Best Creation Tools for Short-Form Content
- Anyssa Hammond
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Information for this blog post was obtained from Social Media Video Spec Guide, 30 TikTok Tools, and 11 Video editing apps for short-form video.
Short-form vertical videos are everywhere. Whether you're posting on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Reels, it’s one of the best ways to grab attention fast. But sometimes, the hardest part is figuring out how to actually make the thing. There are a ton of editing tools out there, and not all of them are beginner-friendly (or even worth the money).
So I’ve put together a list of some of the best apps for creating and editing vertical videos—whether you're just getting started or looking to level up. I break them down by skill level, budget, and what devices they work best on, so hopefully, you can find one that works best for you.
Beginner-Friendly Tools for Short-Form Videos
Canva
You’re probably already using Canva for posts or stories, then why not use it to edit content too? Canva is great for content creators because you’re most likely already using it to make other social posts.
It is simple to use. It not only allows for video editing but also for creating, with the ability to record audio—perfect for voiceovers.
They have a built-in music library to add a personal touch, and they have graphics available to use to spruce up your vertical short-form content.
Suitable for all platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram/Facebook Reels, and anything else you would need.
CapCut
CapCut is the tool of dreams for content creators, recently becoming viral due to its easy-to-use and premade templates.
CapCut has a vast library of templates, great for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It helps by also showing you what's popular, ensuring you can have an edge to create trending content.
You can edit your clips. Add effects, transitions, and voice-overs. And even batch edit!
Bonus: It can be linked directly to your TikTok account for quality of life.
CapCut also can use AI to edit videos for you— saving time and creating a unique experience no matter your skill set.
Mid-Level Tools With More Flexibility:
Filmora
Filmora is designed for content creators, making all forms of video content a breeze. Especially for vertical short-form content.
It has a vast library, allowing for templates for effects, transitions, and filters. They give your content life and uniqueness.
You can't film directly from Filmora, but you can upload your clips, and compared to other beginner-friendly apps, the built-in editing software allows for more advanced editing. Making your content feel more professional, all while keeping it user-friendly
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is perfect for creators who want power and simplicity in one place while making their content ideas come to life.
Express has one of the largest asset libraries, connecting to the rest of the Adobe ecosystem.
Express allows for a simplified workflow by having file sharing via private links, making it perfect for your content creation team.
Advanced Tools for Professional Short-Form Creators
Adobe Premiere Pro
When you're ready to produce content at a professional level, Premiere Pro lets you bring complex ideas to life.
Premiere is used by professional editors every day. It can be overwhelming to learn, but the outcome is worth it.
It allows for the craziest editing ideas to come to life, provided you are able to take the time to learn how to make it happen.
You can quickly sort content, apply effects, add voice-overs, and it even has the option to add subtitles or captions to your videos— increasing accessibility and captivating your audience.
You can also connect Premiere Pro to other Adobe apps, meaning you can add custom graphics, animations or even your own music. Adobe also has a library of licensable content in all of those categories, giving you easy drag-and-drop assets for your project.
Honorable Mention: Twitch Studio
If you’re a streamer or gamer, Twitch Studio lets you create vertical content straight from your streams. They offer a great tool to turn your streams into shorts that you can even publish right from the platform.
If you make gaming content, for example, and have a webcam, you can use their tool to identify your camera and your game separately, allowing them to become their layer so you can show the game and your reactions in one vertical view.
What to Consider When Selecting a Tool
1. What’s Your Skill Level?
Before you dive headfirst into the deep end, think about your skill level. Are you just starting? It would be beneficial to pick a more beginner-friendly tool, such as Canva or CapCut.
If you think you're ready to take things a bit further, Filmora or Adobe Express can expand your horizons while not over-complicating features.
And If you are ready to go full-throttle, a professional tool such as Adobe Premiere Pro might be just what you need to take your short-form vertical content to the next level.
2. What Content Are You Making?
You might need to consider what types of content you are making to pick the best tool.
Trendy TikToks - CapCut makes it quick and easy right from your phone, and it tells you what is trending.
Brand videos- Adobe Express or Premiere, more intricate edits that add a layer of professionalism.
Livestream Highlights: Twitch Studio quickly turns your stream into videos in a few clicks.
3. Your Device & Budget
An important thing to consider when picking a tool for your short-form vertical content creation is to think about what devices are available to you and what your budget is.
CapCut – Free (with optional paid features)
Available on mobile (IOS or Android) or desktop (Windows/Mac).
Twitch Studio – Free
Available on desktop (Windows/Mac)
Canva – Free plan available, Pro plan: ~$12.99/month or ~$119.99/year
Available on mobile (iOS/Android) or desktop (Web-based)
Adobe Express – Free plan available. Premium plan: starting ~$9.99/month.
Available on mobile (iOS/Android) or desktop (Web-Based)
Filmora – Free trial (with watermark), Subscription: ~$49.99/year. License: ~$79.99 one-time
Available on desktop (Windows/Mac) or partial features on mobile (FilmoraGo)
Adobe Premiere Pro –$22.99/month or included in Adobe Creative Cloud: ~$59.99/month (all apps)
Available on desktop (Windows/Mac)
At the end of the day, the best tool is the one that works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all app, and that’s okay. Whether you're just dipping your toes in with beginner-friendly options like Canva and CapCut, or you're ready to invest time in advanced software like Adobe Premiere Pro. By breaking down the options into beginner, mid-level, and professional categories, this guide shows that there’s a perfect fit for every creator.
Play around with a few of these tools and see what feels right. You don’t need to be a pro to make quality short-form vertical content—just start creating and go from there.
Got a favorite tool I didn’t mention? Or a go-to app you swear by? Let me know why it works for you!
Resources
Later. (2023, April 10). 11 best TikTok video editing apps in 2023. https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/11-video-editing-apps-for-short-form-video/
Social Media Examiner. (2023, January 5). Top tools for creating Instagram Reels. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/tiktok-tools/
Sprout Social. (2024, February 2). Social media video specs for 2024: Cheat sheet.https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-video-specs-guide/