How to Trim Video on iPhone 12?

Trimming videos on your iPhone 12 is a straightforward process, allowing you to easily shorten clips directly within the Photos app without needing third-party software. This built-in feature is perfect for quickly removing unwanted footage from the beginning or end of your videos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trimming Your iPhone 12 Videos

The iPhone 12, like other modern iPhones, offers intuitive video editing tools within its native Photos app. Here's how to trim your videos:

Open the Photos App: Locate and tap the Photos app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
Select Your Video: Navigate to the Videos album or scroll through your Library to find the video you wish to trim. Tap on the video to open it.
Enter Edit Mode: Once the video is open, tap Edit in the top-right corner of the screen. This will bring up the video editing interface.
Adjust the Trim Handles: At the bottom of the screen, you will see a timeline with a yellow frame around it. This yellow frame represents the current duration of your video.
- To trim the beginning of the clip, drag the left handle (the yellow arrow pointing right) towards the right.
- To trim the end of the clip, drag the right handle (the yellow arrow pointing left) towards the left. As the reference states, to trim the end of the clip, "drag the right handle. Towards the left. Until I want to see the last frame of my clip."
- As you drag the handles, the selected portion within the yellow frame will be the new length of your video. You can preview the trimmed video by pressing the play button.
Save Your Trimmed Video: Once you're satisfied with the trimmed length, tap Done in the bottom-right corner. You will then be given two options:
- Save Video: This option overwrites the original video with the trimmed version.
- Save Video as New Clip: This option creates a new trimmed video while preserving your original, untrimmed video. It's often recommended to choose this option if you might need the original footage later.

Tips for Effective Video Trimming

Preview Carefully: Always preview your trimmed video before saving to ensure you haven't cut out any essential moments.
Non-Destructive Editing (with "Save as New Clip"): By choosing "Save Video as New Clip," you maintain your original footage, offering flexibility if you change your mind or need the full version for other purposes.
Revert to Original (if saved over): If you accidentally "Save Video" and overwrite the original, you might be able to revert it. Go back to the trimmed video in the Photos app, tap Edit, then Revert, and finally Revert to Original. This option is usually available as long as you haven't performed extensive edits or synced the trimmed version across devices without the original.

This process provides a quick and efficient way to refine your videos directly on your iPhone 12, making them more concise and engaging for sharing.