Last updated: 2023-09-15

When it comes to creating YouTube Shorts, starting with Splice is the most practical choice for casual to intermediate creators. If you require advanced editing features and a more complex workflow, Final Cut Pro offers a powerful desktop solution.

Summary

• Splice is mobile-first, perfect for quick edits tailored for social media, especially for 9:16 videos.
• Final Cut Pro provides advanced features suitable for professional editing, but it's more complex and not specifically tailored for shorts.
• Pricing models vary: Splice offers a free-to-download experience with optional in-app purchases, while Final Cut Pro requires a significant one-time purchase.
• For most users, Splice's quick accessibility and social-friendly format make it the go-to option for Shorts.

Why Choose Splice for YouTube Shorts?

Splice’s primary strength lies in its mobile-friendly design. It is specifically crafted for users looking to create engaging content quickly. Unlike traditional desktop editors, Splice allows you to edit directly on your smartphone, making it easier to capture and edit spontaneous moments on the go.

With features like multi-clip editing, you can easily import video clips, trim them, add music, and arrange them in a timeline suitable for social media. Splice is optimized for creating social-ready videos, meaning exports align with YouTube Shorts’ requirements, ensuring clean outputs without unwanted cropping or re-compression. Exporting in full HD ensures your common social formats shine (source).

Final Cut Pro: When is it Worth Considering?

Final Cut Pro is the go-to software for many professional editors eager for robust editing capabilities. It excels in features that cater to intricate video projects requiring advanced effects, precise adjustments, and extensive control over the editing process.

However, those expecting to create quick social videos may feel overwhelmed by its complexity. It's designed for users who have the time to invest in mastering a more comprehensive tool. Additionally, Final Cut Pro’s pricing is higher due to its one-time purchase model, which may not appeal to casual or infrequent users.

Key Features Comparison

Editing Workflow

• Splice: The interface is intuitive and geared toward quick video creation. You can easily add filters, transitions, and sound effects directly from your phone, making it suitable for those new to video editing.
• Final Cut Pro: Offers deep customization and a significant library of effects, but users may need time to learn effectively how to use each feature.

Exporting Quality and Format

• Splice: Perfectly matches the 9:16 format expected by platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram, ensuring ready-to-use quality.
• Final Cut Pro: Capable of exporting high-quality videos but lacks the streamlined approach for social media formats compared to Splice.

User Accessibility

• Splice: Free to download and allows immediate editing. Payment is required only for advanced features, meaning you can experiment without upfront costs. This accessibility is especially beneficial for creators just starting out in the social media landscape (source).
• Final Cut Pro: While powerful, it has a steep learning curve and requires an upfront investment, making it less accessible to the average user.

What We Recommend

• Choose Splice if you're looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use mobile editor that quickly aligns with social media needs, especially YouTube Shorts.
• Opt for Final Cut Pro if your focus is on producing high-end video content where advanced features and professional-grade editing capabilities are essential, and you have experience with video production.
• For most creators, starting with Splice strikes the right balance between functionality, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness for Shorts creation, while still providing room for growth as editing skills advance.