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How to shorten a video on iPhone: Step-by-step guide

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Lights, camera, iPhone! Our smartphones have become powerful video-making tools that allow us to capture life's precious moments, create stunning content...

Lights, camera, iPhone! Our smartphones have become powerful video-making tools that allow us to capture life's precious moments, create stunning content for social media, and even make mini-movies. One essential skill every aspiring videographer must master is the art of editing videos on their iPhone. Whether you want to trim a lengthy clip, add creative flair, or save storage space, we've got you covered. In this easy-to-read guide, we'll show you how to shorten a video on iPhone using the built-in Photos app and other third-party apps, like iMovie. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

Getting started: Preparing your video

Before diving into the world of video editing on your iPhone, you need a video to work with. Open your iPhone's camera app and record your masterpiece. Once you have the footage, it's time to assess whether it needs any editing. Perhaps you captured a long video, and you only want to keep the best parts. Maybe you need to crop out some unwanted elements or add a touch of magic with transitions and effects. Whatever your goals, editing videos on your iPhone is easy and fun!

The best video editors for iPhone

Are you ready to transform your iPhone into a mini-production studio? Look no further than these top-notch video editing tools, each designed to cater to different skill levels and creative ambitions. Whether you're an iPhone novice or a seasoned video enthusiast, these apps will help you bring your videos to life with ease and finesse.

iMovie

Let's start with Apple's very own iMovie app, a powerhouse for video editing right at your fingertips. Whether you're a beginner dipping your toes into the editing waters or a seasoned pro, iMovie offers an intuitive interface that makes the editing process a breeze. From your iPad to your iPhone, you can seamlessly edit and enhance your videos.

iMovie's user-friendly features allow you to split, delete, and revert video segments effortlessly. After making your edits, simply tap "Done" to save your video masterpiece. If you're seeking to cut videos, create movie magic, or crop videos, iMovie provides all the tools you need. The app even lets you create projects on your Mac and continue editing on your iPhone. Plus, you can save videos in high-quality formats, ensuring your creations shine on any screen.

KineMaster

For those iPhone users hungry for professional-level editing capabilities, KineMaster is your golden ticket. This app is a true game-changer, offering a wide range of advanced options to take your videos to the next level. Whether you're working with an iPhone video or footage from your iPad, KineMaster enables you to split, cut, and edit videos with precision.

KineMaster's feature-packed arsenal lets you tap into your creativity with ease. Create movie-worthy edits by trimming unwanted parts and saving videos as new clips. Dive into tutorials to master intricate editing techniques and harness KineMaster's potential to its fullest. From enhancing video length to adding transitions, KineMaster's high-quality output ensures your videos stand out in any setting.

LumaFusion

Looking for a video editing tool that rivals desktop software? LumaFusion is your go-to solution. This app brings the power of desktop-like video editing straight to your iPhone or iPad. Seamlessly split, delete, and revert video segments with a level of precision that only LumaFusion can offer.

Crop videos, create movie masterpieces, and cut videos like a pro. LumaFusion's extensive set of features and tools caters to even the most discerning video enthusiasts. Editing on the go has never been this sophisticated. Save videos in high-quality formats and explore the app's vast array of functionalities. From the end of the video to every part of the video, LumaFusion empowers you to craft compelling narratives and visuals.

Filmora

When it comes to simplicity without sacrificing power, Filmora takes center stage. This app's ease of use makes it an ideal choice for beginners while still offering impressive editing capabilities. Whether you're editing an iPhone video or experimenting with different cuts on your iPad, Filmora makes the process a breeze.

Filmora lets you split, cut, and edit videos effortlessly. The app's user-friendly interface allows you to tap edit, make modifications, and tap "Done" to save your edits. Create movie-worthy content by trimming and cropping videos with precision. Don't be deceived by Filmora's accessible design – it packs a punch when it comes to enhancing your video creations.

GoPro Quik

Calling all adventurers and action enthusiasts! GoPro Quik is tailor-made for you. This app is your key to crafting captivating videos that capture the thrill of your exploits. Whether you're on an iPhone or an Android device, GoPro Quik lets you edit with ease.

Tap into GoPro Quik's intuitive features to split, delete, and revert video segments effortlessly. Create movie-worthy edits that highlight the adrenaline-pumping moments of your journeys. Seamlessly incorporate transitions and effects to make your footage truly stand out. From the bottom of the screen to the top right corner, GoPro Quik empowers you to bring your adventures to life in a dynamic and engaging way.

Method 1: Using the photos app

Let's begin with the built-in Photos app, a powerful tool that lets you make quick edits without any third-party downloads.

  1. Accessing the Photos App: Open the Photos app on your iPhone and locate the video you want to edit.
  2. Trimming the Video: Once you've selected the video, tap the "Edit" button. At the bottom of the screen, you'll find a timeline of the video. Drag the handles at the start and end points to trim the video to your desired length.
  3. Previewing and Adjusting Edits: Play the trimmed video using the play button to preview your edits. If you need to make further adjustments, simply tap "Edit" again and modify the video as needed.
  4. Saving the Trimmed Video: After you're satisfied with your masterpiece, tap "Done" in the top right corner. The trimmed video will now be saved as a new clip in your Camera Roll, leaving the original video untouched.

Method 2: Using third-party video editing apps

If you're looking to take your video editing skills to new heights, third-party apps like iMovie can provide more advanced editing options.

  1. Downloading and Installing iMovie: Head to the App Store and search for iMovie. Download and install the app on your iPhone.
  2. Creating a New Project: Launch iMovie and create a new project. Import the video you want to edit from your Camera Roll.
  3. Trimming and Cutting the Video Clips: To trim the video, tap on the video clip in the timeline and drag the playhead to the desired start and end points. For more precise cuts, use the magnifying glass in the bottom-right corner to zoom in.
  4. Incorporating Transitions, Transcriptions, and Effects: Spice up your video by adding transitions between clips, or adding AI transcriptions using Speechify Transcription, or applying creative effects to make it pop!
  5. Finalizing and Saving the Edited Video: Once you're satisfied with your masterpiece, tap "Done" and save your edited video to your Camera Roll.

Tips for successful video shortening

Now that you've mastered the art of shortening and editing videos, here are some tips to make your videos truly shine:

  • Keep it Concise: Shorter videos are more engaging, so focus on the best parts of your footage.
  • Pay Attention to Audio: Ensure your video's audio is clear and enhances the viewing experience.
  • Use Transitions Wisely: Transitions can add flair, but don't overdo them; use them judiciously.
  • Optimize for Social Media: Consider the platform you'll be sharing your video on and adapt its length accordingly.
  • Experiment and Have Fun: Video editing is an art form, so don't be afraid to experiment with different effects and styles!

Speechify Transcription: the fastest way to convert video/audio content into accurate written text

Looking to step up your video game? Look no further! With Speechify Transcription, you can effortlessly create high-quality transcripts that are sure to captivate your audience. Whether you're crafting content for TikTok's snappy trends, YouTube's engaging vlogs, or even Instagram's eye-catching reels, this tool has you covered. Available on iOS, Android, PC, and Mac, it's a versatile companion for all your video endeavors. So why wait? Give Speechify Transcription a spin and watch your ideas come to life in stunning text.

FAQs

1. Can I use iMovie on my iPad for video editing?

Absolutely! iMovie works seamlessly on both iPhones and iPads, providing the same user-friendly features and intuitive editing experience. You can also use other tools like Speechify AI Video Generator or Speechify Transcriptions to add text to your short-form videos.

2. Can I revert changes made in the video editing process?

Yes, in apps like iMovie and LumaFusion, you can easily undo edits by tapping "Revert" or "Undo." Remember, this option may vary depending on the app you're using.

3. How can I save my edited video as a new clip without altering the original video?

It's simple! In the built-in Photos app, tap "Done" after editing, and your new clip will be saved while keeping the original untouched. Other apps like KineMaster and LumaFusion also offer ways to save edited videos separately without affecting the original file. Just follow the app's instructions or look for the "Save as New Clip" option.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.