In today’s digital age, videos have become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s capturing special moments, creating content for social media, or watching our favorite movies and TV shows, videos are everywhere. However, sometimes the aspect ratio of a video may not be suitable for a specific platform or device. This can result in cropped or distorted videos, affecting the overall viewing experience. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that you can use to change the aspect ratio of a video on your iPhone, ensuring that your videos look perfect no matter where you share them.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change the Aspect Ratio of a Video on Your iPhone
There are several reasons why you might need to change the aspect ratio of a video on your iPhone:
1. Social Media: Different social media platforms have different requirements for video aspect ratios. For example, Instagram favors square videos, while TikTok prefers vertical videos. By changing the aspect ratio, you can optimize your videos for each platform and ensure they look great.
2. Compatibility: Some devices or video players have specific aspect ratio requirements. If you want to watch a video on a device that only supports a certain aspect ratio, you may need to adjust it accordingly.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Changing the aspect ratio can also be a creative choice. By experimenting with different aspect ratios, you can achieve a specific aesthetic or cinematic look for your videos.
Now that we understand the importance of changing the aspect ratio, let’s explore different methods to do so on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using iMovie
iMovie is a powerful video editing app available for free on iPhones. It allows you to edit videos and change various settings, including the aspect ratio. Here’s how you can change the aspect ratio using iMovie:
Step 1: Download and launch the iMovie app from the App Store.
Step 2: Tap on the "+" button to create a new project or select an existing project.
Step 3: Import the video you want to edit by tapping on the "Import Media" button.
Step 4: Tap on the video thumbnail to select it, and then tap on the "Create Movie" button.
Step 5: Once your video is added to the timeline, tap on it to bring up the editing options.
Step 6: Tap on the "Crop to Fill" button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7: Choose the desired aspect ratio from the list of options.
Step 8: Adjust the position and size of the video within the frame by pinching and dragging.
Step 9: Tap on the "Done" button to save your changes.
Step 10: Tap on the "Share" button to export the edited video.
Pros:
1. iMovie is a user-friendly app, making it easy for beginners to change the aspect ratio of their videos.
2. It offers a wide range of aspect ratio options to choose from, allowing you to customize your videos according to your preferences.
3. iMovie provides additional editing features, such as adding transitions, titles, and effects, giving you more control over your video’s overall look and feel.
Cons:
1. iMovie may not be suitable for advanced video editing needs, as it primarily focuses on basic editing and creating simple projects.
2. The app requires some time to learn and navigate, especially for users who are new to video editing.
3. iMovie is only available for iOS devices, limiting its accessibility to non-iPhone users.
Method 2: Via Video Crop
If you prefer a dedicated app specifically for cropping videos, Video Crop is a great choice. It offers a simple and straightforward interface, making it easy to change the aspect ratio of your videos. Here’s how you can use Video Crop to change video aspect ratio on your iPhone:
Step 1: Download and install the Video Crop app from the App Store.
Step 2: Launch the app and tap on the "Open" button to import the video you want to edit.
Step 3: Once the video is loaded, you’ll see a preview screen with editing options at the bottom.
Step 4: Tap on the "Aspect" button to choose the desired aspect ratio.
Step 5: Drag the video frame to adjust the position and size of the video within the selected aspect ratio.
Step 6: Preview your edited video by tapping on the "Play" button.
Step 7: Tap on the "Save" button to export the edited video to your iPhone’s camera roll.
Pros:
1. Video Crop is a dedicated app for cropping videos, making it efficient and specialized for changing the aspect ratio.
2. The app offers a variety of aspect ratio options, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs.
3. Video Crop provides a real-time preview feature, enabling you to see the changes you make instantly.
Cons:
1. Some advanced editing features may be missing in Video Crop, as it primarily focuses on cropping videos.
2. The free version of the app may contain ads or have limited functionality. Upgrading to the pro version may be required for additional features.
3. Video Crop is only available for iOS devices, limiting its accessibility to non-iPhone users.
Method 3: Using iOS Photos App
If you don’t want to download any additional apps, you can utilize the built-in editing features of the iOS Photos app to change the aspect ratio of your videos. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your iPhone and locate the video you want to edit.
Step 2: Tap on the video to open it, and then tap on the "Edit" button at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on the crop icon at the bottom toolbar.
Step 4: Adjust the cropping handles to select the desired aspect ratio.
Step 5: Use your fingers to resize and reposition the video within the selected aspect ratio.
Step 6: Tap on the "Done" button to save your changes.
Step 7: Tap on the "Save Video" button to export the edited video to your iPhone’s camera roll.
Pros:
1. The iOS Photos app is readily available on all iPhones, eliminating the need to download any additional apps.
2. It provides basic editing tools, including cropping, which can be sufficient for simple aspect ratio adjustments.
3. The edited video is automatically saved to your iPhone’s camera roll, making it easily accessible for sharing or further editing.
Cons:
1. The Photos app may not offer as many aspect ratio options compared to dedicated video editing apps.
2. Advanced video editing features, such as transitions or effects, are not available in the Photos app.
3. The editing capabilities in the Photos app are more limited compared to third-party video editing apps.
Method 4: Via Video Resizer
Video Resizer is another handy app that allows you to change the aspect ratio of your videos on your iPhone. It offers various aspect ratio options and additional features like video rotation. Here’s how to use Video Resizer:
Step 1: Download and install the Video Resizer app from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app and tap on the "Import" button to select the video you want to edit.
Step 3: Once the video is imported, you can choose the desired aspect ratio from the list of options.
Step 4: Adjust the position and size of the video within the frame by dragging it or using the preview screen.
Step 5: Preview the edited video to ensure it meets your requirements.
Step 6: Tap on the "Save" button to export the edited video to your iPhone’s camera roll.
Pros:
1. Video Resizer is a user-friendly app with a straightforward interface, making it easy to change the aspect ratio of your videos.
2. The app offers a wide range of aspect ratio options to choose from, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.
3. Video Resizer also provides additional features like video rotation, allowing you to make further adjustments to your videos.
Cons:
1. Some advanced editing features may be lacking in Video Resizer, as it primarily focuses on changing the aspect ratio and basic video adjustments.
2. The free version of the app may have certain limitations, such as watermarks or restricted functionality. Upgrading to the pro version may be necessary for a seamless experience.
3. Video Resizer is only available for iOS devices, limiting its accessibility to non-iPhone users.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Aspect Ratio of a Video
If you find that the methods mentioned above are not working for you or if you encounter any issues while trying to change the aspect ratio of a video on your iPhone, here are some additional fixes you can try:
1. Update the App: Ensure that you have the latest version of the app you are using to edit your videos. Developers often release updates with bug fixes and new features that can improve compatibility and performance.
2. Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can resolve minor software issues and glitches that may be preventing you from changing the aspect ratio of your videos.
3. Use a Different App: If one app is not working as expected, try using a different video editing app that offers similar features. There are plenty of options available on the App Store, so experiment with different apps to find one that suits your needs.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your video editing and aspect ratio adjustment experience on your iPhone:
1. Experiment with Different Aspect Ratios: Don’t be afraid to explore different aspect ratio options and see how they transform the look and feel of your videos. Each aspect ratio can evoke a different mood or serve a specific purpose, so have fun experimenting with different settings.
2. Maintain Original Video Quality: When changing the aspect ratio, it’s important to preserve the original video quality. Always choose an app or method that allows you to retain the video’s resolution and clarity to ensure the best viewing experience.
3. Consider Platform Requirements: If you are creating videos for specific platforms, such as social media, check the platform’s recommended aspect ratio guidelines. Adhering to these guidelines can ensure that your videos appear as intended and are optimized for each platform.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change the aspect ratio of a video without cropping it?
A: Yes, some video editing apps allow you to change the aspect ratio without cropping the video. These apps use techniques like letterboxing or pillarboxing to adjust the aspect ratio while preserving the entire video frame.
Q2: Will changing the aspect ratio affect the quality of my video?
A: In most cases, changing the aspect ratio will not significantly impact the quality of your video. However, it’s important to use a reliable video editing app that preserves the original resolution and clarity of the video.
Q3: Which aspect ratio is best for social media platforms?
A: The ideal aspect ratio for social media platforms can vary, but some popular options are:
– Instagram: Square videos with an aspect ratio of 1:1
– TikTok: Vertical videos with an aspect ratio of 9:16
– YouTube: Horizontal videos with an aspect ratio of 16:9
Q4: Can I change the aspect ratio of a video taken in portrait mode to landscape mode?
A: While it is possible to change the aspect ratio of a video taken in portrait mode to landscape mode, be aware that you may lose some parts of the video due to cropping. The best practice is to shoot videos in the desired aspect ratio from the beginning to avoid any loss of content.
Q5: Can I revert back to the original aspect ratio of a video after changing it?
A: Yes, if you have saved a copy of the original video or if the video editing app you are using allows you to undo or revert changes, you can always revert back to the original aspect ratio.
Final Thoughts
Changing the aspect ratio of a video on your iPhone is a useful skill to have, especially in today’s world where videos are shared across various platforms and devices. By following the methods and tips mentioned in this blog post, you can ensure that your videos look perfect no matter where you share them. Experiment with different aspect ratios, keep platform requirements in mind, and always aim to preserve the original video quality. With these techniques, you’ll be able to create visually stunning videos that captivate your audience.