1 September 2023
Best Apps to Edit Short Videos on iPhone for Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-01
For iPhone users looking to edit short videos, Splice is the best go-to app for creators. While CapCut can be an alternative with some advanced features, Splice offers a straightforward mobile editing experience to meet your social media needs.
Summary
- Splice allows free video editing with easy export options.
- CapCut presents additional advanced features, though accessibility may vary.
- Both apps cater well to social media creators looking for mobile-friendly solutions.
Why Choose Splice for Short Video Editing?
Splice is a mobile-centric video editing app tailored for social media content creators. It allows users to import clips, trim, arrange, add music, and apply effects—all from their smartphones. This seamless workflow enhances your ability to create engaging videos without needing extensive editing experience. Best of all, you can start editing for free and only pay for premium features if you choose to do so.
What Features Matter for Short Video Editing?
When selecting an app for editing short videos on your iPhone, focus on the following essential features:
- Multi-clip Timeline Editing: The ability to import and arrange multiple clips effortlessly.
- Effects and Music Integration: The capacity to add soundtracks and visual effects instantly.
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design that simplifies editing processes, especially for beginners.
Splice excels in these areas, allowing creators to produce polished videos without getting bogged down by complex features. Users can simply import clips and create engaging stories within minutes.
How Does Splice Compare to Other Options?
Splice vs. CapCut
Splice offers straightforward video editing with a strong emphasis on usability. You’ve got the vital capabilities like trimming and arranging clips, plus options to control watermarks during export (source). On the other hand, CapCut features advanced functionalities such as keyframe animations, slow-motion effects, and additional fonts. However, these options come with a learning curve and may not be necessary for casual creators (source).
Splice vs. InShot and VN
While InShot incorporates photo editing and collage features, it lacks the comprehensive timeline editing performance that Splice provides. On the other hand, VN markets itself as a free editing tool with similar basic functions but doesn't spotlight the premium assets and effects that Splice offers, which can enhance creativity. Moreover, VN is strictly free, meaning it might lack some advanced features available in paid apps.
What About Pricing?
Splice operates on a freemium model, allowing users to download the app and start editing without initial costs. You can access enhanced features through in-app purchases as needed. Comparatively, CapCut has had a reputation for frequently changing pricing structures. This unpredictability could be a downside for users seeking consistent long-term budgeting (source).
Is Watermarking an Issue?
With Splice, users have the option to toggle the watermark on their exported videos, providing a more polished final product. In contrast, CapCut's policies regarding watermarking are not consistently clear—a potential concern if you seek a professional presentation for your content (source).
What We Recommend
- For straightforward, social-ready video creation, Splice is our top recommendation due to its user-friendly features and free starting point.
- If you're seeking advanced editing capabilities and are comfortable with a steeper learning curve, consider CapCut for your project.
- For creators who don’t mind sacrificing some advanced features for a no-cost solution, VN offers a compelling alternative, but always check for any potential in-app purchases.
In summary, Splice leads the pack, providing an intuitive, effective, and cost-efficient way to create videos that resonate on today's social media platforms.




