Creating eye-catching social media videos doesn’t require a Hollywood setup – just your phone and the right tools. If you are editing on your iPhone, you already have a powerful editor installed: iMovie.
Many creators also rely on CapCut – a free, feature-packed editor favored by influencers. This article walks you through both tools so you can produce polished videos easily.
iMovie: Your Built-in Powerhouse
What it offers:
iMovie comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads, offering an intuitive editing experience without needing to download anything.
Three editing modes for different editing styles:
- Movie mode: Offers full control – add clips, trim, split, detach audio, insert text, filters, transitions and audio tracks.
- Storyboard: Pre-set templates guide you through projects like intros, DIYs or “About Me” segments, perfect for themed social videos.
- Magic Movie: Lets iMovie auto-assemble selected clips into a stylized compilation with transitions and effects.
Why it's great for beginners:
iMovie balances simplicity with sufficient features to achieve professional-looking results, and works fluidly across Apple devices. TechRadar’s 2025 ranking notes iMovie remains “best for casual users” – fast, free and easy to use – especially via its three editing modes.
CapCut: The Influencer’s Secret Weapon
Why creators love it:
Free to use, CapCut packs advanced tools such as multi-track editing, filters, effects, auto-captions and templates – all tailored for social media style and speed.
Key strengths:
- AI and templates: Use stylish, trend-based templates or let AI suggest edits, transitions, captions and language translations.
- Export-ready formats: Designed to output directly in vertical formats used for Reels, TikToks and Stories.
- Time-saving: Automates repetitive editing tasks with AI, perfect for creators managing regular content.
- Free & influencer-friendly: Top among free editing apps, with advanced features and no hidden fees.
Important note for U.S. users:
ByteDance is developing a separate "CapCut US" app to meet regulatory demands, and this may affect how you access CapCut depending on your region, according to Business Insider.
Final Tips for Editing Like a Pro
- Plan edits around formats: Vertical (9:16) for TikTok and Reels; square (1:1) or landscape (16:9) for other platforms.
- Keep clips short and punchy for attention-grabbing impact.
- Use auto-captions and overlays to make content accessible and engaging.
- Leverage presets and themes (Storyboard in iMovie; templates in CapCut) to maintain branding and style.
- Export cleanly: CapCut allows watermark-free exports; iMovie integrates seamlessly into Photos for final touches and sharing.
