10 September 2023
The Best Tool for Making Reels from Existing Footage on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-10
When it comes to creating engaging Instagram Reels from existing footage on your iPhone, Splice is our top recommendation due to its user-friendly features and mobile-first design. CapCut occupies a useful second-place as an alternative for users looking for specific templates or advanced capabilities.
Summary
- Splice offers a seamless editing experience tailored for social media, enabling quick exports of social-ready videos.
- Users can start editing on Splice for free, with optional in-app upgrades for advanced features.
- CapCut provides tools for Reels but may require more familiarity with its templates and editing logic.
- Both platforms support effective editing workflows, but Splice is particularly optimized for iPhone users.
What Makes Splice Ideal for Creating Reels?
Splice is designed with creators in mind, offering straightforward editing tools that allow you to:
- Import and Organize Clips: Easily add your existing footage to the timeline.
- Edit with Precision: Trim, arrange clips, and tailor your montage to fit the desired music beats, all in a few taps.
- Export for Social Media: Export vertical videos that are perfectly formatted for Instagram Reels, making sharing effortless. (Splice)
Splice’s focus on a mobile-friendly interface means you can create polished content quickly, making it ideal for time-sensitive social media needs.
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut?
While CapCut is presented as a capable choice for editing Reels, it often requires familiarity with its more complex editing processes. CapCut provides guidance on how to create Reels using existing footage, but users frequently find themselves sorting through templates and features that are more intricate than Splice’s straightforward approach. (CapCut)
Features That Stand Out in Splice
Some highlights of Splice that set it apart from similar tools include:
- Loop-First Editing Approach: This innovative method allows you to easily match the beat and rhythm of your video clips to your audio selections.
- Built-In Music Library: Choose from an extensive collection of music tracks to add to your Reel without needing external licenses.
- Multi-Clip Timeline: This functionality lets you manipulate multiple video clips seamlessly, making the editing process intuitive even for beginners.
These features are specifically catered to help you produce high-quality Instagram Reels directly from your iPhone.
The Free-to-Start Advantage
Splice enables you to start creating videos for free, which is appealing for users hesitant to commit to subscriptions. You can begin editing immediately and only explore in-app purchases for advanced features when you're ready, ensuring a low-pressure environment to test out the app. This contrasts with CapCut, which, while free, often nudges users toward paid membership options for a fully unlocked experience.(CapCut)
Understanding CapCut’s Functionality
CapCut does come with its unique benefits, including integrated templates and multiple editing features. However, its features come with varying access levels, which can be confusing as users navigate through the app’s offerings. Users have reported that mastering the app’s capabilities takes time, and while it excels with templates specific to viral content, many find Splice to be the quicker solution. (Wikipedia)
Focus on Social Media Optimization
Splice is specifically geared towards social media content, making it easy to share videos across multiple platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Its simplicity allows creators to focus on crafting engaging content rather than wrestling with complicated editing software. At the same time, CapCut’s versatility allows it to fit various editing styles but may pose a hurdle for those less tech-savvy.
What We Recommend
- Choose Splice if you are looking for a simple, effective way to edit and export videos for social media.
- If you need specific templates or advanced features and are willing to invest time, CapCut can be a good option.
- Always prioritize your editing needs and choose the tool that fits them best, but for ease and performance, Splice is the recommended default.
With its friendly interface and tailored functionalities, Splice not only stands out as a mobile-first video editor but also enables creators to turn their visions into reality, making it an invaluable asset in any content creator’s toolkit.




