Mobile video editing has exploded in popularity over the last decade. With iPhone and Android devices capable of shooting incredibly high-quality 4K and even 8K video, consumers increasingly want to edit and enhance footage shot on phones and tablets.
Key video editing capabilities that users look for include:
- Trimming – Removing unwanted sections
- Splicing – Combining multiple clips
- Transitions – Animated effects between clips
- Filters – Color correction, vintage effects
- Text/graphics overlays
- Audio – Music, voiceovers, sound effects
Fortunately there are a number of excellent video editor apps purpose-built for iOS that provide these features. After testing over 12 top contenders, I selected 8 stellar choices to combine video clips shot on your iPhone. From Apple‘s own free iMovie app to more advanced paid options, keep reading for full details on how to seamlessly edit iPhone videos!
1. iMovie
As Apple‘s flagship mobile video editor, iMovie makes splicing iPhone clips almost as easy as dragging and dropping. The intuitive multitrack timeline provides precision editing, while clip manipulation tools like split, trim, and rotate equate to endless creative options. iMovie even automatically creates Hollywood-style movie trailers complete with epic music and transition effects!
While fairly basic compared to desktop NLE editors, iMovie packs impressive capabilities like 4K support, chroma key green screen compositing, detailed audio waveform editing, freeze frames and instant replays into a deceptively simple interface. For novice users just getting started with iPhone videography, iMovie is perfectly approachable yet remarkably capable.
An Achilles heel is the lack of features to fine-tune color correction or apply LUTs, limiting options for serious color grading. Effects are also mostly canned animations without much parameter adjustment. Still, iMovie delivers professional polish with minimal complexity, best complementing iPhone videography vs more advanced editing.
- + Intuitive, easy to learn interface
- + 4K editing support
- – Limited coloring and effects options
- – No collaboration features
As Apple‘s free offering, iMovie is automatically installed on iOS devices and updated via the App Store. For seamlessly splicing iPhone clips on the go, iMovie remains a streamlined editor with pro touches well-suited to device limitations.
★★★★☆
2. FilmoraGo
FilmoraGo markets itself as professional editing reimagined for phones and tablets. This shows in the unique storyboard editing mode displaying vertical thumbnails of video clips, reminiscent of actual celluloid filmstrips. Drag these "film frames" onto the timeline to build projects with tight integration of video, images, audio and graphics.
FilmoraGo feels snappier than iMovie with some rooms for refinement, but offers great creative depth through hundreds of music, text, overlay and transition choices for a mobile app. The licensing offers commercial usage of exports with no watermarks, a top pro feature.
Standout strengths lie in audio mixing tools like voiceover recording, visual audio meters and independent volume envelope control on every clip. Split screens, green screen keying and instant social media sharing round out the polished package, weighing in at half the cost of premium competitors. At under $10 one-time, FilmoraGo packs serious punch for hobbyists and semi-pro creators alike seeking to combine iPhone clips.
- + Unique filmstrip storyboard workflow
- + Full audio and color correction options
- – No external hard drive media importing
FilmoraGo deserves special mention for being the first video editor natively optimized for new M1 iPad Pro and iPad Air hardware, allowing seriously beefy creative capabilities via iPadOS. For those seeking cutting-edge mobile video editing, FilmoraGo shines bright.
★★★★☆
3. Video Merger
As the succinct name suggests, Video Merger focuses squarely on quick video and image stitching. The streamlined UI features only options directly related to combining media, trimming length and exporting – nothing else.
This singular design focus pays off, as Video Merger outperforms the competition specifically for rapidly splicing, trimming and publishing multiple clips up to 4K resolution on both iPhone and iPad. Performance remains smooth even stacking prolonged sequences thanks to efficient GPU utilization.
Outputs stay free of watermarks or cuts, while supporting direct sharing to leading social media and cloud platforms. Don‘t expect transitions, titles or audio tweaking – Video Merger simply merges assets exactly as desired in seconds flat. Think of it like mobile video duct tape!
- + Lightning fast rendering performance
- + Share edited videos instantly
- – No effects or audio tools
For those editing events, performances, interviews or existing reels where fresh iPhone footage needs stitching without creative overlays, Video Merger offers best-in-class speed and simplicity.
★★★★☆
4. Video Mixer
Much like Video Merger, Video Mixer also focuses exclusively on rapid scene splicing and trims. Easy drag and drop movements combine clips, while an integrated media browser separately manages source footage not used in the current project.
Performance stands out here thanks to 64-bit architecture optimized for late model iPhones and iPad Pros. Testing on an iPhone 12 Mini showed absolutely no slowdowns or latency while layering 4K clips, a feat many desktop apps still struggle to match. Video mixer clearly leverages the remarkable hardware capabilities of modern iOS gear for impressively responsive editing.
Exports default to 4K resolution in common MP4 and MOV codecs ready for YouTube, social media etc, complete with helpful built-in metadata. Lacking transitions, titles or color correction tools limits creative options, but outstanding technical competence at quickly merging iPhone shots makes up for it.
- + Blazing fast 4K timeline performance
- + Footage manager and metadata
- – No effects or text tools
If combining long sequences of 4K clips filmed on iPhone 12 models sounds appealing, Video Mixer should prove a responsive editor with output flexibility.
★★★☆☆
5. Adobe Premiere Rush
Premiere Rush offers the recognizable timeline editing interface hallmark of Adobe Premiere Pro and Rush desktop apps tailored for touch screens. Feature parity between mobile and desktop versions reaches up to 90%, a rarity ensuring projects started on iPhone seamlessly transfer to beefier hardware.
Drag and drop movements arrange multilayered sequences with advanced nesting, while a huge library of animated text, graphics and overlay elements add polished sheen. Robust audio tools enable detailed waveform manipulation, normalization, ducking, fading and integrated sound effect browsing. Color correction even enables 4-way gradient mapping for cinematic color grading.
Over 75 font choices, 50 color presets and automated ratio reframing tailored for platforms from Instagram to YouTube make assembly and publishing easy. For this pedigree of features, Premiere Rush comes remarkably affordable as a universal purchase.
- + Deep multiplatform project compatibility
- + Professional color, graphics and audio options
- – Relatively complex interface
Premiere Rush features desktop-class editing reconfigured for touch under an iconic brand, albeit not as readily approachable for amateurs compared to apps like iMovie. Still, amazing capabilities emerge given Rush‘s portable form factor.
★★★★☆
6. Filmmaker Pro
Aptly named Filmmaker Pro indeed packs capabilities rivaling desktop video editing software, right on iPhone and iPad. Beyond standard timeline editing, a number of workflow innovations better suit portable use. Custom scratchpads feature notes, drawings and metadata integrated alongside edits. The media lightbox allows shot selection and color coding for better organization. Full support for Apple Pencil input makes touch navigation easier on iPad.
Effects include 30 custom transitions like glass shutter, panoramic influx and triple split. These add complexity missing from simpler editors, while customization parameters enable deep modifications. Audio enhancements range from EQ to spatial 3D panning and channel mixing between mono, stereo and surround sound. Grading options allow LUT application, stabilization, freeze frames and more.
- + Apple Pencil navigation support
- + Extensive timeline effects
- – Multicam editing unavailable
Filmmaker Pro earns its name by packing sophistication portable editors seldom see. While not quite as refined as Rush or iMovie, Filmmaker Pro should delight creators seeking high-end functionality wherever inspiration strikes.
★★★☆☆
7. InShot
Geared more for casual users, InShot makes splicing iPhone clips almost trivial thanks to a graphical storyboard editor. Browsing shots visually then dragging into playlists makes fine editing adjustments easier after rough cuts finished. Standard tools like trim, split and filters reduce workload after arranging sequences intuitively.
What InShot lacks in precision it makes up through presets, with categorized filters, stickers, emojis and text captions to quickly customize videos before exporting. Easy social posting options even auto-reframe for various sites, making fast video crafting simple.
Less demanding users wanting creative control through simplicity will appreciate InShot. Attractive pricing tiers cater from casual users to semi-pro bulk editors needing more cloud storage and assets. For light iPhone clip merging with customizable effects on a budget, InShot is easy to recommend for all skill levels.
- + Storyboard editing simplifies splicing
- + Extensive creative content library
- – Limited timeline editing
★★★☆☆
8. KineMaster
KineMaster differentiates itself through powerful timeline manipulation tools rivalling desktop-class video editors. Working with multiple video angles is easy using multicam editing, with real-time audio waveform display aiding precise trimming. Speed adjustment from 0.25-16x slows or fast forwards clips fluidly. Keyframing applies effects at custom points on the timeline for precision.
Hundreds of overlays include animated text, handwriting effects and stickers to amp creativity. Proprietary audio preservation maintains quality when reexporting projects through novel lossless data process. KineMaster feels anything but a scaled-down mobile experience.
Advanced users willing to invest small monthly payments gain remarkable sophistication otherwise absent from mobile video editors. From multi-angle interview editing to VFX compositing, KineMaster opens possibilities on iPhone filmmaking simply inaccessible through free tools.
- + Multicam and keyframe editing
- + Advanced compositing and 3D effects
- – Complex for beginners
Aptly self-described as professional editing on the go, KineMaster reveals astonishing depth perfect for leveraging iPhone videography to impressive extremes. Be ready to spend for top-tier features unavailable elsewhere on iOS.
★★★★☆
Comparing Top 8 iPhone Video Editors
| Editor | Cost | Effects | Multicam | Trailers | Color Grading | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMovie | Free | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | Basic | Limited controls |
| FilmoraGo | $7 one-time | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | Waveforms | No external media |
| Video Merger | Free | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | No effects |
| Video Mixer | Free | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | No effects |
| Premiere Rush | $10/month | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | Gradient | Steeper learning |
| Filmmaker Pro | $10 one-time | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | Custom LUT | Multicam extra purchase |
| InShot | Freemium | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | Filters | Limited timeline |
| KineMaster | $5/month | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Color wheels | Complex interface |
Choosing the Right iPhone Video Combining App For You
All 8 tools shine for merging iPhone clips, but individual needs dictate which fits best.
Beginners on a budget will find iMovie most approachable with handy tools. Enthusiasts seeking more options get affordable power from FilmoraGo. Speed demons valuing quick and simple scene splicing lean on Video Merger, while multicam editors need KineMaster‘s advanced toolset.
Those less concerned with effects but wanting fantastic rendering speeds should see Video Mixer. Creators thirsting for desktop muscle in portable form won‘t go wrong with Premiere Rush or Filmmaker Pro despite steeper costs. Social media mavens will love the templates and share options InShot provides.
Test out a few options to judge what editing workflow you prefer before settling on the one matching both functional needs and budget.
Shoot Better Video for Easier Editing
While great apps empower iPhone video editing anywhere, garbage in inevitably gives garbage out. No mobile tools can rescue fundamentally flawed footage.
How to set your iPhone camera correctly before recording video:
- Lock focus and exposure on key subjects to avoid shifting or blown-out shots
- Adjust white balance to match ambient lighting
- Clean the lens with microfiber cloth to avoid smudges and distortion
- Use gridlines and level indicator tools to frame balanced shots
- Enable max resolution and frame rate for flexibility editing 4K 60fps clips
Take time setting up stable camera positions, cleaning the scene and allowing focus to lock for crisper iPhone videos. This pays creative dividends later when editing and combining clips.
Exporting and Sharing Combined Videos
After all editing finished, exporting your videos correctly ensures quality retained:
- Use max render settings for resolution and bitrates
- Export files in .MOV or .MP4 for best compatibility
- Add metadata like titles and descriptions
- Include project files or XML exports to retain editability
- Upload natively instead of screen recording for highest quality
Follow platform best practices when sharing online:
- Export in 9:16 ratio for Instagram and TikTok stories
- Use 16:9 for YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo
- Verify videos play through fully before posting publically
- Provide engaging titles and descriptions encouraging views, likes and comments!
Leverage iPhone video goodness in the best light by prepping carefully for social media. Quality origination and exports make your efforts shine brighter online.
Stay Tuned for More iPhone Video Tutorials
Combining clips is only the first step to polished videos. Make sure to check back as I dig deeper into both shooting and editing techniques to level up iPhone videography using these 8 featured apps and other helpful tips!
