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Table of contents:
Key Takeaways:
- What split-screen editors do: They combine multiple clips or images in one frame, ideal for interviews, reaction videos, and storytelling.
- Choosing the right editor: Consider content type, budget, ease of use, system compatibility, and features like templates and export options.
- Desktop vs. mobile tools: Desktop editors offer advanced customization, while mobile apps focus on simplicity and social media optimization.
- Additional features matter: Look for split screen video editing tools that support music, text overlays, and customizable layouts for polished results.
Split-screen video editing is a versatile technique that allows creators to display multiple video clips within a single frame, perfect for interviews, reaction videos, or creative storytelling.
With the right tools, you can seamlessly combine visuals to craft engaging, professional-looking content.
If you’re unsure where to start, we're here to help you find the split-screen video editors that fit your needs best.
What is a split-screen video editor?
A split-screen video editor is a tool that enables you to display multiple video clips or images within the same frame, arranged side by side, or in customized layouts.
This technique is commonly used for creating content like podcast interviews, reaction videos, comparison videos, gameplay highlights, and creative storytelling pieces.
With features to adjust sizes, borders, and transitions, split-screen editors help add visual interest and organization to various video types.
What to consider when choosing a split-screen video editor
When selecting a split-screen video editor, it’s essential to evaluate your needs and priorities to ensure the tool fits your workflow. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
The type of content you’re creating
The nature of your project plays a significant role in deciding which editor to choose.
If you're creating videos for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, prioritize an editor with templates and aspect ratio options optimized for these platforms.
For webinars or personal vlogs, look for software that offers precise alignment tools, customizable layouts, and branding features.
For artistic or cinematic projects, opt for tools with advanced editing capabilities, such as customizable transitions, motion effects, and color grading options.
Your budget
Online video editing tools come in a range of price points, from free options to premium subscriptions.
Free tools can be great for basic split-screen edits, especially if you're just starting. For more involved and complex video projects, investing in a more advanced video editing suite may be worthwhile, as they provide comprehensive editing features and industry-standard quality.
Ease of use
If you're a beginner, look for user-friendly tools with drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates.
Advanced users, on the other hand, might prioritize customization and fine-tuning options over simplicity.
Compatibility and performance
Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system and can handle the resolution and format of your video files. Consider whether the editor supports 4K or higher resolutions if you’re working on professional video editing projects.
Features and flexibility
Consider the features you’ll need to make your videos. Look for how customizable the split-screen layout is and whether the editor supports advanced layering or special effects.
Check if the split-screen video editor allows easy integration of other assets, such as music or text overlays, to enhance your videos.
Export options
Check if the tool provides export settings tailored to your needs. Whether you're sharing directly to social media, presenting on a large screen, or uploading to a website, ensure it can output videos in the appropriate formats and resolutions.
5 best split-screen video editors for PCs (Windows & Mac)
If you’re primarily working with a desktop device here are 5 of the best editors for creating and editing side-by-side videos on a desktop computer.
1. Riverside
Price: From free to $24 / month
Compatibility: Mac and Windows
Using Riverside, you can capture separate video and audio tracks for up to 10 call participants.
When your recording is complete, you can access the in-built editing suite. Here, you can adjust size and aspect ratio, plus upload extra tracks.
You can choose between multiple split-screen layout templates. The platform even has an AI speaker view, which showcases the current person talking as the main screen.
When you’re done with the layout, you can trim your recording using our effortless timeline or text-based editing.
Finish off with captions, a customized background and logo, and automated audio fine-tuning.
Here’s a quick step-by-step tutorial to show you how easy it is to create split screen videos with Riverside.
Step 1: Record your split-screen video
Record your video using Riverside to ensure you’re getting video and audio outputs of the highest quality.
Each participant is recorded locally in full HD, giving you high definition audio and video results even if your Internet connection isn’t that great.
Step 2: Enter the Riverside editor
Once you've finished recording your split-screen video, enter the Riverside video editor by clicking "Create New Edit."
You’ll notice that you’ll immediately have a split-screen view of both participants by default.
Step 3: Edit your side-by-side video
Edit the content of your side-by-side video using the text-based editor in Riverside. Highlight the text you want to delete, press delete, and the video and audio of that highlighted text will be deleted from your video.
Riverside also offers AI-powered audio enhancement tools that can automatically remove background noise and “ums” and “ahs” from your video dialogue.
Step 4: Add captions and overlays
You can use Riverside to automatically add captions and subtitles to your video. You can also important and add music, text and image overlays, and more to your side-by-side video to customize it and make it more visually appealing and engaging.
Step 5: Choose the aspect ratio and export your video
If you’re exporting your video directly to a social media platform, you can choose the aspect-ratio for that social network, save, and export the video in the layout you need, no matter where you plan to post your finished side-by-side video.
Pros:
- 4K video resolution and 48kHz audio quality
- Local recording functionality to minimize internet disruptions
- User-friendly text-based editor with automated tools and a seamless timeline
- Magic Clips feature, which takes your recordings' key moments and turns them into short-form videos for easy content repurposing
- Easy split-screen templates, customizable backgrounds, and aspect ratio controls
- Automatic audio fine-tuning to reduce background noise and enhance sound
- Separate video and audio tracks for up to 10 participants
Cons:
- Watermarks will apply to videos produced on the free plan
Best for: Beginner users who want to achieve the highest possible quality.
2. VideoProc Vlogger
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
This free software program supports drag-and-drop video editing, including placing multiple video shots together on one screen. You can access a range of aspect ratios and video formats, quickly and easily exporting high-resolution content.
Pros:
- Great features available 100% for free
- Easy, intuitive tools suitable for complete beginners
- Fast editing system, even when working with large file sizes
Cons:
- Features may be more limited than with paid tools
- Additional software may be required for further editing
Best for: Novice creators who want a free option
3. Movavi
Price: From free to $165.95 / year
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Movavi is a popular video editing program that offers a variety of native production tools. The system allows you to trim and crop video content and quickly add multiple split-screen frames. Movavi even offers preset filters and transitions, meaning that novice creators can exercise greater video editing control.
Pros:
- Easy split-screen editing for multiple shots simultaneously
- Built-in filters, transitions, and other editing features
- Additional recording and editing tools, including screen capture
Cons:
- Split-screen tools may require a slight learning curve for beginners
- A paid plan is required to access the full suite of features
Best for: Confident editors looking for a comprehensive video editing tool.
4. Adobe Premiere Pro
Price: $29.99 / month
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Adobe Premiere Pro supports advanced production techniques and styles, including preserving quality while integrating split-screen frames. With Adobe, you can take control of all video elements, producing elegant, seamless projects.
Pros:
- Advanced editing tools and features for studio-quality results
- Effective settings to preserve quality, even across multiple shots
- Flexible side-by-side video app for editing
Cons:
- High subscription price
- Some editing features may be complicated for beginners to navigate
Best for: Experienced video creators who need professional video editing options.
5. Filmora
Price: From free to $72.99 / year
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Filmora is an easy-to-navigate video editor that provides access to premade video templates that simplify split-screen formatting. You can click and drag video files to place shots while making the most of keyframing, motion tracking, auto reframing, and other features.
Pros:
- Access to over 200 split-screen video templates
- Drag-and-drop editing that is easy for even complete beginners
- Fully customizable advanced settings for more confident creators
Cons:
- A paid subscription is required to access more advanced features
- Templates may be too restrictive for some users who want more control.
Best for: Users who want to have many split-screen templates to choose from.
5 best split-screen video editor mobile apps for iOS and Android
Using a mobile device instead? Fortunately, many great split-screen video editor apps are available, suitable for both iOS and Android devices.
1. Riverside
Price: From free to $1.99
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Yes, you can record and edit split-screen videos using Riverside's mobile app as well. The iOS app has both recording and editing capabilities built into it. And if you’re using the Android app to record your side-by-side video, you can still use Riverside’s desktop app to edit the video it before sharing.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Ability to record audio and video in high-quality
- Simple editing and instant sharing options for social media
Cons:
- No editing options available directlin mobile app for Android users (yet)
Best for: Creators who want the option to record and edit split screen videos on mobile and desktop with the same platform.
2. Vidstitch Frames for Instagram
Price: From free to $1.99
Compatibility: Android and iOS
Vidstitch Frames is a simple, streamlined video editing control with functionalities that support social media video content. The app includes preset options that allow you to easily add filters and apply collage layouts. You can also integrate music playback, adding audio backing tracks to your content.
Pros:
- A wide selection of built-in split-screen video template options
- Filters and special effects for easy video editing and control
- User-friendly features and intuitive system for beginners
Cons:
- Editing options may be more limited than with more advanced tools
- System may not be able to accommodate longer video projects
Best for: Creators who need a simple tool to make social media videos.
2. Perfect Video Editor, Collage
Price: From free to $4.99
Compatibility: iOS
The Perfect Video Editor app offers high-quality video results while providing access to intuitive editing options. You can use the Perfect Video Editor application to adjust various content elements before exporting and sharing directly via your device.
Pros:
- Accessible split-screen technology, along with picture-in-picture video features
- User-friendly interface with effective walkthrough options
- Additional editing controls, including color correction and keyframe animation
Cons:
- Some advanced functionalities may be challenging for beginner users
- Split-screen features are limited to only two shot frames
Best for: Beginner creators who want a simple mobile-based tool.
3. PicPlayPost Collage, Slideshow
Price: From free to $35.99
Compatibility: Android and iOS
PicPlayPost allows you to create side-by-side video content while supporting collages for photos and videos alike. With PicPlayPost, you can use various preset layout options to design content appearance quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Pros:
- Access to built-in templates, even with the free version of the app
- Choice of two aspect ratios with automatic frame settings applied
- The split-screen function can accommodate up to 9 tiles
Cons:
- A paid plan is required to access all tools and features
- Editing tools and features may be limited, especially for advanced tasks
Best for: Video creators who want a simple, easy-to-use process on mobile.
4. Split Screen Videos
Price: From $2.99
Compatibility: iOS
The Split Screen Videos application is explicitly designed for split-screen video editing. With this app, you can combine multiple video clips on one screen using a preset template. Split Screen Videos allows you to quickly and easily upload content from your camera roll before editing your video and exporting directly and intuitively.
Pros:
- Ability to combine up to 4 videos using split-screen technology
- Automatic collage layout for easy, intuitive video design
- 4K resolution with 6 preset layout templates to choose from
Cons:
- There is no option to adjust size or frame settings on video content
- Template options may be too limited for some users
Best for: Users looking for a quick editing tool for basic split-screen videos.
FAQs about split-screen video editors
Let’s take a look at and answer some common questions related to creating and editing split-screen videos.
How do I split the screen in a video?
Creating a split-screen video is easy with Riverside! First, you’ll need to import and organize your files. You can then split your recording into side-by-side videos automatically and use the Riverside editing tools to adjust content before finalizing, saving, and sharing.
What is a video splitter?
A video splitter is a tool or software that divides a video file into smaller segments or clips. It is commonly used to trim unwanted sections, create shorter clips for social media, or break large files into more manageable parts.
Unlike split-screen video editing, which displays multiple video streams within a single frame, a video splitter focuses solely on separating or cutting a single video into smaller pieces.
Can Windows Media Player split video?
You can use Windows Media Player to create split-screen video content on a Windows PC if needed. However, this process typically requires an additional plugin software download. For this reason, many creators choose to use more simplified tools, like Riverside, which makes creating split-screen videos easy on Windows and o Apple devices.