Best Editing Apps for Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are one of the most effective tools for capturing attention, growing your audience, and increasing engagement. But with millions of stories posted every day, how can yours stand out? The answer lies in using the best editing apps for Instagram Stories.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top editing apps that content creators, influencers, and marketers are using in 2025 to create stunning, scroll-stopping Stories.
Why Use Story Editing Apps?
Instagram's built-in tools are great, but they’re limited in design flexibility and features. With third-party apps, you can:
- Add unique templates and animations
- Use custom fonts and filters
- Edit videos professionally
- Schedule and plan stories in advance
Whether you're a beginner or a professional creator, these apps will elevate your storytelling game.
1. Canva (Free & Paid)
Best for: Templates, text, and visual storytelling
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Canva offers thousands of ready-made Instagram Story templates. You can easily drag and drop elements, add animations, and customize colors and fonts to match your brand.
Features:
- Library of free photos, stickers, and fonts
- Video editing tools
- Brand kit for consistent design
- Easy collaboration with teams
Why We Love It: Ideal for quick and professional-looking designs, even for beginners.
2. InShot (Free & Pro Version)
Best for: Video editing for Stories
Platforms: iOS, Android
InShot is one of the most popular mobile video editors, offering powerful yet simple tools for resizing, trimming, and enhancing videos for Instagram Stories.
Features:
- Trim, cut, split, and merge clips
- Add music, sound effects, and voiceovers
- Video filters, transitions, and speed control
- Resize videos perfectly for 9:16 format
Why We Love It: It's easy to use and perfect for quick, on-the-go edits.
3. Unfold (Free with Premium Upgrades)
Best for: Minimal and elegant story templates
Platforms: iOS, Android
Unfold is known for its clean, stylish templates. It helps you create cohesive story sequences that feel like a curated magazine.
Features:
- 300+ story templates (photo & video)
- Fonts, stickers, and backgrounds
- Batch editing for story sets
- Integrates with Instagram for easy sharing
Why We Love It: Perfect for fashion, travel, and lifestyle brands that want a sophisticated look.
4. Mojo (Free & Premium)
Best for: Animated Instagram Stories
Platforms: iOS, Android
Mojo is a favorite among influencers for creating dynamic animated stories without needing design skills.
Features:
- 500+ animated templates
- Text effects and motion graphics
- Ability to add logos and custom fonts
- Export in high-quality format
Why We Love It: Animations grab attention—Mojo makes it easy to create them.
5. Adobe Express (Free & Premium)
Best for: Professional graphics and video templates
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Formerly Adobe Spark, this tool offers robust design options for creating branded Instagram Stories.
Features:
- Pre-made templates for all social platforms
- Easy animation and transition tools
- Adobe font integration
- Cloud sync across devices
Why We Love It: Trusted by professionals, especially for brand-focused content.
6. StoryArt (Free with in-app purchases)
Best for: Unique layouts and themes
Platforms: iOS, Android
StoryArt helps turn everyday photos and videos into cinematic stories with over 2,000+ templates.
Features:
- Vintage, minimal, film-style themes
- Highlight cover creator
- Multiple fonts and filters
- Collage layouts for photo stories
Why We Love It: Offers stunning design options not found in Instagram’s native tools.
7. VSCO (Free & Premium)
Best for: Aesthetic photo editing
Platforms: iOS, Android
VSCO is perfect for creators focused on photography. Its filters and tools enhance photos before adding them to your Stories.
Features:
- Advanced photo editing (exposure, grain, fade)
- Custom filters and presets
- VSCO community for inspiration
- Video editing (premium feature)
Why We Love It: Great for creating visually consistent, high-quality story content.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Templates & branding | Free / Premium | iOS, Android, Web |
| InShot | Video editing | Free / Pro | iOS, Android |
| Unfold | Minimal templates | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| Mojo | Animated stories | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| Adobe Express | Pro design tools | Free / Premium | iOS, Android, Web |
| StoryArt | Cinematic templates | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
| VSCO | Photo enhancement | Free / Premium | iOS, Android |
Pro Tips to Create Engaging Instagram Stories
- ✅ Keep text short and readable
- ✅ Use consistent fonts and colors
- ✅ Add music or voiceovers for engagement
- ✅ Include polls, questions, and interactive stickers
- ✅ Use relevant hashtags and geotags
- ✅ Optimize your design for mobile view (9:16 aspect ratio)
Final Thoughts
With the right editing app, your Instagram Stories can go from basic to brilliant. Whether you’re a casual creator or a professional brand, these apps give you the tools to stand out in a crowded feed.
Experiment with different styles, stay on-brand, and most importantly—have fun telling your story.