How to Slow Down a Video on iPhone

Ever tried to capture slow-motion magic or gain clearer insights from heartwarming moments caught on your iPhone video? You’re not alone. Many of us feel the frustration when we wish to relive that perfect wave crashing or dissect a play-by-play tutorial without all the fast-paced jumbles. Thankfully, learning how to slow down a video on an iPhone isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Gone are the days of needing intricate software or endless tutorials just to achieve a slower video playback.

You’ll Learn

  • How to Slow Down a Video with iPhone’s Native Features
  • Using Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Control
  • Editing with Apple's iMovie for Precision Slow Motion
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Summary of Key Steps

How to Slow Down a Video with iPhone’s Native Features

Starting with the tools right at your fingertips, the iPhone comes equipped with built-in capabilities to edit videos directly. The Photos app, commonly used for pictures, provides a straightforward method for adjusting video speeds, particularly for slow-motion footage.

Working with the Photos App

  1. Open Your Photos App: Navigate to your Photos app and select the video you wish to edit.

  2. Entering Edit Mode: Click 'Edit' located at the top right of your screen. This leads you into a window where you can adjust various settings.

  3. Adjusting the Speed: If your video was initially shot in Slo-mo, you will see a timeline bar under the video with lines representing the speed. Dragging these bars allows you to refine which parts remain slow and which do not.

  4. Save Your Edit: After achieving your desired speed, opt for 'Save as New Clip' to avoid overwriting your original file.

Read also:  How to Stream Hulu on Discord

Using Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Control

While the iPhone’s default features work well for basic editing, third-party apps can provide a deeper pool of possibilities for those seeking more control over their video speed alterations.

  • Splice: An intuitive app that offers granular control over video speed along with a suite of other editing features. It’s user-friendly and perfect for novices venturing beyond basic edits.

  • LumaFusion: Tailored for the more technical user, LumaFusion provides professional-grade video editing tools at your fingertips. It may bear a steeper learning curve but the results are undeniably rewarding.

  • Videoshop: Another versatile option, Videoshop allows you to individually adjust the playback speed of segments within the clip.

Step-by-Step: Using Splice

  1. Download and Open Splice: Available in the App Store, download and open the Splice app.

  2. Select Your Video: Import your desired video by tapping ‘New Project’ and selecting the clip.

  3. Use the Timeline: Tap on the video section in the timeline where you wish to adjust speed.

  4. Adjust the Speed: Look for the speedometer icon and tap it; then slide left to slow down the video.

  5. Export Your Clip: After editing, you can easily export the video in the format of your choice.

Editing with Apple’s iMovie for Precision Slow Motion

iMovie stands as Apple’s more robust offering in terms of video editing. It allows layered editing, precise slow-motion control, and other enhancements.

Steps to Use iMovie

  1. Open iMovie: Start by launching iMovie from your iPhone.

  2. Create a New Project: Tap ‘Create Project’ and then ‘Movie’ to import the video you want to edit.

  3. Access the Speed Settings: Tap the video in the timeline, press the 'Speed' button which resembles a gauge, and then drag the slider to the left to slow down your video clip.

  4. Fine-Tune Your Adjustments: This app also offers options like freeze frames or maintaining audio pitch, which can add an extra layer of polish to your projects.

  5. Save and Export: Finally, tap ‘Done’ to save and export your slowed-down masterpiece.

Read also:  How Long of a Video Can You Post on Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I slow down any video on my iPhone?

Yes, any video can be slowed down using either the iPhone's native apps or third-party applications. However, videos not originally recorded in Slo-mo may appear less smooth when slowed excessively.

What’s the best app for beginners?

Splice is highly recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and extensive tutorial support. Its simple drag-and-drop environment is perfect for enhancing videos with minimum effort.

Does slowing down a video affect its quality?

The degree to which a video is slowed down can potentially affect its quality. Excessive slowing may lead to choppiness unless the original video is shot at a high frame rate.

Are third-party apps better than iPhone native apps?

Third-party apps generally offer more detailed features and control. However, for basic edits, iPhones' native apps are quite sufficient and more straightforward for casual users.

Is iMovie free to use?

Yes, iMovie is free to use for all Apple device owners. It is included with iOS devices and provides a comprehensive suite of editing features.

Summary of Key Steps

To effectively slow down a video on your iPhone, start by utilizing the Photos app for straightforward edits or consider leveraging powerful third-party apps like Splice or LumaFusion for more precise control. Additionally, Apple’s iMovie provides an excellent middle ground with professional-grade editing capabilities for more refined slow-motion effects. Whether you're in pursuit of capturing the tiniest detail or transforming lively adventures into cinematic memories, these steps ensure your goals are well within reach, enhancing the storytelling potential right at your fingertips.

Read also:  Why Does Hulu Have So Many Ads?

By implementing these detailed methods, you’re equipped to produce slowed-down videos that resonate with clarity and emotional depth, further enhancing your digital narrative.


This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the technical yet rewarding process of slowing down a video on your iPhone with clarity and confidence. Whether for professional endeavors or personal memories, the knowledge shared here can transform your video storytelling experience.