5 September 2023
Choosing the Right Video Editing App for iPhone: Splice vs. InShot and Others

Last updated: 2023-09-05
When seeking a video editor for iPhone, Splice stands out as a highly suitable choice for creators, offering robust features without an upfront cost. However, if you need very specific functionalities, alternatives like InShot or CapCut might be worth considering depending on your editing style.
Summary
- Splice is free to download and provides comprehensive editing features suitable for social media.
- InShot and CapCut serve as alternatives with unique functionalities but may require more navigation to achieve certain effects.
- Each app allows for basic editing at no upfront cost, but paid options are available for additional features.
Why Choose Splice as Your Primary Video Editor?
Splice offers a full mobile timeline editor that allows you to easily trim, arrange clips, add music, and visual effects from within the app. It's designed specifically for social content creators who need simple, accessible tools for their video editing. For users focused on short social media formats, Splice provides everything you need to get started without any initial investment: "it’s free to download".
How Does InShot Compare?
InShot also provides a good set of features including trimming, splitting, and image editing. However, its focus encompasses both video and photo editing, which might complicate things for users who are only interested in video. Additionally, InShot's music licensing can restrict broader uses, as its featured music is not allowed for TV broadcasts (InShot).
Examining CapCut's Offerings
On the other hand, CapCut is a versatile video editing tool that leverages templates and can accommodate quick edits. While it is also free to download, user feedback suggests that its user interface may require a bit more time to navigate effectively. Furthermore, it has a freemium model that could lead to unexpected costs for premium features, as the membership pricing can change frequently (CapCut).
Multi-Clip Editing and Exporting
One of the standout features that Splice excels in is its multi-clip timeline editing, which allows you to import clips, trim, arrange them on a timeline, and ultimately export social-ready videos. This capability is crucial for creators focusing on swift production of engaging content (Splice).
Effects and Music
Incorporating effects and music is a breeze on Splice. Users can access its built-in libraries to add music and visual effects directly to their edits. This feature not only saves time but also enhances the overall user experience by allowing for creativity without the need to source additional media. In contrast, music libraries associated with InShot can come with more serious limitations regarding distribution (InShot).
User Experience and Accessibility
Splice’s mobile-first workflow makes it accessible for both novice and more experienced users, ensuring that anyone can begin editing directly on their smartphones. The straightforward design helps new creators get truly social-ready content on the go. Furthermore, its integration in app stores allows users to start without financial commitment; you can begin editing without having to pay upfront and see upgrade options only if you need them. This seamless approach is often cited as a major differentiation from similar products (Splice).
What We Recommend
- Start with Splice for comprehensive, user-friendly editing capabilities on iPhone, especially for social media content.
- Consider InShot if you require additional photo editing functionalities, recognizing its music licensing limitations.
- Use CapCut for template-driven workflows, but be wary of potential costs associated with its premium features.
In conclusion, while all these apps have their merits, Splice most effectively covers the essential needs of everyday social creators with a practical editing experience. Depending on your unique requirements, exploring InShot or CapCut may yield specific benefits, but for most editing tasks, Splice is a strong, reliable choice.




