7 apps for doing something new with video
Unleash your pocket’s inner director, editor, and special FX artist
The video-editing tools built into iOS and even Apple’s iMovie cover the basics farely well, but there is so much more than meets the eye in the world of video, so we got inspired to transform your tools of choice. Let’s start out with some basics.
Videohance ($3.99, iPhone) feels like your favorite photo filter and “mood” apps, but for videos. It’s packed with effects and textures like light leaks, grit and grain, and blurs, but also adds elements like stylized frames and animated objects.
Stop Motion Studio (Free, Universal) is a comprehensive app that leapt over from the Mac. It packs powerful tools for getting started with stop-motion, such as overlaying your previous frame to help line up the next shot, and an automatic mode so you can focus on character movement. Extra features are available to buy.
Part silly selfie app, part live broadcasting camera, MSQRD (Free, Universal) brings all sorts of live- filter, face-swapping, eye-laser (you heard us) tools to your pocket. You can put bunny ears and celebrity effects on your friends, give yourself the “angry Superman” treatment, and run a live, interactive broadcast.
Cinemagraph PRO (Free, Universal) is in an interesting space in that it allows you to create unique moving photos. Picture a flag on a beach on a windy day – with Cinemagraph Pro, you could freeze the flag mid-action, but let the water and other elements ebb and flow like normal. In-App Purchases unlock various features.
The artistic end of video can take many forms, and Fused (Free, Universal) opens some inspiring doors all its own. As the name suggests, Fused allows you to combine two videos into unique double-exposures. A time-lapsed city can be seen bustling in the silhouette of a mountain. A stormy ocean could ebb and crash while overlaid on a closeup of a full beer glass. Various filters, effects, and blend modes are available via IAPs.
If your text messaging could use a little more video and music,
Dubsmash (Free, Universal) is the name of your new game. Dubsmash makes it really easy to grab a pop song and film, basically, whatever you want to that tune – then share it with your friends and/or the world.
If you’ve ever wanted to drop a truck on your friend or have aliens invade your living room, Action
Movie FX (Free, Universal) is the answer. Built by the production studio of J.J. Abrams, Action Movie FX makes it drop-dead simple to toss any number of lighthearted, professional-quality, over-the-top special effects into just about any shot. From tornados wrecking your scene to a Star Wars battle erupting, Action Movie FX is perfect for any opening scene, or climactic baby’s-first-steps cliffhanger. As usual, it sports In-App Purchases for various themed movie effects.