7 Best Editing Software for Instagram Reels (Free and Paid)

With Instagram reels rapidly becoming an essential part of social media strategies, it has now become crucial to have the best editing software for Instagram Reels to make your content pop.

Over the past few months, I’ve tested numerous editing apps to find the best ones for creating high-quality reels. 

In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with the seven best editing software for Instagram reels, detailing how I shortlisted each product and my experiences using it.

Table of Content:

• Best Editing Software for Instagram Reels
• How To Choose the Best Editing Software for Instagram Reels
• Instagram Reels Hacks and Bonus Tips
• How to Convert Instagram Followers

Here’s a table summarizing the best editing software for Instagram reels:

Best Editing Software for Instagram Reels

1. InShot
2. Splice
3. Adobe Premier Rush
4. CapCut
5. VN Video Editor
6. Final Cut Pro
7. KineMaster

1. InShot

InShot is a popular video editing app known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set.

When I first started exploring editing apps for Instagram reels, InShot was at the top of my list due to its high ratings and positive reviews. I found the interface to be incredibly intuitive, which was a relief as a beginner. Trimming and cutting videos was a breeze, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of filters and effects available.

However, I did face some frustrations with the watermark on the free version, which required a subscription to remove. Despite this, the overall experience was positive, and I felt confident using InShot for quick and efficient reel edits. The ease of adding music and text overlays made my reels more engaging and professional-looking.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Wide range of filters and effects
• Easy to add music and text overlays

Cons:

• Watermark on the free version
• Limited advanced features

Pricing:

• Free version available with a watermark
• $3.99/month, $17.99/year, or a $49.99 one-time fee for the Pro version

2. Splice

Splice offers powerful editing tools with a simple interface, making it a favorite among content creators.

Splice’s promise of professional-level editing on a mobile device caught my attention. My initial impression was that it lived up to the hype. The app’s ability to handle multi-layer editing allowed me to create more complex and visually appealing reels.

The occasional lag when working with longer videos sometimes disrupted my workflow. However, the extensive library of sound effects and music, along with precise trimming and cutting tools, more than made up for it. By the end of my testing, I felt that Splice was a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their reel content.

Pros:

• Multi-layer editing
• Extensive sound effects and music library
• Simple and intuitive interface

Cons:

• Occasional lag with longer videos
• Some advanced features require a subscription

Pricing:

• Free version available
• $9.99/week for Pro version

3. Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a simplified version of Adobe Premiere Pro, designed for fast and professional editing on the go.

Having used Adobe products in the past, I was excited to try Premiere Rush. The seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud was a huge plus, allowing me to easily import assets from other Adobe apps. The drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates made editing straightforward and efficient.

My main concern was the learning curve, as some features were less intuitive than I had hoped. However, I could create polished reels with advanced effects and transitions once I got the hang of it. The ability to edit on my phone and desktop was incredibly convenient, and I appreciated the high-quality output.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
• High-quality output
• Customizable templates

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Some features not as intuitive

Pricing:

• Free version available
• $9.99/month for the full version

4. CapCut

Developed by the creators of TikTok, CapCut is a free app packed with editing tools, effects, and transitions.

I discovered CapCut while looking for a free yet powerful editing app. Its extensive feature set, including slow-motion effects, chroma key, and a wide range of transitions, immediately impressed me. The app’s layout was user-friendly, and I could start editing without much hassle.

One challenge I faced was occasional crashes during complex edits, which was frustrating. However, the app’s versatility and no-cost access to premium features made it a standout. By the end of my testing, I felt CapCut offered incredible value, especially for those on a budget.

Pros:

• Completely free with no watermarks
• Wide range of advanced features
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Occasional crashes during complex edits
• Limited customer support

Pricing:

• Free

5. VN Video Editor

VN Video Editor is known for its advanced editing capabilities and is free to use.

VN Video Editor came highly recommended by peers in the content creation community. My initial use was smooth, with multi-layer editing and keyframe animations being standout features. The ability to fine-tune color grading was particularly useful for creating a cohesive look across my reels.

One problem I faced was the occasional difficulty navigating some of the more advanced features, which had a steeper learning curve. Despite this, the overall experience was highly satisfying. The app’s robustness and professional-grade features made me feel like I was using a top-tier software without any cost.

Pros:

• Advanced editing capabilities
• Multi-layer editing
• Free to use

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for advanced features
• Occasional navigation difficulties

Pricing:

• Free

6. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software for Mac users, offering advanced features and powerful performance.

I decided to try Final Cut Pro for more tough projects. The initial setup was daunting, but once I got used to the interface, the level of control over my edits was unmatched. The precision of the editing tools and the range of effects and transitions available allowed me to create highly polished reels.

A time investment is required to learn the software, which might be a barrier for beginners. Nevertheless, the output quality and the satisfaction of mastering such a powerful tool were worth it. Final Cut Pro gave my reels a professional touch that was hard to achieve with other apps.

Pros:

• Professional-grade features
• High level of control over edits
• Excellent output quality

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• High initial cost

Pricing:

• $299.99 (one-time purchase)

7. KineMaster

KineMaster is a full-featured video editor for mobile devices. It offers multi-layer editing and a wide range of effects.

KineMaster stood out to me due to its comprehensive feature set and positive reviews. My experience with the app was mostly positive. The multi-layer editing and blending modes allowed for creative freedom, and the app’s precision editing tools were a delight, making it easy to cut and trim clips accurately.

The main frustration was the watermark on the free version, which could only be removed by subscribing to the premium plan. Despite this, I was surprised by the range of effects and transitions, which helped me create dynamic and engaging reels. By the end of my testing, I felt that KineMaster was a versatile tool suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set
• Multi-layer editing
• Precision editing tools

Cons:

• Watermark on the free version
• Some advanced features require a subscription

Pricing:

• Free version available with a watermark
• $8.99/month or $44.99/year for the Premium version

How To Choose the Best Editing Software for Instagram Reels

The following are the must-have features in Instagram Reels editing tools that you are looking for:

• Aspect Ratio: Instagram Reels have a unique vertical format. The ideal tool should allow you to easily adjust the aspect ratio to 9:16, ensuring your content fills the entire screen without any black bars on the sides.
• Cover Photo: An engaging cover photo is crucial as it’s the first thing viewers see. The right tool should let you create or edit a captivating cover photo that reflects the essence of your Reel and encourages users to click.
• Original Audio: The ability to add your own voiceover or original audio gives your Reels a personal touch. Look for tools that offer high-quality audio recording features.
• Sound Effects: Sound effects can significantly enhance the entertainment value of your Reels. Tools with a sound effects library give you the creative flexibility to add more engagement to your content.
• Seamless Transitions: Smooth and creative transitions are key to keeping viewers engaged. Tools with a variety of transition options can help your Reels flow more naturally.
• Trending Audio: Music is at the heart of many viral Reels. Editing tools that provide access to trending audio tracks or integrate with the Instagram music library can be crucial for creating content that resonates with current trends.
• Tag People and Hashtags: Tools that allow you to tag people and add relevant hashtags directly can enhance discoverability and engagement.
• Metrics and Analytics: Understanding how your Reels perform is essential. Tools with built-in analytics can provide insights into viewer behavior, helping you refine your strategy.
• Hands-Free and Countdown Features: For creators who film themselves, hands-free recording and countdown timers are invaluable for ease of use.
• Influencer Collaboration: Tools that facilitate easy collaborations with influencers can add variety to your Reels content.

Instagram Reels Hacks and Bonus Tips

• Understand the Instagram Reel Algorithm: Using relevant hashtags and understanding the Instagram Reels algorithm is crucial to maximize visibility and engagement on the platform.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly posting Reels can significantly increase your visibility and engagement on Instagram. Consistency helps in building a loyal audience and keeps your brand top-of-mind.
• Experiment with Diverse Content: Feel free to experiment with different types of content in your Reels. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, product showcases, or entertaining challenges, diversifying your content can help you discover what truly resonates with your audience. Pay attention to the metrics and feedback to refine your approach.

How to Convert Instagram Followers

Earlier in this post, we mentioned that one of the biggest advantages of upgrading your Instagram videos is that you can drive more sales from your online store.

The only question that remains is, “How?”

Now, we’re going to answer that question with the following tool:

OptinMonster is the best lead generation software on the market. So you might be wondering how it will help you convert your Instagram followers into customers.

This happens in a few easy steps.

First, OptinMonster gives you all the tools you need to create stunning optin campaigns in a matter of minutes.

By “optin campaigns,” we’re referring to things like popups, floating bars, fullscreen welcome mats, and more.

The goal of these campaigns is to get users to “opt-into” your offers. This could be for:

• Signing up for a newsletter
• Joining a webinar
• Downloading a coupon
• Making a purchase
• And much more…

But the best part is that you don’t need to be a professional coder or designer to build high-converting campaigns.

That’s because OptinMonster gives you 700+ pre-made templates to choose from:

These templates are fully-response and look great across devices.

Plus, they’re easy to modify. Once you’ve selected the template you want, everything can be customized to your brand’s style and offer with just a few clicks.

That’s because OptinMonster uses a codeless drag-and-drop visual editor:

At this point, though, you might be wondering:

“How will any of this help convert my followers from Instagram?”

One of the best reasons for using OptinMonster are the powerful targeting rules. While you’ve likely heard of OptinMonster’s Exit-Intent® Technology or Geolocation targeting, there’s an even better rule for targeting your Instagram followers:

Referrer Detection.

This allows you to show campaigns to your site’s traffic who came from a specific 3rd-party site.

In this case, that would mean targeting people who came from your Instagram account:

Notice how the message is totally tailored to someone coming from their Instagram account.

By personalizing the user experience (UX) in this way, you’ll be more likely to see HUGE increases in signups and conversions across your site.

Want to see it in action for yourself? Click below to start your 100% risk-free OptinMonster account today:

We hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, you’ll definitely want to check out the following resources:

• Best Instagram Plugins (Compared)
• How to Add an Instagram Feed to WordPress
• Social Media SEO: How to Incorporate Social Media Into Your SEO Strategy

These articles will have even more information on how you can take your Instagram marketing strategy to the next level.