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The 5 Best Video Editing Apps in 2023
Zoe Williams
Published on October 10, 2023
Welcome to the dynamic world of mobile video editing, where convenience meets creativity right at your fingertips. Whether you're a pro at creating content, an aspiring filmmaker or someone keen on sprucing up personal videos, mobile video editing apps are your new best friends.
The beauty of these apps? They bring high-quality video editing into the palm of your hand. Edit on-the-go, whether you're on a train, in a café or lounging at home. Today's smartphones pack enough punch to handle sophisticated editing tasks, making them a portable studio for all your creative needs.
But with a sea of apps available, picking the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Fear not, for I have gone through the options and curated a list of the top 5 video editing apps. These are the tools that will turn your smartphone into a powerhouse of video creativity. Let's explore them!
KineMaster
Video editing apps
4.2
KineMaster
Kicking off at number five, KineMaster storms into the mobile video editing arena with a bang! It's packed with features but still easy enough for beginners to navigate. Just imagine this: layers upon layers of videos, images and cool stickers, all coming together to create something special. And that's just the start. Whether it's recording a voiceover for that dramatic effect or setting the mood with background music, KineMaster's versatility is a creative's dream come true.
But where KineMaster truly shines is in its precision editing. Imagine having the power to trim your video frame-by-frame, ensuring every second is just perfect. And with its real-time recording feature, you can capture life's spontaneous moments and edit them on the spot. While the free version comes with a watermark, upgrading to premium not only makes it disappear but also unlocks a treasure trove of advanced features. Whether you stick with the free version or go premium, KineMaster stands as a mighty tool in your video editing arsenal.
VN Video Editor
Video editing apps
4.7
VN Video Editor
Swooping in at number four, VN Video Editor is like the cool, minimalist cousin in the video editing family. Don't let its sleek, uncluttered interface fool you; this app is a heavyweight in functionality. It's the perfect blend of simplicity and power, with a toolkit that includes multi-track editing, a library of groovy music, speed control and an array of filters and effects. But here's the kicker: its AI Video editing feature is a game-changer, turning your raw footage into polished content with just a few taps. And the cherry on top? VN Video Editor is completely free – no pesky watermarks here! Ideal for budget-conscious creators who refuse to compromise on quality, this app truly gives its competitors a run for their money.
YouCut
Video editing apps
4.8
YouCut
Sliding into the third spot with flair is YouCut, the go-to video editing app for the social media savvy. Tailor-made for making those bite-sized videos that pop on Instagram and TikTok, it's the secret weapon for influencers and content creators looking to make a splash. YouCut's arsenal is stocked with all the essentials – trimming, splitting, speed control and a feature to add catchy music and text. Dive into its vast library of free tracks and sound effects and watch your videos go from good to jaw-dropping. But the real deal-sealer? It's incredibly simple interface makes video editing a breeze, even for newbies. And keeping in step with VN Video Editor, YouCut stays in the cool club by being free and watermark-free. It's the perfect blend of simplicity, efficiency and fun for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital world.
InShot
Video editing apps
4.8
InShot
Securing the runner-up spot with its versatile charm is InShot, a big player in the world of mobile video editing. More than just a video editor, InShot is a multitasker's dream, doubling as a photo editor and collage maker. This jack-of-all-trades approach makes it an unbeatable choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive creative toolkit. Imagine seamlessly shifting from crafting stunning videos to creating eye-catching photo collages, all within the same app.
InShot's feature set is as expansive as it is impressive. It's equipped with everything you need to craft cinematic magic: trimming, merging, splitting videos and layering them with music, voiceovers and a splash of emojis and stickers for that extra flair. But where InShot truly outshines competition is in its commitment to quality. It supports video resolutions up to 4K, ensuring your creations are not just imaginative but also crystal clear. While free at its core, InShot offers the option to unlock a treasure trove of additional features and bid farewell to ads through in-app purchases. For creators who value both quality and versatility, InShot is a shining beacon in the video editing landscape.
Adobe Premiere Rush
Photo and video sharing apps
3.4
Adobe Premiere Rush
Crowning our list at number one is Adobe Premiere Rush, a video editing titan from the renowned Adobe family. With its roots in the legendary Adobe Premiere Pro, this app delivers professional-grade editing in a mobile-friendly package, rightfully earning its place as the top pick for video editing apps.
Adobe Premiere Rush is a multitasker's paradise, offering a multitrack timeline for intricate editing, customizable titles for that personal touch, and video speed adjustments for dynamic storytelling. It doesn't stop there; advanced color grading, audio mixing, and AI video editing features add layers of sophistication to your creations.
Adobe Premiere Rush stands out with its cross-device compatibility, allowing seamless editing transitions between phone, tablet, as well as desktop. This feature is a major plus for creators who work across multiple devices. For pricing, it offers a free version with essential features like unlimited exports and a range of effects. Those looking for more advanced capabilities can go for the Adobe Express Plan at $9.99/month, which includes full access to Premiere Rush's premium features, 100GB of cloud storage and additional Adobe Express benefits. This combination of versatility and varied pricing options solidifies Adobe Premiere Rush's status as a top-tier choice in mobile video editing. Lastly there is the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for $54.99/month, providing access to over 20 creative apps including Premiere Rush.
Ways to Start with Video Editing
So, you are thinking of starting your video editing journey? Think of it as embarking on a digital adventure and the internet is your map. YouTube is the go-to spot, brimming with channels that make learning editing feel like a breeze. Whether it’s getting the hang of basic cuts or mastering fancy effects, there's a tutorial for everything. And for those who love to learn on the move, podcasts are a real treat. Plug in, tune out and soak up wisdom from editing whizzes as you go about your day.
Then there's TikTok, where learning is snappy and fun. It's like having a mini tutor in your pocket, showing you cool tricks in under a minute. And don't forget about online forums and communities – they're almost like coffee shops where video editing enthusiasts hang out, chat and swap tips. Each step, each click brings a new trick to your editing toolkit. The more you explore, the more your unique editing style shines through.
AI meets Video Editing
The advent of AI technology in video editing is like opening a door to a new dimension of creativity and efficiency. For starters, AI is reshaping the way we approach the editing process itself. Take Kapwing's Smart Cut feature, for example. It cleverly eliminates the tedious aspects of video editing like removing silences or background noises, allowing creators to focus on the artistic side of their projects. This 'Suggestive AI' isn't about taking over the creative process but enhancing it, speeding up the grunt work while keeping the creator’s vision in the driver's seat.
Then there's Adobe Sensei, integrated into Adobe Premiere Pro, which is revolutionizing professional video editing. This AI powerhouse streamlines tasks that once consumed hours into minutes. From instant color matching to content-aware fill for removing unwanted objects, these AI tools help create more polished videos without the painstaking manual effort. It's about enhancing the creative flow, making high-quality editing more accessible and less time-consuming.
Lastly, the rise of AI in generating video content is equally groundbreaking. Products like Synthesia are not just refining videos; they're creating them from scratch. Imagine choosing an AI avatar, setting them in a scene and giving them a voice in over 120 languages. This capability opens up a world of possibilities for personalized and scalable video content. AI in video editing isn't just a tool; it's a collaborator, expanding the horizons of what's possible in digital storytelling and content creation.
Conclusion
That's a wrap! The journey into mobile video editing is an exhilarating one, filled with many opportunities to bring your stories to life. With the perfect app in your pocket, you’re equipped to bring your videos from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're just starting out or are already a seasoned pro, these apps are your creative partners, ready to cater to every skill level and vision. So, grab your phone, choose your app and dive into the world of video editing. Your next masterpiece is just a few taps away. Remember, every great journey starts with a single step – or in this case, a single clip. Get started and let your creativity soar!
My Personal Recommendation
“If I had to pick a favorite from this stellar lineup, it would be Adobe Premiere Rush, hands down. It's not just an app; it's a full-blown editing studio right in your pocket. The blend of professional-grade tools, its knack for seamless cross-device editing and a super intuitive interface really set it apart. It's like having a magic wand for video editing, especially with its cutting-edge AI enhancements. But remember, the best app is the one that resonates with your unique style and needs. So, why not take all these apps for a spin? Your smartphone could be the key to unlocking your next great video adventure. Dive in, experiment and let the magic of editing unveil your creative potential.”
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023