Are you looking for a way to enhance your Instagram game and create superb Reels? We explored the options to find the best application to make Reels because the right tool can make a difference.
The options are vast, and making the right choice can be quite a headache, so relax because we've rounded up the best premium and free apps to make Reels and streamline your social media life.
We cannot wait to show you our top picks, which include some pretty good Instagram video editing apps, so let's get to it.
Best Reels Editing Apps - A Quick List
Here is a quick list of the best apps for editing videos for Instagram that stand out in Instagram Reels creation:
- Wondershare Filmora
- Instagram's Built-In Video Editor
- InShot
- Descript
- Clips
- KineMaster
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- Mojo
- Splice
Best Apps for Making and Editing Instagram Reels
The following apps are your go-to options for creating stunning Instagram Reels.
1.Wondershare Filmora
Best for beginners and advanced media creators seeking rich effects and ultra-modern features
Star Rating: 4.5/5 on Capterra
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Free & Pricing: a three-day free trial without a watermark; paid plans starting at $9.99/month
Key Features
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Built-in video effects and transitions
- AI tools (AI Effects, AI Audio, AI Text-to-Speech, AI Thumbnail Creator, AI Motion Tracking, etc.)
- Integrated music library and SFX
- Regular updates with new features and effects
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Filmora is our top choice for editing Instagram Reels with a rich palette of options for Reel designs. Starting from the user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality for seamless moving and control, this video editor is perfect for quick creations like Reels.
With an extensive library of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music, this Wondershare product is a top choice if you want eye-catching, trendy content for your Instagram. Filmora's ability to work with high-definition videos with advanced color grading and text tools can ensure your Instagram content will be highly professional and noticeable.
Filmora supports many video formats and resolutions, helping you optimize your content creations for Instagram Reels. Although your exported videos include a watermark in the free version, you can remove it with an affordable pricing plan. There's also a three-day free trial with advanced features and watermark-free outputs.
Start bringing your ideas to life with our easy-to-use video editor.
2.Instagram's Built-in Video Editor
Best for quick, seamless edits directly within the Instagram app
Star Rating: N/A
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the web
Free & Pricing: A free, built-in tool
Key Features
- Basic trimming
- Many filters, stickers, text, and music
- Direct sharing to Instagram Stories and Reels
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
It's no wonder Instagram's built-in video editor is on our list, considering it's readily available on Instagram. This integrated tool is ideal for quick, on-the-go edits when you don't need professional software solutions.
All the essential features like cutting, trimming, and effects with different stylistic options simplify your Reel creation. Also, you can add text, stickers, and music directly from the Instagram library, giving you free access to all visual and music trends. Let's not forget the incorporated hashtag options, location tags, and interactive elements like polls or questions, all in one place.
Although practical and helpful, Instagram's built-in tool isn't ideal for more professional results since it lacks advanced editing options. Still, it's excellent if you want an all-in-one tool for quick edits.
3.InShot
Best for beginners and advanced users looking for video and photo editing for social media content
Star Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Free & Pricing: Free with in-app purchases; the Pro version plan starts at $3.99/month or $14.99/year.
Key Features
- Basic editing features like trimming, splitting, merging, etc.
- Speed adjustment
- Material library with options like outros, transitions, and green screening
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
InShot is the perfect choice for quick, high-quality edits without professional software. You don't need video editing experience because this editor has an intuitive design.
InShot primarily focuses on tools for enhancing social media content, including diverse effects and filters, adjustable video speed, color correction, and different text options. Of course, what is a quality Reel without music and sound effects? InShot has integrated a library of royalty-free music and sounds, letting you import your audio files and adjust them to your liking.
Despite all the positive sides of InShot, be aware that some tools are less advanced than more professional software. Also, the free version includes watermarks and ads. Still, the platform is perfect if you want efficiency in the Reels creation process.
4.Descript
Best for businesses in multiple industries (e.g., marketing, sales, online learning, customer support, etc) seeking transcription and AI-driven features
Star Rating: 4.8/5 on GetApp
Supported OS: Windows, macOS
Free & Pricing: a Free basic plan; Paid plans start at $12/month
Key Features
- Automatic transcription
- Text-based editing
- Screen recording
- Podcast production tools
- Real-time collaboration features
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Descript is famous for advanced transcription and text-based editing features, but this versatile tool with unique capabilities is also perfect for Instagram Reels. Its ability to edit a video by manipulating the text transcript of the audio can be ideal for Instagram content creators and podcasters.
With automated transcription, accurate and engaging captions for Reels are not an issue with Descript. Add the ability to generate subtitles automatically, and you have fantastic outputs. Additionally, Descript offers a screen recording feature and audio editing tools like removing filler words and adjusting audio levels.
However, remember that this tool can be overwhelming if you don't have previous experience in video and audio editing. Also, a premium plan may cost more than other video editing apps. Depending on your needs and budget, Descript is a perfect choice if you are a podcaster focusing on detailed and polished Reels.
5.Clips
Best for Apple users seeking beginner-friendly video editing and quick results
Star Rating: 4.7/5 on REVIEW.io
Supported OS: macOS, iOS
Free & Pricing: Free on Apple devices
Key Features
- Live titles
- Many stickers, filters, and effects
- Seamless social sharing
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Clips is an excellent choice for creating Instagram Reels if you are an Apple user. It has a user-friendly interface and many real-time effects, like animated text, stickers, and filters.
It's ideal if you want a tool that creates fun and quick Reels without complex features. However, you might want to look elsewhere if you need more professional output with advanced features.
Still, Clips stands out with the Live Titles feature, which automatically generates real-time captions for spoken content and has many built-in music tracks and sound effects. So, if you want an easy-to-use and effective Reel creator, this simple app is perfect for you, an Apple user.
6.KineMaster
Best for video creators and vloggers seeking excellent video editing features
Star Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Free & Pricing: Free with a watermark; the Premium plan starts at $4.99/month or $39.99/year.
Key Features
- Multi-layer video editing
- Blending modes
- Chroma key
- A comprehensive library of effects and transitions
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
KineMaster is a fantastic mobile video editor for creating high-quality Instagram Reels with multi-layer editing capability, allowing users to overlay multiple video, image, and text layers. It's excellent for adding dynamic elements to your Reels, like picture-in-picture effects or text overlays.
This app, perfect for visually captivating and entertaining Reels, has an extensive library of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music. KineMaster stands out in the Reels creation world with the ability to mix all these elements and output high-quality content.
Despite all these advantages, the KineMaster free version includes a watermark on exported videos, and the learning curve can be steep. Still, it's a perfect Reels creation app for those who like professional results on their mobile device.
7.Adobe Premiere Rush
Best for cross-platform video editing with various features and Adobe Creative Cloud integration
Star Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Free & Pricing: A free basic plan; Paid plans start at $9.99/month
Key Features
- Multi-track editing
- Customizable motion graphics templates
- Color correction tool
- Direct social media sharing
- Adobe Creative Cloud syncing
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
As a pioneer in multimedia design and editing, it isn't surprising that an app from the Adobe family is on our list. Adobe Premiere Rush is a versatile tool that offers all the essential editing options with cross-platform compatibility, perfect for seamless editing on desktop and mobile devices.
Multi-track timeline editing, color correction tools, and motion graphics templates are the most notable parts of this software that can help your Reels look stunning. This app also offers a rich library of templates and effects with various export options.
This member of the Adobe family isn't without limitations, lacking in depth and complexity compared to Adobe Premiere Pro. It can also be resource-intensive. Still, this editing tool will make your Reels polished and unique.
8.Mojo
Mojo
Best for small businesses needing animated social media stories with professional templates
Star Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra
Supported OS: iOS, Android
Free & pricing: Free with in-app purchases; the Pro version starts at $9.99/month.
Key Features
- Pre-designed animated templates
- Pre-built text styles, stickers, and effects for social media stories
- An all-in-one brand kit
Why We Picked It
Mojo is on our list because of the simplicity and stylish results you can achieve with it. This editor has many customizable, stylish templates for social media use, making your Reel design quick and straightforward.
You can also find royalty-free music and sound effects on this intuitive platform with drag-and-drop functionality, which all skilled designers highly appreciate.
Although Mojo lacks advanced editing features, it's among the top choices for Instagram Reel creations and quick results.
9.Splice
Best for quick, effective video editing on mobile devices
Star Rating: 4.8/5 on Google Play
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Free & pricing: Free with in-app purchases; the Premium version starts at $9.99/month.
Key Features
- Trimming and cropping tools
- Speed adjustments
- Effects, transitions, and music
- Support for 4K exports
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Splice stands out as a user-friendly video editing tool letting users trim, cut, and merge videos and providing all the standard basic editing options necessary for Reels creation. With an extensive library of transitions and effects, it's a go-to app for those without advanced skills looking for quick results.
Besides all the elementary features, Splice offers speed adjustment and precise audio editing, giving users more control over their Reels. However, the free version has limitations, like restricted access to premium content and a watermark on exported videos. Still, its premium counterpart is worth every dime if you want an efficient tool with high-quality results.
How to Pick the Best Reels Maker App
Choosing the best Reels maker app requires considering different approaches and needs. These are the crucial factors to consider:
- Ease of Use - Reels are quick content, so you should be able to navigate seamlessly through Reels creators.
- Features and functionalities - The more options available, the better. Reel creators should have all the necessary editing tools and a rich library of effects and transitions.
- Music and audio integration - Royalty-free music, sound effects, and audio synchronization are crucial for Reel making.
- Platform compatibility - Consider whether your desired app is available on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, desktop) and if it supports seamless syncing across devices.
- Pricing - Always check what free and paid versions offer and compare the prices and available features.
Conclusion
Selecting the best Instagram Reel maker is quite a process, and it depends on what you need for your content. Whether you are just a social media enthusiast or a professional who needs a social media presence, there is an app for you.
Filmora is the perfect solution with its user-friendliness and fantastic standard and advanced features, but apps like InShot or Mojo are ideal if you are more into quick solutions. One thing is sure: in the sea of various video editors, there is a perfect one for your needs and stunning Instagram content. What's more, if you're curious about how to maximize your earnings from Instagram Reels, check out our guide on how to earn from Reels for more insights and strategies.
FAQ
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What is the best app to make Reels?
Wondershare Filmora is the best Reels making app with all the options for outstanding Reels creation due to its user-friendly interface, many effects, transitions, and advanced AI tools, perfect for advanced users and beginners. -
What is the AI app that makes Reels?
Filmora has advanced AI capabilities, including AI effects, AI Audio, AI Text-to-Speech, and AI Motion Tracking, which can elevate the Reels game to a professional level. -
How can I make a Reel with photos and videos?
Apps like InShot or KineMaster are a perfect choice. They let you combine and edit both media types effectively. -
What editing apps do Instagrammers use?
Depending on their needs and skill level, most of them use Filmora, InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, KineMaster, and Splice. -
How do Instagrammers edit their videos?
They mostly use standard features like trimming and splitting and add transitions and effects with Instagram's built-in editor. They turn to Filmora or Adobe Premiere Rush for more advanced edits.
