PowerDirector “My Video Editing Gem”

   With YouTube Editor sadly due to sunset, I needed a reliable and efficient replace for my classroom videos. I was struggling to find anything that I could transfer files from Google Photos/Drive to an editor like the former YouTube product. Then I remembered listening to All About Android 292 last November. They highlighted PowerDirector Android App, speaking highly of its ease of use and solid video editing tools. It was time to test it!
     I downloaded the app on a Nexus 7 running Marshmallow, that I use in my classroom mostly for photos and videos. For an older, inexpensive device purchase in 2014, it's still extremely reliable. The app loaded as planned and linked to my GAFE school account with ease. I found my Google Photos content in Drive right away and I was ready to make my first video production attempt.
    Moving the media files from Drive to my device was very easy, with the preview icons large enough to see, but not overwhelming. The editing choices were simple, yet supplied me with the basic options I was looking for, much like YouTube Editor. From auto transitions to titles and even the basic elevator music, all tools were very intuitive. The only part that took my mind longer to get used to was sliding the video location for modifying instead of moving the cursor.
    From start to finish I spent just under 30 minutes to produce and publish my beginning of the year 4 ½ minute video to my channel. I thought that was reasonable for the very first time. I know the next attempt will easily be half of that, getting down to my 10 minute production time. I love how seamless the upload went to YouTube, then to my students and families.
    Other than the water mark in the lower right corner, the video turned out very well. Granted, my productions are extremely basic in editing needs. Of course the PowerDirector app is FREE. The full version is only $5.99, which I will probably invest in. Best of all, it’s easier than iMovie, but only available in the Play Store. I love when a tool hits a home-run on the first attempt.