With a lot of special features and hidden secrets, After Effects keeps even the elite editors on their toes. But luckily, the internet is full of useful tutorial videos that editors can watch for free. Whether you are just starting with After Effects to edit templates or you are eager to learn advanced special FX, there is help!
So, check out these 10 channels with free After Effects tutorials on YouTube to get you started.
10 Best YouTube Channels for a Free After Effects Tutorial
Finding the best After Effects tutorial can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this post. Here are 10 YouTube channels that offer the best After Effects tutorials and where to watch. Additionally, they’re all free!
1. ECAbrams
Few do After Effects like ECAbrams. And almost no one provides tutorials like he does. So if you’re looking for high quality and free After Effects tutorials, then this is the perfect place to be. Here you can learn a lot about After Effects from an expert editor with decades of experience in working with After Effects. Viewers are fond of ECAbrams for several reasons. First, ECAbrams brings a quirky style to his videos. He regularly uses humor throughout. But the best part is the way he clearly guides viewers through each process. Plus, he’s really great about answering questions in the comments of each video.
2. Peter McKinnon
And at number 2, we have Peter McKinnon. Peter also made our list of the best free color grading tutorials. Learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques through a Peter McKinnon After Effects tutorial. Peter is a well-rounded video editor who provides videos on a range of topics. And each one is as informative as the next. Plus, Peter has a great personality that shines through each video.
3. Ben Marriott
Ben is a freelance motion designer who takes time to explain different techniques he uses in After Effects. He’s a fun host of these videos and viewers love his presentation style. Not only will you find free After Effects tutorials at his channel, but also a range of tutorials for programs including Photoshop, Illustrator and more.
4. Olufemii
Watch Olufemii videos to learn more about After Effects with little hassle. His way of explaining things, showing examples in his videos, and providing you good editing tips are some of the things that make his After Effects tutorials amazing. Plus, he puts out new videos every week!
5. School of Motion
This channel is run by an actual motion design school that offers a ton of free After Effects tutorials. Each tutorial comes with in-depth explanations. Additionally, they also offer an interesting podcast that dives into the industry in great detail. Therefore, this is a must-subscribe channel for anyone who takes motion graphics seriously.
6. Video Copilot
Andrew Kramer at Video Copilot provides libraries full of After Effects tutorials. And he’s been doing it for years. But the main standout feature of this channel is its commitment to sci-fi style motion graphics. Particles, glitches, damage and decay – if you love sci-fi motion graphics, this is where you have to be.
7. Kriscoart
If you are a beginner and want to get started with After Effects, then Kriscoart is a channel to consider. Here are some excellent After Effects tutorials for beginners. Plus, find tutorials for many other Adobe Creative Suite programs.
8. Mt. Mograh
For truly unique and strange effects, Mt. Mograph is the YouTube channel you want. Learn about complex effects in easy-to-digest walkthroughs here. The above free After Effects tutorial is an example of the more advanced effects you’ll find at Mt. Mograph.
9. Surfaced Studio
This is an all-encompassing VFX channel. This includes excellent After Effects videos as well. In addition to motion graphic techniques, you can also find information on how to make a living as a video editor, animator or creator.
10. Adobe Creative Cloud
If you’re looking for a wide variety of ideas and creators, the Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube channel is a must. You’ll learn about the processes of many of the top creators. And not just in After Effects! Anybody who uses Adobe products should be subscribed here.
In conclusion, finding a free After Effects tutorial on YouTube is easy. The hardest part is deciding what to create. And if you’re here, it’s likely you already have some ideas. Keep exploring and most of all, have fun!
As a bonus, check out this tutorial: how to make young people look old in video. It uses After Effects in addition to a few other fun (and free) video editing programs!