This post was updated September 1, 2026.
Access to classroom video equipment is limited for many communities, and we want to highlight and encourage ways students can use a smartphone to easily create a video for the World of 8 Billion video contest. Below is a list of free editing and video making apps that can help create an effective 60-second video.
We also want to emphasize that the content of the video is more important to our judges than slick production quality. That means having accurate and quality facts and a good solution is more important than fancy graphics or advanced filmmaking techniques (although those are certainly appreciated!). The Judging Rubric reflects this and weighs content more heavily than production value.
Before jumping into filming, students should review these Tips for Your Video Entry, which cover the contest rules and steps for getting started. Then, once students are ready to put their video idea to action, the free smartphone tools below can be used to edit and produce winning videos.
Easy-to-Use Video Apps and Filmmaking Software
The apps listed and linked below are free, fun, and easy-to-use on iOS/Apple and Android devices. We’ve also included links to some tutorials and FAQs that are sure to be helpful. Some of the apps’ free versions or free trials will leave a company watermark (that logo on the screen) on your video. This is not a problem, and video submissions with a watermark will be accepted.
1. FilmoraGo
FilmoraGo is an all-in-one video editing app for iOS, Android, and Windows that lets you trim, arrange, and cut footage while adding fun filters, fonts, and sound effects. You can also adjust the audio speed, add voiceovers, and upload music or choose from their library. They have a helpful user guide organized based on your device: Android or iOS.
2. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free video editing tool, available online and on mobile, for combining clips, photos, narration, and music into one project. The editing tools are simple enough for beginners without much video editing experience. Check out the tutorials covering the basics of creating and editing videos with Adobe Express.
3. FlipaClip
Easily draw and animate 2D videos on your iOS or Android device using FlipaClip, while adding music and other touches too. You can also download and install the software on Mac, Windows, and PC devices.
4. iMovie
iMovie is a simple and easy video production program available as an iOS app and on Apple computers. It has an intuitive interface and user-friendly menus that let you find what you want and need to produce your video. These pages give you written instructions: from Apple and from WikiHow. This iMovie video tutorial is also helpful: Full iMovie Tutorial for Beginners
5. WeVideo
WeVideo is an all-in-one editing app for iOS and Android that allows you to add, trim, and arrange your video clips and photos while adding text, voiceovers, and other effects. It allows direct uploading to YouTube and other channels. The free version includes a library of royalty-free music to use for a soundtrack.
Image credits: Smartphone (Marcel Strauß on Unsplash)
