What software should you use to create viral edits?
You don't need a €2,000 setup to create a hit video. The right software is the one you know how to use—and many of them are free. Here's which one to choose based on your skill level and platform.
On mobile
CapCut
The #1 tool for beginner editors. Free, fast, and packed with templates, transitions, and simple effects. Perfect for getting started and quickly producing vertical edits ready for TikTok.
Alight Motion
More powerful than CapCut for effects, keyframes, and motion design on mobile. It’s the best mobile software for creating edits—easy to learn and capable of more advanced editing.
On a computer
DaVinci Resolve (free)
Professional-grade, free, with the best color grading on the market. Ideal if you want a cinematic look without paying for a subscription.
After Effects
The best software available today for editing, advanced effects, animations, advanced graphics, compositing, and 3D. It can be difficult to get the hang of at first, but there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube. If you have a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM for simple edits and 16 GB of RAM for more advanced edits, choose After Effects.
Which one should you choose?
- You’re a beginner / using a mobile device and want to make simple edits: CapCut.
- You want to do more advanced edits on mobile: Alight Motion
- You have a good PC and want the best for editing: After Effects.
- You’re already at an advanced level and want to master color grading: DaVinci Resolve.
No matter which tool you use, what matters is the quality of the edit and the hook. An excellent CapCut edit beats a bad After Effects edit every time.
Put your software to the test
The best way to improve: work on real projects. Editing contests give you a concrete goal—and a cash prize to boot.
FAQ
What's the best free software for editing?
Alight Motion on mobile and After Effects on a computer are the best. CapCut for speed, DaVinci for quality and color grading.
How can I quickly improve my editing skills?
Enter our paid editing contests for a chance to win money while improving your skills by competing against dozens of editors on a common theme.