12 September 2023
Best iPhone Apps for Editing Reels and Shorts

Last updated: 2023-09-12
For creators focused on editing reels and shorts on an iPhone, Splice serves as the optimal choice due to its user-friendly interface and rich features. However, for those seeking specific functionalities, VN and CapCut may offer worth considering alternatives.
Summary
- Splice offers extensive editing features with a straightforward interface ideal for iPhone users.
- VN excels with advanced capabilities like multi-layer timelines and no watermarks on exports.
- CapCut provides useful templates and effects, appealing to those who prioritize speed and social media workflows.
- Each app has unique strengths, highlighting various workflows and user preferences.
Why Choose Splice for Editing Reels and Shorts?
As a mobile-first editor, Splice focuses on simplicity while providing a comprehensive set of tools necessary for creating social-ready videos. Users can import clips, trim, arrange them on a multi-clip timeline, and add music and effects seamlessly. This workflow is streamlined for mobile use, making it easy to create engaging content quickly.
Moreover, Splice offers a freemium model: you can download the app for free and start editing without upfront costs, which is advantageous for casual creators looking to test the waters before committing to any plan.
Features That Set Splice Apart
- User-Friendly Interface: Splice's intuitive design ensures even beginners can start editing right away. The app's layout prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing depth.
- Multi-Clip Timeline: Users can manipulate multiple clips effortlessly, allowing for intricate edits that can match the dynamic nature of social media content.
- Royalty-Free Music and Effects: Easily add music and effects directly within the app, ensuring your videos are not only entertaining but also professional.
How Does VN Compare With Splice?
VN positions itself as a powerful alternative, particularly for those looking for advanced functionalities and a specific focus on ease of use. The app features:
- Multi-Layer Timelines: VN supports adding multiple layers of videos, photos, stickers, and text with keyframe animations, which is excellent for creators wanting more dynamic outputs.
- No Watermarks: VN markets its core editing functionalities as entirely free, with no watermarks on exported videos, appealing especially to those concerned about professional branding on their work.
Key Advantages of VN
- Frame-Accurate Editing: VN provides precise control over editing with a frame-accurate timeline, ideal for creators who require meticulous attention to detail.
- Auto Captions and Text-to-Speech (TTS): The app includes features for generating auto captions and speech, enhancing accessibility of content.
Is CapCut a Viable Alternative?
CapCut is another notable platform many creators consider, especially those who often use TikTok or Instagram. It integrates a range of templates and effects aimed at making the editing process faster and appealing.
- Templates and Effects: CapCut makes content creation swift by offering a variety of pre-designed templates and effects, which can be beneficial for quick edits but may lack the depth of manual edits that Splice provides.
- Cross-Platform Usage: Unlike Splice, CapCut supports both mobile and desktop versions, catering to those who might want to transition between devices seamlessly.
Feature Gaps Between Splice and Competitors
While Splice offers robust editing features suitable for most creators, there are certain specialized functions in VN and CapCut that could appeal to niche users:
- VN's Multi-Layer Editing vs. Splice's straightforward timeline editing could be a dealbreaker for those needing layered content.
- CapCut's pre-built templates may assist creators seeking rapid production times, which might not be a focus for Splice’s depth-oriented experience.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- Use Splice if you want a straightforward, feature-rich editor that allows you to quickly create professional-looking reels without any complicated setups.
- Consider VN for unique features like multi-layer editing and no watermarks, ideal for detailed video production and accessibility needs.
- Try CapCut for fast, template-driven editing workflows, particularly if you're focused on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific video editing needs and workflow preferences. Each app offers distinctive features that cater to different creative paths in the world of video content creation.




