Whether you’re a home movie enthusiast or the next Spielberg, smartphone cameras have given people the ability to graduate from hobbyist to legitimate filmmaker. While the footage that smartphone cameras are able to capture is impressive, making a truly impressive movie lies in the editing. Unfortunately, video editing apps for Android phones has never been fantastic. Once upon a time even Google saw the market for a dedicated video-editing app, but they completely abandoned it years ago.
Fortunately there are a number of apps available that are trying to fill the void. While none of them can match the functionality one can expect from a desktop application like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, they all offer the ability to do basic editing on the go.
1. Magisto
Magisto is unique in that it does all the heavy lifting for you. Simply upload your video clips, choose a theme and some music, and let Magisto work its magic. For someone who really isn’t comfortable or interested in doing their own editing, Magisto is a “set it and forget it” solution. The app will create beautiful videos automatically. Magisto is a blast to play with, but it may not be the best option for someone who wants to have ultimate control over the final product.
2. VidTrim
As its name suggests, the VidTrim app allows users to trim and merge their video clips. It also features a number of filters and effects to apply to your videos, akin to Instagram. Speaking of Instagram, VidTrim also has a video-sharing feature built in, allowing you to connect with other users and share each other’s videos. Finally, one of the more interesting features of VidTrim is it’s “frame grabber.” This allows users to isolate single frames from their videos and export them as a single image. It’s perfect for when you want to share a single still image frame to something like, well, Instagram.
3. PowerDirector Video Editor
Simply put, PowerDirector Video Editor is one of the more powerful video-editing apps available for Android. It boasts a slew of professional features that can meet the demands of most users. That being said, there is a bit of a learning curve involved that could intimidate some. It’s also worth mentioning that the interface is a little cluttered, making navigating the app somewhat difficult on a smaller screen. Aside from that, PowerDirector allows you to edit clips together, overlay text, and even add music and sound effects. It is a comprehensive editor; however, the free version stamps all of your videos with a watermark.
4. VideoShow
VideoShow is a popular video-editing app that has a ton of unique features. In addition to standard editing and cropping tools, VideoShow boasts voice dubbing and even a built-in video compressor. VideoShow definitely markets itself towards a younger generation. It heavily showcases “cute” features, like the ability to place stickers on your clips. As is the norm with apps gearing themselves towards youth culture, VideoShow also has tools that enable you to export your videos to various social media outlets.
Conclusion
All of the aforementioned apps offer basic video-editing features. Some excel at social media integration – some are clearly designed to be a desktop replacement. Which one works best for you will depend on your needs. The best thing is that all of the apps mentioned are either completely free or offer a free version. Give them a try and see which is the best fit for you. Did we miss your favorite Android video-editing app? Let us know in the comments!
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