How to Shorten a Video on iPhone
For whatever reason, every now and then, we all need to trim a video. Maybe it's too long for Instagram, or maybe you just want to cut out the boring parts. This guide focuses on shortening a clip; the complete iPhone video editing guide also covers filters, text, music, and transitions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shortening a Video on iPhone
Using the Photos App
- Open the Photos App: Go to your Photos app and find the video you want to edit.
- Tap 'Edit': Once you've opened the video, tap the 'Edit' button at the top right corner.
- Drag the Trim Handles: At the bottom of your screen, you'll see a timeline with handles on both ends. Drag these handles to set the start and end points of your video.
- Preview: Play the video to make sure you've trimmed it exactly how you want it.
- Tap 'Done': If you’re satisfied, tap ‘Done’ and then select either 'Save as New Clip' or 'Trim Original'.
Using iMovie
- Open iMovie: Download and open the iMovie app from the App Store if you haven’t already.
- Create a New Project: Tap on ‘Create Project’ and then ‘Movie’.
- Select Your Video: Choose the video you want to shorten and tap 'Create Movie'.
- Trim the Video: Tap on the video timeline, then drag the yellow trim handles to set the start and end points.
- Export Your Video: Tap 'Done' and then 'Export' to save your trimmed video to your camera roll.
Trim a Video in Your Browser
If you would rather keep the source as a separate file, open the Instasize video trimmer in a current browser. Choose the video, enter the exact start and end times, preview the result, and download a new MP4. The browser workflow processes the selected file locally rather than uploading it to an Instasize processing server.
Browser codec support and memory limits vary by device, so the Photos app remains the most reliable choice when a particular iPhone recording cannot be decoded. Keep the original until you have watched the complete trimmed result.
FAQs
Q: Can I revert the changes after trimming a video in the Photos app? A: If you selected ‘Trim Original,’ the changes are permanent. If you chose 'Save as New Clip,' the original video remains unchanged.
Q: Is there a limit to the video length I can shorten in iMovie? A: There's no specific limit, but longer videos may take up more storage and can be slower to process.
Q: How can I make sure my video retains its quality after trimming? A: Use a dedicated app like Instasize that focuses on optimizing video quality.
Q: Can I change the video's dimensions after trimming? A: Yes. Download the trimmed result, then use the video resizer to set exact even-numbered pixel dimensions and choose whether to contain, cover, or stretch the frame.
So, next time you're stressing about how to shorten a video on your iPhone, you know exactly what to do. If the finished clip should repeat continuously, follow the steps to loop the video on your iPhone after trimming it. And remember, if you want the best results, Instasize is your go-to app for all things video editing.
