Life as a content creator is, in many ways, rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. While most will not admit it, there’s the constant unparalleled fear among creators that their work won’t be recognized or achieve intended objectives.

Fortunately, proper tools can help to allay these fears and, if done right, deliver masterpieces that impress viewers and achieve set goals. However, there are many solutions pitching as the best in the market claims that are unfortunately false.

Find out the best apps for making videos with pictures and music, and learn what to consider when evaluating apps yourself.

3 Best Desktop Apps and Tools for Making Videos

	OS supported	Pricing
Wave.video	Any (web tool)	Free, Streamer, Creator, Business
Icecream Video Editor	Windows	Free, Pro
Shotcut	Windows, macOS, Linux	Free

Wave.video – Best Overall Online Video Maker

	Features: OS supported: any (web tool) Pricing: Free / Streamer / Creator / Business plans HD video support: yes *1000+ predesigned templates; royalty-free image and audio library; built-in voiceover

To earn the designation as best overall, an online video maker should check most boxes, and honestly, it’s not an easy feat since many considerations apply.

Wave.video is a powerful video editing tool that enables you to create stunning videos in minutes. With this tool, you can easily create beautiful videos with photos and clips and add text, transitions, music, and more. Plus, Wave.video allows you to customize your video with custom branding elements such as logos and watermarks.

Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes Wave.video stand out from the competition. This makes it super easy for anyone to start creating videos without prior knowledge of video editing software. 

Additionally, Wave.video offers a wide range of features like trimming, cropping, voiceovers, and more that allow users to customize their videos and make them unique.

Another thing that makes this tool the best overall is its extensive library of free royalty-free videos, images, and audio tracks that you can quickly and easily incorporate into your projects. 

No matter your experience level, project scope, or budget, Wave.video has all you need to take your content to the next level. Flexible plans and ease of use only sweeten the deal further.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to use Web-based, no need to install it on your device High-quality output Advanced video editor built-in	Outputs on the basic plan have a watermark

Icecream Video Editor – Best for Windows

	Features: OS supported: Windows Pricing: Free / Pro plan HD video support: yes (+ Full HD and 4K) *20 video transitions; 10 photo motion effects

If you’re a Windows user, the Icecream Video Editor is the best desktop app for making videos. It’s a simple, intuitive tool that is ideal for beginners. The program allows you to edit videos easily, cut and trim clips, adjust brightness and contrast, add transitions and effects, and much more. 

You can also record your audio directly into the program and import existing audio from other sources.

The Icecream Video Editor is perfect for Windows users because it comes with various pre-installed templates that make creating videos quick and easy. The templates have everything you need to create professional-looking videos, including backgrounds, music, graphics, and text effects. With these, you can create stunning videos in minutes without being an experienced video editor.

The tool also offers a wide range of features designed to make creating videos easier. There are dozens of transition effects, including wipes, fades, slides, and zooms. You can also customize video speed to make it faster or slower. And if you need help with the more complex aspects of video editing, the software has a built-in guide to show you precisely what to do.

Everything considering the Icecream Video Editor is an excellent choice for Windows users looking for an easy-to-use desktop app for making videos.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to use Numerous customization options Free to use	The free plan is a bit bland compared to similar options

Shotcut – Best Free Tool for Making Videos with Pictures and Music

	Features: OS supported: Windows, macOS, Linux Pricing: Free  HD video support: yes (+ Full HD + 4K) * intuitive interface; wide formal support

This tool may come as a shocker, especially if you believe free or cheap translates to subpar or less-than-ideal outputs. If you’re lucky to try it out, you’ll quickly find it’s one of the best-kept secrets, and surprisingly it performs at par, or even better than some paid tools for making videos.

Shotcut is an open-source video editor that supports almost all media formats, including MP4, MOV, MPG, AVI, and more. You can add transitions, filters, effects, and text overlays to your videos.

Shotcut lets you easily assemble videos from photos, music, and video clips. You can combine multiple clips into one video with its robust drag-and-drop functionality. Plus, it comes with features like color grading and audio editing capabilities. This means you can make your video look exactly how you want it to.

In addition, Shotcut allows you to quickly upload your creations to YouTube, Vimeo, and other social media platforms. It also supports 4K resolution video exports to create stunningly high-quality videos.

Overall, Shotcut is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful yet free desktop tool for making videos with pictures and music.

Pros:	Cons:
Free to use Relatively straightforward setup and a light installation file Endless customization options	No preview for edited media

3 Best Video Editing Apps for iPhone and Android

	OS supported	Pricing
Magisto	iOS, Android	Free, Professional plan, Business plan
Filmora	iOS, Android	Free, Pro plan
iMovie	iOS	Free

Magisto – Best Mobile Video Editor Overall

	Features: OS supported: iOS, Android Pricing: Free / Professional plan / Business plan HD video support: yes (+ Full HD on Magisto Web) *AI-driven smart editor; ready-made templates for different occasions; music library

Magisto is one of the best mobile video editors out there, and in this list, it holds the title of the best mobile video editor overall. This powerful app can help you turn your home videos, photos, and clips into professional-looking productions in minutes.

Magisto’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to select your footage, add music, and apply effects to craft the perfect video. Whether you’re creating a highlight reel from a vacation or a birthday celebration, Magisto’s automatic video editor can instantly transform your content into something special. 

The AI-driven smart editor takes out all the guesswork, and before you say it, it’s not there to replace your originality but to augment your abilities.

The app features a variety of ready-made templates, which are designed to help you get the most out of your content. And once you’ve completed your edit, you can share it on your social media accounts with a single click. 

Aside from that, Magisto also offers a premium subscription that provides access to advanced editing tools and features and exclusive music options.

If you’re looking for a fast, intuitive, and powerful video editing app for your mobile device, Magisto is an excellent choice.

Its wide array of ready-made templates, automated editing tools, and user-friendly interface make it an easy and sound pick.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to use Reliable support Wide range of editing tools and options	Subscriptions are a bit pricey Less control with edits Edits are limited to short videos

Filmora – Best for Beginners

	Features: OS supported: iOS, Android Pricing: Free / Pro plan HD video support: yes (+ Full HD and 4K in desktop version) * in-built retouch features (whitens and smoothes faces); 1000+ templates; chroma key; Picture-in-Picture mode

Everyone has to start somewhere, but this doesn’t mean your content has to be mediocre. That’s why using a tool designed with beginners in mind is vital. Something that won’t be a hassle to work with.

Filmora is a perfect pick if you’re looking for an easy-to-use video editor that works on a smartphone.  It’s simple enough for beginners to use but also has plenty of features to make even more experienced users happy. 

With Filmora, you can quickly trim, crop, and add music and effects to videos with just a few taps. The app also includes a library of royalty-free soundtracks, effects, and filters that can be applied to your clips.

It’s also worthwhile to note that the tool’s free plan is enough for most basic to intermediate tasks, and you’ll only have to upgrade to the pro plan once you’ve gathered a significant audience.

Filmora also offers professional-level tools such as advanced color correction, audio mixing, and more. Additionally, you can choose from various aspect ratios to ensure your videos look perfect on any platform. The app also supports editing HD and 4K videos, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to create high-quality projects on their phone.

Filmora is an excellent choice for beginner and advanced video editors who want to create beautiful videos on their smartphones. 

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to use Numerous editing functions and features Justifiable cost with the lifetime offer price	Requires a subscription to unlock all features It doesn’t have audio keyframing

iMovie – Best for iPhone Users

	Features: OS supported: iOS Pricing: Free HD video support: yes (+ Full HD and 4K) *8 movies themes; 13 Apple-designed video filters; 11 title styles; 20 storyboard templates

iMovie has been the go-to video editor for iPhone users since its launch in 2010. The app makes it easy to edit videos quickly and is perfect for those new to video editing or who don’t have the time or patience to learn more complex software.

iMovie offers a range of features that make it ideal for easily creating professional-looking videos. To begin with, you can easily import photos and videos from your camera roll and then edit them with tools like trimming, transitions, and text overlays. You can also add background music and sound effects to make your videos stand out.

The app also includes pre-made themes that are perfect for creating special effects. These themes include everything from comic books and holiday styles to sports and music videos. Additionally, you can use green-screen and split-screen effects to create unique looks for your videos.

When sharing your creations, iMovie makes it easy to post directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook. You can also save projects to iCloud Drive or Dropbox to access them anywhere.

In summary, iMovie is an excellent video editing app that is simple and intuitive enough for beginners but offers enough features for those looking to get creative with their videos.

Pros:	Cons:
User-friendly interface Custom animations and elements Seamless and convenient sharing options Enjoys feature updates	Limited to iOS and Mac devices Requires significant storage space

How to Use Wave.video to Create a Video with Photos and Pictures:

Here’s how to go about it on Wave.video:

• Open Wave.video on your browser, click Create video, then select Blank video. If you don’t have much experience with making videos, select Templates, where you can choose from an extensive library of free and paid templates.
• Select an appropriate video format for your content depending on a platform where you want to pos it. Add video or image frames, or start by picking a background color.

• Add layouts, frame transitions, audio, and anything else to make your new video stand out. Remember to ensure the audio track syncs with the photo or video frames. Similarly, learn how to create the perfect video transitions here.
• Hit Publish and select Video from the dropdown menu.

• Select an appropriate resolution and video format, and hit Render and Download once again to export the video to your device.

Dive into this guide on how to edit videos for a more comprehensive take that’ll revolutionize your video creations.

What to Consider to Find the Best Tool for Making Videos with Pictures and Music:

With numerous options available, it can be hard to determine what to look for in a video-making tool. Here’s a look at the most vital considerations:

Your Experience

Are you looking for a simple drag-and-drop video maker or a more advanced but complex program with powerful editing capabilities? Do you need a program that is easy to learn or complex but offers a better range of features?

Your experience will also determine how much time you’ll have to invest in learning the tool. If you have limited time and are looking for a quick solution, an easy-to-use video maker would be ideal. But if you’re willing to invest time in learning a more advanced tool, you can access more features and customize your videos further.

User Interface

It’s always ideal to look for tools that have an intuitive and easy-to-understand user interface. This will make it easier to understand the features and capabilities of the software and make your workflow more efficient. 

Look for tools with options for customizing your workspace and organizing projects for quick access and editing. Also, pay attention to tools with clear navigation and helpful tutorials for new users.

Good user interface design can also be a great asset when creating videos with pictures and music. Some tools offer customizable drag-and-drop editors, allowing you to quickly add photos, videos, audio, effects, and transitions. 

Others may also feature timeline-based editors, allowing you to arrange and adjust elements on the timeline easily. Both approaches can help speed up your editing process and make it easier to create professional-looking videos.

In-Built Effects, Templates, Photos, and Video Library

The right tool can add convenience to your creator journey and ensure you achieve near or complete perfection with your work.

Effects such as transitions, text animations, filters, special effects, and image adjustments can make your video look professional.

Templates provide a great starting point for creating videos. Look for a tool that offers a range of video styles, from classic slideshows to modern corporate intros and trailers. This will allow you to create videos quickly without starting from scratch each time. Here’s a more in-depth piece on video editor templates benefits.

A good video creation tool should also include a library of photos and videos that you can use in your projects. This is especially useful if you can’t access high-quality images and footage. Look for a library that’s regularly updated with new content so you can always access the latest assets.

Formats Supported

Many video editing tools are limited to certain formats, so it’s important to make sure that the tool you choose can work with the file types you need. For example, if you want to edit an MP4 video file, ensure the chosen software supports that format.

The range of file types the tool can export is also important to consider. You may need a specific format or resolution if you want to share your final product on social media or other platforms. 

Ensure the selected software can export your video in the desired format and resolution. Some of the most common formats supported by video editing tools are AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, MPG, MP4, and MKV.

Video Resolution Supported

A video’s resolution determines how crisp and clear the image looks. Higher resolutions, such as 4K and Ultra HD, offer superior quality and are ideal for movies and large-format digital displays. HD is usually sufficient if you’re making videos for social media or viewing them on a computer monitor. 

For the best results with your video editing project, look for a program that supports a range of video resolutions, including 4K and Ultra HD. Many programs also allow you to export your video at multiple resolutions to suit different playback devices.

Your Operating System

Different software programs are compatible with various OSs, so make sure that the one you choose supports the OS on your device.

Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are the most common operating systems. Each platform offers its features and capabilities, so you should carefully research which one best suits your needs. 

For instance, Windows and Mac are great for video editing and sharing, while Android is better for creating short-form content like stories and GIFs. Additionally, certain features may be exclusive to certain platforms; for example, some effects or filters can only be used on a certain OS.

If you have multiple devices, you should check to see if the software can sync across them so that you can edit from any device. This makes it easier to collaborate with others or access your content on the go.

Pricing

As with most software, a range of plans are available, and what works best for one user may not be the best for another.

The most basic plans are usually free but generally offer limited features and quality. The more expensive plans will have more features and higher quality output but may also come with an ongoing cost. For example, some tools will charge a monthly or annual subscription fee to access their advanced features, while others may charge a one-time fee to unlock all their features.

It’s important to consider how often you plan to use the tool and how long you expect to use it. If you only need the tool for one project, then a free or low-cost plan may be sufficient, but if you plan to make videos regularly, a more comprehensive plan may be worth investing in.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which plan is right for you is to try free software versions and see how they perform. This will help you determine whether it meets your needs and is worth paying for the upgraded version.

FAQs

What are the best free video editors for Windows?

There are plenty of powerful and feature-packed video editing applications, but the most important factor to consider is whether or not the editor is compatible with your operating system.

Regarding free video editors for Windows, one of the most popular options is Windows Movie Maker. It’s an easy-to-use program allowing you to quickly edit and create great-looking videos. It has basic features like adding text, titles, transitions, and music and more advanced features like splitting, trimming, and combining videos. The downside is that Microsoft no longer supports this program, so it might not be compatible with newer versions of Windows.

Another great option for Windows is VSDC Video Editor. This editor has many of the same features as Windows Movie Maker, including adding text, titles, transitions, and audio. Plus, it supports different file formats, including AVI, MP4, and MOV. There’s also a Pro version that offers more advanced tools like color correction and masking.

For those who want more power in their video editor, OpenShot is another great option for Windows. It offers many features and tools, including 3D animations and 3D titles. There’s also support for 4K Ultra HD video resolution. And the best part is that it’s completely free!

Finally, Shotcut is another great choice for Windows users. It’s easy to use and offers many features like 4K resolution support, multi-track timeline editing, color correction, and more. Plus, it supports many different file formats, such as MP4 and WEBM.

No matter which free video editor you choose for Windows, take some time to explore its features and see what works best for you. Each editor has strengths and weaknesses, so take the time to compare them to find the best one for your needs

What benefits do pro versions have?

The biggest benefit of choosing a pro version is that it typically offers more features than the basic version of the tool. This means you have more options for customizing your video, such as adding effects, overlays, transitions, animations, and other elements.

In addition to having more features at your disposal, the pro version may also come with technical support so you can get assistance if you run into any issues. Plus, many pro versions come with additional content like templates, photos, and soundtracks. This can be a great asset when you’re looking to create videos quickly and easily.

Finally, some pro versions offer features like unlimited video length, higher resolutions, and advanced editing tools. This can be especially useful if you’re creating longer videos or want to create videos in 4K or HD.

If you’re serious about creating high-quality videos with pictures and music, then it’s worth investing in a pro version of the software

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best apps for making videos with pictures and music isn’t a walk in the park. You have to consider many things, and with numerous options in the market, it might feel like you’re missing out when you pick one tool over others.

Among other essential aspects, the user interface should be easy to navigate, while the tool should have a wide collection of templates, photo, and video libraries. You should also factor in the formats supported, video resolution, and the tool’s compatibility with your operating system.

Free basic plans may do the trick when starting out, but as you advance pro, paid plans would make the most sense.