Video overlays might sound complicated, but developments in technology have made it easier than every to use these effects in your videos. Overlays for edits are a great way to take your videos to the next level with minimal effort.
In this article, we'll take you through the basics of video overlays, as well as the latest mobile apps that will help you create stunning videos.
▲ Video overlay apps like YouCam Video can take your videos to the next level
Whether you're an aspiring content creator, a business owner, or an individual looking to make a splash in the digital realm, video overlay apps offer a simple yet effective way to transform your mobile videos.
In this article, we’ve covered the basics of video overlays, as well as how to create your own overlay videos. Plus, we've put together some of the best video overlay apps to help get you started.
7 Best Free Video Overlay Apps for iPhone and Android in 2024
There are tons of video editing apps out there, and trying them all would take too long. Choosing the correct app for you can be tricky, but with a little research, you'll find the right app to suit your needs.
That’s why we did it for you, so you can discover the five best free video overlay apps without extra effort.
1. YouCam Video: Best Video Overlay App Overall
Available on: iPhone/Android
Score: 4.7/4.3
Key Features:
- All-in-one app for video filters and effects
- 700+ video overlay effects
- Create preset video overlays
- Add text with many customization features
- 450+ animated stickers
Verdict: YouCam Video has the most versatile video overlays and editing effects to enhance your videos. It’s the best video editing app for making your own creative videos that attract attention.
▲ YouCam Video has 700+ animated filters & effects
Features: YouCam Video comes with tons of free features and effects, including filters, text, and AI effects to boost your videos. You can customize your overlays with a style all your own!
YouCam Video’s AI effects bring excitement to your videos with animation. Add anything from:
- Neon borders
- Colorful fireworks
- Dazzling spirals
- Overlays with a burst of color and fun!
▲ Animated filter overlays in YouCam Video
YouCam Video has lots of filters to set the mood for your video. Transform your video with:
- Animated background effects
- Add some bling with sparkling filters
- Smart spiral & outline effects
Another way to upgrade your videos with YouCam Video is to use the app's preset video overlays. Choose from built-in presets or you can create your own preset using whichever effects you want.
Create your own preset using any of the app's tools, including filters, stickers, text, AI effects, makeup, and more.
YouCam Video comes with plenty of text tools to help you make conveying your video's message easy, including:
- 41 text colors
- 40 fonts
- Adjust text size and design
- Change the text to show up during a specific length of time in your video.
The text tool allows you to match your overlays and text style to your aesthetic.
YouCam Video has a huge collection of stickers for adding an artistic look to your videos. With lots of different styles and collections, you can:
- Celebrate the holidays
- Welcome to the new season
- Match your video’s vibe with aesthetic stickers
➤ Learn how to add an overlay to your videos
2. KineMaster: Best for Technical Video Overlays
Available on: iPhone/Android
Score: 4.7/4.1
Key Features:
- Lots of video editing functionality and flexibility
- Transitions between overlay scenes
- Voice recording
Verdict: KineMaster is a great app for people who want to get deep into creating overlays and video transitions. There’s plenty of customizability, so you can get exactly what you want. Still, it has a steep learning curve that might make it difficult for beginners.
3. Splice: Best for Quick Video Overlays
Available on: iOS and Android
Score: 4.6/4.0
Key Features:
- Images for traditional overlays
- Plenty of creative filters and effects
- Add and edit text
Verdict: Splice is a great app if you’re looking for speed over creativity. It has enough basic features that you can make it work for many overlay projects, but it doesn’t have the capabilities of some other apps.
4. iMovie: Best for Basic Video Overlays
Available on: iPhone only
Score: 3.5
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop overlay editing
- Quick and easy transitions and effects
- You can edit multiple projects at once
Verdict: iMovie works well for iPhone users, but it’s a more complex tool. It has automated video editing and drag-and-drop tools, but its many options can get overwhelming.
5. FilmoraGo: Best for Layered Video Overlays
Available on: iPhone/Android
Score: 4.7/4.6
Key Features:
- Easy, general editing features
- Ability to add photos to videos
Verdict: FilmoraGo has what you need for simple general editing and overlays with many layers. However, the premium-only features prevent some users from accessing the editing features they need, like stickers, music, and advanced tools.
6. CapCut: Best for TikTok Video Overlays
Available for: iPhone/Android
Score: 4.7/4.5
Key Features:
- Specialized editing for TikToks
- There are many filters for varied edits
Verdict: CapCut is designed with social editing in mind, so it is great for creating engaging TikToks. However, the app has a split focus in its editing tools so it can be complicated to use.
7. InShot: Best for Classic Video Overlays
Available for: iPhone/Android
Score: 4.9/4.8
Key Features:
- Easily cut, split, & reverse video
- Add basic effects to your videos
Verdict: InShot is great for beginners who are new to video editing and want classic editing features in their app. The app has all the tools you need to edit your videos, but if you want more advanced features other apps might be better.
How to Add Video Overlays for Edits on iPhone and Android
- Step 1. Download YouCam Video
- Step 2. Upload Your Video
- Step 3. Add Video Overlays
- Step 4. Save & Share
YouCam Video makes editing your video overlays a snap! You can add any feature with just a tap and instantly transform your video before you post it. Follow these steps to add your overlays:
Step 1. Download the Best Video Overlay App for iPhone and Android in 2024
To try creative video overlays, go to the App Store or Google Play and search YouCam Video. Then, tap to download and open the app.
Step 2. Upload The Video to Add Video Overlays
Once you've downloaded the app, it's time to start uploading your video. There are two ways to choose a video to edit:
- Tap the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen and choose your video from your camera roll.
- In the camera roll, tap the camera icon in the top right corner to shoot a new video in-app.
Step 3. Add Video Overlays for Edits
Add video overlays using various tools.
- Tap the Text tool to use the Color, Fonts, Align, and Style features to change the look of your text overlay.
- Go to Filters and explore dozens of aesthetics, and use Stickers to give your video personality.
Step 4. Save & Share Your Video Overlay Edit
Once you are happy with your video, it's time to save and share it.
- Tap the tray icon in the top-right corner
- Choose your video quality (HD, 4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p)
- Share on any social media site you like (IG, TikTok, YouTube, & more).
What is a Video Overlay?
Simply put, a video overlay is an effect that you can apply to your videos to add a certain look, style or atmosphere to them.
Video overlays take your videos to the next level with a creative effect. Overlays transform your videos with a beautiful flourish, and you need an app that gives them the right look.
Video Overlays & Video Editing Apps
With the development of technology, video editing has become even more accessible to everyday users in the form of video editing apps. This has made it even easier for those of us without the technical skill of a video editor to create professional-looking videos effortlessly.
Overlays can add that extra layer of finesse to your visual story, but there are a lot of apps out there that provide many different overlay functions. From basic video overlay edits to full on design-your-own effects, there are a wide range of video editing apps available to add overlays to your videos.
Start Video Overlay Editing With a Video Filter App
When you want to create an eye-catching video edit, YouCam Video has endless ways to enhance your videos with text, animation, and sticker overlays.
Download the app for iOS or Android to start adding your own layers to your videos!
Other Ways To Edit Your Videos
Video Overlays FAQs
What are overlays for edits?
Overlays for edits are any filter or effect that you apply to a video to create a specific effect you want. Overlays for edits in videos can be applied using an app like YouCam Video, which lets you edit your videos with filters, effects, text, stickers, and much more. Download the app for free on iPhone and Android.
Where can I get free video overlays?
You can get free video overlays from a video editing app like YouCam Video. The app offers a wide range of video filters and effects, including, animated sparkle effects, smart AI wraparounds, neon border effects, retro aesthetic filters, and much more. Download the app for free on iPhone and Android now to try all the effects.
What are video overlays?
A video overlay adds more video layers on top of your video. With it, you can add animation or images that enhance the look of your video, match your aesthetic, or highlight a theme. They can also add texture and complexity.
What app can I overlay videos?
There are a wide range of overlay apps for videos. Our top pick of the best video overlay apps include:
- YouCam Video
- Kinemaster
- Splice
- iMovie
- FilmoraGo
- CapCut
- InShot
Our top pick is YouCam Video, as it is by far the easiest app to use to add overlays to your videos on iPhone or Android.
What is an overlay in a video editing?
An overlay is something you add to a video to create multiple animated layers. It can be a second video clip, stickers, AI effects, or even text.
How do you overlay video effects?
To create a video overlay, you’ll need a video editing app with the right tools. These five apps all have great video overlay features:
- YouCam Video
- KineMaster
- Splice
- iMovie
- FilmoraGo
- CapCut
- InShot
We recommend YouCam Video for its extensive overlay choices and its user-friendly platform.