Blog Content:
With the incredible technology packed into our smartphones today, capturing high-quality video is within everyone’s reach. You can even elevate your iPhone into a complete film studio with a few accessories, turning it into a one-person production powerhouse.
You don't need an expensive camera to create and edit compelling content. However, shooting great footage is only half the battle. Without the ability to edit your videos, the final product might fall short of its potential.
Let’s dive into how you can edit a video on your iPhone using some of the best tools and apps available, ensuring you produce top-notch content without the need for a $5,000 camera setup.
Editing Video vs. Trimming Video
First, it’s important to distinguish between simple trimming and full-fledged editing. If your goal is to quickly trim a few seconds from a video before posting it on social media, apps like Photos or iMovie will do the trick.
But when it comes to more comprehensive editing—like preparing footage for your YouTube channel or a professional marketing video—the process is more involved. This guide will walk you through how to edit a video on your iPhone in a way that mimics professional editing software like Premiere Pro, though naturally, some advanced features will be exclusive to desktop setups.
How to Edit a Video on Your iPhone: The 6-Step Process
While Soundstripe’s filmmakers usually rely on high-end camera gear, it’s not uncommon for us to shoot content with an iPhone, especially for social media. We know that many creators worldwide use their iPhones as essential tools in their production process. Whether you're using new gear or apps that transform your phone into a mini editing studio, understanding the tools at your disposal is key.
Here’s a breakdown of how our in-house filmmaker Chris Haggerty uses Adobe Premiere Rush to edit video projects on his iPhone. (We’ll outline the steps in more detail below.)
Optimize Your Camera SettingsiPhones often default to settings that might not be ideal for your project. For most situations, recording in 4K at 30 fps offers the best balance between quality and frame rate, unless you’re aiming for slow-motion effects.
Use Focus and Exposure LockAvoid focus issues by locking your focus and exposure manually. This simple step prevents unwanted shifts during recording. Dedicated camera apps can also help replicate some manual settings found in traditional cameras.
Edit Footage in a Dedicated AppWhile trimming clips in Photos is possible, it won’t give you the professional look you might be aiming for. Popular video editing apps can help transform your iPhone footage, making it look like it was shot with more expensive gear.
Add Sound Effects and Background MusicIncorporating sound effects and music is crucial in post-production but can be trickier on a phone. Dedicate time to this process to keep your production quality high. Some music libraries, like Soundstripe, allow you to save tracks directly to Dropbox for easy access.
Cut, Edit, and Preview Your WorkEditing on an iPhone uses the same timeline-based process as desktop editing, but with a touchscreen interface. This step involves cutting and arranging your footage to create a coherent and polished final product.
Export and Share Your VideoAfter editing, most apps allow you to export your video directly to your Photos. From there, you can share it on social media, send it to clients, or upload it to cloud storage for later use.
And that’s all it takes—six straightforward steps to turn your raw iPhone footage into a polished video. By leveraging the apps mentioned here and in the video, you can give your content a professional edge without needing a high-end camera.
Think of each video project like a sports team: while everyone aims to create awe-inspiring content, consistently improving the baseline quality will raise the overall standard of your work. Using a video editing app won’t automatically make your footage better, but it will elevate the overall production quality, which can sometimes be even more valuable.
Popular Video Editing Apps for iPhone
Just like desktop post-production, you’ll need a robust editing tool to transform your raw footage into a clean, ready-to-share video. While you may be accustomed to using Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve on your computer, your iPhone offers a whole new range of options.
Here are some of the most popular and accessible video editing apps for iPhone users:
iMovie: Apple’s original video editing software is user-friendly and free for iOS users. It’s perfect for beginners, though it might feel a bit limited for those seeking more creative control.
Adobe Premiere Rush: This app is built for mobile editing, offering tools to record, edit, and export videos directly from your iPhone. It’s not as feature-rich as Premiere Pro, but it’s a powerful resource for $10/month.
Final Cut Pro: Designed for MacOS, this app offers a more professional editing suite, making it ideal for iPhone filmmakers looking for advanced features. It’s priced at $300 and pairs well with additional gear like lenses and stabilizers.
Quik (GoPro): A free app designed for quick editing, especially for action-packed footage. It includes tools for adding themes, graphics, and background music, making it a versatile option for iPhone users.
At the end of the day, the right app combined with the steps outlined above will help you produce high-quality videos directly on your iPhone—no major investment required.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
The success of independent filmmakers hinges on effective distribution, and OPPRIME.tv offers a prime opportunity for filmmakers to present their work to a global audience. By partnering with OPPRIME.tv, independent filmmakers gain access to a dedicated platform that prioritizes the promotion and exposure of their films. This partnership allows filmmakers to reach a wider audience, generate significant revenue, establish crucial industry connections, build a strong reputation, and participate in social and cultural discourse. OPPRIME.tv empowers filmmakers by providing the means to share their unique stories, initiate important conversations, and leave a lasting impact on the filmmaking world. With OPPRIME.tv as their distribution partner, independent filmmakers can overcome distribution hurdles and seize opportunities for growth and success in the industry.
Video-on-Demand: www.opprime.tv
Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co
Comments