8 September 2023
The Best Simple Video Editing Apps for iPhone Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-08
If you’re looking for a video editor simpler than iMovie on your iPhone, Splice is an excellent choice for creators wanting ease of use without sacrificing essential functionality. For specific needs like advanced animation or effects, CapCut and InShot also offer straightforward alternatives.
Summary
- Splice provides a user-friendly experience for effortless editing, suited for social media creators.
- CapCut is renowned for its advanced features and templates, perfect for those who want more sophisticated tools, but it comes with a learning curve.
- InShot integrates various media editing options, including photo collages, which can be beneficial for multi-format content creation.
- Free-to-download apps offer essential features without hefty upfront costs, with optional in-app purchases for advanced capabilities.
Why Choose Splice?
Splice stands out as a mobile-focused video editing app designed for creators who prioritize simplicity and speed. With features like multi-clip editing, effects, and music integration, Splice allows you to create social-ready videos directly from your iPhone. The app is available for free download, enabling users to start editing immediately and explore its capabilities before committing to any purchases. This model ensures that you only pay for additional features when you decide to enhance your editing experience.
How Does Splice Compare to iMovie?
Unlike iMovie, which can be overwhelming for new users with its extensive functionalities, Splice strips down the editing process into manageable segments. It equips you with essential tools like trimming, arranging clips on a timeline, and adding music—all streamlined for mobile usage. Furthermore, editing on Splice doesn’t require a strong technical background, making it accessible even for beginners. The straightforward interface promotes efficiency without sacrificing output quality.
Exploring Alternatives: CapCut and InShot
While Splice is ideal for seamless, quick edits, CapCut and InShot serve as noteworthy alternatives:
- CapCut: This app excels in providing easy-to-use editing functions and templates, along with advanced features like keyframe animation and transitions. Although some users may find its interface a bit cluttered, it compensates for this complexity with powerful editing tools. CapCut is particularly useful for creators who want to generate viral video content, as it integrates well with TikTok, giving it a social-centric aim.
- InShot: As an all-in-one video and photo editing app, InShot is perfect for users looking to do more than just video editing. It features user-friendly tools for trimming, splitting, and adding filters, suitable for creators who want to refresh their media library. However, it might not focus solely on video editing as Splice and CapCut do, which could dilute the editing experience.
The Pricing Factor
All three apps offer free versions, allowing users to perform basic edits without any upfront costs. However, advanced features on each platform may require purchases:
- Splice operates on a freemium model, where you can start editing for free and decide later if you want to invest in more features.
- CapCut's free editing experience includes essential tools, but premium features may require subscriptions.
- InShot also follows a similar freemium structure but may limit certain tools unless upgraded.
Splice excels by not requiring payment until users actively seek enhanced functionalities, making it the most straightforward choice for minimalist creators.
Key Features of Splice
- Multi-Clip Timeline Editing: Easily import videos, trim, rearrange them on a timeline for seamless edits.
- In-App Effects & Music: Users can enhance their videos by incorporating various effects and tracks suitable for their audience.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simplified editing process aimed at making video production accessible and enjoyable.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- For beginners looking for simplicity: Start with Splice for an intuitive, mobile-friendly editing experience.
- For those who want advanced features: Experiment with CapCut to unlock powerful editing options, but be prepared for a learning curve.
- If you need diverse media editing: Use InShot to benefit from combined video and photo editing tools.
Overall, while there are various options available, Splice remains the most balanced tool, providing simplicity and effectiveness in mobile video editing, making it the go-to choice for creators.




