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The 11 Best Short Video Makers to Boost Your Creativity

DATE POSTED:July 30, 2024

This article will explore:

  • Why short videos are essential for online presence.
  • The key features to look for in a short video maker.
  • How to choose the right tool for your needs.
  • Tips to create engaging short videos.

Let’s get started.

Why Are Short Videos Essential to Grow Your Online Presence?

Short-form video content has become a preferred content on social media platforms and for influencer marketing. Audience consumption of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are prime examples of how these bite-sized videos reshape online engagement. 

These platforms have millions of active users who prefer quick, entertaining content they can consume on the go. The popularity of short videos is because of their ability to deliver a message in a concise, engaging manner, making them perfect for today's fast-paced digital environment and audiences with shorter attention spans.

What Are the Benefits of Short Videos?

Short videos help you get:

  • Increased engagement: Short videos are more likely to capture and retain viewers' attention than longer formats. Their brevity encourages viewers to watch the entire video, leading to higher engagement rates.
  • Higher retention rates: With attention spans shrinking, short videos cater to the need for quick content consumption. They are more likely to be viewed entirely, ensuring effective message delivery.
  • Shareability: They are highly shareable, making them ideal for social media and increases the potential of your content to go viral.
  • Versatility: You can use short videos for different purposes, from product promotions and tutorials, to behind-the-scenes glimpses, and user-generated content. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for any online presence strategy.
The Best Short Video Makers to Boost Your Creativity

Now that we have a brief overview of short video makers and why you need them, let’s jump straight into the deep end.

1. Invideo

Invideo is a comprehensive video creation platform that aims to make high-quality video production accessible to everyone, including short videos. Its extensive library of over 5,000 customizable templates covers various video types, including marketing videos, social media posts, and presentations.

InVideo Video Editor

Invideo's standout feature is its text-to-video tool, allowing effortless and quick conversion of texts to videos. Additionally, the platform offers a vast library of stock assets, including images, videos, and music, making it a one-stop shop for video creation.

For example, I used a simple prompt of a dog running down the street in the rain in London. This is what I got with the settings in the picture below.

Invideo AI options

Making a video this easily using AI text-to-video could speed up short video creation for your YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok videos.

Key Features
  • Pre-made templates: Over 5,000 templates for different video needs, from marketing to social media.
  • Text-to-video: Convert text scripts into engaging videos.
  • Stock assets: Access to millions of stock photos, videos, and music tracks.
  • Custom branding: Easily add logos, colors, and fonts to personalize videos.
  • Collaboration tools: Collaborate with team members in real-time on video projects.
Pros
  • Extensive template libraries save time
  • Text-to-video feature simplifies content creation
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
Cons
  • Limited advanced editing tools for professional editors
  • Performance can be sluggish on lower-end devices
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Business plan: $30/month
  • Unlimited plan: $60/month
2. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a top-tier video editing software used by professionals in the film and television industry. The best part about it is that it is completely free!

Davinci Resolve Video Editor Source

It integrates advanced editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production into a single platform. So, if you’re interested in creating some high-quality short videos for YouTube, look no further!

The software is known for its industry-leading color grading tools and its ability to handle high-resolution video editing. Its collaborative features allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, making it ideal for large production teams.

Key Features
  • Advanced editing tools: Precision editing with a range of professional tools.
  • Color grading: Best-in-class color correction and grading tools.
  • Visual effects: Fusion visual effects and motion graphics.
  • Audio post-production: Comprehensive Fairlight audio suite.
  • Collaboration: Multi-user collaboration capabilities for seamless teamwork.
Pros
  • Comprehensive toolset for professional-grade video production
  • The FREE version offers extensive features
  • Unmatched color grading options
Cons
  • A steep learning curve for new users.
  • Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.
Pricing
  • Free
3. CapCut 

CapCut is a popular mobile video editing app designed for quick and easy short video creation. Social media influencers and casual video creators prefer this tool for its intuitive interface and range of effects.

CapCut includes features like speed control, filters, and an extensive music library, allowing you to produce high-quality videos directly from your mobile devices. I also curated a quick guide on how to use CapCut.

This short video maker is the perfect companion if you like to join TikTok dance challenges since you can find them easily by simply searching “dance challenges” in templates.

CapCut TikTok dance challenges templates

It is owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok. It also means that CapCut has been integrated with TikTok, making it the perfect short video maker for creators focusing mainly on TikTok content.

Capcut Video Editor Key Features
  • Basic editing tools: Trim, split, and merge clips with ease.
  • Effects and filters: Wide range of effects and filters to enhance videos.
  • Speed control: Adjust the speed of your video clips.
  • Music and sound effects: Extensive library of sounds and music tracks.
  • Text and stickers: Add text overlays, stickers, and emojis.
Pros
  • Highly intuitive and easy to use
  • Free to use with regular updates
  • Quick editing on the go
Cons
  • It lacks advanced editing capabilities.
  • It is not suitable for professional-grade long-form video production.
Pricing
  • Free
4. VEED.io

VEED.io is another excellent short video maker designed to simplify video creation for businesses and content creators. With its focus on ease of use, it enables you to produce professional-looking videos without extensive technical skills.

Veed Video Editor

The platform's auto-subtitle generation is a notable feature, allowing you to create accessible content for a global audience. Having an auto-caption function is vital, especially for DIY influencers, as those videos need captions for their audience who follow along.

VEED.io  supports a variety of templates and real-time collaboration tools, making it ideal for team projects.

Key Features
  • Video editing: Easy-to-use editor for trimming, cutting, and adding effects.
  • AI avatars: Create high-quality AI avatars for talking head videos.
  • Recording: Record your screen or yourself, then edit and share.
  • Stock library: Access over 2 million royalty-free video and audio assets.
  • Collaboration: Work with team members using real-time collaboration tools.
  • AI-powered editing: Enhance videos with Magic Cut, AI Translate, background removal, and auto subtitles.
Pros
  • User-friendly interface with no software installation required
  • Excellent for quick edits and social media content
  • Auto-subtitle generation enhances accessibility
Cons
  • There are limited advanced editing features.
  • You must subscribe to access the full features such as the auto-subtitle generation.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Basic plan: $18/month
  • Pro plan: $30/month
  • Business plan: $70/month
  • Enterprise plan: Contact their sales team for a quote
5. Canva

Canva is a versatile graphic design tool that has expanded its capabilities to include video editing. It's ideal for creating influencer marketing materials and social media content.Canva's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for creators to produce professional-looking videos without editing experience. However, it lacks any in-depth video editing features.

Canva Video Editor

Its extensive library of templates, stock assets, and easy-to-use editing tools make it a powerful tool for visual content creation. The paid plan also features a variety of integrated AI software, including AI video generation tools such as DeepReel.

Canva Video Editor AI tools

It’s a great all-in-one content creation tool enough for creating short or long videos suitable for TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.

Key Features
  • Drag-and-drop editor: Simple interface for creating videos.
  • Templates: Hundreds of customizable video templates.
  • Stock assets: Access millions of images, videos, and music tracks.
  • Text and graphics: Add text overlays, graphics, and animations.
  • Collaboration: Team collaboration features for project management.
  • AI integration: The paid subscription includes access to plenty of AI tools.
Pros
  • Easy to use with a wide range of templates
  • Integrated design and video tools are available in one platform
  • Extensive stock asset library
Cons
  • There are limited advanced video editing features.
  • Some features are only available with a subscription.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Pro plan: $14.99/month
6. Vimeo

Vimeo is a premium cloud-based video hosting platform offering simple video editing tools alongside its high-quality hosting and streaming services. Its core function is for professionals who need robust video hosting with customization and detailed analytics.

Vimeo Editor dashboard

Vimeo's standout features include customizable video players and in-depth video analytics, which help businesses and creators understand their audience better and optimize their video content.

Vimeo analytics dashboardSource Key Features
  • Hosting: High-quality video hosting and streaming.
  • Simple editing tools: Trim, crop, and merge videos.
  • Customization: Customize video players and add branding.
  • Analytics: Detailed video analytics and insights.
  • Collaboration: Team collaboration features.
Pros
  • High-quality, ad-free video hosting
  • Customizable video players enhance branding
  • Professional tools and in-depth analytics
Cons
  • It has limited advanced editing features.
  • It is expensive to access premium features and enough storage needs.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Starter plan: $20/month
  • Standard plan: $33/month
  • Advanced plan: $108/month
7. Animoto

Animoto is a cloud-based video creation tool aimed at creatives who need to produce marketing videos, slideshows, short videos, and presentations quickly and easily. It features a drag-and-drop editor with plenty of templates that simplify video creation.

Animoto templates page

This simplicity allows you to add photos, video clips, and music to create engaging content in a few steps. Animoto is particularly popular among marketers and small businesses for its simplistic use and professional-looking results.

Animoto video editor Key Features
  • Templates: Pre-made templates for various video types.
  • Drag-and-drop editor: Simple, intuitive interface.
  • Music library: Access to licensed music tracks.
  • Text overlays: Easily add text and captions.
  • Branding: Add logos and custom colors to videos.
Pros
  • Extremely user-friendly
  • Ideal for creating marketing and presentation videos
  • Good selection of templates and licensed music
Cons
  • It has limited customization options for advanced users.
  • It requires a subscription for most features and higher-quality exports.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Basic plan: $16/month
  • Professional plan: $29/month
  • Professional Plus plan: $79/month
8. FlexClip

FlexClip is an online video creation tool designed for content creators who need to create videos quickly and easily. It offers a variety of templates and simple editing tools, making it suitable for producing social media content, marketing videos, and personal projects.

Flexclip templates page Flexclip video editor

FlexClip's standout feature is its screen recording capability, which allows you to capture your screen and webcam simultaneously, making it an excellent tool for tutorials and recording webinars and presentations.

Flexclip free online screen recorder Key Features
  • Templates: There are plenty of templates for different video types.
  • Editing tools: Trim, split, and merge videos.
  • Stock assets: Access a vast library of stock videos, photos, and music.
  • Text and animations: Add text overlays, animations, and effects.
  • Screen recording: Record screen and webcam for tutorials and presentations.
Pros
  • User-friendly with no software installation needed.
  • Good for quick and simple video projects.
  • A screen recording feature is useful for tutorials.
Cons
  • Limited advanced editing features.
  • A free version includes a watermark on videos.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Plus plan: $9.99/month
  • Business plan: $19.99/month
9. Visme

Visme is a comprehensive design tool that includes video creation capabilities, making it ideal for creating presentations, infographics, and short videos. It stands out with its multifunctional design approach, allowing you to create a wide range of visual content within a single platform.

Visme video editor

Its extensive library of templates, customizable options, and collaboration features make it a powerful tool for marketers, educators, and small businesses.

Visme template options Key Features
  • Templates: Various templates available for videos and other designs.
  • Drag-and-drop editor: Simple interface for creating videos.
  • Stock assets: Access to a library of images, videos, and icons.
  • Animation: Add animations to text and graphics.
  • Collaboration: Team collaboration features for seamless project management.
Pros
  • Multifunctional design tool that combines graphics and video creation
  • Easy to use with a wide range of templates
  • Excellent for marketing and educational content
Cons
  • There is limited advanced video editing features.
  • Some premium features require a subscription.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Starter plan: $29/month
  • Pro plan: Starts from $59/month for one user
  • Enterprise plan: Contact their sales team for a quotation
10. Vizard.ai

Vizard.ai is a cloud-based video editing tool emphasizing ease of use and professional-quality results. It is for users who need to produce high-quality content quickly, with features that facilitate seamless collaboration. 

Vizard.ai stands out for its intuitive AI editor that can quickly cut up longer videos into smaller, bite-sized videos perfect for YouTube Shorts and TikTok videos. It can even focus on a specific subject and crop the video for vertical viewing.

Vizard AI short maker

It is pretty simple to use. Simply upload your video and AI does the rest.

Vizard Video Editor AI

With AI on board, the editing features are pretty limited, as the goal is to create simple, short videos. It also offers a variety of templates and stock assets to streamline the video creation process.

Key Features
  • Templates: Pre-made templates for various video types.
  • Editing tools: Trim, crop, and add effects.
  • Stock library: Access to a vast library of stock footage and music.
  • Text and transitions: Add text overlays and transitions to videos.
  • Collaboration: Real-time collaboration features for team projects.
Pros
  • User-friendly and intuitive interface
  • Suitable for quick, professional-quality video creation
  • Excellent collaboration features for teams
Cons
  • Limited advanced editing tools compared to desktop software.
  • Subscription is required for full access to features and stock assets.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Creator plan: $20/month
  • Team plan: $30/month per seat (2 seat minimum)
11. Flixier

Flixier is an online video editing platform known for its speed and collaborative features. It provides a cloud-based editing environment, allowing you to edit and render videos quickly without installing software.

Flixier video editor

Flixier’s standout feature is its real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. Its editing interface is also more in-depth and familiar to intermediate/professional editors. It also offers a range of templates, stock assets, and export options, including 4K video resolution.

Key Features
  • Cloud-based editing: Edit videos online without software installation.
  • Templates: Ready-made templates for various video types.
  • Stock assets: Access to a library of stock videos and music.
  • Real-time collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real time.
  • Export options: Multiple export options, including 4K resolution.
Pros
  • Fast and responsive interface
  • Excellent for team collaboration and remote work
  • Good selection of templates and stock assets
Cons
  • There are limited advanced editing features compared to desktop software.
  • Subscription is required for premium features and higher-quality exports.
Pricing
  • Free plan
  • Pro plan: $14/month
  • Business plan: $30/month 
  • Enterprise plan: Contact their sales team for a quotation
Key Features to Look for in a Short Video Maker

Choosing the right short video maker involves considering several essential features that can enhance the video creation process and the final output.

1. User-Friendly Interface and Ease of Use

An efficient short video maker should have an intuitive interface that allows you to create videos without a steep learning curve. Drag-and-drop functionality, clear navigation, and straightforward editing tools are essential for beginners and experienced creators.

2. Availability of Templates and Customizable Options

Templates can significantly speed up the video creation process. Look for a video maker that offers a variety of templates tailored to different purposes, such as social media posts, advertisements, and tutorials. Customizable options — adding logos, colors, and fonts — are also crucial for maintaining brand consistency.

3. Editing Tools: Trimming, Effects, Transitions, and Music

Comprehensive editing tools are crucial for creating polished short videos. Essential features include:

  1. Trimming: Easily cut out unwanted parts of the video.
  2. Effects: Apply filters and effects to enhance the video's visual appeal.
  3. Transitions: Smoothly transition between clips for a professional look.
  4. Music and sound effects: Add background music and sound effects to make videos more engaging.
4. Export Options and Compatibility with Various Social Media Platforms

The ability to export videos in different formats and resolutions is vital. Ensure that the video maker supports the formats and dimensions required by various social media platforms. Direct sharing options to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can also save time.

5. Pricing in Your Budget and Value for Money

Pricing is an important consideration when choosing a short video maker. Look for tools that offer a good balance of features and cost. Free versions with basic features can be valuable for beginners, while premium versions often provide more advanced tools and better support.

How to Choose the Right Short Video Maker for Your Needs

When choosing a short video maker for your business, consider the following:

1. Assess Your Specific Video Creation Needs and Goals

Identify your primary goals for using a short video maker. Are you creating content for social media marketing, personal use, or business promotion? Understanding your marketing needs will help you choose a tool that aligns with your objectives.

2. Compare Features and Pricing of Various Video Makers

Compare the features and pricing of different short video makers to find the best value for money. Consider what features are essential for your needs and which you can do without. Look for tools that provide a good balance of necessary features and affordability.

3. Consider the Learning Curve and Available Support/Resources

Choose a video maker that matches your skill level. Some tools are designed for beginners with easy-to-use interfaces, while others offer advanced features for experienced users. Check if the tool provides tutorials, customer support, and community forums to help you get the most out of the software.

4. Test and Experiment with Different Video Editing Tools

Before committing to a short video maker, try different options. Many tools offer free trials or free versions with limited features. Experiment with these to see which one you find most intuitive and capable of meeting your needs.

Tips for Creating Engaging Short Videos for Your Audience

Creating engaging short videos requires planning, creativity, and technical skills. Here are some tips to help you create videos that capture and retain your audience's attention:

1. Plan and Script Your Content

Start with a clear plan and script for your video. Define the main message you want to convey and outline the key points. A well-planned script ensures that your video is concise and focused.

2. Leverage Eye-Catching Visuals and Effects

Use high-quality visuals and effects to make your video stand out. Incorporate dynamic visuals, animations, and transitions to keep viewers engaged. Be mindful not to overdo it, as too many effects can be distracting.

3. Incorporate Music and Sound Effects

Music and sound effects can enhance the emotional impact of your video. Choose background music that complements the mood of your content and use sound effects to highlight key moments. Ensure that the audio levels are balanced and do not overpower the visuals.

4. Keep Your Videos Concise and to the Point

Short videos should be brief and direct. Aim to convey your message within the first few seconds and keep the overall length under one minute if possible. This approach helps maintain viewers' attention and ensures they receive your message.

5. Encourage Viewer Interaction with Calls to Action

Include calls to action (CTAs) to encourage viewers to interact with your content. Whether it's liking, sharing, commenting, or visiting a website, clear CTAs can drive engagement and achieve your video's goals.

Posing questions or prompting viewers to participate in challenges can also increase interaction.

Comparing the Best 10 Short Video Makers for Your Ease

Now that we’ve got a good idea of the best short video makers and what they do, here’s a quick comparison table to summarize the best short video makers:

Short Video MakerPricingNotable FeaturesInvideoStarts from $30/monthText-to-video conversion: Easily turn scripts into engaging videos.
Extensive template library: Over 5,000 customizable templates.DaVinci ResolveFree to useProfessional color grading: Industry-leading color correction tools.
Advanced editing tools: Comprehensive suite for precision editing.CapCutFree to useUser-friendly mobile interface: Intuitive editing on mobile devices.
Extensive effects library: Wide range of effects and filters.VEED.ioStarts from $18/monthAuto-subtitle generation: Automatically generate captions in multiple languages.
Real-time collaboration: Share and collaborate on projects seamlessly.CanvaStarts from $14.99/monthDrag-and-drop editor: Simplifies video creation for all skill levels.
Extensive stock assets: Millions of images, videos, and music tracks.VimeoStarts from $20/monthHigh-quality hosting: Ad-free video hosting with customizable players.
Detailed analytics: In-depth insights into viewer engagement.AnimotoStarts from $16/monthDrag-and-drop interface: Simplifies video creation for quick results.
Licensed music library: Access to a wide range of background tracks.FlexClipStarts from $9.99/monthScreen recording: Record screen and webcam simultaneously.
Quick editing tools: Easy trimming, splitting, and merging of clips.VismeStarts from $29/monthMultifunctional design tool: Combines video creation with other design capabilities.
Customizable templates: Wide range of templates for different purposes.Vizard.aiStarts from $20/monthReal-time collaboration: Multiple users can work on projects simultaneously.
Extensive stock library: Access to a vast array of stock footage and music. Start Creating Content with These Short Video Makers Today!

Short video makers are essential for enhancing your online presence and engagement in today's digital landscape. They offer numerous benefits, including increased engagement, higher retention rates, and shareability.

Choosing the right short video maker involves considering key features such as user-friendliness, templates, editing tools, export options, and pricing. Assess your marketing needs and experiment with different tools so you can find the best fit for your video creation goals.

Remember to plan your content, use eye-catching visuals and effects, incorporate music, keep videos concise, and encourage viewer interaction to create engaging short videos.

Start investing in short video creation to connect with and engage your audience effectively.