Submagic is the ultimate Riverside alternative for short-form video editing

Both Submagic and Riverside are solid video editing tools. While Riverside performs well, Submagic offers a more refined and sophisticated approach. Let's get into the features that set Submagic a notch above.

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Seamless Video Editing

Magic Clips

4K Resolution

Loved by 1+ million creators
around the world

Evan Carmichael

Sebastian Jefferies

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Biyon Kattilathu

Vick Tipness

Evan Carmichael

Sebastian Jefferies

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Biyon Kattilathu

Vick Tipness

How Submagic compares with Riverside

Both Submagic and Riverside are solid video editing tools.

Below is a comparison table between Submagic and Riverside, followed by a list of competitor-unique features.

Feature Wise Comparison

Riverside

Submagic

AI Auto Captions
Yes
Yes
Accurate Subtitles
Yes
Yes
AI Remove Silences
Yes
Yes
AI Filler Words
Yes
Yes
AI Clean Audio
Yes
Yes
Text-based Editing (remove filler words via transcript)
Yes
Yes
Trim Videos with AI
Yes (Partial)
Yes
B-Roll AI Generation
No
Yes
Auto-Zoom
No
Yes
AI Transition Editor
No
Yes
Automated Sound Effects
No
Yes
Automated Background Music
No
Yes
Animated Subtitles
Yes
Yes
Professional Look
Yes
Yes
Built-in Subtitles Generator
Yes
Yes
AI Hook Title
Yes
Yes
AI Description
Yes
Yes
Script Generator
No
Yes
Video Idea Generator
No
Yes
Podcast Clip Generation
Yes
Yes
Hashtag Generator
No
Yes
Quick Video Creation
Yes
Yes
Seamless Editing Experience
Yes
Yes
User-Friendly Interface
Yes
Yes
Automated Clipping
Yes
Yes
Collaboration Tools
Yes
Yes
Custom Templates
Yes (partial)
Yes
Brand Customization
Yes
Yes
Add Images & GIFs
Yes
Yes
Animated Emojis / GIF Integration
No
Yes
Custom Fonts
No
Yes
Adjust Aspect Ratio
Yes
Yes
Auto Reframe
No
Yes
Portrait Conversion
Yes (partial)
Yes
Supported Caption Languages
100+
50
4K Import & Export
Yes
Yes
60 FPS Export
No
Yes
Stock Media Library
No
Yes
Download Subtitles (SRT/other)
Yes (partial)
Yes
Video Downloaders (YouTube, TikTok, etc.)
No
Yes
Priority Support
Yes (partial)
Yes
Advanced Analytics
No
Yes
Username Generator
No
Yes
AI Voice
Yes
No
Live Streaming
Yes
No
Video Compressor
Yes
No
YouTube Name Generator
Yes
No
AI Speaker View
Yes
No
See detailed comparison

Watch Submagic in action transforming your videos

Submagic and Riverside are both efficient video editors that make your videos shine. Are you now wondering if Submagic is the best platform for your needs? Watch Submagic in action and see for yourself!

Watch Submagic demo
See how to use Magic Clips
Try Submagic for Free

Top 10 Riverside Alternatives in 2025

Looking for the Riverside of tomorrow? We've got you covered. 

Here are the 10 tools we’ve narrowed down for you: 

  1. SquadCast.fm: Remote recording that feels local. Dolby-powered, polished, and podcaster-approved.
  2. Zencastr: Your go-to for 4K videos and pro-level audio. 
  3. OpenReel: Shoot, edit, and brand remotely. 
  4. StreamYard: Stream from anywhere, to anywhere. Interview guests. Add custom branding. 
  5. Descript: Edit videos by editing text. A genius mash-up of Word and Final Cut.
  6. Snagit: Capture your screen with ease. Annotate, edit, and share instantly.
  7. Camtasia: Record your screen and edit videos like a pro. 
  8. VEED.io: Online video editing made simple. 
  9. HeyGen: AI-generated avatars bring your scripts to life. 
  10. Submagic: Convert long clips into engaging short videos with accurate captions and AI features.

Overview of Riverside

Riverside.fm lets you record studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely. It offers separate audio and video tracks that guarantee high-quality content creation.

👍 Pros

  • Supports WEBM, MP4, and MPEG.
  • Up to 240 minutes (4 hours) per session.
  • Supports up to 4K Ultra HD (2160p) for crystal-clear video quality.
  • Offers constant frame rate (CFR) encoding at 24 FPS, with options for 29.97 FPS for enterprise users.
  • 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, depending on studio settings.
  • 16-bit uncompressed audio for high-fidelity sound.
  • Records separate audio and video tracks for each participant, facilitating precise post-production editing.
  • Provides aligned tracks with padding to ensure synchronization during editing.
  • Exports in constant frame rate MP4, with resolutions up to 4K, encoded at 24 FPS.
  • Offers uncompressed WAV files and compressed MP3 files for flexibility in post-production.
  • Optimized for use with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.
  • Provides an iOS app that allows users to record audio and video content locally and upload recordings from a mobile device.

👎 Cons

  • Steeper learning curve.
  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Standard $15/month
Pro $24/month
Business Custom Pricing

 1. Alternative - Squadcast.fm

Squadcast.fm is a remote recording platform that offers high-quality audio and video recording capabilities.

👍 Pros

  • High-quality audio and video recording.
  • Real-time collaboration with guests.
  • Automatic cloud backups to prevent data loss.

👎 Cons

  • Limited post-production features.
  • Higher pricing tiers for extended recording hours.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Hobbyist $12/month
Creator $24/month
Business $40/month

2. Alternative - Zencastr

Zencastr is a web-based platform that offers features like high-quality audio and video recording and automatic post-production editing.

👍 Pros

  • High-quality audio and video recording.
  • Remote recording.
  • Automatic post-production for quick editing.
  • Separate tracks for each participant.

👎 Cons

  • Free plan limits recording time and features.
  • No offline recording option
  • Occasional connectivity issues.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Standard $18/month
Grow $24/month
Scale $40/monthr
Business $80/month

3. Alternative - OpenReel

OpenReel allows users to remotely control and direct professional-level video shoots.

👍 Pros

  • Remote video capture with director controls.
  • High-quality video recording up to 4K.
  • Supports branded templates and customization.

👎 Cons

  • Pricing not publicly disclosed may be higher-end.
  • Primarily geared towards enterprise users.

💸 Pricing

Package Price
Contact For Pricing N/A

4. Alternative - StreamYard

StreamYard is a live-streaming studio in your browser. You can interview guests, share your screen, and stream directly to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

👍 Pros

  • User-friendly interface with no downloads required.
  • Supports multi-streaming to various platforms simultaneously.
  • Customizable branding options for streams.

👎 Cons

  • Limited advanced editing features.
  • Free plan includes StreamYard branding.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0/month
Basic $25/month
Pro $49/month
Premium $99/month
Growth $299/month
Business Custom pricing

5. Alternative - Descript

Descript is an AI-powered video and audio editor that edits recordings by editing text.

👍 Pros

  • Text-based editing simplifies the process.
  • Automatic transcription with high accuracy.
  • Screen recording and overdub features.

👎 Cons

  • Learning curve for advanced features.
  • Subscription is required for full feature access.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0/month
Hobbyist $12/month
Creator $24/month
Business $40/month
Enterprise Custom

6. Alternative - Snagit

Snagit is a screen capture and recording tool that lets users capture their screen, edit images, and create tutorials or presentations.

👍 Pros

  • Easy-to-use screen capture and recording.
  • Built-in image editing tools.
  • Text recognition
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Supports panoramic scrolling capture.

👎 Cons

  • Limited video editing capabilities.
  • One-time purchase may be costly for some users.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Plus $35/month
Max $60/month
Generative $120/month

7. Alternative - Camtasia

Camtasia is a versatile software suite. You can create video tutorials and presentations directly via Screencast or a direct recording plug-in.

👍 Pros

  • Comprehensive video editing features.
  • Screen recording with high-quality output.
  • Interactive quizzes and annotations.

👎 Cons

  • Higher price point compared to other tools.
  • Resource-intensive—may require a powerful computer.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Essential $179/month
Ceate $249/month
Pro $499/year

8. Alternative - Veed.io

Veed.io is an online video editor offering simplicity and efficiency geared towards businesses.

👍 Pros

  • Browser-based platform.
  • Compatible pricing.
  • Offers a variety of tools, including subtitles and background noise removal.
  • Collaboration features for team projects.

👎 Cons

  • Free plan has export limitations.
  • Free plan includes a watermark.
  • Limited advanced editing features compared to desktop software.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0/month
Lite $9/month
Pro $24/month
Enterprise Custom Pricing

9. Alternative - HeyGen

HeyGen is an AI-powered video generation platform for creating professional-looking content without a camera crew.

👍 Pros

  • AI-generated avatars and voiceovers.
  • Easy to use for creating quick, polished videos.
  • Multi-language support with high translation accuracy.
  • Intuitive interface suited for beginners.

👎 Cons

  • Best for short-form content, not ideal for complex video projects.
  • Higher-tier pricing for premium features.

💸 Pricing

10. Alternative - Submagic

Submagic is fast, efficient, and perfect for creators, even newbies. This AI-powered powerhouse is designed to turn long videos into engaging shorts. It lets you create engaging content perfect for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and more.

👍 Pros

  • Supports 9:16 for Stories, 16:9 for YouTube, and square for ads.
  • Handles up to 30-minute clips at 60 FPS, impresses in 50 languages.
  • Daily, it crafts 10,000+ videos with help from giants like Zapier and Uber.
  • Features batch processing and client approvals. A breeze for agencies!
  • Removes silences and filler words automatically.
  • Adds professional stock footage to make videos more engaging.
  • Highlights Key moments for maximum engagement.
  • Easily add creative elements to boost appeal.
  • Sets the mood and improves video discoverability.
  • Converts long content into social-ready shorts in secondss

👎 Cons

  • Best for quick clips, not longer projects.
  • May lack advanced tools for professionals.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost Features
Starter $12/month No watermark, 20 caption templates, 15 AI auto captions/month, 1080p export, stock footage.
Professional $29/month Everything in Starter, 40 AI auto captions/month, premium templates, custom brand kit.
Business $53/month Everything in Pro, unlimited auto captions, export 4K + 60FPS, custom rendering priority.
Add-On: Magic Clips: $12/month for unlimited AI-generated clips from long videos.

Comparison

⚡️  AI-Powered Captions (Winner Submagic)

Submagic nails captions in 50+ languages with emojis and bolded keywords. Perfect for social media engagement. Riverside's subtitles are simpler.

🎥  Short-Form Video Specialization  (Winner Submagic)

Submagic turns long videos into viral clips for TikTok and Reels. While Riverside supports multiple formats, AV1 codec is not supported. it isn’t as short-form video-focused​​.

🧠 Efficiency in Trimming (Winner Submagic)

Submagic’s automated trimming ensures precision, unlike Riverside’s basic Magic Cut feature.

📱 Advanced AI Features (Winner Riverside)

Riverside shines with AI avatars, voice cloning, and eye contact correction. Useful for corporate content​​.

Submagic dominates short-form editing, while Riverside leads in advanced features. 

Choosing your tool is all about which arena you want to win in!

Conclusion

That was intense! We've named and compared some editing and captioning heavy-weight software above. Sadly, there can only be one winner. 

For us, that's Submagic. 

Want professional results without the budget? Then Submagic needs to be your choice as well:

  • AI-Powered Brilliance: Submagic’s captions achieve 98.9% accuracy in 50+ languages.
  • Seamless Editing: Automatically removes silences and filler words to save time
  • Customization Galore: From captions to templates, Submagic lets your creativity shine.
  • Team-Friendly: Collaboration is smooth, intuitive, and stress-free.
  • Daily Edits: Over 10,000 videos are processed daily.
  • Clients You Know: Trusted by Zapier, Uber, Booking.com, and more.
  • Active Agencies: 1,000+ agencies depend on Submagic for high-volume production.
  • Multi-User Collaboration: Allows seamless teamwork.
  • Batch Processing: Simplifies bulk uploads and exports.
  • Client Approval Workflows: Streamlines reviews and approvals.

Unlike other tools, Submagic blends simplicity with cutting-edge features and AI. Are you a TikTok enthusiast or a YouTube guru? It has everything you need for captivating, share-worthy videos that let your personality shine through.

It’s time to edit smarter, not harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Riverside or SquadCast?

Both Riverside and SquadCast are reputable platforms for remote podcast recording. Riverside offers up to 4K video recording, making it suitable for high-quality video podcasts. Some users have reported reliability issues with SquadCast, leading them to prefer Riverside.

Is there a free version of Riverside?

Yes, Riverside offers a free plan with these features:

2 hour of recording time per month
Up to 720p video quality
Basic editing tools
Riverside watermark on videos
Access to essential features like screen sharing and live chat

For full features including 4K video, separate tracks, and longer recording times, users need to upgrade to paid plans starting at $15/month.

Which is better, Zencastr or Riverside?

Riverside and Zencastr both provide local recording to ensure high-quality audio and video. Riverside supports up to 4K video resolution, while Zencastr offers up to 1080p. Some users have reported reliability issues with Riverside, leading them to prefer Zencastr.

Is Riverside or podcastle better?

Riverside and Podcastle cater to different user preferences. Riverside offers studio-quality audio and the flexibility of separate audio tracks, making it ideal for users seeking high-quality recordings. On the other hand, Podcastle provides an intuitive interface and AI-powered tools, which can be beneficial for users looking for ease of use and streamlined workflows.

What is the difference between Riverside and Submagic?

Riverside specializes in high-quality remote recording and live streaming, supporting up to 4K video recording with separate audio tracks. Submagic focuses on AI-powered video editing and subtitle generation, specializing in creating short-form content from longer videos.

Which platform is better for short-form content?

Submagic is optimized for short-form content, offering features like AI-powered trimming, auto-zoom, and B-roll integration. While Riverside can be used for short content, it's primarily designed for long-form recording.

Submagic is much more than just a Riverside alternative.

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