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How to Edit Videos on an iPhone
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How to Edit Videos on an iPhone

Mark Harris
March 3, 2025

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Want to Edit Videos on Your iPhone? Here’s How!

Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, or social media marketer, editing videos on your iPhone is easier than ever. Apple’s built-in Photos app and iMovie provide powerful editing tools for quick adjustments, while third-party apps like CapCut and InShot offer even more creative options.

This guide will walk you through the best ways to edit videos on an iPhone—from trimming clips to adding effects, transitions, and text.

📱 No computer needed—just your iPhone!

Method 1: Editing Videos Using the Photos App (Built-In & Free)

If you only need basic edits like trimming, cropping, adjusting brightness, or adding filters, the Photos app is the fastest way to edit videos.

Step 1: Open the Photos App & Select Your Video

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the video you want to edit.
  3. Tap Edit in the top right corner.

Step 2: Trim & Cut Your Video

  1. Drag the yellow handles on the timeline to select the portion of the video you want to keep.
  2. Tap Done > Save Video as New Clip to keep the original intact.

✅ Best For: Quick trims and simple edits.

⚠️ Limitations: No advanced effects, text, or transitions.

Step 3: Adjust Brightness, Contrast & Filters

  1. Tap the Adjustments icon (a dial symbol).
  2. Use sliders to adjust exposure, contrast, and saturation.
  3. Tap the Filters tab to add an Instagram-like effect.

Method 2: Editing Videos with iMovie (Best for Beginners & Free)

If you need more than basic edits, Apple’s iMovie app is a great free option for adding transitions, text overlays, and effects.

Step 1: Open iMovie & Create a New Project

  1. Download iMovie from the App Store (if not installed).
  2. Open the app and tap Create Project > Movie.
  3. Select the video(s) you want to edit and tap Create Movie.

Step 2: Trim & Split Clips

  1. Tap your video in the timeline.
  2. Drag the yellow handles to trim, or tap Split to cut a clip into two.

Step 3: Add Text & Titles

  1. Tap the Text (T) icon.
  2. Choose a title style and type your text.
  3. Position the text on the video and adjust font size.

Step 4: Add Music & Sound Effects

  1. Tap + > Audio to access sound effects and music.
  2. Choose from built-in tracks or add your own music from Apple Music or Files.

✅ Best For: Simple video edits with text, music, and transitions.

⚠️ Limitations: Limited effects and customization compared to pro-level apps.

Method 3: Editing Videos with CapCut (Best for Social Media & TikTok Creators)

CapCut (free on the App Store) is a feature-packed app perfect for creating trendy social media videos with fast cuts, special effects, and custom text.

Step 1: Open CapCut & Start a New Project

  1. Download CapCut from the App Store.
  2. Tap New Project and select your video.

Step 2: Add Transitions & Speed Effects

  1. Tap Effects > Video Effects to add motion blur, shake, or glitch effects.
  2. Adjust speed using the Speed Curve feature for slow-motion or fast-paced edits.

✅ Best For: High-energy social media content.

⚠️ Limitations: Some advanced effects require a Pro subscription.

Method 4: Editing Videos with InShot (Best for Business & Branding)

If you’re editing Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or product videos, InShot is a great option for adding brand colors, animations, and stickers.

Step 1: Open InShot & Import Your Video

  1. Download InShot from the App Store.
  2. Tap Video > New Project and select your clip.

Step 2: Add Custom Text & Stickers

  1. Tap Text to add captions, fonts, and animations.
  2. Tap Stickers to add GIFs, emojis, or brand logos.

✅ Best For: Social media branding and business videos.

⚠️ Limitations: Free version has watermarks on some features.

Final Thoughts: Which iPhone Video Editor Should You Use?

🔹 Best for quick edits? Photos app

🔹 Best free video editor? iMovie

🔹 Best for TikTok & Reels? CapCut

🔹 Best for branding? InShot

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