With the rapid rise of social media platforms, the ability to edit content like photos and videos has become essential. Smartphones and tablets have evolved into powerful tools, and with the right applications, you can achieve professional-quality edits without being tied to a desktop computer. Here are some of the best editing apps you should know about.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Adobe Lightroom Mobile stands out as a leader in the photo editing domain, providing a powerful yet user-friendly experience. Available for both iOS and Android, this app brings many of the powerful tools found in the desktop version right to your fingertips. Its key features include advanced colour grading, RAW file editing, and AI-powered enhancements such as automatic adjustments and selective edits. The app’s cloud syncing ensures that your projects are accessible across devices, making it ideal for photographers who require seamless workflows.
The Lightroom Mobile also allows users to adjust exposure, contrast, and shadows with precision. Additionally, presets, both built-in and user-created, will help speed up the editing process for quick adjustments. The premium version unlocks extra tools, including healing brushes and geometry adjustments, perfect for removing blemishes or straightening horizons. Lightroom Mobile is an excellent choice if you’re a travel blogger enhancing landscapes or a social media enthusiast perfecting selfies.
Canva
Canva has long been a favourite tool for graphic design, and its mobile app continues to impress even today. Available on iOS and Android, Canva is a universal platform for creating everything from social media posts to presentations. The app features a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface while offering enough depth for more experienced users.
It includes thousands of templates, fonts, stock images, and essential photo editing tools such as filters, cropping, and text overlays. One of Canva’s standout features is its collaboration capabilities, making it ideal for teams working remotely. Additionally, it allows users to export designs in multiple formats, including PNG, PDF, and MP4. Recent updates have introduced AI-driven design suggestions, making it even easier to create polished visuals quickly. While it may not be as powerful as Photoshop for detailed photo editing, Canva’s all-in-one approach makes it a go-to option for producing quick, eye-catching content.
Filmora
Filmora has established itself as a leading mobile video editing app. It is free on iOS and Android, with the option to pay for premium features. The app offers an impressive collection of tools, including multi-layer timelines, transitions, motion tracking, and an extensive effects and music library. While Filmora is particularly suited for short-form content creators, it also has the versatility to handle longer projects.
The app includes AI features like auto-captions and background removal that help save time, while precise keyframe animations enable detailed customization. Regular updates keep Filmora competitive, and in 2025, enhancements such as improved stabilization and 4K export options are expected.
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Snapseed
Snapseed, owned by Google, is a free, powerful photo editing app that balances simplicity and sophistication. Available on iOS and Android, it offers tools like selective adjustments, healing brushes, and various filters that can be fine-tuned to taste. Its “Looks” feature lets you save custom edits as reusable presets, while the RAW editing capability appeals to photography enthusiasts.
Snapseed’s strength lies in its non-destructive editing, allowing users to undo or adjust any changes later. Although the app’s interface may seem a bit outdated, it is gesture-based and becomes efficient once mastered. It’s ideal for quick edits on the go, such as enhancing a sunset photo or removing an unwanted object from a frame.
PicsArt
PicsArt combines photo editing with creative expression, offering tools for both practical adjustments and artistic experimentation. Available on iOS and Android, it features filters, retouching tools, and a drawing option for adding custom elements. Its AI-powered effects, such as cartoon filters and background swaps, are especially fun for creating social media content.
The app also has a community aspect that allows users to remix other’s edits or share their own, encouraging inspiration. While the free version provides a solid experience, a Gold subscription unlocks premium content and removes ads. Overall, PicsArt excels in its playful and creative approach rather than light editing power.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best editing app depends on your needs and skill level. Lightroom Mobile and Snapseed lead with professional tools for photo editing, while PicsArt and Canva cater to creative and design-focused users. Video editors will find Filmora is ideal for quick, polished results. Most of these apps offer free tiers, so you can test them before committing. Download a few, experiment, and find the perfect fit for your on-the-go editing adventures.
