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How to Edit a Video on iPhone: Easy Steps to Follow
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How to Edit a Video on iPhone: Easy Steps to Follow

Date
June 12, 2025
Time reading
13 Min. to Read

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If you're wondering how to edit a video on iPhone, you're in the right place. Today, many people use their iPhones not just to shoot videos, but also to edit them. You don’t need a computer or expensive software. Your iPhone has everything you need to turn your raw footage into a fun, clear, and shareable video. They will learn how to edit a video on an iPhone using simple tools that are already on your device. You want to trim, cut, add music, or adjust colors, it’s all possible in a few taps. This guide uses everyday language so anyone you're 10 or 70, can follow along with ease. Let's get started.

Getting Started with Video Editing on iPhone

Open the Photos App

To start learning how to edit a video on iPhone, the easiest way is through the built-in Photos app. Yes, the same app you use to view your pictures has some great editing tools for video too.

Here's how to get started:

  1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Photos app.
  2. Tap on Albums at the bottom.
  3. Scroll down and find the Videos section.
  4. Choose the video you want to edit.

Once your video is open, tap the Edit button in the top right corner. This will take you to the editing screen, where the magic happens.

Know the Basics Before You Begin

Before diving deep into how to edit a video on iPhone, understand what you want to do with the video. Do you want to:

  • Shorten it?
  • Cut out some parts?
  • Add background music?
  • Make it brighter or darker?

Knowing this will help you choose the right steps as you follow along.

How to Trim a Video on iPhone

Step-by-Step Trimming Process

Trimming means cutting the beginning or end of a video. It’s perfect when you want to remove awkward moments, such as setting up the camera or extra seconds at the end.

Here’s how to trim:

  1. Open your video in the Photos app.
  2. Tap Edit at the top right.
  3. You’ll see a timeline at the bottom with arrows on each side.
  4. Drag the left arrow to where you want your video to start.
  5. Drag the right arrow to where you want your video to end.
  6. Tap Done, then choose Save Video as New Clip to keep the original or just Save Video to replace it.

Why Trimming Matters

Learning how to edit a video on iPhone starts with trimming because it’s the first step in making a video look clean and professional. You don’t want people to watch useless seconds that don’t add anything to your story. A short and focused video always gets more attention.

How to Cut and Split a Video on iPhone

What Cutting and Splitting Means

Sometimes you need to remove a middle section of your video or break it into two parts. Cutting and splitting let you remove the boring or wrong parts and keep only what matters.

To do this, you’ll need to use the iMovie app, which is free and easy to use. If it’s not already on your iPhone, you can download it from the App Store.

Steps to Cut and Split in iMovie

  1. Open the iMovie app.
  2. Tap Create Project and choose Movie.
  3. Pick the video you want to edit and tap Create Movie.
  4. On the editing screen, scroll the timeline to where you want to split the video.
  5. Tap the video in the timeline so it becomes yellow.
  6. Tap Split at the bottom.
  7. Now you have two parts. Tap on the part you don’t want and press Delete.

Repeat this step if you need to cut more parts. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.

Make Your Video Flow Better

Learning how to edit a video on iPhone isn’t just about removing parts. It’s about making the video flow smoothly from one part to another. Splitting and cutting let you do just that. You control the pace and decide what your viewers see.

How to Add Music to a Video on iPhone

Choose the Right Background Sound

Adding music makes your video more fun. It sets the mood and helps keep your viewers interested. But make sure the sound doesn’t overpower your voice or distract from the message.

Steps to Add Music in iMovie

  1. Open iMovie and create or open your project.
  2. Tap + on the left side of the screen.
  3. Choose Audio.
  4. Select from Soundtracks, My Music, or even Voiceover if you want to add your own voice.
  5. Tap the music you like and then tap Use to add it to the video.

You can also adjust the volume:

  • Tap the music bar in the timeline.
  • Use the volume slider at the bottom to make it louder or softer.

Music Makes It Better

When learning how to edit a video on iPhone, adding music is like putting icing on a cake. It makes everything more exciting. Just make sure the music fits the feeling of your video—happy music for fun moments, calm music for serious ones.

How to Add Text to a Video on iPhone

Use Text to Tell Your Story

Sometimes, a few words on the screen can make a big difference. You can use text to introduce a scene, share a message, or add fun captions. This is a great way to make your video clearer and more engaging.

Steps to Add Text in iMovie

  1. Open iMovie and your project.
  2. Tap the video clip where you want to add text.
  3. Tap T (for Titles) at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Choose a text style that you like.
  5. Tap the sample text on the screen and type your own words.
  6. Move the text to where you want it to show.
  7. You can change the length by dragging the text box in the timeline.

Use short and simple words. Keep the text on screen long enough so people can read it without rushing.

Make Your Message Clear

Learning how to edit a video on iPhone isn’t just about cutting and trimming. Adding text gives your video more meaning. It’s like talking to your viewers without using your voice. Make sure the text is easy to read and doesn’t block important parts of the video.

How to Adjust Brightness and Colors in a Video

Fix a Dark or Dull Video

Sometimes, videos look too dark or have dull colors. You can fix that with a few taps. This is one of the most useful parts of learning how to edit a video on iPhone.

Steps to Adjust in the Photos App

  1. Open the video in the Photos app.
  2. Tap Edit.
  3. Tap the adjust icon (the dial or sliders).
  4. Use the tools like:
    1. Exposure to make the video brighter or darker
    2. Brightness to add or remove light
    3. Contrast to make the colors pop
    4. Saturation to make the colors more vivid

Slide each option left or right and see the change in real time. You can always tap Reset if you want to go back to the original.

Make Your Video Look Great

A bright, colorful video stands out. People are more likely to watch and enjoy it. This step may seem small, but it makes a big impact. A few tweaks can turn a boring video into a great one.

How to Change the Speed of a Video on iPhone

Slow It Down or Speed It Up

Changing the speed of your video can be fun. You can make slow-motion clips for dramatic scenes or speed up boring parts to save time.

Steps in iMovie

  1. Open your project in iMovie.
  2. Tap the clip you want to change.
  3. Tap the speed icon (looks like a speedometer).
  4. Drag the slider:
    1. Left for slow motion
    2. Right for fast motion

You’ll see a rabbit (fast) or turtle (slow) icon based on what you choose. Adjust it until it feels just right.

Add Some Drama or Fun

Speed changes make your video more exciting. You can show a slow walk turning into a fast run or a long scene in just a few seconds. It’s another powerful tool when learning how to edit a video on iPhone.

How to Add Filters to a Video on iPhone

Change the Look with One Tap

Filters are like instant makeup for your video. Want it to look vintage? Or maybe more colorful? Filters help you change the vibe with no hard work.

Steps in the Photos App

  1. Open the video and tap Edit.
  2. Tap the Filters icon (three circles).
  3. Scroll through the list and tap to try different looks.
  4. Once you find one you like, tap Done.

Try filters like:

  • Vivid for bright colors
  • Dramatic for deep tones
  • Mono for black and white

Make Your Video Stand Out

Filters let you match your video to your mood or theme. They’re quick and easy, and they can change how your video feels. Another must-know step in mastering how to edit a video on iPhone.

How to Add a Voiceover to a Video on iPhone

Tell Your Story in Your Own Words

Want to explain what’s happening in your video? Or maybe add your thoughts? A voiceover is perfect for that.

Steps to Add Voiceover in iMovie

  1. Open your project.
  2. Scroll to where you want the voiceover.
  3. Tap the + button.
  4. Choose Voiceover.
  5. Tap Record, speak into your iPhone, then tap Stop when you're done.
  6. Tap Accept to add it to your video.

Speak clearly and not too fast. You can also redo it if you're not happy with how it sounds.

Bring Your Video to Life

With voiceover, you control the story. You can add emotions, explain things, or even be funny. It makes your video more personal and more interesting. A great step for those really looking into how to edit a video on iPhone like a pro.

How to Save and Share Your Edited Video

Save in the Best Quality

After all your editing is done, you’ll want to save your video. Here’s how:

  1. In iMovie, tap Done at the top left.
  2. Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow).
  3. Choose Save Video.
  4. Pick the size – 1080p is usually best.

Your video will be saved in the Photos app.

Share with Friends or Online

Now that your video is ready, share it with the world:

  • Post it on social media
  • Send it to friends or family
  • Upload it to a cloud drive for backup

Sharing is simple, and your iPhone makes it easy.

Final Thoughts on How to Edit a Video on iPhone

Now you know how to edit a video on iPhone from start to finish. From trimming and cutting to adding music, text, and filters, you’ve got all the tools you need right in your pocket. The best part? You don’t need a computer or anything fancy. Just open your Photos app or iMovie, follow the steps, and start creating. Practice makes perfect. The more you try, the better you’ll get. Soon, editing videos on your iPhone will feel just as easy as taking them. Reach out for Professional YouTube Video Editing Services.

FAQs

1. Can I edit a video on iPhone without downloading an app?

Yes. The built-in Photos app lets you trim, add filters, adjust brightness, and more without any extra downloads.

2. Is iMovie free on iPhone?

Yes, iMovie is a free app from Apple that works great for editing videos with more features like music, voiceover, and cutting scenes.

3. Can I undo changes if I make a mistake?

Yes. In Photos, tap "Revert" to go back to the original. In iMovie, just tap "Undo" or remove any clip you don’t like.

4. Will editing lower my video quality?

No, as long as you save in high resolution like 1080p. iMovie and Photos keep your video looking sharp.

5. How long can I edit a video on iPhone?

There’s no limit. You can edit short clips or long videos as much as your iPhone storage allows.

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Schedule a discovery call today to discuss things in more depth.

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