12 September 2023
The Best iPhone Apps for Editing Instagram Reels: A Comparison

Last updated: 2023-09-12
For creators aiming to edit Instagram Reels on iPhone, Splice serves as a reliable baseline tool. If you seek advanced features like AI keyframes, CapCut might suit your needs better.
Summary
- Splice offers a free-to-download mobile editing app for iPhone users that supports multi-clip video editing.
- CapCut provides advanced AI features and templates for dynamic animations but may require more advanced settings.
- InShot supports up to 4K resolution and is a viable option for those focusing on high-quality exports.
- Each app has unique strengths, making it essential to evaluate them based on your specific editing needs.
Why Choose Splice for Instagram Reels?
Splice stands out due to its ease of use and essential editing capabilities tailored for social media content. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Mobile-first Design: Splice is perfectly designed for mobile devices, allowing creators to import clips, trim, add music and effects, and export social-ready videos all from their iPhone. (Splice)
- Free to Start: Users can download Splice for free and start editing without upfront costs. Paid features are available as in-app purchases, ensuring that users can explore the app’s capabilities risk-free. (Splice)
- User-Friendly Interface: The timeline editing feature in Splice makes it intuitive for beginners, enabling seamless arrangement of video clips.
How CapCut Compares to Splice
CapCut is an appealing alternative, especially for users looking for more advanced features:
- AI-Powered Features: CapCut boasts a robust AI keyframe feature for dynamic effects. This can help users create engaging and visually appealing Reels effortlessly. (CapCut)
- Templates and Effects: CapCut offers various templates that make it easy to create trendy content quickly, appealing to creators who want to save time.
- Free Options: While CapCut also provides a free tier, its premium features can present additional costs for more in-depth editing functionalities, so users should check pricing on their platform. (CapCut)
Is InShot an Alternative Worth Considering?
Another option is InShot, particularly for users focusing on high-quality video:
- 4K/60fps Support: InShot allows saving in 4K at 60fps, making it an excellent choice for those focused on high-resolution video outputs. (InShot)
- Integrated Social Sharing: InShot simplifies sharing to social networks, making it easy for creators to publish directly to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. (InShot)
- Freemium Model: Like Splice, InShot is available free but includes in-app purchases for extended features, appealing to flexible budgeting.
When to Use VN or Edits
VN markets itself as totally free and without watermarks, making it suitable for budget-conscious creators. However, it may lack the advanced features present in Splice or other options. There’s also the Edits app, which is often discussed in the context of Instagram but lacks distinct branding and validated features, making it a less reliable choice.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- For most casual and intermediate creators, Splice is a user-friendly right choice to start making Instagram Reels easily.
- If advanced animation and effects are your goals, consider exploring CapCut for itsAI capabilities.
- Use InShot if you prioritize high-definition exports and easy social sharing.
- For tight budgets, VN might serve you well, but be cautious of its potential limitations compared to proprietary editing tools.




