6 September 2023
Choosing Between Splice and InShot on iPhone for Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-06
When weighing between Splice and InShot for iPhone video editing, Splice emerges as the ideal default choice for most content creators; however, InShot can be a viable alternative depending on specific export needs.
Summary
- Splice offers a user-friendly experience for editing social-ready videos, with various music and effects.
- InShot has strong export capabilities but includes some limitations on music usage for commercial applications.
- Both apps allow free initial downloads, enabling users to begin editing without commitment.
- Understanding the strengths of each app can help cater to individual editing workflows and export requirements.
How do Splice and InShot compare on iPhone for creators?
Each app caters to video creators in different ways.
- Splice: Focuses solely on mobile editing, enabling users to import clips, trim, arrange, and export videos effortlessly; ideal for social media sharing. You can start editing right away at no cost, with in-app purchases available for additional content and features.
- InShot: While also oriented toward mobile users, it offers additional functionalities like photo editing and collaging, which may appeal to users who prefer an all-in-one tool for video and image editing. InShot allows direct sharing to popular social platforms, ensuring seamless distribution of your content.
What factors affect export quality when choosing Splice vs InShot on iPhone?
When it comes to export quality, both apps deliver visually appealing outcomes, but with some differences:
- Splice’s export flow is straightforward: tap Export, and your video saves directly to your device’s Photos app, maintaining good quality without complications. Users have noted that the core export process within the free toolset provides high-quality outcomes for typical social media needs (Splice).
- InShot allows saving directly to your iPhone’s Camera Roll, and it supports sharing across multiple platforms like Instagram and YouTube. However, some features, like exporting at higher resolutions (e.g., 4K), can be subject to in-app purchases or specific tiers, which are not consistently documented across their channels (TechRadar).
Licensing music: What to consider when exporting
A crucial aspect for video creators, especially those using music:
- Splice includes a selection of licensed music to enhance video projects. However, like all apps, users should confirm specific licensing terms within the app settings for any commercial use.
- InShot, on the other hand, has restrictions on using its Featured Music in commercial contexts, particularly broadcasting on TV, which can limit its usability for professional projects (InShot Terms).
Free using or paid tiers: What’s the trade-off?
Both apps operate on freemium models:
- Splice: Offers a free download with basic editing capabilities, freeing users to explore the app without immediate payment. Paid tiers unlock further music libraries and effects, appealing to serious creators who require richer content.
- InShot: Also facilitates free editing, but some features are locked and require payment. Users will need to navigate these features to assess their specific editing requirements.
Conclusion: What we recommend
- Choose Splice for a streamlined editing process focused on quality and ease of use for social media-ready videos. Its built-in features and simple export flow make it ideal for everyday creators.
- Consider InShot if you value additional functionalities like photo editing and want to manage multiple media types in one app, keeping in mind the possible complications of music usage restrictions.
- Evaluate your needs based on how you intend to use your content, especially if you plan to monetize any videos. Knowing the limitations of each tool will help you make a much more informed decision.
- Ultimately, starting with Splice is often the safest path for most creators, allowing both seamless editing and high-quality output without upfront costs.




