From Corporate Layoff to Creator Life: The Editing Apps I Actually Use (And Why Instagram Edits Shocked Me)

2/11/2026

One of the questions I get the most is simple: What apps do you use to edit your videos?

Before I get into that, a little context. I started my business, YellOutLoud, back in 2019 because I’ve always loved business, strategy, and helping people grow. Then life shifted. Corporate life, motherhood, responsibilities. And then came the layoff. What I didn’t expect was how that moment would bring me back to what I actually enjoy, creating, posting again, growing on TikTok, and getting back to the business side of content. I’ll share more about that journey later, but for now, let’s talk about the tools, because that’s what people ask me about the most.

The good news is you don’t need expensive software or a complicated setup. My entire workflow lives on my phone, and the quality these apps produce now is honestly impressive.

1. Instagram Edits This one deserves more credit than it gets. I’ll be honest, I did not expect Instagram’s built-in editing tools to be this good, but the quality is clean, crisp, and professional. The clarity and sharpness don’t over-process your video, and the lighting and color adjustments actually enhance your skin tone instead of washing it out. I love that I can trim, align, adjust brightness, contrast, and warmth, and post without losing quality. There have been plenty of times where I filmed, edited, and posted without leaving the app, and the final result still looked polished. For beginners especially, you could start here and honestly be just fine.

2. CapCut When I need a little more control, CapCut is my go-to. This is where I organize clips, tighten up my cuts, add text, or use simple transitions. It’s easy to use but still powerful enough to make your videos feel intentional instead of thrown together. If you’re creating Reels or TikToks regularly, CapCut gives you the flexibility to shape your content without making the process feel overwhelming.

3. Captions App If you talk on camera, this one is important. Most people watch videos without sound, so on-screen captions help your message land and keep people watching. I use the Captions app for clean, accurate text that looks professional and matches my brand. It’s a simple step, but it makes your content feel more polished and improves retention.

4. Canva Canva is where everything comes together visually. I use it for Reel covers, graphics, carousels, and anything brand-related. If you want your page to look consistent and recognizable, Canva helps you keep your colors, fonts, and overall look aligned.

The biggest takeaway is this: you don’t need a fancy setup to create high-quality content. Between Instagram edits, CapCut, Captions, and Canva, your phone can produce content that looks professional and ready for your audience. And honestly, Instagram edits still surprises me the most. The quality, the speed, and the fact that you can do everything in one place makes it a quiet powerhouse for creators.

If you’ve been waiting to start because you thought you needed more tools, more equipment, or more experience, you probably already have everything you need.

The real difference isn’t the apps.

It’s showing up.