Published on May 2, 2025 5 min read

InShot Review: The Go-To Video Editor for Quick, Polished Social Content

When you’re editing videos on your phone, it’s crucial to find a tool that gets the job done quickly, without overwhelming you, and produces content you're excited to share. InShot has quietly become a go-to for individuals who want to create clean, polished videos without spending hours on tutorials. It's especially popular among creators who prefer to handle everything on their phones, whether for social media, YouTube shorts, or personal videos.

Let's dive deeper into how InShot operates. Is it worth your time?

What InShot Offers Right Out of the Box

Trimming and Cutting Made Easy

The trimming, splitting, and cutting tools are user-friendly. You don't have to deal with awkward gestures or confusing icons. Simply drag the timeline to your desired point, tap split or trim, and you're done. The app responds immediately without lag, unless you're working with very large files on an older device.

Built-In Effects and Filters

InShot offers a wide range of filters and transitions. While some may be a bit excessive, there are plenty of neutral or cinematic options to keep your videos sharp. You can also adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and other essentials. It's not on par with Lightroom, but it certainly gets the job done.

Text and Stickers That Don’t Feel Clunky

Adding text is straightforward, and you can animate it or keep it static. The font library is decent—not overwhelming—but it covers most styles, from casual to professional. The stickers add a fun element, especially for casual videos. However, for a more polished look, you might choose to skip them.

Audio Editing That Covers the Basics

InShot allows you to layer music, sound effects, and voiceovers. The built-in music library offers a variety of royalty-free tracks, though some of the better ones are available only in the pro version. Importing your own audio is also an option, which is useful if you're aiming for a specific vibe.

Aspect Ratio Options for Social Media

This is where InShot truly excels. Whether you're creating content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube, or stories, InShot has the aspect ratio templates ready for you. Simply select the platform, and it auto-adjusts your video dimensions.

What It Gets Right (Pros)

Fast Exporting

Whether you're saving in 720p, 1080p, or even 4K, the export process is typically quick. There’s no frustrating wait time, especially for shorter clips.

Great for Short-Form Content

InShot is tailored for creating content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The built-in templates and ratio settings simplify these edits. Additionally, the ability to directly upload to your social channels from the app streamlines the process.

Affordable Premium Option

The free version offers enough features to get you started. If you decide to upgrade, the premium version is reasonably priced compared to other editors—especially considering the features you receive.

No Internet Required for Editing

You can edit offline, which is beneficial if you're on the go or in areas with weak connectivity. This eliminates annoying sync issues or crashes from constant server communication.

Where InShot Slips Up (Cons)

Watermark on Free Version

This is likely the biggest drawback for first-time users. If you don't upgrade, your exported videos will have a watermark in the corner, which isn't ideal for professional postings.

Not Ideal for Long-Form Projects

For videos longer than a few minutes, the mobile screen can feel cramped. No matter the screen size, you might find yourself wishing for keyboard shortcuts and a larger workspace.

Some Effects Are Locked

While the free version is functional, many transitions, filters, and music tracks are locked behind the pro version. If you're trying to keep everything free, you might quickly feel limited.

Limited Audio Controls

You can fade audio in and out, adjust volume, and layer tracks—but that's about it. For advanced EQ controls or background noise cleanup, you'll need another app.

Ads in the Free Version

While not overly aggressive, ads do exist in the free version. You'll encounter them when exporting or unlocking certain features, which can be inconvenient if you're in a hurry.

Alternatives That Might Work Better for You

If you’ve outgrown InShot or want to try something new, several apps stand out based on your needs:

CapCut

A direct competitor, CapCut offers advanced features like auto-captions, background removal, and better transition control—all for free. It's integrated with TikTok, providing seamless platform synergy.

VN Video Editor

VN boasts a cleaner interface with no watermark, even in the free version. It leans into advanced editing territory without losing its beginner-friendly nature, offering multi-layer support and advanced keyframing.

KineMaster

KineMaster strikes a balance between simplicity and complexity. It provides a timeline reminiscent of desktop editing software, making it ideal for growing your editing skills. However, it includes a watermark unless you go premium.

Adobe Premiere Rush

If you're already using Adobe products, this app integrates smoothly within the Adobe ecosystem. It syncs with your Creative Cloud account, allowing you to start on your phone and continue on your desktop. However, it can be heavier, with some features locked behind a subscription.

Final Thoughts

InShot is an app that knows its audience well. It's not trying to be a full-blown production tool, and that honesty is part of its appeal. For quick edits, mobile-first content, and casual video creation, it stands strong. The interface is clean, the features are robust for the price, and the learning curve is minimal.

However, if you're planning on more complex editing or need advanced audio or layering controls, exploring other options like VN or CapCut might be worthwhile. Still, for its target audience, InShot is difficult to overlook—and even harder to put down once you get accustomed to it.