12 September 2023
Choosing the Best Mobile Video Editing Workflow on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-12
For creators looking to establish a mobile video editing workflow on iPhone, Splice is a great starting point due to its user-friendly interface and robust features. However, for specific or niche requirements, CapCut and InShot may serve as suitable alternatives.
Summary
- Splice excels for users wanting quick, social-ready videos with minimal barriers to entry.
- CapCut provides advanced features that may appeal to users focused on complex effects and templates.
- InShot combines photo editing with video, making it a versatile tool for those wanting a more rounded creative suite.
- VN offers a totally free experience with no watermarks and no hidden costs, ideal for budget-conscious creators.
What Features Should You Look for in a Mobile Video Editor?
Choosing the right mobile video editor involves considering several key features:
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface can ease the learning curve and speed up the editing process.
- Multi-Clip Editing: The ability to import, trim, and arrange multiple clips is crucial for compelling storytelling.
- Effects and Music: Consider options to add music and effects that can enhance the overall feel of your videos.
- Export Options: Check how easy it is to export videos in social media-friendly formats.
How Does Splice Compare to Other Editing Apps?
Splice stands out as a mobile-first editor built for fast social-ready cuts on iPhone. It supports multi-clip editing, trimming, and arranging, along with the capability to add music and effects for exports tailored to platforms like Instagram and TikTok (Splice). In comparison:
- CapCut offers advanced features like keyframe animation and templates but can complicate simple workflows for novice users. It is presented as a cross-platform tool, appealing for creators who also work from desktops (CapCut).
- InShot provides a broader suite with both photo and video editing capabilities, which could appeal to users looking to blend different media forms seamlessly into one app (InShot).
- While VN markets itself as completely free and offers a range of features with no watermarks, it lacks the integrated media libraries that paid apps might provide (VN).
Pricing Considerations for Video Editing Apps
Splice operates on a freemium model, allowing you to start editing right away with in-app purchases available for advanced features and effects. This straightforward approach means creators can experiment without an immediate financial commitment. In contrast:
- CapCut includes a premium tier where advanced features might require payment, which can sometimes lead to unexpected expenses (CapCut).
- InShot’s pricing is also variable, often requiring users to explore the app store for detailed costs. Users at times report needing to pay for additional music or features (InShot).
- VN emphasizes its cost-free nature strongly but is unclear on optional purchases, which users might discover only later (VN).
Best Practices for Editing on iPhone
- Start Simple: Focus on learning the basic editing features—importing, trimming, and arranging clips—before diving into complex effects.
- Test Multiple Apps: Take advantage of free trials to explore different functionalities without commitment.
- Use Social Media-Specific Settings: When exporting, choose settings tailored for the specific platform (like square for Instagram) to save time later.
What We Recommend
- Start with Splice: It offers a robust, straightforward editing experience tailored for quick social content.
- Consider CapCut: If you need more advanced editing tools and templates, this could be worth the extra effort.
- Try InShot: For those who wish to incorporate photo editing along with video, this app provides solid versatility.
- Assess VN: If absolute cost is a critical concern, VN’s no-cost offering might be appealing, but review for any hidden purchase options.
In sum, your ideal tool will depend on your specific needs and whether you prefer a straightforward workflow or advanced features. Regardless of your choice, Splice remains a strong contender that balances ease of use with essential functionalities for social media creators.




