Mobile video editing is on the rise now, and there are a couple of reasons why. The Internet is almost literally a world wide web, as it even reached the Arctic and Mount Everest several years ago. The amount of content you can find online is incredible too. Every minute people from every corner of the world watch 3.47 million videos on YouTube, send 15.2 million text messages and download 26 thousand apps. And that’s just the beginning.
So, why mobile video editing? Videos have become the most popular type of content that we consume daily. YouTube started the world frenzy, and now every social media network has a feature of uploading video clips. The absolute domination of TikTok in the world of video shorts, the handiness of Instagram stories – all of these do not require any exceptional skills and knowledge to make and post a video. And while a decade ago you would need professional software and high-performing hardware, now you have it right in your pocket – a smartphone. You can edit your videos in an Android phone for free.
Why should you invest in a dependable mobile video editing tool? Simply put, it offers a multitude of creative layers and the ability to keep up with the latest trends. With mobile apps, you will be able to edit a video on Android literally wherever you are, instead of being stuck in a room working on the same video with desktop software.
Table of Contents
How to Edit a Video on Any Android
Each Android phone or tablet, regardless of brand, comes with a built-in video-editing tool. Usually, it’s nothing extraordinary: just a bunch of tools that let you trim, crop, and rotate clips. You can do this either via Google Photos or using Gallery / Album tools.
Editing with Google Photos
Google Photos is a free default app that each Android-based device has. It allows you to tweak images and videos without third-party apps.
- Launch the app and open the video you want to edit.
- Tap on the screen (outside the video) and tap the Edit icon.
- Make the necessary changes – trim, rotate, etc.
- Save the results.
Editing via Gallery
Gallery, or Album, is also a default app that provides some editing capabilities. Here’s how to edit videos on Android within this app. The icons and buttons may differ depending on the brand and device model, but the algorithm stays the same:
- Go to the Gallery and find the video you need.
- Tap the button that will lead you to the editing mode – a pencil, a cogwheel, three lines, a clapperboard, etc.
- Edit the video with the tools your device provides: cut, crop, trim, etc.
Save the results.
However, this may not be enough for you. it’s obvious you won’t get the best video editing for free. If you want more advanced features, you can’t make do with default tools. There are a lot of good video-making apps on the Play Store, and here’s our scoop on the best of them.
Top 5 Android Apps for Video Editing
We’ve covered many Android apps, but when it comes to video editing, you need to consider a lot of other factors:
- Does the app fit my needs?
- Does the app have other functionality?
- Are there in-app purchases?
- What are the limitations of the free version?
- Can the app work with HD video?
We’ve taken these questions into account, so here are our top five picks.
AndroVid
AndroVid is a multi-functional app, as it allows you to edit both videos and images. It has all the basic features you may need: trimming, cropping, effects, stickers, and drawing. You can also add text and music, as well as overlay your own watermark (an in-app purchase).
The app also lets you change the speed of the video and add layers of additional photos or videos. Another handy feature is a screen capture, meaning you can take a screenshot of the video you’ve uploaded. AndroVid supports export in HD quality, so you may not worry about the output file.
Pros
- Free and premium stickers
- Advanced tools for text editing: fonts, movement effects, colors, etc.
- Additional editing features: collages, photo processing, reversing, and more.
Cons
- The video starts playing as soon as you upload it, which may seem annoying to some users
- The free version contains a watermark
- Many context ads in the free version
In-App Purchases: $1.69 – $9.90 per item
Pro Version: separate app, $16.99
Movavi Clips
Movavi Clips is a simple video editor without any useless blows and whistles. It has a straightforward interface and a handy timeline to edit all of your footage. Once you upload the files, the app will let you choose the aspect ratio, so the video fits better on your socials. In addition, you can trim and crop clips, change the speed, add transitions and stickers. The app also has a voice-over feature so you can record commentary as you edit the video. Plus, you can upload custom music or choose one of the default tunes.
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Voice-over feature
- Motion effects for pictures
- Themed stickers
Cons
- The free version contains a watermark
- Few transitions
In-App Purchases: $0.99 – $21.99 per item
Pro Version: subscription within the app
VidTrim
VidTrim is a minimalist video maker with an Android native interface. However, it may surprise you with the lack of a regular timeline. Each tool can be used separately, so if you need to trim and then join videos, you need to get back to the main menu every time. The app allows you to convert videos into MP3 files, extract screenshots, and add filters. The app is well-equipped for quick editing, but you won’t get any advanced features. However, it works very fast when it comes to file conversion, and it doesn’t spoil the video quality.
Pros
- Gives you full information about the file: size, length, orientation, frame rate, etc.
- Quick file conversion
- Screenshot capture
Cons
- Many context ads in the free version
- The free version contains a watermark
- All tools are in separate tabs, no common timeline
In-App Purchases: no
Pro Version: separate app, $2.99
PowerDirector
You may need PowerDirector if you want features close to one of a professional program for editing videos. It defaults to a landscape mode, so you have more editing space and a multitrack timeline. It will help you manage videos, music, titles, and stickers, as well as overlay pictures and add layers. Adding something to the timeline is easy – you just need to tap, and it will appear on the track. You can then add other clips, drag them around and insert transitions. The editor also comes with a library of preloaded images and clips that you can use as reference images. However, the video you’ve made in the free version will contain a watermark that can be removed with a subscription-based Premium version of the app. Those who are already members of the CyberLink community get a nice bonus – an opportunity to win temporal access to premium options.
Pros
- Built-in video templates, stock videos, and music
- Import from Google Drive
- Tutorials and inspiration ideas
Cons
- The free version contains a watermark
- Landscape mode may seem peculiar to some users
In-App Purchases: $0.99 – $39.99 per item
Pro Version: subscription within the app
InShot
InShot concludes our list as one of the most popular video makers for social media. It has three basic modes that allow you to create videos, edit photos, and make collages. As for video editing, it’s pretty standard: trimming, cropping, and merging. Among advanced features, you’ll find picture-in-picture effects, background customization, color adjustment, and freeze frame. You can also add filters, text, and stickers. The app works with high-resolution video – 720p, 1080p, and even 4K.
Pros
- Three editing modes
- Huge collection of built-in content
- Handy tips and tutorials
Cons
- The free version contains a watermark
- Many content items are locked in the free version
In-App Purchases: $0.99 – $29.99 per item
Pro Version: subscription within the app
Read Next:
- How to play Brawl Stars on Windows 7, 8, and 10?
- Turn your Android phone into iPhone without root.
- How to get faster data speed on Android phone?
- Download Paid apps on Android phone for free.
Conclusion
Mobile video editing is here to stay. No longer do you need special tools to make your movies look stunning. If you need to simply trim clips or add cool effects, you can use just your smartphone or tablet, provided you have a proper app for your needs.
This article goes over two freeways to edit videos on your Android, which involve using Google Photos or the default Gallery app. However, if their capabilities do not satisfy you, you can always find an alternative on the market. Don’t forget to test a free trial version before making any purchases – most apps have them.
Now that you have a couple of options, you might be wondering what the best video editor for Android users is? Unfortunately, there is no unanimous choice. Every user has different needs and budgets, so the only answer is to try out several options to find the best one for you. Hopefully, our suggestions will be of help. Good luck!
1 comment