When it comes to college recruiting, your highlight video might be the first (and only) chance a coach gets to see you play. It doesn’t need to be flashy—but it does need to be clear, focused, and easy to watch. The good news? You don’t need to hire a professional to create a great video. With the right tools and a few smart editing tips, athletes and families can put together a strong, coach-ready reel right from their phone or laptop.
Below are some of our favorite free and low-cost video tools, plus tips for making sure your footage highlights what matters most:
The Importance of Highlight and Skills Videos in Recruiting
What it is: A comprehensive guide from NCSA that emphasizes the critical role of highlight and skills videos in the college recruiting process. It provides detailed advice on creating effective videos, including tips on filming, editing and sharing them with college coaches
Why we like it: This resource stands out by offering practical, sport-specific guidance on what coaches look for in recruiting videos. It also highlights the importance of proactive communication, advising athletes on how to market themselves effectively. Whether you're just starting or refining your recruiting strategy, this guide offers valuable insights to help you make a strong impression.
iMovie
What it is: A free, beginner-friendly video editing app available on all Apple devices. iMovie lets you trim clips, add music, insert titles, and export clean, professional-looking highlight reels—no editing experience required.
Why we like it: It’s simple, intuitive, and already built into your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Whether you’re stitching together game footage or adding slow-motion to a key play, iMovie makes it easy to create a polished recruiting video without needing to hire a pro.
CapCut
What it is: CapCut is a free, easy-to-use video editor available on mobile and desktop. It lets you trim clips, add text and transitions and even drop in music or voiceovers—all with a few taps. It’s built for short-form creators, but works surprisingly well for putting together highlight videos too.
Why we like it: If iMovie feels a little too polished or basic, CapCut is the more flexible, trend-savvy option. It’s perfect for athletes who want something quick and modern but still clean and professional. You can easily create multiple versions of your highlight reel—one for a coach and another for social—with cool transitions, titles and effects that actually look good.
Best Video Editing Software for Recruiting Reels
What it is: This is a great all-in-one roundup for families trying to figure out which video editing tool is right for them. It includes options we’ve already recommended—like iMovie—and adds others like Filmora, Adobe Premiere Elements, and even some PC-friendly picks.
Why we like it: If you’re not sure where to start—or want more choices beyond your phone’s default app—this list helps you compare tools based on your skill level and how polished you want your video to look. It’s especially helpful if you're using a PC or want a more advanced editor without diving straight into pro software.
10 Best Apps to Make Highlight Videos
What it is: A list of highlight video apps that leans into newer, sport-specific tools—like Reely, Magnifi, and illusto. These aren’t just general editing programs; many are built specifically to streamline the process of cutting and sharing sports clips, fast.
Why we like it: This list focuses on apps made for athletes. It’s perfect if you’re looking for faster, AI-assisted options or mobile-friendly platforms that help automate the process—great for parents or athletes who don’t want to start from scratch with a blank timeline.
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