Editing videos directly on your phone has become commonplace, mainly due to social media and short video platforms. Today there are apps that can cut, add music, subtitles, and transitions without needing a computer. The problem is choosing: each one has a different focus, and it's not always clear which one is right for what you want to do.
This article lists five video editing apps for mobile phones, highlighting their best features and drawbacks. All links below lead to the app's Google Play page, not a download site. This way, you can install from the official store and see directly on the page what permissions and purchases the app requires.
The best tools for editing videos on your mobile phone
Modern cell phones can handle editing tasks that previously could only be done on a computer, but the result largely depends on the device: memory, free space, and processor affect export time and the resolution the app can deliver. Therefore, it's worth choosing the tool based on the type of video you make, not just its list of features.
One observation that applies to all five: all are free to install, and all offer in-app purchases. Features such as removing the watermark, unlocking effects packs, or exporting in higher resolution are usually part of the paid section. Each app's listing on Google Play shows warnings such as "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases".
1. InShot
InShot is one of the most used apps for editing videos on mobile phones, especially by those who post on social media. It's designed for those who want quick results: the home screen allows you to cut, join clips, adjust speed, add music, and apply transitions. The interface is simple enough for those who have never edited anything before.
Another useful feature is the ability to adjust the screen ratio for each platform, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, without having to re-record the video. In the store, the app appears as... InShot: Video and Photo Editor, with a warning that says “Contains ads” and “In-app purchases” — the watermark and some of the effects are only removed by paying within the app. View InShot on Google Play.
2. KineMaster
KineMaster is more like a computer editor. It works with a layered timeline, which allows you to stack video, images, and text in the same segment and control each element separately. You can insert transitions, sound effects, and soundtracks without leaving the application, and there is track-by-track volume control.
It's the choice for those who edit longer projects or those with multiple image sources, and therefore the learning curve is steeper than InShot's. In the store, it appears as... KineMaster – Video Editor, The app displays "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases." The option without a watermark and extra packages from the in-app store are part of the in-app purchase. Available export resolutions depend on the device and appear when saving. View KineMaster on Google Play.
3. Filmora
The app that many people still search for as "FilmoraGo" is now called Filmora – AI Video Editor Available on Google Play. It's a middle ground between InShot and KineMaster: it has quick cutting, color adjustment, filters, and soundtracks, but also more elaborate editing features and ready-made templates for those who don't want to build everything from scratch.
It features an in-app store for effects and transitions, and a large portion of that catalog is paid. The store listing is labeled "In-app purchases," so treat advanced features and watermark removal as in-app purchases, not as part of the free version. Watch Filmora on Google Play.
4. CapCut
This section previously listed Adobe Premiere Rush. That app is no longer available on the Brazilian Google Play Store, so we removed the listing instead of forcing you to search for the installation file elsewhere—installing apps outside the store is precisely how malware gets in. In its place is CapCut, which now serves the same purpose: a complete editor, free to start.
In the store it appears as CapCut – Video Editor It includes editing, automatic captions, text, soundtrack, effects, and ready-made templates, with direct export to social media. It's well-received by those who produce vertical videos. The listing is marked "In-app purchases": premium packages and some artificial intelligence features are available for purchase within the app. View CapCut on Google Play.
5. VivaVideo
VivaVideo stands out for its wide range of effects, transitions, and stickers. It's geared towards short, creative videos: you can cut, add music, change the speed, and apply visual effects in just a few taps, without needing to understand timelines.
It has a paid mode, presented as "Pro," which unlocks extra features and removes the watermark. In the store, the app appears as... VivaVideo: Video Editor and AI, with “Contains ads” and “In-app purchases” — meaning that in the free version you see ads and the video is flagged. Watch VivaVideo on Google Play.
Additional features you should consider
Beyond the basics — cutting, adjusting color, and adding music — some apps offer features that significantly improve the outcome: working with multiple video layers simultaneously, creating custom transitions, generating automatic captions, and adjusting the aspect ratio for each social media platform. If you publish to more than one platform, this last feature saves a lot of rework.
It's also worth checking the file size after exporting and the available space on your phone, because exporting at high resolution takes up a lot of space and may fail on a full device. And before installing, read the Google Play listing itself to see what permissions the app requests and what is marked as an in-app purchase.
FAQ
What is the best free video editing app?
It depends on what you edit. InShot and CapCut are good for quick edits for social media. KineMaster is best suited for those who need layers and fine control. All are free to install, with extra features available for a fee.
Are the listed apps available for Android?
Yes. We checked all five on the Brazilian Google Play Store, and the links in this article point to each one's official listing. We haven't checked their availability on the App Store, so we can't make any claims about iPhones here.
Can you edit in high resolution with these apps?
All devices allow you to choose the resolution when exporting, but the maximum available resolution varies depending on the device and, in some cases, on the paid feature. The export screen shows the options available on your phone.
Which one is easiest for a beginner?
InShot and VivaVideo are good options because editing happens in just a few taps and doesn't require understanding layered timelines.
Is there any cost to use these apps?
Installation is free. All apps offer in-app purchases, typically to remove the watermark, unlock effects packs, and remove ads. The price and payment method are shown on the store's page and within the app itself.
Conclusion
Editing video on your phone is accessible to anyone today, and the five apps above cover everything from simple cutting to layered editing. Start with the one that suits your video type, always install from Google Play, and test the free version before paying for any features—in most cases, it will already meet your needs.
