From TikTok to Instagram Stories and Reels to YouTube, video has undeniably become an essential tool for marketing your business. In fact, in an independent study performed by Wyzowl, 91% of businesses said they’re incorporating video marketing into their strategy in 2023.
You can edit your video right on your favorite iOS (iPhone or iPad) or Android device with a variety of free video editing software. To help you choose the tool that’s right for you, we created this list of the 15 best video editing apps that are user-friendly and free or have paid versions that add value.
15 Best Video Editing Apps
1. Adobe Premiere Rush
Best for simplified mobile video editing
Source: Adobe
Adobe Premiere Rush is a video-editing app with two modes:
A fully automated mode trims and transforms clips in minutes on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to post immediately.
A customized mode lets you take more time to add personal touches, such as special overlay designs and sound effects.
Adobe Premiere Rush also has a built-in music library to add a soundtrack.
Features include:
Drag-and-drop clips and photos
Adjustable exposure, lighting, and sound levels
Auto mix music volume during dialogue
Adobe Creative Cloud support
Syncs with other Adobe products
Cons:
No vertical editing ability, which is important for portrait mode
Users report the automated editing is poor quality
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Premiere Rush Starter is free. Users can upgrade to Adobe Express for $9.99 per month, which includes cinematic color tools, flexibility with camera formats, video tutorials, and sound refinement.
2. Quik
Best for automated quick editing
From the makers of the action camera GoPro, Quik is an app that was designed to edit video on the go. Simply capture your video, edit, and post. Quik makes it easy by searching your footage to find the best moments, automatically editing clips and adding transitions. You can also edit your footage manually if you want more control over the process.
Features include:
Add photos
Create time-lapse sequences
Access more than 100 free songs
Automatically syncs videos to music
Artificial Intelligence (AI) editing assistance
Wide variety of text fonts and emojis
Cons:
Users report that Quik can have glitches at times
Editing features aren’t as robust as other options
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Quik offers a free basic plan. Users can upgrade to GoPro Plus, which offers a larger music library, unlimited storage, and premium support, for $1.99 per month or $9.99 per year.
3. Splice
Best for combining multiple clips
Source: Splice
If you’re new to editing, Splice simplifies the process by offering an intuitive interface. As its name suggests, this tool helps you splice together clips to create a cohesive video with customizable transitions. The built-in music library makes adding a soundtrack easy.
Features include:
Trim, cut, and crop footage
Special effects, including animation, transitions, and filters
Choice of title and transition styles
A free music and sound library
Sync your video to the beat of your soundtrack
Cons:
Video editing features are limited compared to other tools
Users report frequent crashes
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Splice offers a free version as well as tiered subscriptions. Sounds+ is $12.99 per month ($129.99 per year) for 100 monthly sample download credits, access to both the desktop and mobile app, and the ability to preview sounds in your DAW with Bridge. For $19.99 per month ($199.99 per year), Creator offers 200 credits and adds beatmaker drum machine and astra synth plugins. Creator+ also includes the plug-ins, but ups the perks to 500 credits for $39.99 per month ($399.99 per year).
4. InShot
Best for no-frills editing for Instagram Stories
Source: App Store
If you want a simple video editor for creating Instagram Stories, InShot is an all-in-one tool. Easily trim your clips, change the speed of your footage, and add filters. You can also rotate footage, a feature not all editing apps provide. Highly rated on Google Play, this app is a popular choice.
Features include:
Music, filters, stickers, and voiceover narrations
Text and emoji overlays
Video effects
Easily share videos
Blur the background
Cons:
Free version includes ads and a watermark
Users report trimming videos on your smartphone can be tricky
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: The basic plan is free. InShot also offers in-app purchases.
5. KineMaster
Best for advanced video creators
If you’re ready to move up to professional features, KineMaster offers a video-editing app more robust than some of the others. This tool allows you to edit frame by frame, for the most detailed results.
Dial in to adjust color, brightness, and video speed. You can also use unlimited layers on your video, including animation effects and handwriting. While this tool offers maximum power, its intuitive interface makes it easy to use.
Features include:
More flexibility than other video-editing apps
Special effects and music
Backup and sharing abilities to keep projects safe
Green-screen support
Instant preview options
Trending templates to help you get started
Cons:
Free version includes watermark
Users report issues with exporting videos
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: The basic plan is free. Users can upgrade to the Pro Edition for $3.99 per month.
6. iMovie
Best for beginner iPhone and iPad video users
Source: App Store
Apple users who are new to video creation and editing should consider starting with iMovie, an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to use. Quickly trim video clips, add music, and record voiceovers. iMovie comes preloaded on most iOS devices, which means you can get started right away.
Features include:
4K resolution for cinema quality
Video effects and filters
Music, voiceovers, titles, and photos
TV- and movie-style templates
Green-screen capabilities
Cons:
Limited features might frustrate experienced editors
Only available on iOS devices
Available for: iOS
Price: Free.
7. WeVideo
Best for collaborative video creation
For video creators who want more editing functions, WeVideo offers all of the basic editing and then some. Trim clips, apply filters, and add music, text, transitions, and video effects. The app also offers premium plans with advanced features, such as a library with commercially licensed music and up to 4K resolution.
Features include:
Edit on any connected device
Easy-to-use interface
1 GB of cloud storage for free plan
Choice of editing modes
Interactivity and collaboration
Video analytics reporting
Cons:
Free version has limited functionality
Free version has watermarked videos
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: The basic plan is free but very limited. Users can choose upgraded plans starting at $4.99 per month for Power, with access to a greater choice of royalty-free video clips, images, and music. The Unlimited plan is $7.99 per month with 4K Ultra HD resolution, Professional is $19.99 monthly, and Business comes with three team licenses and collaboration tools for $36.99 per month.
8. PicPlayPost
Best for sharing photos in video format
If you want to create video from pictures, PicPlayPost is an easy-to-use app that lets you create automated slideshows and collages. Combine up to 365 photos, videos, and GIFs, and then upload a voiceover to explain the action or a soundtrack. You can also add custom watermarks and branded logos, as well as custom backgrounds.
Features include:
Customizable video output
The frame ratio for Instagram Stories
Adjustable video speed
Split-screen transitions
Ability to add voiceover, music, and multiple songs
Add text or watermarks
Vertical or horizontal videos, in any format
Cons:
Very basic editing; advanced features come with the paid upgrade
Limited music and fonts
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: The basic plan is free, with in-app purchases available at varying prices.
9. Vimeo Create
Best for professional-looking videos fast
If you want a free online video editor, Vimeo Create uses AI to automatically turn your existing product images and text into polished videos. Just answer a few questions about your product, add your footage and logo, and choose style customizations—Vimeo Create then automatically edits and makes your video. It even makes suggestions for colors, themes, music, and fonts (though you can also choose your own).
Vimeo is a popular video software solution with over 200 million users. Plus the app connects directly to your Shopify store, so you can publish your videos to your storefront, social media profiles, and other marketing assets.
Features include:
More than 1,000 templates to choose from
Brand your video with custom colors and logos
Professional auto-editing ability
Ability to share videos across marketing channels
Easy Shopify integration
Cons:
Access to unlimited stock footage and commercially licensed music available only with upgraded subscription
Certain templates and editing options available only with upgrade
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Vimeo Create has a free version. Starter ($12/month), Standard ($20/month), and Advanced subscriptions ($65/month) offer access to a wider range of editing tools and templates. Vimeo Create’s free software is available online, no download required.
10. FilmoraGo
Best for adding text, themes, and overlays to customize your videos
Source: App Store
If you want a free video-editing app for creating Instagram Stories, FilmoraGo is a comprehensive tool that covers all of your basic needs. Add music from its built-in library or use your own music. FilmoraGo also lets you add overlay themes, text and titles, and elements.
Features include:
Easily trim or split the video clip
Rotate and crop the video to match the ratio needed
Adjust the speed to play in slow motion or time lapse
Add voiceover or audio tracks
No limits or watermark
Cons:
Advanced features, like green screen, are available only on its desktop app
Users report it’s not as intuitive to use as other editing apps
Only available for iOS devices
Available for: iOS
Price: Free.
11. Movavi Clips
Best for beginning video editors
Source: App Store
If you’re new to video editing but still want to create high-quality videos, Movavi Clips is a great mobile app to start with. Movavi Clips is a free video editor that makes the learning curve to the editing process seem easy. What’s more, the free version gives you access to all of the basic video editing tools you’ll need as a beginner.
Features:
User friendly and simple interface
Sticker and text overlay
Speed up and slow down video
Can choose aspect ratio of video output
Cons:
Watermark on videos made with free version of app
Lots of advanced features only available with desktop version
Only available for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices
Available for: iOS
Price: Free. Paid plans start at $2.49 per month (for any new features and removal of Movavi watermark).
12. LumaFusion
Best for mobile journalists, filmmakers, and professional video producers
LumaFusion is a powerful video editing app that gives you advanced tools. There isn’t a pro version or subscriptions or extra costs—it’s a one-time purchase and you get everything you need to make professional videos.
LumaFusion does have a few extras you can purchase, like Frame.io integration and Final Cut Pro video file exports, but that’s it. Everything else is included.
Features:
Multitrack editor (up to six audio and video tracks)
Can use preset transitions or make your own
Add markers with notes to your timeline
Keyframe audio levels, panning, and EQ
Powerful color correction tools
Layer effects; green screen, luma and chroma keys, blurs, styles, and colors
Cons:
Best if used on an iPad
No free trials or version
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: A one-time fee of $29.99, with the option to make additional in-app purchases.
13. Filmmaker Pro
Best for expert filmmakers
Source: App Store
Filmmaker Pro’s free video editing app is great if you make a lot of videos. It allows you to create and manage an unlimited number of projects, so it’s perfect for the budding TikTok or Instagram star who wants to create daily content.
Features:
Supports 4K video
Can create and manage unlimited number of projects
Auto save
Picture-in-picture video, photo, and GIF
Sound effects collection
Motion tracking
Cons:
Only available for iOS
No refunds for unused portion of subscription once you purchase it
Free version leaves watermarks on your videos
Available for: iOS
Price: Free. Premium is $7.99 per month or $35.99 per year.
14. ActionDirector
Best for action videos
ActionDirector is a video editing app geared toward creating action videos created by CyberLink for GoPro videos. With features like 4K uploads and being able to edit and filter 360-degree videos, it’s perfect for making those epic surfing and skydiving clips.
ActionDirector also has a lot of great presets that help make the most out of the videos you capture, no matter how shaky or dark they may be.
Features:
Create 4K videos
Lens correction
Video stabilization
Photo editing tools
Add and mix your own tracks to create your own background music
360-degree video uploads
Cons:
Free trial is very limited
Pricey for an app
Available for: iOS and Android
Price: Free trial, then a one-time fee of $49.99 applies.
15. Clipchamp
Best for cloud storage capabilities
Source: App Store
When you’re editing videos using mobile devices, storage can be a real issue. So finding a video editor like Clipchamp that’s designed to integrate with cloud solutions can solve a lot of problems.
Clipchamp also has a pretty good free version of its software, which supports features like green screens and screen recordings. You can create professional quality videos using just the free version of Clipchamp.
Features:
Color balancing
Works with cloud storage
Multilayer video editing
Supports screen recordings and green screens in free version
Cons:
Non-free versions are expensive
Only available for iOS
Available for: iOS
Price: Free, then $39.99 per month.
Get started with your video edits
Video content is unquestionably engaging, which is why it dominates social media. While it used to feel prohibitively expensive to film and edit, today all you need is a smartphone, an app, and a sense of adventure.
Video editing software for desktop and mobile have evened the playing field for small-business owners with modest marketing budgets. Now is the best time there’s ever been to create, polish, and distribute video content to your audience.
So grab your iPhone or Android device, download one of these editing apps, and press Record. You never know whether your business will create the next viral video.
Ready to create your business? Start your free trial of Shopify—no credit card required.
Video editing apps FAQ
What is the best app for video editing?
One of the best apps for video editing on mobile is KineMaster.
Which is the best video editing app for free?
Most video editing apps offer free versions of their apps, but they come with limitations. iMovie and Splice are free, but are best for basic editing needs.
What app do TikTokers use to edit their videos?
Quik
InShot
iMovie
FilmoraGo
Movavi Clips
ActionDirector
Filmmaker Pro
Which app do YouTubers use to edit videos?
If you’re looking to create more creative content, LumaFusion is a great video editing app that will let you create professional looking videos. However, if you’re just looking to edit together a video blog, something more basic like iMovie or Filmmaker Pro might be best for you.
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