15 September 2023
How to Create Reels from Existing Footage on iPhone: The Best Apps for Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-15
If you’re looking for an app to create engaging reels from existing footage on your iPhone, Splice is an excellent choice with a user-friendly mobile-first editing experience. Alternatively, CapCut offers a wider range of advanced features that may be suitable for specific needs.
Summary
- Splice: Designed for mobile editing with a robust timeline, making it easy to create social-ready videos.
- CapCut: Offers a variety of automated editing features, including captions and effects, but is more complex to navigate.
- Both apps allow you to begin editing for free, with optional in-app purchases.
- The best choice depends on your specific editing needs and whether you prefer simplicity or advanced features.
Why Choose Splice for Creating Reels?
Splice is tailored for iPhone users who want a straightforward, mobile-centric video editing experience. With multi-clip timeline editing, you can easily arrange your existing footage, trim clips, and add music or effects right from your device. Many creators appreciate Splice for its accessibility and ease of use, which enables them to produce polished videos with minimal effort.
Key Features of Splice
- Multi-Clip Editing: Import clips and arrange them on a timeline, adding transitions and effects as needed. This flexibility allows for precise control over the flow of your reels.
- Built-in Music Library: Splice comes with a large selection of royalty-free music tracks, facilitating the addition of a professional audio backdrop to your videos. Splice’s focus on creators means you’ll find adequate resources to enhance your storytelling.
- User-Friendly Interface: The design is intuitive, making it accessible even for those new to video editing. With just a few taps, you can create engaging content ready for Instagram Reels or TikTok.
What Makes CapCut a Viable Alternative?
While Splice is great for mobile editors, CapCut can be a strong alternative for those who seek specific technical features. Its offerings include automated captions, text-to-speech tools, and background removal capabilities. For creators interested in faster editing processes through automation, CapCut’s features might be appealing.
Key Features of CapCut
- Automated Features: CapCut includes tools like auto captions and motion tracking, which can significantly speed up the editing workflow. However, this richness in features may also introduce complexity.
- Cross-Platform Access: Unlike Splice, which is primarily mobile-focused, CapCut offers a desktop version, allowing seamless editing across devices. This feature can be crucial if you prefer to work on larger screens.
- Flexible Template Options: CapCut provides various templates that can help those unfamiliar with editing to create high-quality videos quickly.
Are There Any Plan Limitations?
Both apps offer a free version, enabling users to explore basic features without upfront costs. However, advanced capabilities are often locked behind subscriptions or in-app purchases. In Splice, you can start editing without committing to payment until you decide to unlock premium features. CapCut's pricing structure is similarly based on optional premium services.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- Choose Splice if you are looking for a straightforward, mobile-first tool that provides essential editing features without steep learning curves.
- Consider CapCut if you require specialized features like automated captions or cross-platform editing and are comfortable navigating a more complex interface.
- Both apps allow you to try before you buy, making it easy to determine which suits your creative workflow best.
- Ultimately, both tools can help you turn your existing footage into engaging reels, so your choice should revolve around your specific editing needs and preferences.




