ZonaJakarta – If you’re part of the TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest world, you know: aesthetic content isn’t just about what you shoot—it’s about how you edit it.
That dreamy filter, the perfectly timed cut, the soft lighting, the matching tones—that’s the real magic.
Luckily, you don’t need a laptop or expensive software to create scroll-stopping content. Your smartphone + the right editing apps = pure gold.
Here’s a list of the best photo and video editing tools for Gen Z creators, content lovers, and anyone who wants their posts to just look good.
Best Photo Editing Apps
1. Lightroom Mobile (Free + Pro features)
Why it’s great: Clean, powerful, and professional-level editing—but beginner-friendly.
Adjust lighting, color tones, and sharpness with precision.
Save your own presets to create a consistent aesthetic.
Perfect for: Minimalist feeds, soft tones, travel pics, mood boards, professional-level edits, and color grading.
2. VSCO (Free + Membership for more filters)
Why it’s great: Classic, stylish filters that give your photos a film-inspired, timeless look.
Easy-to-use editing sliders (exposure, contrast, grain, etc.).
Doubles as a mini creative community if you want to share content there too.
Perfect for: Vintage edits, chill vibes, muted tones, café aesthetics, film-like color grading, and presets.
3. Tezza (Free + Subscription for full features)
Why it’s great: Made by aesthetic creators for aesthetic creators.
Trendy filters, light leaks, dust effects, and even in-app music for video edits.
Super intuitive and stylish interface.
Perfect for: Lifestyle photos, fashion, skincare routines, cozy home shots, quick-stylish edits, and batch processing.
4. Snapseed (Totally Free)
Why it’s great: Powerful but underrated.
Selective editing, healing tools, and lots of detailed adjustments.
Great for editing just one part of your photo (like brightening only the face).
Perfect for: More detailed edits without the pro price tag, and retouching.
5. Picsart
Why it’s great: Packed with AI tools.
It also has the one-tap filters, background removers, and tons of stickers and effects. It’s great for fun, artistic edits and even has a video editor built-in.
Perfect for: Creative, playful edits with AI magic.
Best Video Editing Apps
1. CapCut (Free)
Why it’s great: TikTok’s favorite tool—and for good reason.
Easy-to-use interface, aesthetic transitions, filters, and sound effects.
You can edit in layers, slow things down, or speed them up without a steep learning curve.
Perfect for: Reels, TikToks, short vlogs, GRWMs, and storytime videos.
2. VN Video Editor (Free)
Why it’s great: Clean layout, powerful features, no watermark—and free.
Supports custom LUTs (fancy word for video filters), transitions, and audio sync.
Great for longer videos or daily vlog-style content.
Perfect for: YouTube vlogs, aesthetic reels, day-in-my-life edits.
3. InShot (Free + In-App Purchases)
Why it’s great: Reliable and user-friendly for quick edits.
Crop, trim, add music, filters, and text with ease.
Resize your videos for different platforms (like IG Story vs TikTok).
Perfect for: Travel edits, short content, quick promo vids, montages.
4. Splice (Free + Premium options)
Why it’s great: Simple yet surprisingly powerful.
Clean transitions, great sound library, and intuitive effects.
Great if you’re editing on the go but still want a polished look.
Perfect for: Fitness clips, cinematic short videos, reels with rhythm.
Quick Tips for Editing Aesthetic Content
- Less is more: Don’t over-edit. A soft touch usually feels more natural.
- Stick to a color palette: This makes your feed or content feel cohesive.
- Match the music/mood: For videos, music and pacing matter just as much as visuals.
- Edit with intention: Ask yourself, “What vibe am I going for?” before you start.
At the end of the day, aesthetic is personal. Whether you’re going for moody, vintage, clean, pastel, or dark academia—the best tools are the ones that help bring your vision to life.
Start with one app. Play around. Make something that makes you smile. That’s where the real magic starts. (*)
