So here’s the thing. The Top apps for viral challenges aren’t always the ones you think. Like, yeah, TikTok is the mothership, but the real sauce? It’s the editing apps, the sneaky little sound libraries, even the random timer app I downloaded because I couldn’t clap and record myself doing a dance at the same time.
The first viral challenge I ever tried (and I’m using “tried” loosely here) was the “Renegade” back in…2019? 2020? Time is fake. Anyway, picture me in my Queens kitchen, pots clanging in the background, my kid walking in like, “Mom, what are you doing?” while I flailed my arms out of sync. Didn’t go viral. Didn’t even get 100 views. But you know what I realized? It wasn’t just me—it was the tools. I didn’t have the right apps to make it look cool.
Now? Totally different game. Let me walk you through the apps I swear by (or at least keep on my phone because one day I’ll finally nail a trend before it dies).
TikTok (Obviously)
Okay, duh. But here’s the thing: TikTok is both the stage and the backstage. You’re filming, editing, adding music—all in one place. And honestly, they’ve made it too easy to waste three hours deciding between two filters.
But—and here’s my hot take—don’t only rely on TikTok’s built-in editor. Yeah, it’s convenient, but it’s also kinda…basic. If you wanna stand out in a sea of lip-syncs and “my boyfriend did this cute thing” videos, you need backup apps.
CapCut: The Real MVP
I fought downloading CapCut for months because I thought, “Do I really need another editing app?” Spoiler: yes, yes I did.
CapCut is like TikTok’s cooler sibling who studied graphic design and knows all the trendy transitions before you do. Want those slick cuts where you jump and suddenly your outfit changes? CapCut. Want text that bounces exactly on beat with the song? CapCut.
One time, I made this video of my daughter teaching me a dance (she was so patient, bless her), and when I added CapCut effects, it suddenly looked wayyy more professional. People in the comments were like, “Wow, editing on point.” (Meanwhile, it was literally just me pressing a pre-set.)
InShot: For the Overthinkers
If CapCut is flashy, InShot is…tidy. It’s like the Virgo of video apps. Perfect for trimming clips, adding background blur, or stitching together multiple takes when you’ve accidentally filmed your cat walking across the counter mid-dance (happens more than I’d like to admit).
I also use InShot for non-TikTok stuff—like making birthday slideshow videos for family. My cousin legit thought I hired someone. Nah girl, it was me in sweatpants, half-asleep, dragging clips around at 1 a.m.
Funimate: For When You Wanna Go Wild
I don’t use Funimate every day, but sometimes you just wanna throw in chaos. Wild animations, spark bursts, random spinning transitions that feel like you’re inside a screensaver from 2003—but in a good way.
There was this one viral challenge where everyone was spinning into frame like they were teleporting. Funimate had a pre-set for it. Did I look ridiculous? Absolutely. Did it get more likes than my normal stuff? Also yes.
Splice: For the Wannabe Directors
Okay, hear me out. Splice is the app I bust out when I’m like, “This video isn’t just a TikTok. This is cinema.”
It’s smoother, more flexible—like if iMovie and Final Cut had a baby and raised it on Instagram reels. You can add multiple audio layers (so if you want music and sound effects and your voice, you’re set).
Pro tip: I once added dramatic movie trailer music from Splice to a video of my son building Legos. It made it look like he was constructing the Death Star. I couldn’t stop laughing.
Beatleap: For Music Junkies
This one’s for the people who obsess over syncing every cut to the beat (aka me). Beatleap basically analyzes the music and then matches your edits automatically. Lazy? Maybe. Brilliant? Definitely.
I used it once on a random food video (me aggressively stirring pasta sauce). With the right beat drops, it suddenly looked like a Gordon Ramsay audition tape. Okay, maybe not that good, but you get the idea.
Canva (Yes, Really)
Look, Canva gets a bad rap for being the “basic” design tool, but I swear it’s underrated for video. Their templates? Chef’s kiss. Especially if you’re doing challenges that need text overlays, countdowns, or those aesthetic “day in my life” captions.
Also, Canva has a bunch of soundtracks that are royalty-free, so you won’t get smacked with copyright claims. Learned that the hard way when Instagram muted my video of my son doing the bottle flip challenge. Tragic.
Bonus Apps That Saved My Butt: Top apps for viral challenges
- Prequel: for when I want vintage VHS vibes or grainy filters that make my messy apartment look “aesthetic.”
- Tempo: for pre-made transitions when I’m too tired to edit (a lot of the time).
- Adobe Rush: when I feel like pretending I’m a real editor and not just winging it.
My Viral Challenge Survival Kit: Top apps for viral challenges
Let me put it this way—joining the next viral challenge is like prepping for a night out. You need the right outfit (your app), the right playlist (your audio), and maybe a little liquid courage (or coffee, if you’re me).
Here’s my go-to setup:
- Film in TikTok or just my regular camera app.
- Import into CapCut for transitions.
- Fix mistakes in InShot.
- Add chaos in Funimate (optional, but recommended if you like sparkles).
- Finish in Canva with clean text.
Boom. Suddenly your kitchen dance-off doesn’t look like a hostage tape—it looks viral-ready.
But Do Apps Really Make You Go Viral for Top apps for viral challenges
Here’s the honest answer: not always. Sometimes the video that blows up is literally just you tripping on the sidewalk while holding iced coffee. (True story, not mine, but I watched it happen to a girl on Steinway Street. She laughed, posted it, and it hit 200k likes.)
Apps don’t guarantee fame—but they make your chances way better. And more importantly? They make the process fun.
And honestly, half the time I’m not even trying to go viral. I’m just trying to keep up with my kids, who somehow know every challenge before I even hear the audio. At least now, thanks to these apps, I can kinda keep up. Or at least embarrass them less. (Okay, maybe not less. But in higher definition, with cooler effects.)
