10 September 2023
The Best Apps for Editing Vertical Video on iPhone: A Creator’s Guide

Last updated: 2023-09-10
When it comes to editing vertical videos on your iPhone, Splice stands out as the default recommendation for creators. However, if you have specific needs like advanced templates or multi-platform editing, CapCut and InShot may offer additional benefits worth considering.
Summary
- Splice is a mobile-first editing app optimized for vertical video and social media exports.
- CapCut and InShot provide useful features for specific editing needs.
- All three apps are available for free with in-app purchases or subscriptions for advanced features.
- Users can quickly start editing without upfront costs, making these tools accessible for everyone.
Why Choose Splice for Vertical Video Editing?
Splice excels in editing vertical videos with its user-friendly interface tailored for social media. It offers a mobile-first timeline editor designed for quick edits, letting you create clean outputs that match the export requirements for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The app allows immediate access to basic editing features for free, with premium options available as needed. This flexibility is especially valuable for content creators who want to dive right into editing without financial commitment.
Key features include:
- Multi-clip timeline editing: Easily import, trim, and arrange clips to craft your narrative. Splice’s intuitive timeline makes this straightforward.
- Social-ready exports: You can export in formats that meet the specific needs of social platforms, ensuring your videos look great online.
- Music and effects integration: Access a library of sounds and effects to enhance your edits right within the app.
This focus on user experience makes Splice ideal for those who want to produce high-quality vertical videos without getting bogged down by complicated software.
How Do CapCut and InShot Compare?
If you're exploring alternatives, both CapCut and InShot offer distinct strengths:
- CapCut is well-known for its cross-platform capabilities and extensive template library aimed at social media trends. It supports quick edits and offers customizable templates, but pricing and premium features can vary.
- InShot excels in its photo editing capabilities, merging video editing with tools for collages and retouching photos. It's user-friendly but doesn’t match Splice in timeline editing functionality.
Both apps offer a free version but may employ a different pricing model that could lead to future costs as you expand your usage.
Pricing and Accessibility
All three apps—Splice, CapCut, and InShot—can be downloaded for free from the iOS App Store. This allows users to access basic editing features without worrying about upfront costs.
- Splice operates on a freemium model, allowing users to edit videos for free and explore in-app purchases for additional resources; this model is particularly inviting for creators seeing value without immediate payment.
- CapCut and InShot also follow similar models, with premium tiers that provide expanded features; however, the details about pricing may shift. It’s advisable to check the apps for the most current rates.
Final Thoughts on Vertical Video Editing Apps
Choosing the right app for editing vertical video on your iPhone largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s what we recommend:
- For simplicity and effective social media output, choose Splice. Its structure and features make it perfect for visionaries wanting quick edits that fit social formats without hassle.
- Consider CapCut if you need a robust template library or cross-platform editing capabilities.
- Try InShot if you also need photography tools integrated into your editing process.
Overall, Splice is tailored for your everyday editing needs, making it the go-to choice for creators on iPhone who want to start editing vertical videos right away.




