As you well know, eye-catching video content is critical for reaching target audience and boosting audience engagement. Regardless of the video post you’re trying to make, the right editor can make all the difference.
These animation tools equip you with all sorts of advanced features that will help you create videos with ease. I tried all sorts of professional video editors before creating this guide, so now, I bring you my list of the 15 best, most powerful tools you need in your content arsenal.
Why Instagram Video Editing Matters
You can’t just shoot a video clip and post it directly online. No, you need to trim your content, place scenes in natural order, enhance your sound effects, and introduce other improvements. That way, you can ensure that your posts hit their mark with the target audience.
Some of the more advanced programs even offer automatic video enhancement. Programs like Adobe Premiere Rush offer a wide range of features for creating high-quality videos with minimal human involvement. So, even if you’re a complete newbie, you can rely on this type of software to create great looking Instagram Reels within seconds.
Features to Look for in an Instagram Video Editor
Here are a few main things you should look for when choosing your next Instagram video maker:
- Comes with a user-friendly interface that even a baby can use.
- Offers comprehensive features such as transitions and special effects.
- Supports the common IG video formats.
- Makes the creation of music videos easier than ever.
- Allows you to export your gorgeous content directly to social media.
15 Best Instagram Video Editors
If you’re looking to create amazing videos for your IG account, you should definitely get one of these creative tools:
1. Instagram’s In-App Editor
SourceWith the company’s integrated editor, you’re able to modify Instagram Reels to your liking. This simple application allows you to modify content on your phone without ever having to spend money on robust video editing tools. The app also has a comprehensive music library and makes it easier to follow the latest trends.
My favorite thing about the tool is that it’s completely free. You can utilize stickers and a wide range of effects for as long as your heart desires. The software is perfect for content creators who want to post Instagram Reels on the go without having to hop on their PC every few moments.
iMovie is an advanced tool that allows you to create all sorts of content, including video posts for Instagram. It has an intuitive video trimmer that allows you to cut content at just the right places. Add transitions between your scenes clips, and hasten/slow down action to make things more cinematic.
I also have to mention that the software offers its users 13 filters, which are perfect for quickly differentiating your posts. Despite being so advanced, Apple iMovie is completely free for all Mac, iPhone, and iPad users. Given its cool effects and simplicity, it is suitable for just about anyone who wants to create polished Reels within seconds.
SourceIf you’re looking for an advanced photo editing app with lots of cool effects, you should definitely try InShot. With its extensive features, such as the giant effect, sky replacement, or outfit transition, you’ll never be bored when creating posts for your IG account.
The software comes with a vast library of free music that you can add to your content. The app is completely free, and you can get it via App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery. InShot is perfect for youthful, unorthodox creators who want to separate themselves from the crowd with their short-form video content.
With its plethora of AI features, CapCut is one of the more intuitive programs on the list. The software offers comprehensive features such as text-to-speech, long videos to shorts, and voice changer. I also love that the software allows you to modify content in batches and utilize digital avatars to hide your identity.
With this online video editor, you can start making stunning videos within seconds without ever pulling out your credit card. Yes, CapCut is completely free despite having so many advanced editing features. The software is ideal for users who want to create generic videos and hide their image/voice for whatever reason.
Further Reading: 15 Free and Awesome AI Script Generators for Your Next Video
Although Canva is mainly known for its image editing features, you can also use it to create appealing Reels. I need to mention that the software might be a bit tricky for beginners despite its user-friendly interface. Still, given its extensive library and a large number of advanced effects, it is more than worth it.
You can use Canva’s basic features for free, but if you want to access AI features or certain video templates, you’ll need to pay extra. The software is suitable for just about anyone, although it is much more suitable for creators who focus on images and not necessarily videos.
This software comes with an extensive library of video templates, which you can use as a basis for your IG content. Introduce various thrilling animations to make your video pop and trim unwanted scenes for better storytelling.
Adobe Express is very similar to Canva in the sense that it has a lofty free plan but requires payment for premium special effects and features. For example, you’ll need to spend some money to access an AI-based video editor. A large number of customizable templates and creative effects make it perfect for all users.
By relying on Picsart’s AI features, you’re able to remove backgrounds, generate images and short videos, and remove objects within seconds. The software also offers advanced video and sound effects ideal for short, interactive IG stories.
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Although the starter plan is free, you can only use it for 7 days. After that, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the paid, professional versions. Nevertheless, with its advanced capabilities, Picsart is ideal for large marketing teams and other users who require collaborative features.
Further Reading: How to Make AI Videos: The Definitive Guide
Splice gives you access to a wide range of features such as chroma key, speed ramping, and multitrack editing. The software comes with a simple interface, which is a necessity given that Splice comes in the form of an app. You can even tap into their comprehensive music library to add royalty-free content to your Reels.
The mobile application is much more suitable for Instagram creators who want to edit and publish their content ASAP. It allows you to modify your square videos without having to rely on robust desktop software.
Videoshop gives you access to all the basic features you’d want from IG Reels software. It has video trimming, clip merging, resizing, animated titles, various filters and creative effects. I also love the fact that you can use it to post content on various social media simultaneously (besides Instagram).
Videoshop is completely free and you can get it from Google Play or App Store. The software has received raving user reviews, making it ideal for anyone who want to create enticing Instagram Stories with minimal investment. While Videoshop might not have the same range of effects as other tools on the list, it is more than enough for basic editing.
Prequel has a wide range of customizable templates that allow you to create stunning videos with ease. Regarding its advanced options, you can tap into artificial intelligence to quickly alter your visuals. With the retouching feature, you’re able to improve your appearance as well as the look of other objects and backgrounds.
Like many other programs on the list, Prequel comes with a massive content library that will jumpstart your creative process. The best thing is that this app is completely free on Google Play and App Store. In my opinion, it is best for IG creators who want to make professional-quality videos without unnecessary hassle.
Further Reading: Which is the Best Video Editing App? Choose from These 17
VivaVideo gives you access to basic video editing, emojis, text features, polished transitions, and speed adjustments. The software has a large audio library, making it perfect for quick IG square videos.
Although VivaVideo doesn’t have advanced editing capabilities, it has an intuitive interface suitable for beginners. The app is completely free, which makes it perfect for any video creator who wants to save money on their projects.
VSCO gives you a wide range of features, such as AI removal, cropping, animation stickers, and a GIF creator, as well as light, texture, and frame effects. The software allows you to create animations with ease, and provides additional capabilities that you might not find in similar tools.
VSCO is a must-have tool for photographers, but it also has numerous existing options for small and large businesses. The tool’s starter plan is quite basic, so you’ll have to consider paid subscription plans sooner rather than later.
As one of the best apps for editing videos, VN Video Editor allows you to create keyframe animations for all sorts of video posts. The tool is perfect for IG short-form video content, allowing you to change speed, modify the volume of different tracks, cut scenes, change opacity, and make other alternations.
As for additional features, you have numerous audio tracks at your disposal for which you don’t need copyrights. The Instagram software is completely free, and it will allow you to reach a huge audience through engaging content.
Further Reading: 15 AI Video Enhancer Tools to Improve Your Videos
Like many other entries on this list, Videoleap is heavily reliant on artificial intelligence. It offers advanced features such as background and object removal, video blurring, reverse videos, and text-to-video. Despite its numerous functions, Videoleap is relatively easy to use due to its intuitive interface.
Another thing I like about the tool is the ready-made video layouts, which expedite the creation of professional-quality videos. The software has a 7-day free trial, but it is basically a paid tool. Videoleap provides the most value for small marketing teams that prioritize SMM.
Vimeo’s Magisto is a perfect solution for video creators who want something extra from their Instagram software. The program comes with a large stock library, which is a great starting point for your content creation. Magisto works within your browser, but you can also get a mobile app.
As for other interesting features, the software allows you to add watermarks to your videos, thus protecting your intellectual property. Although this is a paid tool, it does offer its users the first year for free. It is a perfect solution for Instagram creators of all sizes.
Tips for Editing Instagram Videos Like a Pro
Having the best IG video tools will only get you so far. You must also implement the best video planning and creation practices to maximize the reach of each post:
- Instagram videos are ideal for young audiences, which is why you need to reduce their running time and introduce powerful hooks to make them follow you.
- Introducing captions to your content will do wonders for your engagement while also increasing accessibility.
- When creating videos, you should implement popular music, as well as sound and video effects.
- Check what your content looks like in Instagram’s native editor before posting. Introduce Instagram-specific effects to increase engagement with your target audience.
Further Reading: 15 Killer Video Marketing Tips to Succeed in 2025
Conclusion
Although Instagram initially started as an image-sharing platform, the creators have switched their focus to video content. Nowadays, you can’t run a successful channel without relying on Stories and Reels. This is why you must get a powerful editing tool to create content people will click on and like.
By getting one of these 15 tools, you’ll be able to create interactive content that is vital for converting younger audiences. I suggest you take your time exploring each option and, specifically, testing their unique effects and AI-powered features.
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