Images are still, capturing a single moment in time, Videos have become a powerful way to tell stories, share ideas, and grow audiences. Whether to create a cinematic masterpiece or short clips for social media, having the best video editing apps can make your content shine. No matter your skill level, there’s an app out there for you.
Choosing the best video editing app can be a game-changer, whether you’re a pro, a marketer, or just getting started. With so many options available, from free tools to high-end video editors, it can be tough to find one that fits your needs.
“Editing is where the magic happens in storytelling, in a way that creates an illusion of seamless motion and emotion.”
Traditional Vs AI-Powered Video Editing Apps
Regarding video editing apps, there are two main categories to consider: traditional manual editing apps and innovative AI-powered editing apps. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of each category to help you determine which type suits your editing style and needs.
Manual Video Editing Apps
Manual video editing apps have long been the go-to choice for professional video editors. These apps provide a comprehensive suite of tools and features that give you full control over every aspect of your editing process.
One advantage of manual editing apps is the level of control they provide. You have the flexibility to fine-tune every element of your video, from color grading to audio synchronization.
These apps often support high-resolution footage, allowing you to work with professional-grade content. However, this level of control also comes with a learning curve. Mastering the intricate features of manual editing apps may require time and practice.
AI-Powered Video Editing Apps
Enter the world of AI-powered video editing apps, where artificial intelligence algorithms work their magic to simplify and enhance your editing experience. These apps use machine learning to automate various aspects of the editing process, saving you time and effort.
AI-powered editing apps excel in tasks like automatic video editing, smart scene recognition, and real-time suggestions for enhancing your footage. They analyze your content and apply intelligent algorithms to suggest edits, transitions, and effects that suit your video’s style and mood. These apps can be a game-changer for users who want to achieve polished results quickly and effortlessly.
It’s important to note that while AI-powered apps offer time-saving benefits, they may not provide the same level of manual control as traditional editing apps. If you prefer a hands-on approach and enjoy the artistic freedom of fine-tuning every detail, a manual editing app might be the better choice for you.
Best Manual Video Editing Applications in 2024
Every video editing app will be different, but there are a few features you’ll want to look for. Because most apps will have a free and paid version, it’s important to know what’s essential and what might be worth an upgrade.
Editing on mobile devices with the convenience it provides has made mobile video editors either using Android or iPhone, there are a multitude of video editing apps that allow you to craft buttery-smooth videos with just a few taps.
1. Kinemaster
Kinemaster is regarded as one of the most powerful mobile video editor tool. It offers a rich set of editing features including multi-layer video editing, keyframe animation, and chroma key. Kinemaster allows for precise control over transitions and effects, making it a favorite among creators who need advanced tools to craft professional-level videos.
Free– The free version provides access to most of its features, but videos exported will have a watermark.
Paid– Users can subscribe to the premium version to remove the watermark and gain access to a larger library of effects, transitions, and audio effects.
Ideal for– Mobile device
Pricing- $44.99, yearly for premium.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Multi-layer editing with keyframe animation | Easy to use | Limited access to assets on the free versions |
| Green screen and chroma key capabilities | You can share on various social media platforms | Editing on the mobile app is limited |
2. InShot
InShot is a video editing app that’s popular for its simplicity and versatility. It allows users to trim videos, add filters, adjust video speed, and export videos with ease. Despite being a free video editor, InShot includes all the tools necessary to make polished, high-quality content.
Free– It also provides a video collage feature for blending different clips into a single video. InShot’s editing interface is easy to navigate, with features like adding music, inserting text, and applying visual effects.
Paid– For users looking to upgrade, InShot offers a paid version that removes watermarks and provides additional effects, transitions, and editing tools.
Ideal For- Mobile device
Pricing- $39.99, yearly for pro version
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Trim video, add filters, and adjust video speed | Built-in music library with royalty-free options | There’s no desktop app available |
| Export video without quality loss | You can add voiceovers and your music | Your video will be watermarked |
3. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and feature-rich video editing software options available. Premiere Pro offers everything from basic trimming and cutting to advanced features like keyframe editing, and multi-cam editing. It also provides seamless integration with other apps in Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, such as Photoshop and After Effects.
Paid- It requires subscription. The software includes a wide range of audio effects, transitions, and visual effects, allowing users to create videos with cinematic quality.
Ideal For- Desktop
Pricing- $239.88, yearly for single app plan.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud | it supports various audio, video, and image formats | It is a time- consuming app to master |
| Support for multiple file formats and 4K editing videos | It offers a highly customized user interface. | Performance is slow for high-resolution videos |
4. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X is Apple’s flagship video editing software and is highly popular among Mac users. Known for its speed and intuitive interface, it allows for real-time editing and rendering, making it an ideal choice for users working with high-resolution video footage.
Paid- While it’s not free, it offers professional-level tools that are accessible even for those with limited experience in video editing.
Ideal For- Desktop.
Pricing- $299.99(appx) for one time purchase.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Real-time editing and rendering | Magnetic Timeline Feature allows automatic snapping clips | Its not accessible in the Windows version, limiting its access to a broader audience. |
| Multicam and 360-degree video editing apps | Specifically optimized for Mac. | The upfront cost is high for a one- time purchase. |
5. Apple iMovie
Apple iMovie is a video editor tool that comes pre-installed on iOS devices. iMovie offers easy editing with drag-and-drop functionality and includes advanced tools such as slow motion and chroma key (green screen). iMovie’s interface is user-friendly, with templates for beginners and features that cater to more experienced users. It also provides users with a magic movie feature where users can re-edit their videos using this feature.
Free- It is a free video editor app available to download from the app store for both Mac OS and iOS users.
Ideal For- Beginners
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Simple drag- and- drop interface for easy editing videos | Perfect for beginners with no prior editing experience. | It lacks more advanced tools. |
| Pre-designed movie templates and trailers for quick projects. | Seamless integration with Apple Ecosystem. | Not available for Windows or Android |
6. Filmora
Filmora is a beginner-friendly video editing software developed by Wondershare, designed for users who want to create videos without any professional experience. It is suitable for more advanced editing tasks. It is easy for users to use for editing videos.
Free- This version provides features with watermarks on videos.
Paid- It offers affordable plans for seeking more advanced features and unlimited exports.
Ideal For- Beginners
Pricing- $49.99, yearly
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| It offers easy to use interface | Perfect for beginners with no prior editing experience. | Limited for advanced users. |
| Pre-designed movie templates and built-in transitions, filters, and text styles. | It offers an affordable paid option with for full version | Free version comes with watermark |
7. Da Vinci Resolve
Da Vinci Resolve is a professional video editing software with its advanced color grading capabilities. Its used in film production and post- production by professionals worldwide. It is a powerful tool with industry- standard features to achieve high quality results in their projects.
Free- It includes a robust set of features suitable for editing tasks.
Paid- With Da Vinci Resolve Studio, it offers additional advanced features, effects, and tools, It is a one time purchase rather than a subscription.
Ideal For- Professionals
Pricing- $295, for one time purchase.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| It offers advanced industry leading tools for color grading and correction | Combines video editing, and color correction | It demands high system specification |
| It includes Fusion and Fairlight Integration. | It is accessible to wide range of users | It requires time to learn the software |
8. Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer is a widely used professional video editing software widely used in film and television industry. It excels in handling complex projects and timelines.
Free- It offers fewer features for beginners working on smaller projects. (Media Composer First)
Paid- It comes with advanced features including high end media management, multi-camera editing, and collaboration plans in different price bands based on user needs.
Ideal For- Professionals
Pricing- $199, yearly (standard subscription), $499.99, yearly (ultimate)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| It supports editing from multiple camera angles simultaneously. | It is recognized as industry standard tool | Its interface is complex. |
| It supports a wide variety of media formats and resolutions. | It allows multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously. | It can be costly for long term use. |
9. Canva Video Editor
Canva is a popular design tool that offers a simple video editing feature with its video editor option for creating engaging content. It is particularly suited for social media creators who need to create visually appealing videos with minimal effort.
Free- It is free with an option to upgrade.
Paid- Canva Pro for access to premium templates, assets and more features.
Ideal for- Social Media Creators and Influencers
Pricing- $119.99/year, $14.99/month per user (teams)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Easy to add text, images, and animations to videos | It is easy to use even for those with no prior video editing experience | It has limited advanced editing features |
| It offers access to vast templates customized for Tik-Tok, Instagram and YouTube. | It offers free graphics, images and video clips, thus saving time in sourcing assets | some premium templates have watermark. |
10. Quik
Quik by GoPro is a versatile and user-friendly tool designed to simplify the process of editing and creating impressive videos.
Developed by the renowned action camera manufacturer GoPro, it offers a seamless experience for both professionals and amateurs alike, thus putting it in the list of best video editing apps.
It can be used to create quick videos for your socials, including Instagram carousels, YouTube shorts, and more.
Free- The base version of GoPro’s Quik smartphone app is free.
Paid- The premium version is chargeable.
Ideal for- Social Media Creators and Influencers
Pricing- $9.99, yearly for premium version.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Beat syncing for dynamic video rhythm | Beat syncing enhances the rhythm and energy of the video. | Limited support for complex video editing techniques or advanced effects. |
| Seamless integration with GoPro cameras | Seamless integration with GoPro cameras simplifies the editing process. | Potential for limited updates or support from the developer. |
11. Vlog Now (VN)
VN Video Editor is a versatile editing app designed for both beginners and professionals. It offers an intuitive interface for creating engaging videos with various editing tools.
Free- Its to use, but it also offers in-app purchases for additional features and content. The free version provides a solid range of editing tools suitable for most users, while premium features can enhance the editing experience for those who need more advanced options
Ideal for- Beginners and Professionals
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Multi-layer video editing | User-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners.. | Limited export options in the free version.. |
| Extensive library of effects and filters | Comprehensive features allow for advanced editing. | May require a learning curve for more complex features. |
12. CapCut
CapCut is a user-friendly video editing app designed for creating and editing engaging videos. It offers a range of features, including multi-layer editing, advanced filters, transitions, and a library of music and sound effects.
Ideal for- Beginners and Professionals
Free- It offers a wide range of editing tools and features without cost.
Paid- additional premium features, such as exclusive effects, filters, and higher export quality options.
Pricing- $69.99 per year, for CapCut Pro Plan
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| allows users to work with multiple video and audio tracks simultaneously, providing greater flexibility in creating complex videos. | Easy for beginners to navigate and use. | Fewer formats compared to more advanced software.. |
| .offers an extensive library of visual effects, filters, and transitions, | Includes effects, filters, and templates that enhance creativity | Primarily available on mobile devices, which may limit functionality for some users. |
Best AI-Powered Video Editing Applications
1. Synthesia
Synthesia is a powerful and innovative tool that allows users to create and edit videos using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It enables individuals, businesses, and content creators to generate captivating videos by transforming written scripts or sheet music into visually stunning and dynamic visual content.
Pricing- $18 monthly (billed annually for starter pack)
$64 monthly (billed annually for creator pack)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| saves time and effort in production of amazing videos | supports multiple languages and accents, making it suitable for global audiences. | Limited support for complex video editing techniques or advanced effects. |
| User friendly video maker platform. | Seamless integration with GoPro cameras simplifies the editing process. | Potential for limited updates or support from the developer. |
2. Hour One
Hour One provides users with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features that enable effortless editing, such as automated scene detection, content organization, and intelligent video analysis.
With Hour One, users can easily generate captivating and professional-looking videos by leveraging AI-powered algorithms for tasks like automatic video summarization, captioning, and even adding dynamic visual effects.
This tool empowers content creators, marketers, and filmmakers to streamline their video production process, saving time and effort while delivering high-quality results.
Pricing- $25 monthly (billed annually for lite pack)
$95 monthly (billed annually for business pack)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| Automatic video summarization | Saves time with efficient video editing tools, increasing productivity. | Time consuming and required a lot of efforts to learn. |
| Dynamic visual effects | Produces professional-looking videos with high-quality output, enhancing the overall visual appeal and viewer experience. | The AI algorithm and automation limits manual control. |
3. Pictory
Pictory is an AI-powered video editing tool designed to transform long-form content like articles and scripts into short, engaging videos. It’s ideal for marketers and content creators looking to produce videos quickly without needing advanced editing skills.
Pricing- $19 monthly (for starter pack)
$39 monthly (for professional pack)
$99 monthly (for Teams)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| automatically generates videos from text, selecting relevant images, clips, and background music to match your content. | No technical or video editing skills are required, making it accessible to beginners.. | Customization options can be somewhat limited compared to more advanced video editing tools. |
| automatic captioning and transcription for your videos, making them more accessible and engaging for viewers. | AI automation significantly reduces the time needed to create professional videos. | Some of the best features are only available in the paid plans, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users. |
4. Lumen5
Lumen5 is an AI-powered video creation platform designed for marketers and content creators to quickly turn blog posts, articles, or any other text into engaging videos. It’s particularly useful for transforming written content into social media videos.
Pricing- $19 monthly (billed annually for basic pack)
$59 monthly (billed annually for starter pack)
$149 monthly (billed annually for professional pack)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
| can convert text-based content like blogs or articles into video format by automatically selecting relevant visuals. It simplifies the video creation process, saving users time on content adaptation. | Great for converting blogs or articles into videos without starting from scratch. | It sometimes selects irrelevant visuals requiring manual adjustments |
| offers a wide range of customizable templates designed for different social media platforms. These templates allow users to create professional-looking videos even with little to no design skills. | No need for external media sourcing, thanks to its vast collection of stock assets. | It is designed for quick simple edits and not for complex edits. |
Tips to Choose the Best Video Editing Apps
To help you make an informed decision, here are some essential tips to consider when choosing the best video editing apps for your projects:
Identify Your Editing Goals: Clarify whether you want to create professional-quality videos, edit content on the go, or enhance social media clips. Understanding your goals will help you narrow down your options and find the most suitable app.
Evaluate Your Skill Level: If you’re a novice, choose user-friendly apps with intuitive interfaces and helpful tutorials. More experienced users might prefer applications that offer a wider range of features and customization options.
Consider Features and Functionality: Look for video editing apps that provide a robust set of features that match your editing needs. Key features to think about include timeline-based editing, multi-track support, special effects, transitions, color correction, audio management, and export capabilities in various formats.
Integration and Collaboration: If you plan to work with a team or on multiple devices, consider apps that facilitate seamless integration and collaboration. Choose options that enable project sharing, real-time collaboration, and synchronization of edits across devices.
User-Friendly Design: A clean and intuitive interface can greatly enhance your editing experience. Seek out apps with well-organized layouts, easy-to-use menus, and clearly labeled tools and features.
Pricing and Subscription Structure: Assess the app’s pricing model. Some offer free versions with limited features, while others require a subscription or a one-time purchase.
Trial and Exploration: Whenever possible, take advantage of free trials or demo versions of the app. This allows you to explore its features, evaluate usability, and determine if it fits your editing style before committing.
Research Reviews and Recommendations: Lastly, read user reviews, seek input from fellow video editors, and check out professional rankings or curated lists to gather insights about the apps you’re considering.
Building a Video Marketing Strategy to Boost Business Growth
Video Marketing: The Rising Trend
The age of text-based content is slowly being replaced by video content, as consumers increasingly favor watching videos over reading text or advertisements. To take full advantage of video marketing, it’s important to have a strategic plan for how you’ll create, share, and promote your videos using social media management tools.
With a well-thought-out strategy, you can make your videos more impactful and drive real results, like boosting brand awareness, engaging customers more effectively, and increasing conversion rates.
Using Video Editing Apps: The First Step
With the top video editing apps mentioned in this blog, you can easily start creating videos that resonate with your audience. These apps come with various editing features and effects that can enhance your video quality. After choosing the right app, you can focus on building a solid video marketing strategy.
When making videos for different platforms, it’s important to keep in mind the specific requirements of each one. For example, if you’re creating content for YouTube, make sure your videos are in the 16:9 aspect ratio.
Optimizing Video Content Management with RecurPost
To streamline your video marketing, consider using automation tools like RecurPost. It has a user-friendly setup that allows you to easily create and manage a video content calendar. With RecurPost, you can schedule video posts across various platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn using its bulk scheduling feature. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your video promotions are consistent, helping you reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
The choice of video editing app often depends on your skill level, specific needs, and the platform you’re using. For professional projects, tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro shine, while beginners might find iMovie or InShot more approachable.
With the right video editing app in your arsenal, you can transform your raw footage into captivating visual stories. From social media content to cinematic masterpieces, these apps provide the tools and functionality to make your videos shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before selecting the video editing app or tool, some features to look out for is Ease of use, Compatibility, Tools Availability, Export video options, Pricing and others.
Mobile video editing caters to anyone looking to create videos on a budget, so you can make videos without breaking the bank. Downloading the best free video editing app for iPhone or Android will ensure flexibility to create videos the way you want.
Video editing- Involves working with moving images, combining clips, and manipulating audio over time, it deals with motion and sound. Involves a range of skills, including storytelling, pacing, and sound design, as well as visual effects. It is a time consuming affair.
Photo editing- Focuses on still images, enhancing, retouching, or altering individual photos, it focuses on enhancing and manipulating still images. Requires an eye for composition, color correction, and techniques for enhancing details. It is a quicker process as compared to video editing.
PowerDirector is considered one of the best 4K video editing apps for Android, offering advanced editing features and support for high-resolution footage.
LumaFusion is considered one of the best 4K video editing apps for iOS, offering advanced editing video features like multi-track editing, and audio mixing capabilities. It provides real-time playback of videos.
Many professional YouTubers often use Adobe Premiere Rush or Final Cut Pro X for editing their own videos.
Shubham Agrawal is a passionate content writer, with over a year of experience in this field. He excels in creating content in informative and creative way that aligns with readers. He juggle with words to create an engaging content.