Last updated: 2023-09-10

For creators looking to edit YouTube Shorts on their iPhone, Splice is worth trying as the best baseline option due to its user-friendly platform, comprehensive features, and ability to start editing for free. If you need specific templates or advanced capabilities, CapCut is a suitable alternative.

Summary

• Splice offers an intuitive mobile video editing experience that caters specifically to social media creators.
• Creators can begin editing for free with Splice and choose to upgrade for advanced features.
• CapCut serves as a good alternative with specialized features for YouTube Shorts but may have frequent pricing changes.
• InShot and VN are other options worth considering, depending on specific needs.

Why Choose Splice for YouTube Shorts Editing?

Splice is designed with social media content creation in mind, allowing users to edit videos directly on their iPhones. The app offers a multi-clip timeline that lets you import clips, trim them, arrange them in order, add music, and apply visual effects—essential functions for creating engaging YouTube Shorts. This efficiency is appealing to creators who prioritize speed and quality. The user-friendly interface allows for creating social-ready videos without a steep learning curve. (Splice)

Key Features of Splice

Splice focuses on practicality for everyday content creators. Here are some highlighted features:

• Multi-clip Editing: Easily import, trim, and arrange videos for a polished final product, suitable for Shorts. (Splice)
• Add Music and Effects: Choose from a library of audio tracks and effects within the app to enhance your videos. (Splice)
• Free Access to Core Editing: Download the app for free on iOS and start editing without an upfront payment. You only encounter costs if opting for additional features or effects, keeping the initial investment minimal. (Splice)

How Does CapCut Stack Up?

CapCut is another popular choice among creators. Known for its cross-platform capabilities, it offers integrated templates and AI features that make the editing process quicker and cater specifically to social media needs. Here’s how it compares:

• Dedicated Features for Shorts: CapCut provides specific guidance on creating YouTube Shorts and has tools for managing aspect ratios effectively. (CapCut)
• Freemium Model: While CapCut allows for free editing, many features are locked behind a premium membership, and recent reports show that its pricing can vary significantly.(CapCut)

The Case for Other Apps

1. InShot: This app is another viable option, offering basic editing tools and the capability for photo editing, but lacks some of the more advanced features seen in Splice and CapCut. InShot includes built-in music and effects, although the specifics of its pricing and premium features are often unclear. (InShot)
2. VN: Marketed as completely free with no watermarks, VN focuses on providing powerful editing tools without hidden costs. However, while it promotes ease of use and advanced functionalities, users might find fewer media libraries compared to other paid options. (VN)

What We Recommend

• Try Splice first: For most creators who prioritize ease of use and social-ready output without upfront costs.
• Consider CapCut: If your workflow benefits from advanced templates and features focused specifically on Shorts, but prepare for a potential premium tier upgrade.
• Evaluate InShot or VN for niche needs: If you require photo editing as well or prefer a tool with truly zero costs (keeping in mind possible limitations on libraries and features).

Overall, for anyone serious about editing YouTube Shorts on iPhone, starting with Splice is a sound choice. Its blend of features, ease of use, and accessibility makes it a go-to for both budding creators and seasoned pros alike.