Every time a gadget company unveils another affordable way to shoot beautiful HD video from your pocket, YouTube receives a fresh upload of snooze-worthy videos. Now more than ever, in the
age of validation, mobile videos demand expert editing in order to yield the “likes” and love that their makers so desperately crave. Armed with these video editing tools, smartphone auteurs will be well prepared to bask in retweet glory.
Magisto: For those who have suffered through hours of video editing, any app that claims to do it for you must be an
act of magic. Following the lead of other apps using
prestidigitatorial technology,
Magisto asks for a self-shot video, a snappy title, and a song selection, then – presto! – it conjures up a short and sweet edited version of the footage. The Magisto algorithm recognizes faces and camera movements to ensure the most visually compelling narrative possible. A few cuts and transitions later, the results are
downright heartwarming. As with any good app, Magisto’s final chef-d’oeuvre can be shared on the creator’s social networks.
WeVideo: If automated video editing doesn’t fulfill one’s artistic needs,
WeVideo offers more creative control without the
headache of professional grade programs. The platform’s cloud-based toolbox boasts a basic, yet robust, interface. Its most unique feature, however, may be the ability to edit collaboratively: everyone who shot video or took photos at a particular event can pool their content into one crowdsourced narrative. Of course, WeVideo facilitates sharing to the usual suspects like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, but those who really want to show off their work may want to consider posting it on a network that’s exclusive to videos, like SocialCam.
Cinefy: As though adding
Muppets to mobile videos wasn’t enough, more and more visual effects have started to grace iPhone screens. Fresh off its
debut at CES,
Cinefy brings Hollywood fantasy to videos shot on-the-go. The app’s special effects buffet includes prehistoric dinosaurs, cutesy animation, and gory gunshots, among other eye candy. The sizzle doesn’t stop there, though, as Cinefy has been working with brands and studios to add more effects packs for free (or a few bucks). But by no means is Cinefy the only one to put iPhone users in the director’s chair:
J.J. Abrams’ Action Movie FX app features
enough explosions to topple the weekend box office.
