How to Delete Part of a Video on Your iPhone: A Masterclass

So, you’ve got a video masterpiece on your iPhone, but it’s marred by a shaky start, a rambling middle, or an awkward ending? Don’t despair! Trimming video fat is a core iPhone skill, and it’s surprisingly simple to master. Here’s the definitive guide on how to delete parts of a video directly on your iPhone, along with some pro tips to elevate your mobile editing game.

The Direct Approach: In-App Trimming with Photos

The most straightforward method for snipping bits and pieces from your iPhone videos utilizes the built-in Photos app. This is your go-to solution for quick and easy edits, perfect for when you need to remove unwanted sections without resorting to third-party apps.

Step-by-Step:

1. Open the Photos app: Locate and tap the Photos app icon on your iPhone’s home screen.

2. Select the video: Navigate to the video you wish to edit. It’s likely in your “Recents” album or within a specific album you’ve created. Tap the video to open it.

3. Tap “Edit”: In the upper-right corner of the screen, you’ll find the “Edit” button. Tap it. This opens the video editing interface.

4. Utilize the trimming tool: You’ll see a timeline with yellow brackets at either end of the video. These are your trimming handles.

5. Drag the trimming handles: Drag the left handle to the point where you want your video to begin, effectively deleting everything before that point. Drag the right handle to where you want your video to end, removing everything after that. The section between the handles represents the portion of the video that will be saved.

6. Preview your changes: Tap the “Play” button below the timeline to preview your trimmed video. This allows you to ensure your edits are precisely as you intended.

7. Save your changes: You have two options:

   • “Trim Original”: This option replaces the original video with the trimmed version. The deleted sections are permanently removed. Be absolutely sure this is what you want before choosing this option!
   • “Save Video as New Clip”: This option creates a new video file containing only the trimmed section, leaving your original video untouched. This is generally the safer and more recommended approach, as it provides a non-destructive editing workflow.

8. Choose your saving method: Tap either “Trim Original” or “Save Video as New Clip” based on your preference.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully deleted unwanted parts of your video.

Beyond Basic Trimming: Understanding Your Options

While the Photos app’s trimming tool is powerful in its simplicity, there are nuances to consider:

• Precision: For finer edits, try zooming in on the timeline. Pinch to zoom on the timeline below the video preview to get a more granular view, allowing for more accurate placement of the trimming handles.

• Reverting edits: If you chose “Save Video as New Clip,” your original video is safe. However, if you chose “Trim Original” and regret it, don’t panic immediately! Until you manually clear your “Recently Deleted” album in the Photos app, the original video remains recoverable.

• Third-Party Apps: While the Photos app often suffices, more complex editing tasks might require dedicated video editing apps from the App Store, such as iMovie (which is free and surprisingly powerful), LumaFusion (for professional-grade editing), or FilmoraGo.

FAQs: Your iPhone Video Editing Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further solidify your iPhone video editing prowess:

1. Can I delete parts of the middle of a video on my iPhone using just the Photos app?

No, the built-in Photos app only allows you to trim the beginning and end of a video. To remove sections from the middle, you’ll need to use a video editing app that supports splitting and deleting sections. iMovie is a great free option for this.

2. How do I recover a video I trimmed with the “Trim Original” option?

If you trimmed a video using the “Trim Original” option and want the original back, check your “Recently Deleted” album in the Photos app. Videos remain there for 30 days before being permanently deleted. If it’s still there, simply select the video and tap “Recover.”

3. What’s the difference between “Trim Original” and “Save Video as New Clip”?

“Trim Original” permanently modifies the original video file, deleting the trimmed sections. “Save Video as New Clip” creates a brand new video file containing only the trimmed section, leaving the original untouched. The latter is almost always the better option to avoid accidental data loss.

4. Does trimming a video reduce its file size?

Yes, trimming a video typically reduces its file size because you’re removing parts of the video, therefore reducing the amount of data stored.

5. Can I trim a video directly from iCloud Drive on my iPhone?

Yes, but the process might be slightly slower as the video needs to download to your device first. The Photos app integrates with iCloud, allowing you to access and edit videos stored in the cloud.

6. Is there a limit to how much I can trim a video on my iPhone?

No, there’s no specific limit to how much of a video you can trim using the Photos app. You can trim it down to just a few frames if you desire.

7. What video formats are supported for trimming in the Photos app?

The Photos app supports all standard video formats recorded by the iPhone, including .MOV and .MP4. It can also typically handle other common video formats you import.

8. How do I edit videos longer than an hour on my iPhone?

While the Photos app can handle longer videos, it might become cumbersome. For videos exceeding an hour, dedicated video editing apps like iMovie or LumaFusion are recommended, as they offer better performance and stability for large files.

9. Can I undo a trim I made in the Photos app?

If you chose “Save Video as New Clip”, the original is always untouched. If you trimmed the original, you can go to Recently Deleted. Beyond that, there is no standard “undo” button after saving the trimmed file and exiting the editing mode.

10. How do I share the trimmed video?

Once you’ve saved your trimmed video, you can share it like any other video on your iPhone. Tap the “Share” icon (the square with an arrow pointing upwards) while viewing the video, and choose your desired sharing method (e.g., iMessage, email, social media).

11. Can I use the Apple Pencil for more precise trimming on my iPad?

Yes! If you’re using the Photos app on an iPad, using the Apple Pencil can provide a more precise and intuitive way to manipulate the trimming handles on the timeline. It’s a game-changer for finer edits.

12. Are there any free video editing apps that allow me to delete sections from the middle of a video on my iPhone?

Yes! iMovie, which is developed by Apple and comes pre-installed on some iPhones, is a powerful and free video editing app that allows you to split clips and delete sections from anywhere within the video. It’s a great step up from the basic Photos app editor.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of iPhone video editing, you’ll be able to quickly and easily trim your videos, removing unwanted sections and creating polished content. Remember to always prioritize non-destructive editing by using “Save Video as New Clip” whenever possible. Happy editing!