Clipping doesn't require expensive editing software. Every app below is free, works on a phone, and covers what you actually need: trimming footage, adding captions, and exporting at the right size for Reels.
The most widely used app among clippers, and for good reason: auto-captions, a large library of transition and text effects, and a straightforward timeline that doesn't take long to learn. Free tier covers everything most clipping campaigns need.
Simpler interface than CapCut, good for quick cuts and basic text overlays. A solid option if CapCut feels like more than you need for a given clip.
Closer to desktop-style editing on a phone, with more precise control over cuts and audio, still fully free with no watermark.
For very simple clips, Instagram's own Reels editor (trim, text, music) is enough. Not ideal for anything with multiple cuts or captions synced to speech, but zero setup required.
The specific app matters less than three things: a strong hook in the first two seconds, captions that match what's being said (most viewers watch with sound off), and matching the brand's style guide exactly. A well-edited clip in InShot will outperform a sloppy one in a more "professional" tool every time. The app is just the means, not the differentiator.