As an avid Instagram vlogger (I’m a photographer, I can’t work without it), I regularly capture content for my lifestyle videos and enhance them using various Reel editing apps. Having tried nearly every option available on the App Store and Play Market, I have plenty of recommendations for you, whether you're looking for something basic and free for beginners or something with more bells and whistles for the pros.
My favorite apps for editing IG videos, which I'll be listing below, all have several things in common that I think are super important:
Intuitive interface and controls. I want apps that are easy to figure out, with simple controls and a clear interface. While I don't want an overly simplified interface that compromises access to crucial features, I also avoid anything so different that it takes me forever to learn how to use it.
Pre-made templates. They are particularly valuable if you're new to video editing. But even for experienced users like me, they can be a great way to make a trendy video in no time. I make sure the templates are fresh and updated regularly.
Robust features. This totally depends on the type of videos you make. Some apps have mind-blowing special effects and transitions, but maybe you'd rather have more control over the sound. Almost all of them have the basics like cutting and putting clips together, adding text, and music. However, some options have special features that make them way cooler than others.
Device compatibility. Every app on this list has a mobile version, which is great for on-the-go editing. But some also have versions for desktops and tablets. When it comes to social media for photographers, people mostly use phones these days. But for my bigger projects, I need a desktop program.
Pricing and accessibility. Evaluate the app's pricing structure. Consider Reel editing apps free with basic features and paid versions with advanced tools. Choose the app that aligns with your budget and required functionality, whether it's a one-time purchase for lifetime access or a subscription model.
Best for working across devices
To my mind, Adobe Rush is the best Instagram Reels editing app currently available. It's not just awesome for improving Reels, but for tons of other videos. There are many editing features that work on all devices, so I can use Adobe Rush for editing whether I'm at my computer or using my phone.
I think Adobe Rush is a unique app that caters to the needs of both novice and experienced video editors. Users can incorporate transitions, customize titles, enhance colors, integrate audio, and regulate the pacing of their videos. Furthermore, Rush allows the creation of captivating transitional graphics and animated titles. What’s more, you can export high-definition videos with a single click.
Even though it's great for pros, Adobe Rush is no less fitting for beginners who just want to apply quick and simple corrections. The app contains presets for the repeating processes. There are presets for audio controls that can clean up your sound, stabilize audio, etc. Moreover, there are presets for color grading to give you more control over how your Reels look.
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Pricing: free, from $9.99/mo
Best for content creators on the go
While Adobe Premiere Rush is a powerful tool for in-depth video editing, Adobe Express is the best app for swift on-the-go fixes. I like its pre-designed templates and themes, that I can easily customize. The intuitive drag-and-drop functionality is another advantage for me. Besides, Express boasts robust video resizing tools, so I can make personalized miniature masterpieces.
Newbies will love that this free video editor includes stock assets and trendy Instagram Reel templates. The collection is constantly growing. Plus, the Adobe Express free plan has everything a beginner creator can dream about. However, if you want more advanced tools for making Reels, opt for the paid plans. They are pretty cheap.
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Pricing: Free plan, from $9.99/mo
Best for basic reels editing
One of the apps to make reels I particularly favor for creating Reels is the Instagram platform itself. The integrated Reels editor offers a user-friendly interface and undergoes continual updates. Thus, users receive new features and functionalities.
The coolest thing is that I can film and edit my Reel all in one place, instead of moving files between apps. Plus, the built-in editor lets me add music from their library, stickers, effects, catchy VR filters, etc. In general, it is super-fast to create videos and keep in the loop of the trends with this Reel editing app free solution.
The app also lets you do some last-minute edits before you post your Reel. You can change the size and shape of the video, and add effects like filters and stickers. But keep in mind, the editor isn't perfect. Some features may not work everywhere, and Instagram can sometimes remove music you add from their library.
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Pricing: Free
Best for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube content creators
A lot of my fellow creators who aren't big fans of Adobe use CapCut as their main Reel and TikTok video editing app. They like that the program gives them more control than the Instagram app. I use it a lot too, because it has all the same basic editing tools as other apps like CapCut, plus a bunch of more advanced features.
The best part of CapCut for me (and probably many other creators) is the giant stock media library. It includes tons of fonts, effects, filters, stickers, and sound effects that I can use to customize my Reels. The effects are awesome – slow-motion, bounce, even animations. New creators love it too because they have all these trending templates for memes, so it's super easy to jump on what's hot.
Another advantage for me is the availability of a free desktop version, so handy to work on larger projects. So, if tiny editing buttons on my phone make my eyes go wonky, I can just switch over to my computer and edit on a bigger screen.
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Pricing: Free, from $7.99/mo
Best for AI features
Filmora Video Editor is one of my favorite video editing apps for Reels because of its AI functionality. It can't create videos on its own, but it uses AI to add text and stock footage to my videos based on my text prompts. This is especially handy for educational Reels because it saves me so much time.
Newbies will surely adore the Instant Mode. Just upload 5+ assets and pick a template. Filmora will make a video for you that you can edit later. When I don't feel like messing with the timeline, this is a perfect alternative.
While the innovative text-to-video function is undeniably impressive, Filmora offers a comprehensive suite of traditional editing features. That’s why, I am a loyal Filmora user and regularly rely on it to have a successful Instagram. I can easily add transitions, stickers, and effects to my videos, plus the voiceover tool makes it super easy to narrate my recordings.
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Pricing: Free, from $49.99/year
Best for brand kits
Canva is super user-friendly, no matter if you're a design pro or a total newbie. I use it all the time to make Instagram Reels that match my brand. The coolest part is that I can save my logo, colors, and fonts right in Canva. Then, I just use the same template for every Reel.
I also love that this app has awesome Reel templates. To make a new Instagram video, I just pick a template, add my videos, and then drag and drop pictures, graphics, and music wherever I want. When I'm done, I can download my Reel as high-res MP4 video with no watermarks.
The paid version of Canva is even more impressive. It gives users access to multiple stock videos. I particularly appreciate it when I lack my own footage but need to make an attention-grabbing video. Plus, there's the Magic Beat Sync feature that automatically synchronize my video with the music.
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Pricing: Free, from $14.99/mo
Best customizable features
InShot free video editing app stands out with its usability. I can cut up my videos, merge clips together, speed or slow them down, and even resize them for Instagram Reels. The free plan has a ton of awesome features you wouldn't expect, and once I'm done editing, I can just post my Reels straight to Instagram. There are also free effects, filters, stickers, and text to add to your videos.
The only disadvantage of this free app for editing Instagram Reels is that you can only work with one video and one soundtrack at a time. That means you can't experiment with layering clips and music, but for quick and easy edits, it's fantastic.
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Pricing: Free, from $4.19/mo
Best user interface
Splice is unmatched when it comes to cinematic effects. The app has multiple free tools for adding professional flair to videos. My favorite is its speed ramp feature that lets you speed up parts of your Reels.
Splice also offers a lot of transitions and editing tools. You can take advantage of the widely admired Ken Burns effect, alongside a sophisticated chroma key feature for modifying object colors with a single click.
Splice brags about a user-friendly interface that's perfect for mobile editing. This lightweight video editor provides all the essential tools without cluttering the screen with too many buttons and icons. Thus, it is ideal for editing on a smaller display without feeling overwhelmed.
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Pricing: from $2.99 per week
Best AI templates
Mojo is an AI video editor perfect for crafting eye-catching content for Instagram, TikTok, and beyond. For me, its most important feature is the AI-driven templates.
With over 1,200 unique options, creating trending social media content is very easy. I simply pick a template, make my edits, resize as needed, and share my polished video across any platform with just a tap.
During work, I enjoy using auto-captions, text effects, filters, and grid layouts. Beginners will love the extensive collection of unique trending templates that come pre-matched with popular sounds from Instagram and TikTok. It’s incredibly convenient and quick to create viral videos for social media.
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Pricing: Free, from $17.99/mo
Adobe Premiere Rush pleases with professional-grade tools and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Express is praised for its user-friendly interface and free trendy templates, and CapCut - free app with robust features, popular among TikTok users.
Most apps have a free version with basic functionality, but you have to pay extra to unlock the cool features and get rid of ads. For instance, Adobe Premiere Rush has a free plan with a paid upgrade, Adobe Express is totally free with a paid option too, and CapCut is awesome because it's completely free.
Adobe Express, Slice, and Mojo are top picks for beginners because of their intuitive interfaces and user-friendly tools. They provide tutorials and simplify the editing process, making it easy to get started.
Many Reel editing apps also have desktop versions or compatible counterparts for computers. Adobe Premiere Rush, Adobe Express, and CapCut work on both mobile and desktop platforms.
Sure, many reel editing apps allow you to include music. You can either use music from their own library or import your own tunes. Some popular apps with large music selections and audio editing tools are InShot, Splice, and CapCut.
Adobe Premiere Rush sticks out as a top choice among professionals because of its advanced editing features and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud. It provides extensive control over the editing process and delivers amazing results.
Absolutely! Some of the listed editing apps, including Adobe Premiere Rush, allow you to edit 4K videos. This means you can export your reels with the highest resolution for stunning visuals.
