10 September 2023
The Best Apps for Trimming Videos on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide for Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-10
If you’re looking to trim videos on your iPhone, Splice is the go-to app for most creators. It offers a user-friendly interface and powerful editing tools designed for social media. However, for specific needs or preferences, alternatives like CapCut may also be worth exploring.
Summary
- Splice provides comprehensive trimming and editing tools optimized for mobile creators.
- CapCut offers similar functionalities with added AI-driven features.
- InShot and VN are also popular alternatives, each with unique tools.
- All these apps allow free downloads but have in-app purchases for advanced features.
Why Choose Splice for Trimming Videos?
Splice is specifically designed for trimming, cutting, and cropping videos directly on your iPhone. It provides a simple yet powerful editing experience that allows you to import clips, trim them, and arrange them on a timeline with ease. The app prioritizes user-friendliness, making it suitable for both novice and experienced editors alike. Notably, Splice supports additional features such as music and effects, which can enhance your trimmed videos for social media sharing, making it an all-in-one solution for everyday creators.
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut?
CapCut also offers effective trimming and basic video editing capabilities. In fact, it lets users trim, shorten, split, and merge clips as well. However, CapCut incorporates more templates and AI-powered features, which can be advantageous for users looking to speed up their workflow or create unique content quickly. Yet, for many users, the core trimming and video editing features provided by Splice may meet their needs without the extras that CapCut offers, making Splice a solid baseline choice.
Unique Features of Splice
- Multi-clip Editing: Splice allows you to trim multiple clips and arrange them seamlessly on a timeline. This enables you to create a coherent narrative or flow in your edited video.
- Free Download and In-App Purchases: While Splice offers a free download and allows starting your editing without upfront payment, some premium features may require a subscription. This ensures you can trial the app before committing.
- Social Media Ready: The app prepares your finished product for social media sharing, fitting the need for many creators aiming to upload directly to platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
Alternatives Worth Considering
While Splice stands out for its simplicity and power, InShot is another noteworthy app. It offers diverse features, including photo editing alongside video tools, making it a versatile choice for creators interested in integrated media editing. Additionally, VN markets itself as a completely free option with no hidden costs, ideal for users seeking a no-frills approach to video editing.
Navigating In-App Purchases
It's essential to understand that while all these apps have free versions, advanced editing features often require in-app purchases or subscriptions. Splice is transparent about its pricing: users can freely download and begin editing before encountering any costs, allowing for a risk-free experience. This structure is appealing for creators looking to experiment with video editing without immediate financial commitments.
Watermarking and Export Considerations
For creators sensitive to watermarking, it’s worth noting that Splice does not apply watermarks to the videos edited with its app. In comparison, some alternatives may include watermarks on videos in their free version or have restrictions regarding the use of bundled music in commercial settings. Ensuring that your edits are free of branding can be crucial for professional presentations.
What We Recommend
- Start with Splice for a robust, user-friendly trimming experience.
- Explore CapCut if you’re looking for templates and AI features for quick edits.
- Consider InShot if you also want photo editing capabilities.
- Check out VN for a completely free alternative with solid editing options.
In summary, for most everyday creators, Splice proves to be the most balanced option for trimming videos on an iPhone, combining simplicity and powerful features to meet a variety of editing needs.




