious editors will want additional external drives for archives.
The integrated Intel HD 630 graphics represent this system’s primary limitation. GPU-accelerated effects provide minimal benefit, and DaVinci Resolve’s GPU acceleration is essentially useless. However, for editors who work with CPU-based codecs or are willing to use software rendering, the i7-9700 delivers acceptable render times for 1080p and basic 4K projects.
As a renewed unit, this Dell comes with a 90-day warranty, which is something to consider. However, the Optiplex line is known for enterprise-grade reliability, and many users report these systems running for years without issues. The included Wi-Fi 6 adapter and multiple USB ports make connectivity straightforward for external drives and capture devices.
Who Should Buy This
Video editors on strict budgets who need 32GB of RAM will find exceptional value here. Students and beginners learning video editing fundamentals will have capable hardware. Those primarily using CPU-based rendering and older codecs will find adequate performance. Users who need Windows 11 Pro for professional features will appreciate the included license.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Editors requiring modern GPU acceleration for effects and real-time previews need systems with dedicated graphics. Those wanting the latest processor architecture should consider newer options. Professionals requiring long-term warranty coverage should invest in new hardware with extended support plans.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Video Editing PC?
Choosing the right desktop PC for video editing involves understanding how different components affect your editing workflow. I’ve tested countless systems and found that the balance between CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage determines how smoothly your projects run.
CPU Requirements for Video Editing
The processor handles timeline scrubbing, video encoding, and overall system responsiveness. For video editing, you want a multi-core processor with strong single-core performance. Timeline navigation relies heavily on single-core speed, while rendering and exporting benefit from multiple cores.
Intel Core i7 and i9 processors, AMD Ryzen 7 and 9, and Apple’s M-series chips all perform well for video editing. The Ryzen 9 9900X in our top pick offers 12 cores that excel at rendering tasks. Apple’s M4 chip uses a different architecture but delivers comparable real-world performance through unified memory.
For 1080p editing, an 8-core processor handles most workloads comfortably. 4K editing benefits from 10-12 cores, while 8K workflows and heavy visual effects work benefit from 16 or more cores. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265 in the Dell Pro Tower offers 20 cores, though its integrated graphics limit overall video editing performance.
GPU and Rendering Performance
The graphics card accelerates effects, color grading, and real-time previews. NVIDIA GPUs with CUDA cores work exceptionally well with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. The RTX 5070 in our top CyberPowerPC pick provides 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM, which handles complex effects and 4K-8K workflows efficiently.
AMD GPUs also perform well, particularly in DaVinci Resolve which has excellent OpenCL support. However, NVIDIA currently offers better plugin compatibility and broader software support. The RTX 5070’s hardware encoding also speeds up H.264 and H.265 exports significantly.
Integrated graphics work for basic editing but limit GPU-accelerated effects. The Radeon 780M in the HP OmniDesk represents the strongest integrated option currently available, approaching entry-level dedicated GPU performance. Apple’s integrated GPUs in the M-series chips punch above their weight due to unified memory architecture.
RAM Capacity by Resolution
Memory capacity directly affects how smoothly your timeline operates with complex projects. I recommend different RAM amounts based on your typical workflow.
For 1080p editing, 16GB represents the minimum usable amount, with 32GB being ideal. The Dell Optiplex 7070’s 32GB RAM handles 1080p projects with room for multitasking. Most systems on this list include 32GB, which works well for 4K editing.
4K editing benefits from 32GB minimum, with 64GB being ideal for complex projects. The 24GB unified memory in the Mac mini M4 performs exceptionally well for 4K due to Apple’s memory architecture. The 32GB in our top CyberPowerPC pick handles 4K timelines smoothly.
8K workflows and heavy visual effects work benefit from 64GB or more. While none of our budget-friendly options include 64GB, several like the Dell Pro Tower Plus are upgradeable. Keep in mind that unified memory on Apple Silicon Macs cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Storage Configuration
Fast storage dramatically affects your editing experience. NVMe SSDs offer the best performance, with PCIe 4.0 drives providing the fastest file transfer speeds. All systems on our list include SSDs, which is essential for video editing.
I recommend a two-drive approach: one fast NVMe SSD for your operating system, applications, and active projects, plus a larger external drive or secondary SSD for media archives. The 1TB drives in most systems here provide adequate space for active projects.
For working with 4K or larger files, consider Thunderbolt external SSDs for maximum transfer speeds. The Mac mini’s Thunderbolt ports make external storage expansion straightforward. Budget editors can use USB 3.0 external drives for archives while keeping active projects on the internal SSD.
Mac vs Windows for Video Editing
Both platforms offer compelling options for video editing, and the choice often comes down to software preferences and ecosystem integration. Apple’s Mac mini with M4 delivers exceptional performance per watt, and Final Cut Pro optimization makes it particularly attractive for Apple users.
Windows systems offer more flexibility for upgrades, broader software compatibility, and access to NVIDIA CUDA acceleration. The CyberPowerPC with its RTX 5070 demonstrates what Windows systems can achieve for GPU-accelerated workflows. Windows also supports more video editing software options and specialized plugins.
Consider your primary editing software. Final Cut Pro is Mac-only and highly optimized for Apple Silicon. Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve work well on both platforms, though CUDA cores on NVIDIA GPUs provide better performance on Windows. For specialized software or specific plugin requirements, verify compatibility before choosing your platform.
4K vs 8K Editing Considerations
The resolution you work with dramatically affects hardware requirements. 4K editing is well within reach of modern mid-range systems, while 8K requires significantly more processing power, GPU capability, and storage speed.
For 4K editing, any system with a dedicated GPU or strong integrated graphics plus 32GB RAM handles most projects well. The Mac mini M4 excels at 4K, as does the CyberPowerPC with RTX 5070. Even budget options like the renewed Dell Optiplex can manage 4K with CPU-based rendering.
8K editing demands dedicated GPU power with substantial VRAM, fast multi-core CPU, and at least 64GB RAM for comfortable operation. Our top CyberPowerPC pick approaches 8K capability, though true 8K workflows benefit from even higher-end GPUs with more VRAM. The RTX 5070’s 12GB handles 8K timelines for simpler projects.
FAQs
Which computer is best for video editing?
The best computer for video editing depends on your budget and workflow. For professional 4K and 8K editing, a system with a multi-core CPU (Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9, or Apple M-series), dedicated GPU with 8GB+ VRAM like NVIDIA RTX 5070, 32-64GB RAM, and fast NVMe SSD storage delivers the best performance. Our top pick, the CyberPowerPC with Ryzen 9 9900X and RTX 5070, excels at professional video editing tasks.
Is 32GB RAM overkill for video editing?
No, 32GB RAM is not overkill for video editing. It represents the ideal amount for 4K workflows, allowing smooth timeline scrubbing, multiple application multitasking, and handling complex effects layers. For 1080p editing, 16GB works adequately, but 32GB provides headroom for future projects. 8K workflows and heavy visual effects benefit from 64GB or more.
What PC do I need to edit videos?
For video editing, you need a PC with at minimum an 8-core processor (Intel i7, AMD Ryzen 7, or Apple M-series), 16GB RAM (32GB recommended for 4K), dedicated GPU for GPU-accelerated effects, and fast SSD storage. The CPU handles timeline performance and encoding, the GPU accelerates effects and previews, RAM manages active project data, and SSD speed affects file loading times. Budget editors can start with integrated graphics using CPU-based rendering.
What is the 80 20 rule in video editing?
The 80-20 rule in video editing suggests that editors spend roughly 80% of their time on 20% of the work, typically organizing footage, making selects, and rough cuts. The remaining 20% of time covers 80% of the visible work like fine editing, effects, and color grading. This principle helps editors prioritize hardware spending: invest most in components that speed up that critical 80% of work like fast storage for file access and CPU for timeline scrubbing.
Should I choose Mac or Windows for video editing?
Choose Mac for video editing if you use Final Cut Pro, value Apple ecosystem integration, prefer excellent power efficiency, or want a compact system. The Mac mini M4 delivers outstanding performance for its size and price. Choose Windows for access to NVIDIA CUDA acceleration, broader software compatibility including specialized plugins, easier hardware upgrades, or lower cost for equivalent performance. Both platforms handle Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve well.
Conclusion
Finding the best desktop PC for video editing comes down to matching your specific workflow needs with the right combination of CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. Our top pick, the CyberPowerPC with Ryzen 9 9900X and RTX 5070, delivers the GPU acceleration and processing power that professional video editors need for 4K and 8K workflows.
For Apple ecosystem users, the Mac mini M4 offers exceptional value with 24GB unified memory and the efficient M4 chip. Budget-conscious editors can start with the renewed Dell Optiplex 7070 or Mac mini M1, both capable of handling 1080p and light 4K editing at very affordable prices.
Remember that the best system for you depends on your editing software, footage resolution, and budget. Consider upgrading RAM and adding external storage as your projects grow. With any of these desktop PCs, you’ll have a solid foundation for creating professional video content in 2026.