How to edit videos on iPhone and Android: A beginner’s Guide


Even for beginners, learning how to edit videos on iphone is easier than you might think. You may not need to buy a powerful computer to edit videos properly. With the right applications, you can trim unwanted segments, overlay music or captions, adjust colors, and prepare the finished product for publication on a social media feed.

If you want to learn how to edit videos on iphone, you can start with the Photos app or use free video editing software, and this is the best way to do it instead. Android users can try similar functions in the Google Photos app. The exact tools may differ on each device, but the overall approach is similar.

This article will discuss how to edit videos on both iPhone and Android. We will also explore options for editing apps, enhancing your production, and avoiding copyright issues.

Illustration showing how to edit videos on iPhone and Android for beginners


1. How to prepare a video for editing

Before learning how to edit videos on iphone, spend some time organizing your materials and planning your project. Following these simple preparation steps will help you get excellent results:

• Review the raw footage and remove any unnecessary clips from your editing playlist.

• Decide which parts of the video you want to keep and which ones to trim off.

• Consider the format of your final video. It will be easier to achieve stability and clarity if you decide on your preferred aspect ratio ahead of time.

• Make sure that you have allocated enough space on your phone for the video editing software.

• Choose a video editing application that meets your needs.

For TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, vertical videos in the 9:16 ratio are the most appropriate. Regular YouTube videos are usually published in a horizontal 16:9 format. You can also use a square ratio (1:1) for certain social media platforms.

Additionally, it might be helpful to write a rough draft of the video. This step is especially beneficial for tutorial and product review videos, where the creator needs to present information in a structured manner.

2. How to edit videos on iPhone with the Photos app with Comfort

The Photos app is an excellent option for beginners because it comes pre-installed on most iPhones. The interface is intuitive and Apple OS ensures that your video files will appear regularly. However, the available tools may vary depending on the phone’s iOS version and the type of video you want to edit that you have to check by yourself. Here are the basic instructions for trimming and enhancing a video with Photos:

Step 1: Open your video in the Photos App and locate Photos Carefully

On your home screen, locate the Photos application and open it. From your collection of saved media, select the video you want to edit and tap on it and make sure you tap on right one. At the bottom of the screen, you should see the word ‘Edit.’ Alternatively, it might appear at the top right of the screen, depending on your phone’s software version.

Once you click on ‘Edit,’ several editing tools will appear. Some of the available functions are trimming, adjusting brightness levels, overlaying filters, and more all options are there for you.

Step 2: Trim the beginning and the end with Care

Trimming allows you to remove unwanted segments from the beginning and end of a video. For example, if your recording starts five seconds before the desired beginning, simply trim those five seconds off.

To trim a video, follow these instructions:

1. Open the editing menu and select ‘Range’ or ‘Trim’ to access the trimming tools.

2. The video timeline will appear allowing you to move the play button forward or backward to select the desired beginning.

3. Repeat the process for the end of the video.

4. Click ‘Done’ to finish trimming.

It is recommended that you remove any unnecessary segments at the beginning and end of the recording. Avoid deleting material in the middle of the video because the Photos app does not offer advanced editing tools. If you want to learn how to edit videos on iphone and remove segments from the middle of the recording, you will need a more advanced application.

Step 3: Adjust the brightness and color

A simple way to improve the quality of your recording is to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color levels. This step is especially necessary if you have filmed in a dimly lit room and want to make the video more appealing. On your phone, navigate to the brightness menu or the section for color correction.

Depending on your software version, you may see separate sliders for exposure, brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows, saturation, and warmth. The suggested settings will vary depending on the content of the video. For example, if you have filmed a still life on your desk with a lamp, you may want to increase the exposure and brightness to make the objects more visible. On the other hand, if the colors appear too intense, you should reduce the saturation level. Always remember that natural colors look more vibrant and realistic than artificially enhanced ones.

Step 4: Overlay a filter

In this step, you can overlay a filter to enhance the video further. Each filter has different effects, so experiment with the options until you find an image that appeals to you.

It is advisable to avoid using multiple filters on a single video. On your phone, open the menu and select an option called ‘Filter.’ Choose the desired effect and click ‘Done.’

Depending on the content of your video, you may want to select a warm, cool, or contrasting filter. Avoid using excessively contrasting or artificial effects because they can make the video harder to watch and make engagement low and more skip away.

Step 5: Save and review your video

After completing all the steps and making the necessary adjustments, make sure to click on ‘Done’ or ‘Save’ to store the edited version of the video. It is a good idea to watch the recording in its entirety and it takes little time. To make sure that you have not missed any errors. In particular, make sure that the beginning of the video is accurate and that the overall quality is satisfactory.

Although the Photos app offers a variety of useful tools, it does not provide advanced editing options. Therefore, you may want to consider learning how to edit videos on iphone with other software such as iMovie.

3. How to edit videos on iPhone with iMovie

For you, I will say, iMovie is a powerful application that offers advanced video editing tools that you need. It provides features such as a multitrack timeline, which allows editors to organize and arrange their media in complex ways.

Apple’s iMovie application is primarily designed for people who want to learn how to edit videos on iphone at an intermediate or professional level. The application is available on iPhones and Mac computers with compatible operating systems you will find though. The contents and tools may vary depending on the device and software version.

Step 1: Create a new project

Begin by opening iMovie and clicking on the ‘New Movie’ option. From here, you can select the clips and photos that you want to include in your video. It is helpful to arrange them in an order that follows the desired story or message. In the example provided below, the creator wants to make a simple recipe video. In this case, the following media types can be used in order:

1. Show ingredients.

2. Cooking instructions.

3. Final dish.

This arrangement will allow the author to follow a simple structure of an introductory sequence, instructions, and a closing scene.

Step 2: Delete unnecessary segments with the cut tool

In this step, we will explore how to edit videos on iphone and delete unwanted segments with the cut tool that very important for everyone. First, click on a clip to open the editing panel on the right side of the screen. In the bottom section of this panel, you will see the cut, crop, and replace tools.

By clicking on the cut tool, you can remove unwanted segments. For example, if there is a pause of ten seconds between the second and third step of your recipe, you can delete this segment entirely for instance. The cut tool will split the clip into two parts. Now, you can simply delete the unwanted portion. After completing this step, preview your video to make sure that the edited segment is seamless.

Step 3: Add titles and subtitles

Now, we will take a closer look at how to edit videos on iphone and add titles and subtitles. In this case, we will use a simple title function to insert a descriptive caption. This function is helpful for recipe videos, where the creator needs to describe the content of the message.

First, you need to click on the ‘Title’ option at the top of the editing panel. From here, you can select a template and customize it. For a simple video, it is recommended to use a short phrase and not longer ones. For example, for a recipe video, you can insert an opening title at the beginning of the video, which describes the content of the message.

Make sure that the size of the text is appropriate it is not big or too small. Avoid using large text because it can obscure the image. Always remember that the text should be readable, especially if the video involves a significant amount of visual information.

Step 4: Add background music

When learning how to edit videos on iphone, it is essential to understand the importance of adding appropriate background music. This step is particularly beneficial for videos that involve a descriptive message or require the viewer’s attention.

In this example, we will add background music to a recipe description video. First, navigate to the ‘Soundtrack’ menu and select a suitable tune. In general, it is recommended to use music with a lower volume to avoid overshadowing the descriptive part of the message.

After choosing a track, preview the video to make sure that the audio and visual components are properly synchronized. In particular, ensure that the music does not overpower the descriptive elements of the message. To do this, play the video with headphones and pay attention to the relative volume of the two components.

Step 5: Export the finished product

The final step of the process involves exporting the finished product. From the top menu, select the ‘Export’ option and choose the quality of the final video. For example, you can choose the 1080p resolution, which is generally suitable for most purposes. If you want to export the video in a higher resolution, make sure that your original source material is compatible with this option.

Always remember that a higher resolution will increase the size of the video file and you will know it. After completing all the steps, preview the video to make sure that the result meets your expectations.

4. How to edit videos on iPhone with free apps that are Available

At this point, you should have a basic understanding of how to edit videos on iphone without additional applications. However, more advanced tools may be required to achieve specific goals. Depending on your needs, you may want to explore the following three popular options:

CapCut

This application provides a variety of advanced tools, including transition effects, text editing, and built-in auto-captioning functions. The contents and tools may vary depending on the version of the application and your account status.

In general, a beginner can use CapCut to create a simple edited video by following these steps:

1. Upload the clip or photo.

2. Delete unwanted segments.

3. Insert captions.

4. Export the finished product.

With this application, you can also add captions to your videos. The usefulness of this function will depend on the nature of your message entirely you will notice. For example, if you are creating an educational video about online learning, you can add captions to highlight important concepts that you think of.

Before using this application for a project, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of use. Always consider the quality of the video and the resolution of the original source material and do not skip it or ignore.

VN Video Editor

This is another useful option for video editing on your iPhone. This particular application allows you to place your media in a timeline and make specific adjustments. The exact tools will depend on the version of the application and your account status. Generally speaking, this is a good choice for a creator who wants to gain more control over the process and still use basic editing tools.

Adobe Premiere on Mobile

Adobe is a well-known company that specializes in graphics design, digital editing, and related fields. It also provides several mobile applications that can be used for video editing. In this case, the contents and tools will depend on your account status and software version. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring Adobe’s video editing applications because they offer a variety of advanced tools.

5. How to edit videos on Android phones: Getting started

In the previous section, we discussed how to edit videos on iphone. In this part, we will take a closer look at the editing process and explore the tools that are available to Android users. In general, the basic principles are similar across platforms. However, the particular features and tools that are available will depend on the phone’s manufacturer more instead. And alsothe version of the software.

As a beginner, it is recommended that you explore the basic tools and functions that are available in your phone’s gallery. Generally speaking, you will want to complete the following five steps:

1. Use the Google Photos app to open the video that you want to edit; this is also an option for you. You can also use the gallery provided by your phone manufacturer.

2. Click on the ‘Edit’ option. Depending on your software version and the phone’s manufacturer, you may see the following tools:

• Adjust the range or trim the video.

• Adjust the brightness, color, and other settings.

• Add text, captions, or subtitles.

• Add sound effects or music.

Step 2: Trim unwanted segments

Begin by trimming unwanted segments. For example, if you have recorded a one-minute clip, but only thirty seconds of it contain relevant information, you will need to delete the remaining seconds.

In this step, you should focus on the beginning of the video and the end. Avoid deleting segments at random because it can be challenging to find the exact point where the segment begins and ends. Always make sure that the play button is positioned correctly before you click on the ‘Done’ button.

Step 3: Adjust the brightness and color

A simple way to improve the quality of your video is to adjust the brightness and color settings. This step is especially useful if you have recorded the video in a dimly lit room. Make small adjustments and use the preview function to make sure that the changes are beneficial.

Generally speaking, it is not recommended to make drastic changes to the color and brightness. Always remember that you can turn off special effects if you are not satisfied with the result.

Step 4: Add captions and sound effects

In this step, we will explore how to edit videos on Android and add captions and sound effects but you need to keep in mind all steps. Depending on the phone’s manufacturer, you may have access to a variety of tools. A simple option is to use the caption function, which allows you to insert a short description or annotation at the beginning of the video. It is a good idea to use this function when creating a descriptive message. Again, it is important to make sure that the text is not too large because it can disturb the image.

Some applications also allow you to add sound effects. Make sure that the volume of the sound is not too high because it can overshadow the descriptive part of the message.

Step 5: Save your video

After making the necessary adjustments, make sure to save your progress. From the menu, select the ‘Save’ or ‘Export’ option. In most cases, it is recommended to keep the resolution of the final video the same as the original.

If the application allows you to save a duplicate version of the video, it is a good idea to take advantage of this option. In this case, you will be able to keep the original and make additional edits if necessary.

6. Use CapCut or another editing application on Android

In this part, we will explore how to edit videos on Android with CapCut or another application that are easily available in the market. The process is similar to the one described above, but it includes a few additional tools you might need. At this point, you should already have an idea of how to trim, adjust, and caption your videos. The purpose of this section is to discuss more advanced techniques that can be applied when you have a complex task.

As mentioned above, you can use a variety of applications to edit your videos. As a beginner, it is a good idea to choose the one that you feel most comfortable with and skip what you do not like. In this case, we will use CapCut as an example.

Step 1: Import your media

Open your application and click on the ‘Import’ option from there you will see. From here, you can select the clips or photos that you want to use for your video. In general, it is a good idea to choose media that follows a clear structure but with caution. For example, if you are creating a tutorial or a recipe video, you will need to select the necessary media and organize it in a logical manner.

Step 2: Delete unnecessary segments

In this step, we will explore how to edit videos on android and delete unnecessary segments. This process is similar to the one described above. Begin by clicking on the desired segment. Now, use the split tool to delete the unnecessary part of the video that you might do not want. For example, if you have created a tutorial about photography, you can delete the segment where you talk about the technical aspects of the camera.

After completing this step, preview your video to make sure that the deleted segment does not affect the overall message of the video.

Step 3: Add captions and sound

Now, you can use the caption function to describe the technical aspects of the video. At the same time, the sound should not be distracting. Always make sure that the volume levels of the sound and the spoken word are comparable.

7. How to choose the right video format for publication

In this section, we will discuss how to choose the right video format because it seems to be very tricky and important. In general, you should decide on the video’s aspect ratio and resolution before beginning the editing process. The choice will depend on the social media platforms that you want to use for publication which can not be skipped. For example, vertical videos with a 9:16 aspect ratio are suitable for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. In turn, horizontal videos with a 16:9 aspect ratio are appropriate for regular YouTube videos. You can also use a square (1:1) ratio for social media posts.

If you are using a simple gallery application, you may not have the option to change the aspect ratio. In this case, it is recommended to make sure that the video occupies the full screen.

8. Simple video editing tips

In this part, we will take a closer look at some simple video editing tips that can be applied when learning how to edit videos on iphone and Android. A few general recommendations can help you create a high-quality video without using advanced tools and effects which is the easiest approach.

First of all, make sure that you have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Avoid unnecessary segments because they can confuse the viewer and hurt the overall quality of the message. Similarly, it is a good idea to use simple transitions and effects. Do not forget that the primary purpose of the video is to deliver a clear message. If you want to emphasize this message, you can use text, captions, volume adjustments, and other tools.

As a beginner, it is recommended to avoid using special effects, transitions, and other tools that can draw too much attention to themselves. Always make sure that the text is easy to read and that the captions match the content of the message. In addition, it is essential to record clear sound and minimize background noise. Finally, use consistent colors throughout the video to avoid disrupting the harmony of the overall image.

9. Avoiding copyright issues when editing videos

At this point, you should already know how to edit videos on iphone and Android. In this section, we will discuss an equally important topic: avoiding copyright issues. In general, it is recommended to record your own videos and use your own music but not that which can create problems. Even if you modify a short excerpt of copyrighted music, you run a serious risk of receiving a copyright claim. There is no particular threshold of seconds that determines whether the excerpt is safe to use or not. Similarly, when using images, always make sure that you have the right to use them for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

When learning how to edit videos on iphone, you may notice that certain songs are available within the application. This availability does not entitle you to use this music for other purposes, even if it is available within a different platform. The same applies to other assets, such as stickers and stock videos. Always make sure that you have the right to use these resources for commercial purposes if you intend to monetize your content.

In some cases, you may assume that you can use a modified version of a copyrighted song. For example, you can change the tempo of the excerpt or add effects to it but that case need attention and care to not use other material. In reality, these modifications do not protect you from a copyright claim. If you use unauthorized assets, such as images and video files, you are also at risk of receiving a claim or a lawsuit.

When learning how to edit videos on iphone and Android, always follow the instructions provided by the asset owners and these always easy to follow. If you subscribe to a particular service, such as a music library, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of using its contents. In particular, pay attention to the clauses that determine whether you can resell or modify the asset. In any case, always keep a record of the licenses and permissions that you receive. It is also important to avoid downloading and using other creators’ videos without their permission. This rule applies particularly to popular creators whose content has received millions of views.

In general, following the rules and terms of use will help you avoid most copyright issues. Nevertheless, it is possible that a video editing platform will claim that your content infringes on someone’s copyright. Always remember that you can respond to such claims if you have an adequate reason and legal protection.

10. Common video editing mistakes to avoid

In this section, we will explore common video editing mistakes that beginners should avoid. When learning how to edit videos on iphone and Android, it is essential to minimize the use of special effects, unnecessary music, and incorrect export settings it is very important for beginners. Similarly, beginners should avoid deleting the original video immediately after making changes.

Always remember that captions and text should be easy to read and understand and make sure it sits inside easy readability. In some cases, incorrect text can confuse the audience and hurt the quality of the message. It is also important to avoid unnecessary length. In other words, make sure that the video does not contain excessive material that can be removed. Finally, make sure that you are using legally protected content, such as music, images, and video files.

Avoiding these video editing mistakes will help you create a high-quality message without using advanced tools. At the same time, you should always remember that practice makes perfect. If you are learning how to edit videos on iphone, start with a simple project and gradually increase the complexity of your tasks. Android users can also follow this advice and invest more time in mastering the basics of video editing.

Related Reading: 

How to Edit YouTube Videos: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

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