The 8 Best Software to Record Your Reaction Videos

Meta Description: We walk you through the 8 best reaction video makers and help you choose the right reaction video software for your needs.

Last Updated: March 5, 2024
11 min
Reviewed by Ortal Hadad
by Lisa Harroy.

Even once you’ve landed upon the perfect reaction video concept, it can be hard to execute it right. To do your idea justice, you’re going to need software that seamlessly integrates, records, and syncs your reaction and whatever you’re reacting to.

Plus, if you want to include guests in your video this can add a whole load of extra work.

In this guide, we look at the best reaction video software, so you can get that reaction video just right.

What do I need to make a reaction video?

Camera
For obvious reasons, a reaction video is all about capturing your reaction! You want a camera that captures all the nuance of your facial expressions so your audience can enjoy your reaction video in full HD.
If you’re recording in a (home) studio, and are ready to invest in a camera, this will ensure your reaction video is top-quality.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or are including guests without access to a high-quality camera, a computer webcam will do the trick.

Microphone
The bulk of a reaction video is usually the commentary and conversation offered by all the participants. You’ll need a microphone to ensure your audio is high quality and picks up the more subtle ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. Again, if you can’t stretch your wallet to buy a microphone, don’t worry. Your computer’s in-built microphone will do just fine.

Other Studio Must-Haves
If you want to produce a sleek and professional reaction video, you’ll want to kit out your recording setup with all the bells and whistles such as a pop filter, boom arm, and more.

Recording & Editing Software
To create your reaction video, you’ll need a recording or editing software that will enable you to sync your various tracks, capture the footage you need, and crucially, do what’s known as a ‘picture-in-picture’ overlay so your audience can watch whatever you’re reacting to in real-time with you.

Best reaction video software

Here we’ve compiled a guide to the best reaction video software out there. We’ve gathered a mix of recording and/or editing software with different features so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Riverside

Price: Free plan and paid plans start at $15
About: Riverside is a studio-quality audio and video online recording platform

Advantages:

• Optimized for reaction videos. Riverside’s new media board is perfect for recording a reaction video. Once you’ve uploaded the media of your choice, simply press play, and it’ll be shared with your guests and automatically recorded as part of your session.
• Include remote guests in your reaction video. Riverside is optimized to include guests in your reaction video, so you can feature a variety of different reactions to the same thing. Simply send them the invite link from your recording studio.
• Save your media for later. Once you’ve uploaded the media you’re reacting to, Riverside automatically saves this to your personal media board for future use, so you won’t need to upload it again.
• Preview your media before going live. Riverside allows you to preview your media before including it in the recording, ensuring no nasty surprises.
• Pause your media during your reaction video. Riverside allows you to pause your media during your recording for timely commentary.
• Browser-based so no need to download an application. Riverside is browser-based for maximum convenience.
• User-friendly. Riverside’s interface is extremely intuitive, designed to make your workflow as seamless as possible.
• Locally recorded tracks in full HD (up to 4k quality). Riverside records each participant locally in full HD, meaning your video quality is not dependent on your internet connection.
• Progressive upload. Riverside progressively uploads each participant’s track during your session, minimizing the risk of data loss.
• Riverside automatically syncs and aligns your tracks. This ensures your reaction is lined up exactly with whatever you’re reacting to.
• Text-based video and audio editor. Remove unwanted sections easily as deleting text from your recording's transcript.

Disadvantages:

• The subscription model may not appeal to all creators. A monthly subscription may not suit all budgets.

If all the above ticks your boxes, start recording on Riverside for high-quality videos anywhere.

iMovie

Price: Free (with Apple devices)
About: Video editing software

Advantages:

• User friendly. The interface is extremely intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
• Budget-friendly. Available automatically with all Apple devices, iMovie won’t break the bank.
• Pre-loaded media. A wide array of audio-visual effects are available to use, so you can add a little flair to your reaction video.

Disadvantages:

• Need to have all media pre-recorded. You cannot record your footage using iMovie, so you need to pre-record this using software such as Quicktime and then upload your files for editing.
• Not optimized for reaction videos. You’ll have to sync your separate tracks and opt for the ‘picture-in-picture’ overlay manually.
• Cannot include guests easily. To include guests in your reaction videos, it requires individual recordings from multiple devices.

iReact

Price: Free on the App Store
About: Reaction Video app for your iPhone

Advantages:

• Quick and easy. Using iReact, making a reaction video is simple. Choose a video, film your reaction as you watch it, edit, save and share.
• Resize and reposition your videos. iReact allows minimal editing of your video once recorded.
• Optimized for reaction videos. iReact automatically syncs the video tracks.
• Affordable. iReact is free on the app store.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot include guests. iReact is designed for single-person reactions only.
• Low-quality recording. Dependent on the iPhone model.
• Minimal editing capabilities. In-app editing capabilities are very minimal.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

Price: Free (for Apple and PC)
About: Open source software for video recording and live streaming

Advantages:

• Budget-friendly. Available for download for PC, Apple, and Linux devices.
• Mix and match your recording sources. Create videos using multiple capture sources.
• File Format. You can choose the export format for your recordings.
• Records in HD. OBS automatically records video in HD.

Disadvantages:

• Complicated recording process. Not optimized for specific needs of a reaction video.
• Crashes easily. Software tends to crash mid-session.
• Not user-friendly. The OBS interface can be complex for beginners.

Filmora

Price: Free (Pro Annual Subscriptions begin at $89.99)
About: Video Editing Software, with screen-capture capabilities.

Advantages:

• Record and edit your reaction video. Filmora enables you to capture webcam and screen simultaneously.
• Upload your media. Pre-recorded footage can be separately uploaded for editing.
• Pre-loaded effects. Offers a wide range of video effects including transitions.
• High-quality files. Export in up to 4k quality.

Disadvantages:

• Watermark. Free version includes a watermark.
• Not user-friendly. Requires a basic foundation in video editing.
• Cannot include guests easily. Needs individual recordings from guests for editing.

VSDC

Price: Free (for PC), with a premium version for $19.99
About: Editing suite for video and audio

Advantages:

• Pre-loaded effects and transitions. Offers a great variety of effects.
• Upload straight to YouTube. Quick and easy video uploads.
• Screen capture tool. Can capture the media you’re reacting to.

Disadvantages:

• Not optimized for reaction videos. Requires pre-recording footage and uploading.
• Not user friendly. Outdated interface can be overwhelming.
• Cannot include guests easily with VSDC. Requires separate guest recordings.

FinalCut Pro

Price: $299.99 (one-time payment)
About: Final Cut Pro is a professional-grade editing software by Apple.

Advantages:

• Expansive editing capabilities. Loaded with several editing tools and effects.
• No limit to overlays. Allows interesting overlays for reactions.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot record using Final Cut Pro. Only for editing.
• Overcomplicated & not user-friendly. Requires basic editing skills.
• Cannot include guests easily. Needs individual recordings for guest reactions.
• Expensive. Not viable for all budgets.

DaVinci Resolve 17

Price: $299 Studio Version (one-time payment)
About: Professional Grade Editing Software

Advantages:

• Expansive editing capabilities. Incredible editing power for high-quality post-production.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot record your reaction video. Requires pre-recorded footage.
• Overcomplicated & not user-friendly. Aimed at industry professionals.
• Cannot include guests easily. Needs guests to individually record and send footage.
• Expensive. High price point may not suit everyone.

Final Thoughts

Reaction videos should be quick and easy to make, and as we’ve seen, there are several great reaction video makers out there for every style and budget.

With Riverside, including guests is a seamless process, ensuring all participants are recorded in full HD.