10 Best Tools for Creating Short-Form Videos That Professionals Use

With platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominating social media, having the right tools to create engaging short-form content is essential for standing out and capturing audience attention. This comprehensive guide explores the best tools for creating short-form videos that will help you produce professional, eye-catching content that resonates with viewers.

SendShort

SendShort stands out as a dedicated platform specifically designed for creating and editing short-form videos. What makes it particularly valuable is its ability to automatically convert long-form content into engaging short clips.

Key Features:

• AI-powered video conversion that transforms long videos into platform-optimized shorts
• Faceless AI video generation for creating content without appearing on camera
• Automated captioning with customizable fonts and colors
• Built-in templates for quick, professional edits
• Various transitions and effects specifically designed for short-form content

Pricing:

• Free plan available
• Paid plans starting at $15/month

Best For:

Content repurposing and creators who want to transform existing long-form content into shareable short clips for social media platforms.

Pros:

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Specialized for short-form content creation
• AI-driven optimization for different social platforms
• Time-saving automation features

Cons:

• Limited to short-form content only
• Some advanced features require a paid subscription

SendShort is the ideal solution if you’re looking to efficiently repurpose longer videos or create platform-specific short content without extensive manual editing.

CapCut

Originally developed by ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), CapCut has quickly become one of the most popular video editing tools for short-form content creators.

Key Features:

• Rich library of effects and transitions designed for social media content
• Preset templates for quick, professional edits
• Seamless integration with TikTok for easy publishing
• Built-in music library with trending sounds
• No watermark on exported videos, even with the free version

Pricing:

• Free version with comprehensive features
• Premium subscription available with additional effects and templates

Best For:

TikTok and Instagram Reels creators who need a versatile, mobile-friendly editor with plenty of creative effects.

Pros:

• Completely free with no watermarks
• User-friendly interface ideal for beginners
• Extensive effects and transitions library
• Direct integration with social platforms

Cons:

• Can occasionally crash with larger video files
• Limited export formats
• Doesn’t translate subtitles

CapCut’s intuitive design and robust feature set make it perfect for creators who want to quickly produce eye-catching short-form videos without a steep learning curve.

Canva

Canva has evolved from a graphic design platform to include powerful video editing capabilities, making it a versatile option for creating short-form content.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for intuitive editing
• Extensive template library with pre-designed video layouts
• Integrated text and animation options for engaging overlays
• Brand kit integration for consistent visual identity
• Collaboration tools for team projects

Pricing:

• Free version with basic features
• Canva Pro starting at approximately $12.99/month
• Canva for Teams for larger organizations

Best For:

Marketers and content creators who need to maintain brand consistency across their short-form videos and other visual content.

Pros:

• Extensive library of templates and design elements
• Easy-to-use interface with minimal learning curve
• All-in-one platform for graphics and videos
• Strong collaboration features

Cons:

• Limited video editing capabilities compared to dedicated editors
• Watermark on free version exports
• Fewer video-specific effects than specialized tools

Canva is the perfect choice for creators who prioritize visual branding and need to create cohesive content across multiple formats, including short-form videos.

InShot

InShot is a powerful mobile-first video editor that excels at creating quick, professional-looking short-form videos directly on your smartphone.

Key Features:

• Mobile-optimized editing tools for on-the-go creation
• Filters and effects for enhancing video quality
• Text overlays and stickers for engaging content
• Music library with trending sounds
• Multiple aspect ratios for different platforms

Pricing:

• Free version with watermark
• Premium subscription to remove watermark and access all features

Best For:

Mobile content creators who need to edit and publish videos quickly from their smartphones.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for mobile editing
• Intuitive interface with simple controls
• Comprehensive editing features in a mobile package
• Support for multiple video formats and resolutions

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing capabilities
• Watermark on free version
• Some features locked behind subscription

InShot is ideal for creators who primarily work from their mobile devices and need a reliable, feature-rich editor that doesn’t sacrifice quality for convenience.

Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a streamlined version of Adobe’s professional editing suite, optimized for creating and sharing short-form content.

Key Features:

• Cross-device syncing for editing on multiple platforms
• Professional-grade color correction and effects
• Built-in templates for quick editing
• Adobe Creative Cloud integration for seamless workflow
• Direct publishing to social media platforms

Pricing:

• Free starter plan with limitations
• Premium plan as part of Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

Best For:

Content creators who need professional-quality editing capabilities in a more accessible package than full Adobe Premiere Pro.

Pros:

• Professional-level editing tools
• Consistent experience across desktop and mobile
• Integration with other Adobe products
• High-quality exports

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve than some alternatives
• Full features require subscription
• More resource-intensive than simpler editors

Adobe Premiere Rush bridges the gap between professional video editing and the quick turnaround needed for short-form content, making it perfect for creators who don’t want to sacrifice quality for speed.

Filmora

Filmora offers an excellent balance of powerful features and user-friendly design, making it a popular choice for short-form video creators.

Key Features:

• AI-powered editing tools for faster workflow
• Extensive effects library with regular updates
• Motion tracking for dynamic elements
• Green screen and split-screen capabilities
• Audio editing and enhancement tools

Pricing:

• Annual subscription starting around $49.99/year
• Lifetime license available for approximately $79.99
• Free version with watermark

Best For:

Content creators looking for professional features without the complexity of high-end editing software.

Pros:

• Affordable compared to professional editing suites
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• Robust library of transitions and effects
• Regular updates with new features

Cons:

• Watermark on free version exports
• Some advanced features have a learning curve
• Occasional performance issues with complex projects

Filmora strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and capability, making it ideal for creators who want to produce polished short-form videos without investing in more complex editing platforms.

TikTok In-App Editor

The TikTok in-app editor has become a powerful tool in its own right, allowing creators to produce engaging content without ever leaving the platform.

Key Features:

• Wide variety of built-in effects and filters updated regularly
• Extensive music library with trending sounds
• Direct publishing to the platform
• Duet and Stitch features for interactive content
• Green screen and other creative tools

Pricing:

• Free with TikTok account

Best For:

TikTok-focused creators who want to quickly produce and publish content using the platform’s native tools.

Pros:

• No additional apps required
• Always updated with trending effects
• Large music library with licensed tracks
• Seamless publishing process

Cons:

• Limited to TikTok’s specific format
• Fewer advanced editing capabilities
• No export options for other platforms without watermark
• Limited fine-tuning tools

The TikTok in-app editor is perfect for creators who primarily publish on TikTok and want to leverage the platform’s built-in features and trending effects.

OpusClip

OpusClip specializes in transforming long-form videos into engaging short clips using AI technology.

Key Features:

• AI-powered content analysis to identify engaging moments
• Automatic reformatting for different social platforms
• Caption generation with customization options
• Batch processing for multiple clips
• Content repurposing tools for maximizing existing videos

Pricing:

• Subscription-based with various tiers
• Free trial available

Best For:

Content creators and businesses with existing long-form content who want to repurpose it for short-form platforms.

Pros:

• Saves significant time in content repurposing
• Identifies engaging moments automatically
• Optimizes for multiple platforms
• Streamlines the editing workflow

Cons:

• Limited manual customization options
• Quality depends on the original content
• AI selection may not always match creator preferences

OpusClip is the ideal solution for creators with a library of long-form content who want to efficiently transform it into platform-specific short-form videos without manual editing.

Crayo AI

Crayo AI represents the cutting edge of AI-powered video creation, focusing on generating viral-ready short-form content.

Key Features:

• Automated caption generation with customization
• AI-powered effects and backgrounds
• Music matching based on content
• Quick clip creation from simple prompts
• Platform-specific optimization

Pricing:

• Free clip creator tool
• Premium plans for advanced features

Best For:

Creators looking to produce short-form videos quickly with minimal manual editing.

Pros:

• Extremely fast video creation process
• Reduces technical barriers to entry
• AI-optimized for engagement
• Time-saving automation

Cons:

• Less creative control than manual editing
• Quality varies based on input
• Limited customization options

Crayo AI is perfect for creators who need to produce a high volume of short-form content quickly or those who lack technical editing skills but still want professional-looking results.

FlexClip

FlexClip offers a user-friendly platform for creating short-form videos with innovative AI features.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop editor for intuitive video creation
• AI-powered text-to-video tool for quick generation
• AI script generator for content ideas
• Auto-subtitle generator for accessibility
• AI background remover for clean visuals

Pricing:

• Free plan with basic features
• Subscription plans for advanced capabilities

Best For:

Social media marketers and content creators who need to produce professional-looking videos quickly.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface ideal for beginners
• Time-saving AI tools
• Professional templates and effects
• Quick turnaround for social media content

Cons:

• Limited media library for niche content
• AI features sometimes require fine-tuning
• Some advanced features only available on paid plans

FlexClip combines ease of use with powerful AI capabilities, making it an excellent choice for creators who need to produce professional short-form videos without extensive editing experience.

Comparison Table of the Best Tools for Creating Short-Form Videos

Finding the best tools for creating short-form videos depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and the platforms where you’ll be sharing your content. From AI-powered automation with SendShort and Crayo AI to user-friendly mobile editors like CapCut and InShot, there’s a perfect solution for every creator. By leveraging these powerful tools, you can streamline your workflow, enhance your creativity, and produce engaging short-form videos that capture audience attention and drive engagement across all social platforms.