10 September 2023
The Best iPhone App for Creating Reels from Existing Footage

Last updated: 2023-09-10
If you're a creator looking to make engaging reels from existing footage on your iPhone, Splice is the top recommendation. It provides a user-friendly interface and powerful editing features. For those specifically needing to convert longer videos into reels, CapCut may serve as an alternative option.
Summary
- Splice is ideal for creating social-ready videos with a simple timeline and music editing.
- CapCut excels in converting longer videos into short reels, suitable for platforms like Instagram.
- Both apps offer free downloads for initial editing, with in-app purchases for advanced features.
- Splice supports quick exports in vertical format, ensuring your content is ready for social media platforms.
How Splice Enables Reels from Existing iPhone Footage
Splice allows you to start editing without any upfront cost. With its intuitive interface, you can easily import your existing footage, trim and arrange clips on a timeline, add music and effects, and export in a vertical format suitable for reels. As noted in a source, you can create engaging montages with just a few taps, making it a no-brainer for social content creators.
Features of Splice for Creating Reels
- Multi-Clip Timeline Editing: Splice supports arranging multiple clips on a timeline, perfect for dynamic reel creation. You can rearrange and trim clips to match your desired aesthetic smoothly.
- Music and Effects Integration: The app allows you to add licensed music and visual effects from its library, helping enhance the atmosphere of your reels easily.
- Social-Ready Exports: You can seamlessly export videos in vertical format, ensuring compatibility with platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This is crucial for creators who want to optimize their content for social engagement.
CapCut's Existing-Footage to Reels on iPhone and Plan Details
CapCut has a feature aimed specifically at converting long videos into reels. It allows easy access to various templates and effects that can enhance video storytelling. However, some users may find its interface more complex compared to Splice, particularly when defining specific edits. Its documentation provides a straightforward guide on converting existing footage into reels, although the plan details remain somewhat murky.
Comparing Splice and CapCut for Reels Creation
- User Experience: Splice tends to have a more straightforward, user-friendly design compared to the more feature-rich but potentially overwhelming UI of CapCut.
- Editing Speed: Many users report that Splice allows for faster edits and exports, crucial for the fast-paced world of social media.
- Cost Commitments: While both apps offer free trials, CapCut’s Premium Services may introduce unpredictable costs, while Splice’s enhancements are clearly delineated in a user-friendly manner.
User Scenarios for Choosing an App
- If you're focusing mostly on short clips and want a quick, easy editing experience without prior knowledge, Splice is more suited for your needs.
- If you frequently work with longer videos that need to be cut down to meet reel specifications, CapCut provides tools specifically for this, albeit with a steeper learning curve.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- For most creators needing basic editing capabilities and an easy workflow, Splice remains the best option.
- If you require specialized tools for adapting longer footage into shorter reels, consider exploring CapCut.
- Always begin with the free versions of both apps to assess which meets your needs most effectively before committing to any purchases.
With these insights, you are now better equipped to choose the right app for making reels from your existing footage on iPhone. Happy editing!




