I accidentally recorded more footage than I needed. Can someone guide me on how to cut out parts of a video on my iPhone using free tools or apps? I’m looking for an easy solution.
Oh man, the classic ‘oops, too much footage’ moment. Been there, done that. Good news tho—your iPhone has you covered. You don’t even need to download another app (unless you wanna get fancy). Here’s what you do:
- Open your Photos app (duh).
- Find the video you wanna cut down to size.
- Tap on the video, then hit ‘Edit’ in the top right corner.
- At the bottom, you’ll see this timeline slider thing. Drag those little white arrows to trim your video to the part you actually need. No more unnecessary footage of your shoes or floor—yay!
- Hit ‘Done’ and then ‘Save Video’ or ‘Save as New Clip’ (pick this one if you’re low-key scared of ruining the original).
FYI, this method is super simple, but if you wanna step into editor-pro territory, you could download iMovie (free, also by Apple). It lets you do more detailed cuts and edits in case the Photos app doesn’t cut it (pun intended).
Boom. Problem solved. You’re welcome.
Let’s be real, trimming videos on the iPhone using the Photos app is fine and all, but sometimes it feels like using scissors to carve a statue. Sure, @suenodelbosque mentioned the basic Photos app method (which is easy, I’ll give them that), but what happens if you need to snip bits out of the middle of the video or do something a little more complicated? That’s where Apple’s basic tools leave you stranded.
If you’re willing to take it one step further, go ahead and grab iMovie. It’s free, not bloated, and while it’s not Final Cut Pro, it does the job. You can load up your video, split it into parts, and ditch those awkward moments where you accidentally hit record a little early. Bonus: iMovie lets you add transitions, music, and even text overlays, so your video doesn’t look like something shot in the 90s.
But honestly, if iMovie still feels like too much effort and you really want another free app, try downloading InShot. The interface is way less “Apple-polished” and more straightforward. It’s perfect for cutting sections, rearranging clips, or tweaking the whole aesthetic. However, a minor annoyance: it has watermarks unless you use a workaround, like cropping it out after export (ugh, the struggle).
So TL;DR: Sure, Photos app works for quick trims. Want more fun/creative options? iMovie or InShot are your MVPs. Don’t overthink it unless you’re planning to enter your clip into Sundance or something. Done deal.
Oh, so you’re dealing with the ‘accidentally filmed too much awkward nothingness’ dilemma. Happens to the best of us. @sognonotturno and @suenodelbosque offered solid advice, but let me toss in a few curveballs and quirks to keep this lively—and maybe a little alternative.
Sure, the built-in Photos app gets the job done if all you wanna do is trim the ends. It’s basic, fast, and doesn’t require downloading an extra app. But if you’re like me and find iMovie slightly clunky for occasional trimming—you know, too much sliding panels, and you’re suddenly editing like it’s a school project from 2008—think different with this underrated gem: CapCut. Yep, it’s another freebie, and here’s why it rocks:
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Why CapCut might save your sanity: It lets you easily cut sections in the middle of the video, not just trim the start and end. Plus, it’s super intuitive compared to iMovie’s more layered (and somewhat intimidating) approach.
- Pros: Beginner-friendly, has templates if you want to jazz it up, and surprisingly polished for a free app.
- Cons: While there’s no watermark on basic exports, the app suggests add-ons that might feel a tad ‘freemium.’ A quick dismiss and you’re good.
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VN Video Editor, another honorable mention, is kinda like the love child of iMovie and InShot (@sognonotturno’s pick). Think no watermark drama and solid export quality. Downside? The interface is a bit “meh” aesthetically.
To wrap it up: Photos app? Cool for bare-bones trimming! iMovie (suggested above)? Fine for more in-depth Apple-level edits if that’s your vibe. InShot? Great for creative extras but ugh, watermarks. BUT if you’re looking for seamless cutting and some added flair without feeling like you’re cracking a DaVinci Code manual? CapCut or VN are way lighter and friendlier. Just depends how extra you wanna get with this video—are we going low-key edit or Oscar nom? Safe travels on your iPhone editing expedition!