The 20 Best Video Editing Apps for 2021 - Irvine Sign Company - OC Sign Company. Serving Orange County Ca.

Using a video editing app is critical for creating a winning video marketing strategy.

And if you’re reading this blog post, chances are you already know you should incorporate more video content into your marketing, especially after the rise of remote living.

But like most new strategies, you’ll need to prove its ROI before you get budget. And that can be tricky, because to make a great video, you need a few things — like a camera and editing software.

You might already have a high-quality camera built into your smartphone, but editing your raw footage and preparing it for publication requires a third-party mobile app. You might even need to hop on the computer for the more extensive post-production projects.

There’s a good chance you already have video editing software installed on your computer. For Windows, that’s Movie Maker, and for Macs, it’s iMovie. But depending on the purpose your video is serving — and the content channel to which you’re distributing it — you may find that these options aren’t packed with enough features.

The good news: There are several free and inexpensive video editing apps you can download that run the gamut from super simple to Hollywood-level powerful.

Editing Apps for Videos: Standard Features

Every editing app will be different, but there are a few features you’ll want to look for. Because most apps will have a free and paid version, it’s important to know what’s essential and what might be worth an upgrade.

Make sure that you can do the following without paying for a premium version:

Either import videos and photos from your camera, or film them from the app itself.
Scrub through the video as you edit it.
Add music to the video.
Choose an aspect ratio that fits with your target platform (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and so on).
Export video with at least 480p quality.
Either save the video to your camera roll or to the app’s cloud service.
Add text and common shapes at the minimum.
Speed up or slow down the video by 1-2X.

Premium features that you might run into include:

Stickers, filters, gifs, and unique fonts
Professional transitions between shots
Premium music choices and quality stock footage
High-definition exports (720p, 1080p, or 4K)
Layering, masks, and green-screen detection technologies
Multi-track editing and timelines
Extreme speeding up and extreme slowing down of the footage (>4X)
No branded watermark

The following solutions can help you make video magic — whether your video is meant for Instagram, YouTube, or a similar channel where you audience is hungry for content. Click one of the links below to jump to a specific type of app, or keep reading to learn about them all.

Instagram Video Editing Apps

The following apps allow you to edit and quickly upload beautiful videos to Instagram. None of these apps are limited to Instagram, but are known for their support of this social network.

1. Magisto

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: iOS, Android, Online

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Video automation is here — in the form of the Magisto video editor.

Owned by Vimeo, Magisto allows you to make incredible videos without ever leaving your smartphone in three easy steps: First, you’ll choose your video editing style (the type of story you’re telling), then you’ll choose the photos and video clips you’d like included, and lastly you’ll pick your music from Magisto’s built-in music library.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), this intuitive app helps organize your footage in a video that best delivers the message you have in mind. Why not stop at the free version? Upgrade to Premium or Professional for a small monthly fee and make longer movies with more of your own content.

Pros

Easy-to-use templates for hassle-free creation
Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface
Online version available for creating both on Windows and macOS laptops
Professional and Business plans come with a free Vimeo Pro subscription

Cons

The “Created with Magisto” watermark will be visible unless you upgrade to premium
No multi-track editing or 4K exporting
Ideal for very short social media videos (< 3 minutes long)
Stock videos are only accessible with a Professional plan

2. Hyperlapse

Price:Free | Platforms: iOS

Hyperlapse is an app created by Instagram itself that condenses videos into brief, hyper-speed videos that you can upload to Instagram or Facebook.

You can choose among a few different speeds, and the app will show you how long the hyperlapsed video will be for every speed in comparison to the length of the video in real time. (So a 40-second video in real time will become roughly a 7-second video in Hyperlapse at 6X speed.) It’s a really cool way to capture something that usually lasts a while — like a sunset or an event setup.

See what happened when I used Hyperlapse to film daybreak at 12X in the video above.

Pros

Easy way to speed up process videos
Minimal layout that’s nearly identical to the iPhone camera
You can capture videos straight from the app
No sign-in required to get started

Cons

Only has one capability: speeding up videos
You can’t import already-filmed videos into the app
The video saves into your camera roll, taking up storage space
No multi-track editing, 4K exporting, or other features typically associated with apps for video editing

3. Wondershare Filmora

Price: Starts at free on mobile | Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

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Wondershare Filmora (formerly Wondershare Video Editor) is the perfect option if you want to start out with basic video editing functionality with the opportunity to get more advanced as you go. The app is perfect for Instagram, but can create audience-ready videos for numerous platforms.

Filmora is available for Windows and Mac computers, whereas the company’s FilmoraGo mobile app is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.

Filmora’s “Easy Mode” strips away the complexity so you can drag and drop video clips, add some music, and produce a finished video in a matter of minutes. The FilmoraGo app has many of these features, plus an Effect Store where you can incorporate preset intros, themes, and transitions into your video creation.

Sound too good to be true? Well, you’re right: The free version of Wondershare Filmora adds a watermark to your videos that you can only remove through upgrading to their paid service.

Pros

A powerful option for both beginner and advanced video editors
The desktop version offers multi-track editing and more traditional video editing capabilities
The mobile version includes easy-to-use effects, stickers, and filters
You can layer music and different sounds in the mobile app
Relatively affordable (starting at less than $50 per year for Filmora X, and free for the mobile app) compared to competitors such as Adobe

Cons

The desktop apps are not free, but a trial is available
Videos are watermarked with the Wondershare branding unless you upgrade to a premium plan

4. InShot

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: iOS, Android

There are the times when you just want to edit a video — no fancy collages and no splicing. For that, there’s InShot, a handy app that lets you trim, speed up, or add music and filters to video. It’s pretty fundamental, but with that comes a high ease of use. You can also add a background, if you like, though we think it’s pretty cool to have an overlap of images, like we did with the video above.

I took a simple video of a tranquil beach scene, but enhanced it with InShot’s “warm filter” and added a fitting musical track to it — a song called “Pikake Stream,” by Kalani. (I recommend viewing the video in its entirety with headphones, especially if you’re having a stressful day.)

Pros

Great app for beginners and marketers who don’t have a lot of time for intensive video editing
Built-in music library with royalty-free options
You have the ability to add voice-overs and your own music
The app has a 4.8-star rating on the Apple Store and over 1M ratings

Cons

No desktop app available
Filters and stickers are only available with a paid subscription
Your video will be watermarked unless you upgrade to the paid version

Best Video Editing Apps for YouTube

Although the video editing services below do not offer mobile versions, they do offer easy-to-learn functionality at minimal cost. These apps are the best for sitting down at your computer and editing amazing video content for your YouTube channel.

9. Blender

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

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The open source program Blender is more than just a video editor: It’s a full-blown 3D animation suite, which allows for modeling, rendering, motion tracking, and more.

On the video editing side, there are a ton of features, including transitions, speed control, filters, adjustment layers, and more. There are also 32 slots available for adding video clips, audio clips, images, and effects, which means you can produce some incredibly complex video.

For the amateur video editor, all the functionality that’s available can be a bit overwhelming. But if you’re looking to produce truly professional-quality video — without having to deal with watermarks — Blender is a solid option. The best part: “You are free to use Blender for any purpose, including commercially or for education,” according to its website. For the fine print, check out its licensing info.

Pros

Long history of use across multiple platforms
You can also render, model, sculpt, and animate using this app

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners

10. Lightworks

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

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Like Blender, Lightworks is definitely on the more advanced (and powerful) end of the video editing software spectrum. In fact, it’s a program that’s been used to edit some well-known and award-winning films, including Pulp Fiction, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The King’s Speech.

There are two different licenses you can choose from with Lightworks: “Free” and “Pro.” (The latter of which, as you might have guessed, requires that you cough up some cash.) The main difference between the two licenses is that the Pro version offers more features, including stereoscopic output and advanced project sharing. But the free version is still quite powerful, providing 100+ effects and supporting multicam editing.

Pros

Like Blender, Lightworks has a long history of use across multiple platforms
You can access royalty-free videos and audio from the desktop app
You can export up to 4K
Multi-track editing and timelines, even in the free version
You can buy a lifetime license for $437.99 and never worry about renewing a subscription

Cons

Extremely steep learning curve for beginners
Not many options for creating titles and subtitles
Users have reported formatting issues when importing video clips

11. Shotcut

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

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Shotcut is another open source video software — and it’s completely free. It’s possible to use Shotcut to create professional-looking videos, but the interface is tricky to use. Perhaps that’s because it was originally developed for the Linux platform, which looks and feels a lot different from the typical Windows or Mac UX.

With dedication — and time spent in the Shotcut frequently asked questions and how-to guide sections — it’s possible to use this software to create and export high-quality videos, completely for free.

Pros

Completely free—you never have to upgrade, ever
Diverse list of features that rival those of paid apps

Cons

Could be difficult to get the hang of at first
Some users find the UI difficult to navigate
Less intuitive compared to other apps such as Premiere Pro and FinalCut, even for experienced editors

12. VSDC Free Video Editor

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows Only

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In experienced hands, the VSDC Free Video Editor can produce some seriously professional-looking video. In addition to supporting nearly every major video format, the program offers advanced video effects, including object transformation and color correction, as well as advanced audio effects like volume correction and sound normalization. And unlike WeVideo, the VSDC Free Video Editor is truly free. You can use the program’s full feature set without having to deal with pesky watermarks.

Unfortunately, there is one catch. If you want technical support, you need to pay. (And because there is a bit of a learning curve, there’s a good chance you’ll need to.) Support for the VSDC Free Video Editor costs $9.99 for one month and $14.99 for one year.

Pros

Free version is packed with typically premium features such as masking, blending modes, and 4K exports
You can share your video directly from the app to YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms

Cons

You have to pay for support if you’re on the free version
Not as user-friendly as other alternatives
Users have reported a steep learning curve

13. Machete Video Editor Lite

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows Only

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At the simple end of the spectrum is Machete Video Editor Lite, a free program allowing you to cut, copy, and paste different sections of video. As the Machete website puts it, Video Editor Lite was “designed for quick and simple ‘slicing’ of your video files.”

The program’s intuitive interface means you won’t have to waste time shuffling through technical support documents. And because Video Editor Lite doesn’t re-encode your video files when you slice them, you don’t have to worry about losing video quality.

The main downsides to the program? It only supports the AVI and WMV video formats, and it doesn’t allow for audio editing. Still, if you have zero video editing experience and only need to make simple edits, it’s a great option.

Pros

Offers simple but powerful slicing and editing capabilities
Incredibly simple and user-friendly interface; simply download and go

Cons

You can only export AVI and WMV files
You can’t edit or replace the audio
Outdated website with limited support documents

14. Avidemux

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

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Like Machete Video Editor Lite, Avidemux allows you to do basic video editing (no audio editing) without having to worry about loss of video quality. But Avidemux also has a few more tricks up its sleeve.

For starters, the program supports multiple video formats, including AVI, DVD, MPEG, QuickTime, and MP4. What’s more, Avidemux comes with several filters that allow you to perform a host of different functions, from flipping and rotating clips, to adding subtitles, to adjusting colors and brightness levels.

And while the learning curve for Avidemux is slightly steeper compared to Machete Video Editor Lite, the upside is that there’s an extensive Avidemux wiki that covers everything you need to know.

Pros

Supports multiple file formats such as AVI, MPEG, MP4, and Microsoft’s proprietary ASF
Simple interface that’s best for tasks such as cutting and splicing footage
Easy learning curve; simply download and start using

Cons

Limited capabilities compared to other apps (especially mobile apps)

15. HitFilm

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: Windows, macOS

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HitFilm Express is a free video editing and visual effects software — which means you can use it to add more than 180 special effects to your videos, including 3D editing.

Possibly the coolest HitFilm feature is its wealth of tutorial videos — users can practice applying special visual effects in movie tutorials based on Star Wars, Westworld, and more.

Of course, upgrading to HitFilm Pro grants access to more visual effects, better high resolution and 3D rendering, and better audio syncing between audio and video files. It costs $300, but if you’re not ready to fully invest, HitFilm Express users can purchase lower-cost expansions to use more tools in their software.

To see the complete list of differences between HitFilm Free and Pro, check out their “Compare Versions” page.

Pros

Powerful capabilities such as mask rendering, export queues, and unlimited tracks and transitions
Built-in voice recorder for easy voice-overs
Has been described as a mix between Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners
Users have reported some crashing issues

Video Editing Apps for Android

These video editing apps are particularly appealing for Android mobile users, though some of them are compatible with more than just the Android operating system.

16. VideoShow

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, iOS

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VideoShow allows you to edit video content in a number of creative ways beyond cutting and pasting scenes together. The award-winning app, which has more than 400 million users, allows you to include text overlays, stickers, music, filters, and sound effects to your footage. Because of these features, it lends itself to video producers who want to add a bit more creativity to a vlog series, where the video is primarily of one person speaking directly to the camera.

Pros

Easy-to-use yet powerful, with HD exports available for free users
Expansive music library

Cons

Your video will be watermarked with VideoShow branding if you’re not on the paid version
You can’t export the video without upgrading to the paid version

17. PowerDirector

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, Windows, macOS

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This robust video editor has a suite of creative design tools just for Android and desktop users. Developed by CyberLink, the app can help you create 4K-quality videos from footage taken with numerous devices. Special features include motion tracking, which helps you focus on specific subjects in each frame; video collages, which help you piece together numerous photos into a motion video; and video stabilization, allowing you to remove moments of “shaky camera” in your footage. PowerDirector can also help you add voice overs and creative sound effects using chroma key.

Many of PowerDirector’s features are completely free in the Android app. For a more advanced suite of editing tools, you can invest in one of CyberLink’s paid products starting at $99.

Pros

Powerful features such as green screen editing, motion graphics, and keyframe controls
Incredibly low price compared to competitors such as Adobe
Multi-track editing and timelines
The company constantly adds new graphics and templates for users to choose from

Cons

Some users have reported that it can be buggy
Steep learning curve for beginners

18. Quik

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

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Quik is a video editing tool developed by GoPro, making it the software of choice for people who are editing footage from their GoPro camera. But yes, it can edit content from any source.

The app can manage up to 75 photos and video clips in one project, and can even comb through this content to help you make smart editing decisions based on what the app detects in the footage. From time lapses to panoramic pieces, Quik can manipulate your media in lots of creative ways. The app has more than 20 preset themes to choose from and supports eight common file types.

Pros

Easy-to-use and intuitive app
Automatically imports photos from your camera

Cons

This software no longer receives updates from its manufacturer
You only have access to the cloud when you upgrade to GoPro PLUS

19. KineMaster

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android, ChromeOS

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KineMaster is a super-versatile video editing tool that allows you to edit videos on “multiple layers.” What does that mean? Content creators can add an unlimited amount of text overlays, images, audio, and even free handwriting onto their footage for the artistic detail they or their brand needs. You can also blend multiple pieces of footage and use double-exposures to customize the background in a load of creative ways.

For simpler editing tasks, of course, this app offers intuitive trimming and splitting features to make your video progress just the way you want it to.

Pros

Powerful features such as multi-track editing, layers, and blending modes
Over 3M reviews on Google Play and an average rating of 4.5 stars
You can share on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook straight from the app
4K exports available

Cons

Your video will be watermarked with the KineMaster branding if you don’t upgrade to Premium
Limited access to assets on the free version

20. VivaVideo

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android

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VivaVideo makes professional-level edits easy for content creators. Free for all mobile devices, the app allows you to trim, merge, speed up, slow down, and reverse clips and images in a short amount of time. The app also comes with a simple collage- and slideshow-maker, and offers a variety of camera lenses to capture new, edit-ready footage directly in the app.

Pros

Fun on-trend filters, templates, and effects
Expansive music library with hundreds of clips to choose from
Multi-track editing that allows you to layer voice clips and music

Cons

Five-minute time limit for videos

With most people working from home, the importance of video can’t be overstated. But unless you get the right app for video editing, you’ll run the risk of publishing videos that look unprofessional and unpolished.

With these apps, you’ll be sure to create video that attracts, converts, and delights your audience. The sooner you download one, the sooner you can sharpen your audio/video creation skills and attract more people to your brand.

Create Better Videos for a Higher ROI

Online video content isn’t just watched more — it’s expected more. Luckily, you have the video editing tools to help you delight your audience and improve conversion rates across your social media accounts. Grab the guide below to make the video learning curve easier and to jumpstart your video marketing efforts.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Editing Apps for Videos: Standard Features

Instagram Video Editing Apps

1. Magisto

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: iOS, Android, Online

2. Hyperlapse

Price:Free | Platforms: iOS

3. Wondershare Filmora

Price: Starts at free on mobile | Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

4. InShot

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: iOS, Android

Top Free Video Editing Software

5. WeVideo

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome OS

6. Splice

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android

8. PicPlayPost

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android

Best Video Editing Apps for YouTube

9. Blender

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

10. Lightworks

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

11. Shotcut

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

12. VSDC Free Video Editor

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows Only

13. Machete Video Editor Lite

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows Only

14. Avidemux

Price: Free | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

15. HitFilm

Price: Starts at free | Platforms: Windows, macOS

Video Editing Apps for Android

16. VideoShow

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, iOS

17. PowerDirector

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, Windows, macOS

18. Quik

Price: Free | Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

19. KineMaster

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android, ChromeOS

20. VivaVideo

Price: Free | Platforms: iOS, Android

Create Better Videos for a Higher ROI

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