Adobe's Creative Cloud has revolutionized the software world for filmmakers these days.

I say that truthfully because I remember when I first began editing videos. After spending several hundred dollars on every single software program that I needed, I'd also have to purchase the updates to those programs year after year.

I probably spent at least $1k a year on 2-3 programs.

Until Adobe came along with the Creative Cloud.

'Cloud' Things Confuse Me, What's the Creative Cloud?

Creative Cloud is a pretty easy concept. Basically it's Adobe's way of giving you access to any of their programs for a set monthly fee. Included will be all the updates to that software at any time.

This is important because it means that any inevitable bugs in the software are constantly being fixed and resolved.

The price you pay each month will depend on how many programs you would like to have access to.

This is great across the board. It's great for those of us who just need one program, since it's an inexpensive monthly fee.

And it's also great for those of us who want access to many different programs, because there's an option to get all the programs for an affordable monthly price as well. Much less than if you were to buy each program individually.

This brings us to the topic of today's comparison: which is better Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro?

If you're pursuing the options for programs on Adobe's Creative Cloud and wondering which you need more, today's post should help you answer that question.

Let's get into the details of each program and break down which might be best for you.

Before we get too far into the details of each program, you should know that comparing these two programs isn't exactly apples to apples.

We aren't comparing two editing programs that have the exact same functions with different layouts (the way you might do with Premiere Pro vs. Final Cut Pro, for example).

While After Effects and Premiere Pro overlap in many functions of video editing, they are very different in their main functions.

They can both do many of the same tasks, like text animation and audio editing, but they do them in very different ways.

After Effects will give you unlimited control over your text animation, whereas Premiere Pro will give you just the bare bones without much ease of use.

Premiere Pro will give you greater control and ease of use over your audio edits, whereas After Effects can do the same tasks, but it won't be straightforward or fast.

These are just two examples of common functions that both programs can handle, but in very different ways.

The reason is because each program was designed for a different user.

So, which user are you and which program will fit your needs the best?

Let's begin by exploring exactly what each program is good at (and not good at) and who that program is designed for.

Premiere Pro is the industry standard for video editors.

To put it simply, it's a powerhouse when it comes to creating just about anything you need for professional quality video edits.

Who Is It For?

Because of it's ease of use and ability to handle just about any project from start to finish, Premiere is the perfect choice for so many different types of filmmakers.

To cut to the chase, if you had to choose only one option between Premiere Pro and After Effects, it's probably going to be Premiere.

The simple reason is because it can do just about anything that you'll need from basic to advanced video edits.

Here's who it's great for:

Premiere Pro is for the beginner filmmaker looking to learn how to edit. It's for the seasoned editor that needs a one stop shop to do everything.

It is perfect for YouTube creators, as well lifestyle, family filmmakers like myself.

Guess what? It's also exactly what I used to produce small commercial films with my team of creative filmmakers at our local ad agency.