Instagram has revolutionized the way we share audiovisual content, and the Reels Reels are now positioned as one of the preferred formats for creators, brands, and individual users to capture attention, increase reach, and boost engagement. Creating Reels not only allows you to unleash your creativity, but also to take full advantage of editing tools that were previously only available in professional software. One of the great attractions of Reels is their versatility: you can share short videos of 15 to 90 seconds loaded with effects, music, transitions, and eye-catching text. For those looking to stand out, it is essential to rely on specific applications that take the quality of your videos to the next level, facilitating advanced editing and optimizing the result for the demands of social media.
Why use third-party apps to create Instagram Reels?
The usefulness of a good app for making Reels lies in its features. advanced editing functions, variety of templates y effects, as well as the possibility of working with audio, animations and transitions that make the difference. Although Instagram comes with its own tools, third-party apps allow you to further customize your content, access copyright-free music libraries, create multi-track videos, add automatic subtitles, and take advantage of options designed for those seeking a professional finish. Additionally, many of these apps optimize resolution to support the highest possible quality, adapting the format to the social network's requirements.
What to consider when choosing a Reels app?
- Compatibility: Make sure the app works on your device (Android, iOS, or desktop).
- Editing options: The best editors offer layers, filters, transitions, and audio tools.
- Ease of use: Intuitive interface for editing even if you have no previous experience.
- Resource Library: : Music, effects, stickers and templates available.
- Export and formats: Ability to save video in HD, Full HD or 4K quality and export it directly to Instagram or other platforms.
- Cost: There are completely free apps and others that require a subscription to access premium features.
The best apps for making Instagram Reels
Below, we present an extensive compilation of the most used and valued applications by the community to create and edit Reels that are sweeping Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and beyond. Find out which one best suits your needs.
InShot: Easy editing with professional quality
InShot It has established itself as one of the most popular and downloaded video editors thanks to its balance of power and simplicity. This app stands out for allowing you to quickly create and adjust Instagram Reels, with intuitive tools ranging from trimming clips, adjusting speed and controlling brightness and contrast, to adding Filters, sound effects, text animations, clip rewind, and custom backgrounds. In addition, it allows you to overlay copyright-free music and record your own voiceoverAmong its advantages is the ability to work with both video and still images and create multi-layered videos.
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Export up to 4K and vertically adapted formats
- Wide variety of animated stickers, transitions and templates
- Highly functional free version and premium option for advanced features
- Easy integration to share directly to Instagram, TikTok or Facebook
Why choose InShot for your Reels? If you're looking for a powerful editor that doesn't require a learning curve and allows you to quickly create high-impact videos, InShot It's your best ally. Its template system, vast customization options, and the ability to add your own voice or music make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced creators.
VideoShow: Templates, Effects, and 4K Export
VideoShow is a very versatile editor and a pioneer in the integration of functions specifically designed for Reels. Among its strongest points They highlight the possibility of exporting videos in 4K resolution and its extensive gallery of predefined templates for quick, professional-looking montages. Allows you to add creative filters, sound effects, animated titles, music, and adjust video speed. Additionally, users can merge clips, compress video, zoom in, blur backgrounds, and much more.
- Large catalog of songs (including unlicensed music)
- More than 30 filters and multiple transitions
- Allows image zoom, voice changes and lip syncing
- Ideal for creating presentations, memes, short videos and viral reels
- Available for Android and iOS, with free and premium options
VideoShow Differential: Its ease of use, variety of features, and the ability to remove watermarks and ads with the VIP version make it a perfect app for both basic and advanced editing.
Viva Cut: Multi-layer editing and professional effects
live cut It stands out for its intuitive yet powerful interface, focused on creating top-quality Reels thanks to its multilayer function. It allows you to join and overlay videos, apply music transitions, trim clips, adjust speed, and perform advanced text editing. Its support for Full HD, HD, and 4K resolutions makes it ideal for those seeking professional results.
- Ability to combine and edit multiple video and audio tracks
- Featured text transitions and animations
- Ability to work with layers, chroma and advanced effects
- Direct export for Instagram, TikTok and more
- Frequent updates and support for both operating systems
Key Advantage: Its multi-layer editing power, along with its ease of handling advanced effects and features, make it a must-have app for those looking to take their reels to the next level.
CapCut: The most complete and recommended
CapCut, developed by the creators of TikTok, is one of the most complete and recommended apps for both amateur and professional users. Its main attraction lies in its advanced editing tools: filters, transitions, visual effects, color adjustment, the ability to add music, automatic subtitles, and animated text. Its template system is notable for adapting to current trends and synchronizing with viral audio, making it easy to create reels with high viral potential.
- Export in HD, Full HD and up to 4K
- Crop, speed up, and slow motion options
- Integration of sound effects and royalty-free music
- Auto-subtitling system, ideal for accessible content
- Allows precise keyframe editing and background removal
- Best apps for creating music and sound effects
- Apps to improve personal appearance
- Apps to upload Reels to Instagram from third parties
- Tips to increase followers on Instagram
- Ideas for congratulations on social networks
- Most used apps in the world
The most outstanding: CapCut brings together professional features, an intuitive interface, a huge library of effects, and the ability to export without a watermark for most options into a single platform.
Splice: Professional tools and fast learning
Splice It's designed for users looking for a professional experience in the palm of their hand. Its interface allows for agile editing, ideal for those who need to upload quality content quickly. With Splice, you can record clips, add dynamic transitions, modern filters, overlay narration or music, and share your reels directly to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube with just a few taps.
- Custom speed editing and precise trimming
- Royalty-free music library and current effects
- State-of-the-art transitions, filters, and effects
- Possibility to export videos in HD and customize the format
- Available for iOS and Android
Wondershare FilmoraGo: Unlimited Video Editing
FilmoraGo is positioned as one of the most robust apps for create and edit Reels with professional level results, standing out for its friendly interface and a wide catalog of advanced tools. It allows you to mute clips, create custom transition effects, work in layers, trim, merge videos, and add royalty-free music. It also features text animations, titles, filters, and support for formats tailored for Instagram and other networks.
- Picture-in-picture effect and text overlays
- Rotating, slowing down, speeding up, and trimming videos
- Export in high quality, including 4K
- Large library of visual and audio resources
- Free option and premium version with professional extras
Tips for creating stand-out Reels on Instagram
- Optimize duration: Reels can range from 15 to 90 seconds, but the key is to capture attention from the first few moments.
- Take advantage of the trends: Use trending music, challenges, and filters to boost your visibility.
- Create a powerful intro: The beginning should be eye-catching to prevent the viewer from scrolling to the next content.
- Use subtitles: Many people watch videos without sound, so automatic subtitles can make a difference.
- Includes calls to action: Encourage your followers to comment, share, or save the reel.
- Take care of the format: Instagram recommends a 9:16 aspect ratio (1080x1920 px) so that the video fills the entire mobile screen.
- Publish during prime time: Analyze when your audience is online to schedule your posts.
Differences between Instagram Reels, TikTok, and other platforms
Instagram Reels and TikTok share many similarities, such as the full-screen vertical format, the integration of music trends, and the ease of sharing content. However, Instagram allows Reels to be integrated into the feed, stories, and specific sections, while TikTok structures all of its content into short videos. Additionally, Facebook already allows Reels to be published on its profiles and feeds, expanding the reach of the videos created.
- Duration: On Instagram, they range from 15 to 90 seconds, while on TikTok they can last up to 10 minutes.
- Export formats: Instagram favors 9:16, while TikTok allows for more flexibility.
- Virality: Both algorithms prioritize interaction, but Reels better integrate visibility into the Meta ecosystem (Instagram and Facebook).
Who are these Reel creation apps ideal for?
The usefulness of these applications is not limited solely to content creators or influencers. Companies, SMEs, entrepreneurs And anyone looking to boost their social media presence can benefit greatly. In fact, it's estimated that more than 80% of Instagram users follow a business, and the Reels feature increases engagement by up to 22% compared to other video formats.
Plus, whether your goal is to showcase products, launch campaigns, explain services, or simply entertain and educate, Reels edited with specialized apps make the difference between an ordinary video and one that truly resonates with your audience.
Advantages of using external apps versus native Instagram editing
- Further customization: From complex transitions to advanced visual effects, third-party apps allow for unlimited creativity.
- Better resolution and quality: Exporting in 4K or with controlled compression prevents quality loss when uploading the video.
- Access to royalty-free music and resources: Avoid copyright restrictions.
- Collaborative and cross-platform work options: Ideal for teams or creators working across multiple devices.
Which app should you choose based on your profile and needs?
There's no single answer, but here are some quick tips:
- For starters: InShot, CapCut, Canva, and Quik offer simple templates and plenty of automation.
- For advanced creators: Viva Cut, KineMaster, Adobe Premiere Rush, FilmoraGo, and VN Video Editor support multi-layer work and have pro features.
- Collaborative editing: WeVideo It stands out for its work in the cloud, ideal for teams.
- Those looking for speed and virality: CapCut and BEAT Reels Maker stand out for their updated, on-trend templates.
Can I use Reels on other social networks?
Yes, the vast majority of these apps allow you to export your videos in a compatible format so you can also publish them on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and other short-video platforms, maximizing your reach and making it easier to manage your content across multiple platforms.
Creating original, creative, and well-edited Reels is more accessible than ever thanks to the range of apps available. Whether you're trying to wow your followers, boost your personal or professional brand, or simply experiment with new forms of communication, choosing one of these apps that suits your needs will allow you to boost your presence on Instagram and other networks. Take advantage of the ability to edit, customize, and highlight every detail of your videos, and become a leader in your industry without technical complications. Remember, creativity and impact are within your reach with the right tool.