12 Best Editing Apps For Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are an integral part of any Instagram marketing strategy in 2024.

Video in general, and especially short-form video, is incredibly popular across the internet. If you aren’t creating Reels, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect with your audience in an engaging way and potentially reach more people and grow your following. 

Instagram tends to favor creators that are taking advantage of the various content options offered. So, if you aren’t using Reels, Stories, Lives, and other types of Instagram content, you might be missing out on getting eyes on your account. Posting high-quality Instagram Reels is a best practice when it comes to optimizing your account. 

When you create Reels that are made for your audience and your industry, you have a chance to be featured on the Explore page for people who frequently engage with content from your industry. The algorithm is intelligent and will show your content to people who are likely to enjoy seeing it and engage with it. When your content does well, Instagram benefits, so they don’t want to show your content to people who won’t want to see it.

When your Reels are shown to new people who are interested in your content, you can gain followers who want to learn from you. These are the best types of followers to gain because they’re likely to actually be converted into customers.

And after all, isn’t that the point of Instagram marketing? 

When it comes to actually creating these high-quality Reels, though, it can feel a little overwhelming to get started. Luckily there are plenty of Instagram reels editing apps that can help you create Reels that your audience will look forward to seeing. 

Best Apps For Editing Your Instagram Reels

It can be overwhelming to try to find the best apps and tools to support your Instagram content creation. You might even be wondering how to create Instagram Reels. Well, here are 10 of the best Instagram Reels apps you can use to make your videos. With each, we’ll note if they’re available in mobile app stores or on desktop.

1. Best App: Instagram’s In-App Editing Tool

Surprisingly, or maybe not, the best app is Instagram’s in-app editing tool. Many people think that creating your Reels within Instagram will boost your chances of being seen by the algorithm. That may or may not be the case, but it’s certainly a logical argument. Beyond that, though, the Reels editor within Instagram is very intuitive and easy to use. If you spend a little bit of time testing it out and playing with it, you’ll soon get the hang of it and be creating Reels quickly and easily.

Key Features:

• Record, add music, and create voiceovers easily
• Save drafts within the app for simple publishing
• Templates available for when you’re getting started or in a hurry

Pros:

• Without needing to upload from a different app, your audio and video are unlikely to un-sync
• Quickly have access to any updates or features added by Instagram
• No risk of watermarks

Cons:

• Since this is the most convenient tool, many creators will be using it
• Videos might not look overly unique
• Limited to audio and templates Instagram offers

Best For: People just getting started or those who don’t want to use a third-party app

Available in: Apple and Android

Price: Free

2. Inshot

Inshot is a downloadable video editing app that allows you to do the basic editing needed for most Instagram Reels. You can trim your video clips, remove pieces from the middle, split or merge video clips and even adjust the speed of the videos. This is a basic video editing platform, but it can be a great way to get started.

Key Features:

• Filters and Effects
• Popular music library you can use
• Stickers and text library

Pros:

• This app is simple, which means it’s easy to get started using
• Not too many options to get lost in or stumped by
• Create consistent, on-brand videos with the filters available

Cons:

• Some content creators might think there aren’t enough features
• Depending on your tastes, the music options could be limited
• Some features are only available for the paid pro plan, and watermarks are added without the pro plan

Best For: Creators still getting started but looking for an option other than Instagram’s in-app editor or people who like simple user interfaces

Available in: Apple, Android, and on the AppGallery store

Price: Free with in-app purchases, or $18/year for InShot Pro, which gives access to all pro content and tools

3. KineMaster

KineMaster is a mobile video editing app with powerful editing tools at your fingertips. It has some advanced editing tools, as well as the basic options that you need to get started. With thousands of templates to use as inspiration, you’ll never be at a loss when creating video content again.

Key Features:

• Library of music and sound effects to choose from
• Green screen and background-removing abilities
• Built-in animation options to raise your videos to a new level

Pros:

• Wide variety of features
• Templates make video editing quick and easy
• Stickers and other assets can make your videos unique

Cons:

• Mixed reviews, especially recently
• Watermark when you don’t purchase the premium plan

Best For: People and brands looking to advance and upgrade their Reels with special features

Available in: Android and Apple

Price: Free with watermarks and limited access, $80/year for Premium access

4. Veed

Veed is a video creation, recording, and editing platform that’ll help you create impressive, professional videos quickly. Veed actually offers video editing and options outside of social media and Instagram Reels, which can make it an all-in-one platform if your brand has other video needs. 

Key Features:

• Auto-generated subtitles and auto-resizing
• Live collaboration for your team
• Text formatting and stock library

Pros:

• As a multi-use video platform, you can create and reuse videos to save time
• Record and edit within one platform
• Repurpose videos across platforms quickly and easily

Cons:

• Because they create so many types of video, they aren’t focused on optimizing for Reels
• Computer-only platform, no app available

Best For: Companies that want to expand their video efforts beyond Instagram Reels

Available in: Desktop

Price: Free for small projects, with three additional pricing tiers with various levels of features, ranging from $18-59/month

5. Clips

Clips is a simple video editing app that allows you to make quick videos directly from your iPhone or iPad. You can make vertical or horizontal videos, although most Reels are vertical. This is an app that has come pre-downloaded on many iPhones recently, so you might already have access to it!

Key Features:

• Record within the app or upload your existing photos and videos
• Add captions, stickers, and text easily
• Add music from your library or theirs

Pros:

• Very simple to use, with intuitive directions
• Easy sharing to Instagram or with anyone you want to send it to
• Easily add your own audio and music

Cons:

• Simplistic in its features and offerings
• It’s designed for creating videos for family and friends, not businesses on social media
• Be careful of music copyright when uploading your own

Best For: Someone who wants to test out video editing without downloading a new app

Available in: Apple

Price: Free

6. Splice

The video editor Splice claims to be the most powerful one around, which is a catchy tagline. It puts the power of a desktop editor on your smartphone so you can edit your videos wherever you go. While it’s used by professionals, amateurs can try their hand at it, too, and discover the magic of video editing with a quality piece of software.

Key Features:

• Adjust the speed of your clips to meet your needs
• Create multiple videos at once, and keep them separate in Splice’s workflow
• Change the colors of items or adjust the background as needed

Pros:

• Simple user interface that’s appealing
• Constantly evolving with more features coming soon
• Their website also provides a blog with video tips and help

Cons:

• They’re still rolling out features, such as automatic subtitles
• Their marketing is geared toward influencers but could be good for anyone

Best For: Influencers are their primary market, but anyone with a little video editing experience could have good success with Splice.

Available in: Apple and Android

Price: You can download the app for free, but there are in-app purchases, and you can get additional access for $10/month

7. Adobe Rush

Everyone knows the Adobe name, and now they have a free video editing app, Adobe Rush, to be used on the go, whenever you need it. It’s full of simple tools to help you bring your video content to the next level. If you’re unsure where to start, check out their website. It’s full of tutorials and guides to help you on your video-creating journey.

Key Features:

• Audio editing tools to make your music and voiceovers fit just how you want it
• Color correction software
• Adobe user interface, if you’re familiar with that from other platforms

Pros:

• Adobe is a well-known company with excellent design software
• Add motion graphics if that’s part of your strategy
• Simple and advanced editing tools

Cons:

• Novices might feel overwhelmed or confused by the Adobe style
• With so many options to edit elements, there might be too much editing happening

Best For: People who have done video editing before or people familiar with Adobe products

Available in: Apple, Android, and Desktop

Price: Free starter pack, or available for $10/month as part of Adobe Express to access all of the features, as well as the other Creative Cloud Express software

8. Canva’s Video Editor

Canva is a very popular photo editing and graphics creation tool, but did you know there’s a video editor, too? Their drag-and-drop interface allows for easy editing online to create whatever social media videos you may need. With templates and sample videos to use for inspiration, your next Instagram Reel isn’t going to be far away.

Key Features:

• Drag and drop your clips to edit them
• Access Canva’s media library for additional footage, stickers, and graphics
• Tweak the audio to fit your vision

Pros:

• Edit anywhere with access on any mobile device, browser, or even offline
• Built-in recording for video and audio
• Add filters or remove backgrounds with one click

Cons:

• Some features are only available with a Pro subscription
• If you don’t like Canva’s photo editing, you probably won’t like the video editor

Best For: Creators familiar with Canva or people who want a drag-and-drop option

Available in: Apple, Android, and Desktop

Price: Free, but the Pro version is $13/month and is part of Canva Pro in general

9. Filmora

Filmora is another video editor that’s packed with tools, features, and editing capabilities. They have over 100 million users, and their platform can be used across devices to get the most out of each. Film on your phone, take notes on your tablet and add finishing touches on a desktop. Filmora can help bring your video skills to the next level.

Key Features:

• Split screen editing
• Motion tracking and AI smart cutouts
• Batch editing capabilities if you need to create multiple videos at once

Pros:

• There are so many advanced features to explore to enhance your social media videos
• Color match and color correction ensure your videos look their best
• Experiment with special effects to see what happens

Cons:

• This is advanced software, and it can be overwhelming for beginners
• Designed for premier video editing, this might be overkill for just Reels

Best For: Creators who are very familiar with video editing and those who want to create many different types of videos, like longer forms for YouTube or other short videos like Instagram stories

Available in: Apple, Android, and Desktop

Price: The Annual Plan is $50/year just for Windows PC; the Cross-Platform Plan for $60/year works on Windows PC, Mac iOS, iPhone, Android phone and tablet, and iPad. The Perpetual Plan is a one-time payment of $80 for Windows PC access.

10. LumaFusion

LumaFusion is a professional video editing app designed for people who are experienced in video editing. For those who are newer to video editing, there are plenty of video tutorials, support, and a community to help if you’re interested in using LumaFusion.

Key Features:

• Transitions to keep your videos interesting
• Automatic backups are saved to the cloud to keep your projects safe
• Advanced audio editing options

Pros:

• A high-quality video editing platform
• Detailed editing features, like displaying track headers, adding markers and creating your own transitions
• Use six audio/video tracks and six additional audio tracks as necessary

Cons:

• Android and ChromeOS versions are still in beta
• Massive amount of editing tools and tricks

Best For: Professional video editors or someone who’s willing to put the time and energy into learning an advanced software

Available in: Apple and Android (beta)

Price: The LumaFusion app is $30 and also has additional in-app purchases

11. VSCO

VSCO is an editing software for photos and videos that provides tools and filters to improve visual material. It is perfect for users who want to improve the quality of their Instagram posts with polished edits and a consistent style. VSCO also gives users access to a creative community for sharing and inspiration.

Key Features

• Filters and Presets
• Advanced Editing Tools
• Creative Effects

Pros

• High-quality filters and presets for enhancing photos and videos.
• Advanced editing tools for precise customization of visual content.
• Creative effects like grain, fade, and vignette add unique touches to images.
• Access to a vibrant community of creators for inspiration and connection.
• Built-in camera with manual controls for capturing and editing content within the app

Cons

• Some advanced features may require a subscription to VSCO X, which comes at a cost.
• The interface can be complex for beginners, requiring time to learn and navigate effectively.
• Limited integration with other social media platforms compared to some competing apps.
• Syncing issues or delays may occur occasionally, affecting workflow efficiency.

Best for: VSCO is best for enhancing and customizing the aesthetic of photos and videos, offering high-quality filters, advanced editing tools, and a vibrant creative community.

Available in: android and IOS.

Price: VSCO is a free app.

12. Afterlight

A flexible photo-editing program, Afterlight provides a range of tools and effects to improve photos for Instagram. With tools like overlays, textures, filters, and changes, Afterlight makes it simple for users to produce visually appealing material that makes them stand out on their Instagram feeds.

Key Features

• Editing Tools
• Filters and Effects
• Textures and Overlays
• Cropping and Straightening

Pros 

• Versatile editing tools for precise customization of images.
• Wide selection of filters and effects to enhance photos creatively.
• Textures and overlays add unique elements to photos for added visual interest.
• Easy-to-use interface with intuitive controls for seamless editing experience.

Cons

• Some advanced features may require a learning curve for new users.
• Limited availability of free filters and effects, with additional packs requiring purchase.
• Occasional performance issues or bugs may disrupt the editing process.
• Lack of integration with cloud storage services for seamless access to photos.

Best for: Afterlight is best for users seeking a versatile photo editing app with intuitive controls and a wide range of filters and effects to enhance their images for social media platforms like Instagram.

Available in: android and IOS.
Price: The pricing may vary depending on your region and any ongoing promotions.

Time To Decide

Now that you’ve heard about 10 of the best video and Instagram Reels editing apps , it’s time to pick one or continue your research.

Whether you’re looking for basic editing tools or a professional program, there are options for you in this list. And, if you’d rather look on your own for a video editing app, there are plenty more available on the internet for your perusal. Then you can finally start to make Instagram Reels.