For a seamless video editing experience, opt for InVideo if you prioritize advanced features and collaborative capabilities, but switch to Google Chrome for optimal performance. If you're leaning towards a user-friendly, team-oriented solution with a broader design focus, Canva Video is your go-to, especially with its Pro version offering advanced functionalities like a one-click background remover and a content planner.
For those new to the world of video editing and graphic design, the field can seem daunting and complex. Beginners often find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of options available, making it challenging to select the tool that's right for them. This is where the InVideo vs Canva discussion becomes relevant.
Both platforms aim to offer top-notch design and video editing features, improving your simple projects to professional-quality creations. However, choosing between them is crucial. To help you make an informed decision, we will explore these two platforms in depth, allowing you to better understand their capabilities and choose the one that aligns with your needs.
As I have mentioned in previous articles, Invideo is my go-to video editor which I use almost on a daily basis but only for marketing content that i need to produce as quickly as possible. Just because I use it most of the time, it doesn't mean that it will also be the most ideal choice for you. See the comparison below to check whether you're a good fit for Canva or Invideo.
You're probably skeptical on whether you can trust me or not. But I can assure you my opinion is 100% unbiased. Canva pays me a lot more money to promote them over Invideo, yet my point still stands - Invideo is better.
Note: Canva might be the better choice if you're looking for an overall design tool for more than just videos
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I can't help but marvel at InVideo's capabilities. This platform isn't just another run-of-the-mill video editor; it leverages artificial intelligence to transcends the boundaries of traditional video editing. It's not just about cutting and pasting clips together; it's about crafting a narrative, a story, a message.
When it comes to InVideo, I've spent countless hours (we're talking hundreds, easily) exploring its AI video editing features. The platform boasts over 4,000 pre-made templates, which is a godsend for those who need to churn out content at scale. Its video editing capabilities are robust, offering advanced timeline editing that can accommodate up to 1080p resolution. The text-to-video feature is a standout, converting articles into engaging video content in mere minutes. (This employs Natural Language Processing algorithms to ensure the video's narrative flow is coherent and engaging.)
Now, the AI component is where things get really interesting. We're not just talking about automated cuts or transitions; we're delving into the realm of content transformation. Imagine having a well-crafted blog post or an insightful article. With InVideo, that text isn't confined to the written word; it metamorphoses into a dynamic video. The AI algorithms (which are trained on vast datasets to understand context and narrative flow) take your written content and breathe life into it, converting it into a visually engaging story within minutes. This isn't just repurposing; it's reimagining.
Let's cut to the chase: Canva is a godsend for startup owners and freelancers. Why? Because it democratizes design. You don't need a degree in graphic design or a hefty software budget to create compelling visuals.
Now, let's talk about the drag-and-drop interface. This isn't just a feature; it's a revolution in user experience. It eliminates the steep learning curve associated with more complex software like Adobe Creative Suite. You're not wrestling with layers or vectors; you're intuitively placing elements where they belong.
The cost factor is another pivotal point. Traditional design software can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Canva? It's free to start. Yes, free. They do offer a Pro version with advanced features, but the free tier is surprisingly robust. You can accomplish a lot without ever opening your wallet.
When it comes to video editing, Canva holds its own, especially when compared to platforms like InVideo. It offers a range of templates and a straightforward editing interface. However, it's worth noting that while Canva's video editor is user-friendly, it doesn't delve into the advanced AI-driven capabilities that platforms like InVideo offer.
Both platforms are affordable. But if you're comparing to the nearest dollar, Invideo would be the winner.
InVideo's pricing structure stands out for its flexibility and value. Here's more on that:
Starting with the free plan, you can create videos up to 15 minutes long, which is more than sufficient for most social media and marketing needs. The plan grants access to over 6,000 templates and a whopping 3 million files in the standard media library. You also get 1GB of cloud storage, which is ample for small projects. However, there's a catch: you can't export your videos. This is a significant limitation if you're looking to distribute your content outside the platform.
Moving on to the Business plan, priced at $180 a year, it's a quantum leap in terms of features. First off, the watermark is gone, lending a professional touch to your videos. You can export up to 60 HD-quality videos a month, each with a maximum length of 40 minutes. That's a total of 2,400 minutes of exportable content per month. You also gain access to premium stock photo and video libraries, along with up to 10 iStock media downloads a month (as part of iStock's free trial). The plan also includes a 'remove background' feature, capped at 20 removals a month, and 10GB of cloud storage.
Lastly, the Unlimited plan, at $360 a year, is the best you can get. Despite the name, it's not entirely limitless, but it's close. You get unfettered access to premium media and unlimited exports. However, iStock downloads are capped at 120 a month, which is still a generous offering. Cloud storage is capped at 100GB, more than enough for even the most ambitious projects.
Canva Video offers a compelling entry point, especially for those on a budget. Let's get into the specifics.
The free plan is a robust starting point. You can immediately dive into editing without any financial commitment—no credit card needed. You get 5GB of cloud storage right off the bat, which is substantial for small to medium-sized projects. The platform also offers a decent selection of stock elements to enhance your videos. However, it's worth noting that the free version does have its limitations, particularly when it comes to the range of stock assets available.
Now, if you're looking to unlock the platform's full potential, Canva Pro is where it's at. Priced at $12.99 a month or $119.99 annually for up to 5 users, it's a cost-effective solution for teams and businesses. The plan includes a brand kit, a centralized hub where you can store and easily access your company's colors, logos, and other brand elements. This is invaluable for maintaining brand consistency across multiple projects.
One standout feature is the one-click background remover. This isn't just a tool; it's a time-saver. Manually removing backgrounds can be a tedious process, but this feature streamlines it into a single click, freeing up your time for more creative tasks.
The subscription also includes a content planner and scheduler, essentially a rudimentary social media management tool. While it may not replace specialized social media management platforms, it's a convenient add-on for those looking to streamline their content creation and distribution process.
Creating an account is straightforward. Once you're in, the platform nudges you toward its core strength: team collaboration. InVideo isn't just a video editing tool; it's a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate multiple users working on the same project. You're encouraged to invite team members via email or a shareable invite link, streamlining the onboarding process.
Now, let's talk about access levels. Invitees can be granted full admin access, empowering them to add or remove members and perform most actions that the main account holder can execute. This is crucial for larger teams where delegation is key. Alternatively, you can designate invitees as editors, limiting their capabilities to creating projects and adding media. This tiered access system (often seen in more complex project management tools) ensures that team members have the appropriate level of control, mitigating the risk of unintended changes.
Before diving into your first project, you'll encounter a brief questionnaire. While it might seem like a minor step, it's actually a vital part of the user experience. These questions are designed to tailor the platform to your specific needs, ensuring that you're not overwhelmed by irrelevant features.
Switching gears to Canva, another heavyweight in the video editing arena, the platform offers a different but equally compelling approach to video creation. Let's dissect the user journey from the get-go.
Creating an account on Canva is a breeze. You can sign up using your email, Google, or Facebook account, offering multiple avenues for quick access. Once you're in, you're greeted with an intuitive dashboard that's easy to navigate, even for those who are new to the world of digital design and video editing.
Canva's video editor is free to use, much like its graphic design tools. The platform offers 5GB of cloud storage right off the bat, which is a generous amount for storing multiple projects. You also get access to a decent selection of stock elements to kickstart your creative process.
InVideo's interface is both familiar and efficient - it looks like any other generic video editor (i mean that in a good way).
First things first, if you're not using Google Chrome, you're going to want to switch. Trust me, I've tried it on Firefox and Safari, and the lag was just too much. Chrome isn't perfect, but it's noticeably faster. We're talking about a difference of a few seconds, which can add up when you're in the zone and editing for hours.
Once you're in, the interface is pretty straightforward. On the left sidebar, you'll find all your assets—your clips, stock media, elements, and templates. It's your one-stop-shop for everything you need to enhance your project. Click on any category, and it expands to the right, allowing you to preview and select the right item. It's a smooth, intuitive process.
Below the canvas, you'll find the Timeline. This is where you can see the bigger picture—your entire project—or zoom in to focus on a single scene. I appreciate the multi-layer functionality within a single scene. This allows you to overlay multiple clips, which is a game-changer for complex projects.
Uploading your footage can be a bit of a wait, but that's not unique to InVideo. It's a cloud-based system, so your upload speed will depend on your internet connection. I've found that it can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the file size and your internet speed.
One thing that could be improved is the Layers view in the browser version. Currently, you can only add clips to the active scene, which means you can't apply transitions between clips. You have to switch to the Scenes view to do that, which feels a bit cumbersome. I'd love to see a right-click option to add transitions in the Layers view, which would make the workflow more seamless.
Alright, so there's a lot to get through for this one so here's a breakdown:
Canvas Area: This is your playground. I've personally experienced the ease of dragging and dropping elements right here. It's not just a static preview; it's an interactive space. You can directly manipulate the scale of elements, down to the pixel if you're that meticulous. The real-time preview is a game-changer. Trust me, it saves you from the hassle of constant rendering just to check minor changes.
Toolbar: Located at the top, this is your command center. I'm excited about the range of options here—from text customization to intricate layering techniques. Specifically, the toolbar hosts a plethora of options like font styles (which can go up to 100+ if you're a Canva Pro user), element opacity (measured in percentages), and even advanced features like animation timings (measured in milliseconds).
Timeline: Ah, the timeline. If I had to guess what makes or breaks a video editor, it's the timeline's functionality. Canva's timeline allows for frame-by-frame editing. You can adjust the duration of each element down to the tenth of a second. Given that, it's a feature that offers both broad strokes and fine-tuning.
Media Library: On the left-hand side, you'll find a treasure trove of assets. I've always thought of this as Canva's secret sauce. It's not just stock images and videos; it's a curated collection that's constantly updated. For example, they offer 75,000+ templates and even include options for 3D elements.
Settings and Preferences: Tucked away at the top-right corner, this is where you can get into the nitty-gritty. I've noticed options for setting video resolutions up to 4K and customizing aspect ratios that range from 16:9 for widescreen to 1:1 for social media posts.
Undo/Redo Buttons: These are your safety nets. I've always wondered why some platforms make it so hard to correct a mistake. Canva makes it simple. One click and you're back to your previous state, no questions asked.
Zoom Controls: If you're into the details like me, you'll appreciate the zoom controls. You can zoom up to 500%, which is essential for pixel-perfect placement.
Professionally-Created Templates: I've personally experienced the ease of starting with one of their 5000+ templates. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill designs; they're professionally crafted for specific industries and use-cases. If I had to guess, the sheer variety saves you at least 10-15 hours of initial design work. Specifically, these templates are designed to be highly customizable, so you're not stuck with a cookie-cutter end product.
Single Click Shortcuts: Trust me, this feature is a lifesaver. I've always wondered why more platforms don't offer this. With a single click, you can remove backgrounds, add stock media, and even apply your brand's unique colors and fonts. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for video editing. Consequently, you can focus more on the content and less on the tedious aspects of video creation.
AI Tools for Productivity: I have a personal connection to this feature because it's saved me countless hours. The AI can generate a script based on basic text prompts (think of it as a virtual brainstorming session). Alternatively, you can convert an entire blog post into a video script. Specifically, the AI is trained on a vast dataset, ensuring the output is coherent and engaging.
Comprehensive Workflow: Broadly speaking, InVideo allows you to manage your entire project within a single interface. From my past experience, juggling between different platforms for editing, animating, and publishing is a nightmare. InVideo eliminates that hassle. For example, you can upload your images, edit them, add transitions, and even animate text, all within the same workspace.
Stock Media Access: I'm excited about this one. You get access to over 8 million stock media assets right from the editor. To clarify, that's everything from videos, images, to soundtracks. This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars in stock media subscriptions.
Editing Tools: In essence, InVideo offers a full suite of editing tools. You can trim, crop, add transitions, and even stickers. Notably, each tool is designed with a user-friendly interface, so you don't need a degree in film editing to make it work.
Voiceover and Text-to-Speech: Personally, I find the voiceover feature incredibly useful for adding a personal touch to videos. Alternatively, the text-to-speech function is surprisingly natural-sounding, thanks to advanced machine learning algorithms.
Collaboration: If I were you, I'd take full advantage of this feature. You can add team members to collaborate on a project in real-time. Given that, it's a boon for remote teams or freelancers working with clients.
Additional Functionality: I've noticed that InVideo goes beyond just editing. It offers a holistic approach to video marketing. You can plan your entire video content strategy, monetize your videos, and even optimize your workflow to save time and resources.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: The drag-and-drop interface is a lifesaver. You can literally pull in elements from the sidebar and place them wherever you want on the canvas. It's that simple. No need to mess around with complicated settings (unless you want to, of course).
Library of Stock Footage: We're talking about thousands of high-quality clips here, ranging from 4K to standard definition. Specifically, you can find anything from nature scenes to corporate settings.
Customizable Templates: If I had to guess, I'd say there are at least a couple of hundred templates to choose from. Each template is designed with a particular theme or industry in mind, making it easier to find one that fits your project.
Text and Music Integration: I've always thought that a video without text or music feels incomplete. Canva allows you to add both, and not just in a rudimentary way. You can adjust the timing, fade in and out, and even sync the beats per minute (BPM) of your background music to the video's pace.
Transitions and Effects: From my point of view, transitions can make or break a video. Canva offers a variety of transitions, from simple cuts to elaborate wipes. The effects, too, are not to be overlooked. You can add filters, adjust brightness, and even play with the hue and saturation.
Trimming and Splitting: I've noticed that the trimming feature is incredibly precise—you can cut down to the millisecond. The splitting function is equally robust, allowing you to divide a clip into multiple segments with just a few clicks.
Animation: I'm excited about this one. You can animate text and other elements, which is a great way to add some flair to your video. The animation settings are quite detailed; you can control the speed, direction, and even the easing curve (which controls the animation's acceleration).
Collaboration: I have a personal connection to this feature as I often work in teams. Multiple users can edit the video simultaneously, and the real-time updates are a blessing.
Export in Various Resolutions: Given that different platforms have different requirements, Canva allows you to export in multiple resolutions, up to 4K. This is crucial for professionals who need high-quality outputs.
Integration with Canva Design Tools: In essence, this feature allows you to incorporate other design elements you've created on Canva, be it a logo or a custom graphic. It's a seamless process, and it ensures brand consistency across different media.
InVideo excels in automating the video creation process through its AI capabilities, making it a go-to for quick, yet quality, video content. Canva, although lacking in AI-driven video creation, compensates with its smart features that provide you with the flexibility to manually enhance your videos.
Starting with InVideo, its AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities are truly remarkable. The platform can convert text into a fully-fledged video within minutes. All you need to do is input your script or article, and the software takes care of the rest. It automatically selects relevant images, footage, and even adds a voiceover, music, and transitions. Believe me, the level of automation here is impressive. You can also manually edit and customize the video to align it with your vision. The AI feature is particularly useful for those who need to produce high-quality videos but are constrained by time.
On the other hand, Canva doesn't offer AI-driven video creation like InVideo. However, it does have smart features that can significantly enhance your video projects. For instance, the background remover can isolate subjects in an image, making it easier to integrate them into your video. The magic resize feature allows you to adapt your video to various social media formats without having to manually adjust dimensions. Additionally, Canva offers animation features that can make your videos more dynamic and engaging. All in all, while it may not have AI capabilities for video creation, it does offer a suite of tools that can make your videos look professional.
Customer support is the backbone of any service, especially something as intricate as a video editing platform.
24/7 Availability: I'm convinced that InVideo's 24/7 support is very beneficial. Whether it's chat, email, or phone, they've got you covered round the clock. This is crucial for professionals who often work outside of typical business hours.
Multiple Channels: Specifically, they offer chat, email, and phone support. Each channel has its own merits, but I've noticed that the chat is particularly responsive, often getting back within minutes.
Help Center: Trust me, their help center is a treasure trove. It's not just articles; they have videos and FAQs that cover almost every conceivable issue. For example, they have video tutorials that are as short as 2 minutes and as long as 20 minutes, catering to different learning preferences.
Expertise: From my past experience, the support team is well-versed in the intricacies of video editing. They can guide you through advanced features like chroma keying (that's green-screening for the uninitiated) and audio normalization.
Limited Availability: Conversely, Canva's support isn't available 24/7. If I had to guess, I'd say they operate during standard business hours, which can be a drawback if you're working on a tight deadline and encounter an issue.
Chat and Email: They offer chat and email support, but no phone support. I've always wondered why they haven't expanded to phone support given their large user base.
Help Center: Canva does have a help center, but it's not as extensive as InVideo's. It appears to be more focused on articles and written tutorials, which are informative but not as comprehensive.
Expertise: Based on what I've seen, their support team is knowledgeable but may not be as specialized in video editing as InVideo's. They are more generalized in their expertise, covering the broad spectrum of Canva's design tools.
Here are the main differences of the two platforms; to help you make a more informed decision.
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