Best Editing Apps to Quickly Create Shorts from Long YouTube Videos

Repurposing long YouTube videos into bite-sized Shorts is one of the fastest ways to multiply your content's reach. But manually trimming and editing footage can take hours - unless you're using the right tools.

This guide breaks down the best editing apps (mobile and desktop) that make it incredibly easy to turn longer videos into scroll-stopping Shorts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned creator, these apps can speed up your workflow, boost your engagement, and help you grow faster.

Why Repurposing Matters

YouTube Shorts is not just a discovery tool - it's a subscriber magnet. When you cut highlights, punchlines, or quick tips from longer videos, you create snackable content that hooks new viewers and drives them to your channel. It's a win-win.

But to do it well, you need two things:

1. Smart editing tools.
2. Clear, engaging subtitles.

That’s where Capsai.co comes in.

The Must-Have Tool: Capsai.co for Subtitles

Before diving into the editing apps, let’s talk about Captions. Over 80% of Shorts are watched on mute, which means your message won't land without text. Capsai.co automatically adds dynamic, on-brand subtitles to your videos, including:

• Multiple language support (English, Hindi, Hinglish, and more)
• Bold fonts and animations
• Emoji compatibility
• Auto keyword emphasis

Pair Capsai with any of the editing tools below for a complete Shorts-creation workflow.

Explore Capsai's Free Subtitle Tool

1. CapCut (Mobile & Desktop)

CapCut is TikTok's official editing app, but it's just as powerful for YouTube Shorts. It's free, feature-rich, and beginner-friendly.

Best for: Creators who want fast edits with effects, transitions, and auto-captions.

Highlights:

• Auto cut templates for Shorts
• Speed ramps, zoom cuts, and text overlays
• Easy drag-and-drop UI

Pro Tip: Use CapCut to trim your video, then upload the final cut to Capsai.co for subtitle magic.

2. InShot (Mobile)

A longtime favorite for mobile editors, InShot offers clean timeline editing, filters, and aspect ratio controls.

Best for: Lifestyle, vlogs, and aesthetic creators who want more manual control.

Highlights:

• 9:16 ratio templates
• Music syncing tools
• Speed control and basic animations

3. Descript (Desktop)

Descript takes a text-first approach to video editing - perfect for trimming spoken-word content or interviews.

Best for: Podcasters, educators, and talking-head YouTubers.

Highlights:

• Edit video by editing text
• Auto remove filler words and silences
• Transcribe + edit in one go

4. Adobe Premiere Rush (Mobile & Desktop)

A simplified version of Premiere Pro, Rush is ideal for creators who want more polish without the learning curve.

Best for: Tech and creator channels who want Adobe-grade edits on the go.

Highlights:

• Built-in transitions and titles
• Sync across devices
• Export in multiple formats

5. VN Video Editor (Mobile)

This underrated app is completely free and loaded with features that compete with premium tools.

Best for: Budget-conscious creators who still want pro-level edits.

Highlights:

• Multi-layer timeline
• Reverse and keyframe support
• Great text and sticker features

Bonus: Use AI to Speed Up Editing

Want to make things even faster? Try using AI tools like:

• Capsai.co for instant subtitles
• Opus Clip or Veed.io for auto-resizing and punchline detection
• Whisper AI for fast transcriptions

Final Workflow: From Longform to Shortform

Here’s your new Shorts production process:

1. Clip It: Use CapCut or Descript to trim your long video into 15-60 second highlight.
2. Style It: Add effects, music, or filters.
3. Caption It: Upload the final cut to Capsai.co for eye-catching subtitles.
4. Post It: Publish on YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Facebook.

Done right, each long YouTube video can give you 5-10 Shorts - each one a potential viral hit.