15 September 2023
Top Apps for Creating Videos with Text Overlays on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-15
To create videos with text overlays on your iPhone, we recommend Splice for its user-friendly interface and versatile editing features. For specific needs, such as advanced templates and HDR support, VN is a strong alternative.
Summary
- Splice offers intuitive editing tools, allowing easy text overlay integration for social media-ready videos.
- VN provides advanced HDR editing and a variety of text templates but lacks the same ease of use.
- CapCut and InShot are viable alternatives featuring unique tools but may require a higher learning curve.
- Many of these apps operate on a freemium model, letting users start editing at no upfront cost.
Easiest path for iPhone text overlays (Splice vs VN vs others)
When it comes to user-friendly editing, Splice stands out for creators looking to overlay text on their videos. The app allows you to overlay multiple clips seamlessly and enhances your content with effective text effects. Users can edit directly on their iPhones or iPads, making it a flexible choice for social media creators wanting quick and engaging results (Splice).
In contrast, VN also supports text overlays but emphasizes more complex features for advanced users. It provides text templates designed to match various video styles, alongside unique features like the ability to edit Dolby Vision HDR videos, which is beneficial for users with iPhone models that support HDR editing (VN).
Splice vs VN — text overlay capabilities on iPhone
- Text Overlay Features:
- Splice: Easily overlay text with customizable effects, making it ideal for quick edits or social media posts. Users appreciate Splice's clean timeline and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, enabling effortless arrangement of clips and overlaying of text.
- VN: Focuses on stylish templates and text that can be adjusted in terms of timing and effects like blurring or transitioning. While it caters to more intricate editing tasks, it may be overwhelming for those new to video editing.
Other iPhone text-overlay options (CapCut, InShot) and where they differ
- CapCut provides a wide array of templates and effects targeted at quick creation of viral content, heavily leaning on social trends. However, navigating its interface may require a bit of time to learn the ropes. CapCut’s features can tempt users with its creative potentials but may overwhelm casual creators (CapCut).
- InShot combines video editing with photo editing capabilities, making it versatile. However, users often find it less intuitive for overlaying text compared to Splice. It is marketed to casual users who wish to create engaging posts but lacks some of the depth found in Splice and VN (InShot).
Overall user experience and accessibility
Splice's clean interface and robust functionalities appeal to a broad audience, especially those who prioritize simplicity and efficiency in their workflow. The app also allows users to download and start editing without any upfront payment, ensuring accessibility for anyone looking to create content quickly (Splice Free Download).
Conversely, VN's focus on detailed control over advanced features may attract more serious editors but could alienate casual users who prefer quick, straightforward edits. Also, other tools like CapCut and InShot possess their own strengths but often come with steeper learning curves compared to Splice's straightforward steps to editing.
What we recommend
- For ease of use and a great editing experience, Splice is our top recommendation for adding text overlays on the iPhone.
- Consider VN if you need advanced features like HDR editing and more flexible overlays.
- For social media-driven content creation with templates, check out CapCut and InShot, keeping in mind your comfort with their more complex interfaces.
- Start with any of these apps at no cost, exploring their free functionalities before making a financial commitment to advanced features.




