PowerDirector

10 Best Stop-Motion Apps in 2024 [iOS & Android]

Last Updated on Mar. 8, 2024 – by Jayed Miah
Add to My Favorites
Stop-Motion Animation Apps

Stop-motion animation is a very slow process that requires patience and precision. As a result, it was once only reserved for the most dedicated animators with expensive cameras and rigging devices – and lots of time on their hands.

In recent years, stop-motion has become so popular and accessible that the market is flooded with apps dedicated to the craft. This article will explore the 10 best stop-motion apps and answer all your stop-motion questions.


Best Apps for Making Stop-Motion

Choosing the best stop motion app requires consideration of various factors. The slow motion app should have a user-friendly interface and offer features such as frame-by-frame editing, onion skinning, time-lapse recording, sound effects, and music. Compatibility with your device's operating system and cost should also be considered. Additionally, reading user reviews can provide insights into the app's effectiveness. Lastly, look for an app with diverse export options, such as exporting to social media platforms or saving in different file formats. Popular stop motion apps include PowerDirector, Stop Motion Studio, and Clayframes. Trying out multiple apps will help determine which is best for your needs.

10 Best Apps for Making Stop Motion Animations

1. PowerDirector

Compatible with iOS and Android.

With the PowerDirector app, you can upload photos taken with your smartphone and use the video editing app to create a stop-motion masterpiece. You can reorder, delete, duplicate, and edit individual frames and adjust the frame rate precisely.

You can add titles, backgrounds, filters, animated graphics, and special effects to make your stop-motion video a cinematic work of art. PowerDirector also has an extensive royalty-free stock library of music and sound effects, plus audio tools to mix a killer soundtrack.

The app is surprisingly easy to use. It’s organized so you can scroll through hundreds of effects in seconds. Download it for free.

2. Stop Motion Studio

Compatible with iOS and Android.

The Stop Motion Studio app allows you to film with the app, import photos from your camera roll, and then edit your stop-motion videos.

There are manual and automatic settings for white balance, ISO, exposure, and shutter speed. Pair your Apple Watch and use it as a remote shutter release, or pair with a DSLR camera using Wi-Fi.

While filming, turn on the Grid Lines to help give your characters fluid motion.

Stop Motion Studio comes with different background options, filters, soundtrack creation, and titles. In addition, it offers visual effects like green screen, rotoscoping, and even adding animated faces to your objects.

3. Clayframes – Stop Motion

Compatible with Android devices.

With Clayframes, you can capture stop-motion video or import photos taken with a camera. Set a timed shutter release to go off without touching your phone, or set it to take a photo each time you clap your hands.

You can review the movie as you shoot it or edit it later. The eraser tool lets you eliminate accidental hand shots or rigging setups used to make characters fly.

Clayframes allows you to preview your film at different frame rates, choose the resolution, and upload it directly to YouTube and Facebook.

4. iMotion

Compatible with iOS.

Use your phone’s front or rear camera to capture stop-motion video with iMotion. Manually lock in focus, exposure, and white balance to ensure the look of your photos will not change during extended shoots.

Shoot in landscape or portrait mode, and adjust speed up to 15 frames per second. The Onion Skin or Grid allows you to smooth transitions between photos. You can save in 4K resolution to your device or upload directly to YouTube.

Plus, there is a film gallery where you can watch stop-motion films made on the app by others.

5. Life Lapse Stop Motion Maker

Compatible with iOS and Android.

Shoot, edit or upload photos with Life Lapse Stop Motion Maker. The app comes with an interval timer and manual exposure, white balance, and focus lock, so there’s never a need to touch your camera while shooting.

The editing tools include adjustable frame rates, a royalty-free stock library, color correction, and a VFX-like ghosted image overlay.

Life Lapse also comes with tutorials and samples of other people’s work.

6. PicPac Stop Motion & TimeLapse

Compatible with Android devices.

With PicPac Stop Motion & TimeLapse, you can upload photos from your camera roll, shoot pictures with the app, or choose images from the app’s photo stock library to make your stop-motion video.

The app will take a photo every time you clap or make a loud noise, allowing you plenty of time to manipulate your characters and get out of frame. In addition, you can record VO or add music from your device or PicPac’s music library.

Add titles, adjust video speed and use the drawing tool to add expressions to your moving objects. PicPac Stop Motion is easy for beginners, but the lack of editing options makes it a terrible choice for pros or serious stop-motion hobbyists.

7. I Can Animate

Compatible with iOS.

Capture frames with a camera or iOS device or record with I Can Animate. Use auto or manual settings for exposure, white balance, and focus, then use onion skinning to see where the previous photo was taken. You can edit and watch with I Can Animate while your camera is still capturing frames.

The app allows you to copy and paste sequences, delete, and reorder frames. There are also undo and redo buttons to fix any editing mistakes.

Add in sound effects with the audio library or create your own. You can even change backgrounds with the green screen function. Then, adjust playback speed and export directly to YouTube, Dropbox, or Facebook.

8. Stop Motion Maker

Compatible with iOS.

Stop Motion Maker is a straightforward app. Simply tap on Create, press the camera button to capture a frame, hit Done, and preview your film before export.

This is a simple, no-frills app that’s easy enough for kids to use on their own. However, there are no editing functions, and films will be silent unless imported into a video editing software.

9. iStopMotion

Compatible with iOS.

Use the iStopMotion app to capture frames and turn them into a stop-motion film. You can get the iStopMotion Remote Camera app for free to act as a remote trigger and use the onion skin or camera overlay options for precise movements.

Once you’ve captured your frames, iStopMotion allows you to turn them into a flipbook, gif, image sequence, or movie. Unfortunately, there are no editing options besides adding a soundtrack. You can’t even rearrange frames, and there is no undo button.

10. Frameographer

Compatible with iOS.

Capturing frames is easy with Frameographer – just set up your phone with either the front or back camera and hit the shutter button. There are manual and automatic shutter settings plus exposure and focus lock. The simple interface offers onion skin or a grid to help you make fluid movements and pick up where you left off if you need to stop for the day.

The speed slider lets you preview your stop-motion video in 1fps to 120 fps. You can review each frame, delete any errors, then import music from your library and save it to your camera roll in full HD.

Frameographer does not have advanced editing tools but is a good fit for beginners and kids.

Best Stop-Motion App Free Download

With PowerDirector, you have everything a stop-motion video editor should have – the ability to rearrange, delete, copy and edit individual frames, color correct, and add visual effects. There’s also precision control over playback speed.

Adding sound to a stop-motion video is critical, and PowerDirector has you covered from every angle. You can import your music or sound effects or browse the sizeable royalty-free music library. Then, add in VO and mix your soundtrack with simple audio tools.

PowerDirector is available on iOS and Android and works well for those at the beginner or advanced level of stop-motion movie-making.

Best of all, PowerDirector’s free and comes with tons of advanced editing features!

Stop-Motion App FAQs

1. What Is Stop-Motion?

Stop-Motion is an animation technique where inanimate objects appear to come to life through a series of still photos. Objects in the frame are subtly moved between every shot, and when strung together they appear to move on their own.

2. How Do I Make a Stop-Motion Video?

Follow these steps to make a stop-motion video using a DSLR camera or smartphone.

Step 1: Decide what to shoot and then make or gather your characters and backgrounds.

Step 2: Set up your scene.

Step 3: Set up the camera on a tripod, selfie stick, stand, or anything to keep it still during the shoot.

Step 4: Take a photo of your initial scene.

Step 5: Move your character(s) very slightly—the smaller the movement, the smoother the animation.

Step 6: Take another shot, then move your characters again.

Repeat till you have shot all action.

Step 7: Edit your stop-motion together.

For a more in-depth look at making stop-motion videos, check out How to Make a Stop-Motion Video.

3. How Long Does It Take to Make a Stop-Motion Video?

This depends on how long you want your final film to be and the smoothness of motions.

To make a rudimentary 10-second stop-motion video only takes about 5 minutes.

Suppose you want to make a 5-minute stop-motion video with multiple characters and backgrounds with super-smooth movements. Prep alone could take several hours at least, and shooting could take several days to a week.

4. How Many Photos Does It Take to Make a 1-Minute Stop-Motion?

A typical film is 24 frames per second, but a stop-motion film should be about 10-15 frames per second. That means 600-900 shots for 1 minute of film.

5. What Features Should I Look For in a Stop-Motion App?

The best stop-motion software on Windows and Mac are:

  1. PowerDirector
  2. Stop Motion Studio
  3. Boinx iStopMotion
  4. Eclipse - Stop Motion Pro
  5. Dragon Frame
  6. Heron Animation
  7. IKITMovie
  8. Stop-Mojo
  9. Frames
  10. Monkey-Jam

For a more in-depth look at these stop-motion makers, visit 10 Best Stop-Motion Software in 2022.

6. What Is the Best Stop-Motion App For iPhone and Android?

PowerDirector is the ideal stop motion app for creating cinematic videos using photos taken with your smartphone. It offers frame-by-frame editing, precise frame rate adjustments, and a variety of creative tools, including backgrounds, special effects, and royalty-free music. Its user-friendly interface allows you to easily scroll through hundreds of effects.

Related Articles:

  • Stock Media Library
  • Color Correction and Color Grading
  • Video Effects for Apps
  • How To Edit Videos On Your Phone
  • Best Apps for Editing

Back

    Was this article helpful?

    You May Also Like:

    Recommended Products: