In 2024, Elevate Your Storytelling A Step-by-Step Ken Burns Effect Tutorial

In 2024, Elevate Your Storytelling A Step-by-Step Ken Burns Effect Tutorial

Amelia Lv12

Elevate Your Storytelling: A Step-by-Step Ken Burns Effect Tutorial

How to Make Ken Burns Effect in Final Cut Pro?

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Ken Burns Effect is an advanced feature of Final Cut Pro that allows users to add creative animations to their videos and images within minutes. You just need to select your picture, add movements to the clip, and choose the start and the end position to produce high-resolution stills. Besides, you can do a tilt, zoom in, a pan, or a combination of these three moves on a single image. This way, you can use the Ken Burns Effect to highlight the stimulating features in your photograph and save your memories in the form of innovative and high-definition animated clips.

This article introduces the readers to Final Cut Pro and explains how to add the Ken Burns Effect in 8 simple steps.

Part 1: How to Make a Ken Burns Effect in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is user-friendly software and makes it easy for you to create a Ken Burns Effect without having advanced skills and expertise. So, are you interested in knowing the best part? Given below are a few simple steps to create Ken Burns Effect and make your pictures and videos look adorable.

Step 1: Add Images to the Timeline

First of all, you should specify a name for your project and add photos to the timeline in Final Cut Pro. For this purpose, select multiple photos and press E. A clip will be added to the timeline as shown in figure 1.

AddingPhotostotheTimeline

Step 2: Check Your Settings

As you can see, our timeline has no other video clip. Hence, Final Cut Pro will not recognize the clip until you adjust the video properties such as format, resolution, and rate, etc. For this purpose, click OK to use your preferred settings and press Shift + Z to fit the picture to your timeline window. Once you’re done it’s time to apply the Ken Burns Effect.

adjust properties

Step 3: Add the Ken Burns Effect

The Ken Burns Effect is used to focus on specific parts of an image and bring motionless content in to provoke emotional reactions. Follow these steps to add the Ken Burns Effect:

  1. Select the clip or picture;
  2. See the lower left of the viewer;
  3. Go to the Viewer window using the drop-down menu;
  4. Tap on the pop-up menu located in the bottom left-hand corner;
  5. Choose the Crop option from the menu or press Shift + C;
  6. Press the Ken Burns button in the Crop onscreen controls to add the effect; and
  7. Finally, notice the start frame and the end frame controls.

adding ken burns effect

Step 4: Customize Your Effect

In the Ken Burns display, you can see the controls for adjusting the panning and zooms effects by changing the size and position of two-colored rectangles overlaying on the clip. To customize the Ken Burns effect:

  1. Adjust the green rectangle’s size and position to set the start position;
  2. Adjust the red rectangle’s size and position to set the end position;
  3. The arrow depicts the direction of camera position between start and end position;
  4. In the top left-hand corner, click on the Swap button to exchange the two positions as per your requirements;
  5. You can see the preview of the animation on the screen.

custormizing ken burns effect

Step 5: Add a Freeze Frame

You’re not done yet because you need to hold your picture at the end of the animation. For this purpose, you should create a freezing frame at the end of the clip to make Ken Burns do this. Here’s the deal:

  1. Press the Down arrow followed by the Left arrow to go to the last frame;
  2. Press Option-F to add a freeze-frame;
  3. Make sure that your added frame matches the ending frame of the Ken Burns Effect.

adding a freeze frame

Step 6: Adjust the Duration of the Freeze Frame

The users can also adjust the speed of the animation and the duration of the freeze-frame by trimming your clip. For this purpose, trim the length as per your requirement and it will optimize the speed as shown in figure 6.

adjust the length and speed

Step 7: Swap the Start and End Frame

Now, swap the start and ending frame as per your preference for the Ken Burns animation. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Click on the Swap button;
  2. The start frame will match the still frame (previous one);
  3. Grab the end frame and move it to your desired position;
  4. Apply enough zoom in to make the black areas disappear;
  5. Preview to see how your animation looks.

swapping the start and end frames

Step 8: Play/Preview Looping

After you have optimized the speed of the Ken Burns Effect by trimming the clip’s length and have widened the shot to include everyone, it’s time to preview the changes you have made. Given below are simple steps:

  • Press the Play Loop button;
  • Tap on the Pause icon and return to editing;
  • Click Done and enjoy your animation.

Seems a little complicated? Filmora allows users to do Ken Burns effect, or pan and zoom effect, in much easier steps, click to download and have a try!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 2: How to add the Ken Burns Effect to Multiple Camera Movements?

Although you can apply a single Ken Burns movement to your image, you can still give the impression of multiple movements being used. This means the Ken Burns Effect can be added to multiple camera movements by duplicating the photo and building numerous movements in sequence.

  1. Add the first camera movement to your image;
  2. Duplicate the clip by click and drag option or copy and paste option;
  3. Press the Swap button in the Ken Burns settings to reverse the start and end positions;
  4. Verify if multiple camera movements have been added.

Extensive Reading: Why Ken Burns Effect is Named after Ken Burns?

What is the Ken Burns Effect?

The Ken Burns Effect is a feature in Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect by using your predefined start and end positions. Basically, it is a crop effect with one crop at the start of the clip while the other at the end. Ken Burns Effect can be further customized by adjusting the smoothness of the animation. While creating a Ken Burns Effect, the motion applied to the video clips gets automatically smoothed to accelerate and decelerate the movement slowly at the start and the end of the animation.

Why the Effect is named after Ken Burns?

Now, as you have learned the purpose of the Ken Burns Effect, you must be curious about its name. It is named after American documentarian Ken Burns, who is known for his instantly recognizable and highly influential visual aesthetic. Surprisingly, Ken Burns did not invent this Ken Burns Effect; rather, it has existed for decades. You might be wondering why the technique was then named after Ken Burns. This was due to the persistent and adroit use of this technique that it is now known as the Ken Burns Effect.

ken-burns

What are the Applications of Ken Burns Effect?

Primarily, the Ken Burns Effect is used due to the unavailability of a film or video. The technique gives action to still photographs to glorify the subjects of interest like couples in wedding photography. It gets better and better as you apply simulated parallax with Ken Burns Effect to make your 2D images appear as 3D plus advanced zooming visuals. You can also use the Ken Burns effect to make a video of your graduation ceremony pictures or memorable moments of reunion. Ken Burns Effect is also used in documentaries by professional filmmakers and editors.

Conclusion

Adding animated effects to your pictures and videos makes them look gorgeous. This is crazy, isn’t it, when you impress your peers with your editing skills. So, what’s the bottom line of this whole discussion? Try adding the Ken Burns Effect with Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect on your pictures and clips get the output in your desired format.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Ken Burns Effect is an advanced feature of Final Cut Pro that allows users to add creative animations to their videos and images within minutes. You just need to select your picture, add movements to the clip, and choose the start and the end position to produce high-resolution stills. Besides, you can do a tilt, zoom in, a pan, or a combination of these three moves on a single image. This way, you can use the Ken Burns Effect to highlight the stimulating features in your photograph and save your memories in the form of innovative and high-definition animated clips.

This article introduces the readers to Final Cut Pro and explains how to add the Ken Burns Effect in 8 simple steps.

Part 1: How to Make a Ken Burns Effect in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is user-friendly software and makes it easy for you to create a Ken Burns Effect without having advanced skills and expertise. So, are you interested in knowing the best part? Given below are a few simple steps to create Ken Burns Effect and make your pictures and videos look adorable.

Step 1: Add Images to the Timeline

First of all, you should specify a name for your project and add photos to the timeline in Final Cut Pro. For this purpose, select multiple photos and press E. A clip will be added to the timeline as shown in figure 1.

AddingPhotostotheTimeline

Step 2: Check Your Settings

As you can see, our timeline has no other video clip. Hence, Final Cut Pro will not recognize the clip until you adjust the video properties such as format, resolution, and rate, etc. For this purpose, click OK to use your preferred settings and press Shift + Z to fit the picture to your timeline window. Once you’re done it’s time to apply the Ken Burns Effect.

adjust properties

Step 3: Add the Ken Burns Effect

The Ken Burns Effect is used to focus on specific parts of an image and bring motionless content in to provoke emotional reactions. Follow these steps to add the Ken Burns Effect:

  1. Select the clip or picture;
  2. See the lower left of the viewer;
  3. Go to the Viewer window using the drop-down menu;
  4. Tap on the pop-up menu located in the bottom left-hand corner;
  5. Choose the Crop option from the menu or press Shift + C;
  6. Press the Ken Burns button in the Crop onscreen controls to add the effect; and
  7. Finally, notice the start frame and the end frame controls.

adding ken burns effect

Step 4: Customize Your Effect

In the Ken Burns display, you can see the controls for adjusting the panning and zooms effects by changing the size and position of two-colored rectangles overlaying on the clip. To customize the Ken Burns effect:

  1. Adjust the green rectangle’s size and position to set the start position;
  2. Adjust the red rectangle’s size and position to set the end position;
  3. The arrow depicts the direction of camera position between start and end position;
  4. In the top left-hand corner, click on the Swap button to exchange the two positions as per your requirements;
  5. You can see the preview of the animation on the screen.

custormizing ken burns effect

Step 5: Add a Freeze Frame

You’re not done yet because you need to hold your picture at the end of the animation. For this purpose, you should create a freezing frame at the end of the clip to make Ken Burns do this. Here’s the deal:

  1. Press the Down arrow followed by the Left arrow to go to the last frame;
  2. Press Option-F to add a freeze-frame;
  3. Make sure that your added frame matches the ending frame of the Ken Burns Effect.

adding a freeze frame

Step 6: Adjust the Duration of the Freeze Frame

The users can also adjust the speed of the animation and the duration of the freeze-frame by trimming your clip. For this purpose, trim the length as per your requirement and it will optimize the speed as shown in figure 6.

adjust the length and speed

Step 7: Swap the Start and End Frame

Now, swap the start and ending frame as per your preference for the Ken Burns animation. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Click on the Swap button;
  2. The start frame will match the still frame (previous one);
  3. Grab the end frame and move it to your desired position;
  4. Apply enough zoom in to make the black areas disappear;
  5. Preview to see how your animation looks.

swapping the start and end frames

Step 8: Play/Preview Looping

After you have optimized the speed of the Ken Burns Effect by trimming the clip’s length and have widened the shot to include everyone, it’s time to preview the changes you have made. Given below are simple steps:

  • Press the Play Loop button;
  • Tap on the Pause icon and return to editing;
  • Click Done and enjoy your animation.

Seems a little complicated? Filmora allows users to do Ken Burns effect, or pan and zoom effect, in much easier steps, click to download and have a try!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 2: How to add the Ken Burns Effect to Multiple Camera Movements?

Although you can apply a single Ken Burns movement to your image, you can still give the impression of multiple movements being used. This means the Ken Burns Effect can be added to multiple camera movements by duplicating the photo and building numerous movements in sequence.

  1. Add the first camera movement to your image;
  2. Duplicate the clip by click and drag option or copy and paste option;
  3. Press the Swap button in the Ken Burns settings to reverse the start and end positions;
  4. Verify if multiple camera movements have been added.

Extensive Reading: Why Ken Burns Effect is Named after Ken Burns?

What is the Ken Burns Effect?

The Ken Burns Effect is a feature in Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect by using your predefined start and end positions. Basically, it is a crop effect with one crop at the start of the clip while the other at the end. Ken Burns Effect can be further customized by adjusting the smoothness of the animation. While creating a Ken Burns Effect, the motion applied to the video clips gets automatically smoothed to accelerate and decelerate the movement slowly at the start and the end of the animation.

Why the Effect is named after Ken Burns?

Now, as you have learned the purpose of the Ken Burns Effect, you must be curious about its name. It is named after American documentarian Ken Burns, who is known for his instantly recognizable and highly influential visual aesthetic. Surprisingly, Ken Burns did not invent this Ken Burns Effect; rather, it has existed for decades. You might be wondering why the technique was then named after Ken Burns. This was due to the persistent and adroit use of this technique that it is now known as the Ken Burns Effect.

ken-burns

What are the Applications of Ken Burns Effect?

Primarily, the Ken Burns Effect is used due to the unavailability of a film or video. The technique gives action to still photographs to glorify the subjects of interest like couples in wedding photography. It gets better and better as you apply simulated parallax with Ken Burns Effect to make your 2D images appear as 3D plus advanced zooming visuals. You can also use the Ken Burns effect to make a video of your graduation ceremony pictures or memorable moments of reunion. Ken Burns Effect is also used in documentaries by professional filmmakers and editors.

Conclusion

Adding animated effects to your pictures and videos makes them look gorgeous. This is crazy, isn’t it, when you impress your peers with your editing skills. So, what’s the bottom line of this whole discussion? Try adding the Ken Burns Effect with Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect on your pictures and clips get the output in your desired format.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Ken Burns Effect is an advanced feature of Final Cut Pro that allows users to add creative animations to their videos and images within minutes. You just need to select your picture, add movements to the clip, and choose the start and the end position to produce high-resolution stills. Besides, you can do a tilt, zoom in, a pan, or a combination of these three moves on a single image. This way, you can use the Ken Burns Effect to highlight the stimulating features in your photograph and save your memories in the form of innovative and high-definition animated clips.

This article introduces the readers to Final Cut Pro and explains how to add the Ken Burns Effect in 8 simple steps.

Part 1: How to Make a Ken Burns Effect in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is user-friendly software and makes it easy for you to create a Ken Burns Effect without having advanced skills and expertise. So, are you interested in knowing the best part? Given below are a few simple steps to create Ken Burns Effect and make your pictures and videos look adorable.

Step 1: Add Images to the Timeline

First of all, you should specify a name for your project and add photos to the timeline in Final Cut Pro. For this purpose, select multiple photos and press E. A clip will be added to the timeline as shown in figure 1.

AddingPhotostotheTimeline

Step 2: Check Your Settings

As you can see, our timeline has no other video clip. Hence, Final Cut Pro will not recognize the clip until you adjust the video properties such as format, resolution, and rate, etc. For this purpose, click OK to use your preferred settings and press Shift + Z to fit the picture to your timeline window. Once you’re done it’s time to apply the Ken Burns Effect.

adjust properties

Step 3: Add the Ken Burns Effect

The Ken Burns Effect is used to focus on specific parts of an image and bring motionless content in to provoke emotional reactions. Follow these steps to add the Ken Burns Effect:

  1. Select the clip or picture;
  2. See the lower left of the viewer;
  3. Go to the Viewer window using the drop-down menu;
  4. Tap on the pop-up menu located in the bottom left-hand corner;
  5. Choose the Crop option from the menu or press Shift + C;
  6. Press the Ken Burns button in the Crop onscreen controls to add the effect; and
  7. Finally, notice the start frame and the end frame controls.

adding ken burns effect

Step 4: Customize Your Effect

In the Ken Burns display, you can see the controls for adjusting the panning and zooms effects by changing the size and position of two-colored rectangles overlaying on the clip. To customize the Ken Burns effect:

  1. Adjust the green rectangle’s size and position to set the start position;
  2. Adjust the red rectangle’s size and position to set the end position;
  3. The arrow depicts the direction of camera position between start and end position;
  4. In the top left-hand corner, click on the Swap button to exchange the two positions as per your requirements;
  5. You can see the preview of the animation on the screen.

custormizing ken burns effect

Step 5: Add a Freeze Frame

You’re not done yet because you need to hold your picture at the end of the animation. For this purpose, you should create a freezing frame at the end of the clip to make Ken Burns do this. Here’s the deal:

  1. Press the Down arrow followed by the Left arrow to go to the last frame;
  2. Press Option-F to add a freeze-frame;
  3. Make sure that your added frame matches the ending frame of the Ken Burns Effect.

adding a freeze frame

Step 6: Adjust the Duration of the Freeze Frame

The users can also adjust the speed of the animation and the duration of the freeze-frame by trimming your clip. For this purpose, trim the length as per your requirement and it will optimize the speed as shown in figure 6.

adjust the length and speed

Step 7: Swap the Start and End Frame

Now, swap the start and ending frame as per your preference for the Ken Burns animation. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Click on the Swap button;
  2. The start frame will match the still frame (previous one);
  3. Grab the end frame and move it to your desired position;
  4. Apply enough zoom in to make the black areas disappear;
  5. Preview to see how your animation looks.

swapping the start and end frames

Step 8: Play/Preview Looping

After you have optimized the speed of the Ken Burns Effect by trimming the clip’s length and have widened the shot to include everyone, it’s time to preview the changes you have made. Given below are simple steps:

  • Press the Play Loop button;
  • Tap on the Pause icon and return to editing;
  • Click Done and enjoy your animation.

Seems a little complicated? Filmora allows users to do Ken Burns effect, or pan and zoom effect, in much easier steps, click to download and have a try!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 2: How to add the Ken Burns Effect to Multiple Camera Movements?

Although you can apply a single Ken Burns movement to your image, you can still give the impression of multiple movements being used. This means the Ken Burns Effect can be added to multiple camera movements by duplicating the photo and building numerous movements in sequence.

  1. Add the first camera movement to your image;
  2. Duplicate the clip by click and drag option or copy and paste option;
  3. Press the Swap button in the Ken Burns settings to reverse the start and end positions;
  4. Verify if multiple camera movements have been added.

Extensive Reading: Why Ken Burns Effect is Named after Ken Burns?

What is the Ken Burns Effect?

The Ken Burns Effect is a feature in Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect by using your predefined start and end positions. Basically, it is a crop effect with one crop at the start of the clip while the other at the end. Ken Burns Effect can be further customized by adjusting the smoothness of the animation. While creating a Ken Burns Effect, the motion applied to the video clips gets automatically smoothed to accelerate and decelerate the movement slowly at the start and the end of the animation.

Why the Effect is named after Ken Burns?

Now, as you have learned the purpose of the Ken Burns Effect, you must be curious about its name. It is named after American documentarian Ken Burns, who is known for his instantly recognizable and highly influential visual aesthetic. Surprisingly, Ken Burns did not invent this Ken Burns Effect; rather, it has existed for decades. You might be wondering why the technique was then named after Ken Burns. This was due to the persistent and adroit use of this technique that it is now known as the Ken Burns Effect.

ken-burns

What are the Applications of Ken Burns Effect?

Primarily, the Ken Burns Effect is used due to the unavailability of a film or video. The technique gives action to still photographs to glorify the subjects of interest like couples in wedding photography. It gets better and better as you apply simulated parallax with Ken Burns Effect to make your 2D images appear as 3D plus advanced zooming visuals. You can also use the Ken Burns effect to make a video of your graduation ceremony pictures or memorable moments of reunion. Ken Burns Effect is also used in documentaries by professional filmmakers and editors.

Conclusion

Adding animated effects to your pictures and videos makes them look gorgeous. This is crazy, isn’t it, when you impress your peers with your editing skills. So, what’s the bottom line of this whole discussion? Try adding the Ken Burns Effect with Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect on your pictures and clips get the output in your desired format.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Ken Burns Effect is an advanced feature of Final Cut Pro that allows users to add creative animations to their videos and images within minutes. You just need to select your picture, add movements to the clip, and choose the start and the end position to produce high-resolution stills. Besides, you can do a tilt, zoom in, a pan, or a combination of these three moves on a single image. This way, you can use the Ken Burns Effect to highlight the stimulating features in your photograph and save your memories in the form of innovative and high-definition animated clips.

This article introduces the readers to Final Cut Pro and explains how to add the Ken Burns Effect in 8 simple steps.

Part 1: How to Make a Ken Burns Effect in Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is user-friendly software and makes it easy for you to create a Ken Burns Effect without having advanced skills and expertise. So, are you interested in knowing the best part? Given below are a few simple steps to create Ken Burns Effect and make your pictures and videos look adorable.

Step 1: Add Images to the Timeline

First of all, you should specify a name for your project and add photos to the timeline in Final Cut Pro. For this purpose, select multiple photos and press E. A clip will be added to the timeline as shown in figure 1.

AddingPhotostotheTimeline

Step 2: Check Your Settings

As you can see, our timeline has no other video clip. Hence, Final Cut Pro will not recognize the clip until you adjust the video properties such as format, resolution, and rate, etc. For this purpose, click OK to use your preferred settings and press Shift + Z to fit the picture to your timeline window. Once you’re done it’s time to apply the Ken Burns Effect.

adjust properties

Step 3: Add the Ken Burns Effect

The Ken Burns Effect is used to focus on specific parts of an image and bring motionless content in to provoke emotional reactions. Follow these steps to add the Ken Burns Effect:

  1. Select the clip or picture;
  2. See the lower left of the viewer;
  3. Go to the Viewer window using the drop-down menu;
  4. Tap on the pop-up menu located in the bottom left-hand corner;
  5. Choose the Crop option from the menu or press Shift + C;
  6. Press the Ken Burns button in the Crop onscreen controls to add the effect; and
  7. Finally, notice the start frame and the end frame controls.

adding ken burns effect

Step 4: Customize Your Effect

In the Ken Burns display, you can see the controls for adjusting the panning and zooms effects by changing the size and position of two-colored rectangles overlaying on the clip. To customize the Ken Burns effect:

  1. Adjust the green rectangle’s size and position to set the start position;
  2. Adjust the red rectangle’s size and position to set the end position;
  3. The arrow depicts the direction of camera position between start and end position;
  4. In the top left-hand corner, click on the Swap button to exchange the two positions as per your requirements;
  5. You can see the preview of the animation on the screen.

custormizing ken burns effect

Step 5: Add a Freeze Frame

You’re not done yet because you need to hold your picture at the end of the animation. For this purpose, you should create a freezing frame at the end of the clip to make Ken Burns do this. Here’s the deal:

  1. Press the Down arrow followed by the Left arrow to go to the last frame;
  2. Press Option-F to add a freeze-frame;
  3. Make sure that your added frame matches the ending frame of the Ken Burns Effect.

adding a freeze frame

Step 6: Adjust the Duration of the Freeze Frame

The users can also adjust the speed of the animation and the duration of the freeze-frame by trimming your clip. For this purpose, trim the length as per your requirement and it will optimize the speed as shown in figure 6.

adjust the length and speed

Step 7: Swap the Start and End Frame

Now, swap the start and ending frame as per your preference for the Ken Burns animation. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Click on the Swap button;
  2. The start frame will match the still frame (previous one);
  3. Grab the end frame and move it to your desired position;
  4. Apply enough zoom in to make the black areas disappear;
  5. Preview to see how your animation looks.

swapping the start and end frames

Step 8: Play/Preview Looping

After you have optimized the speed of the Ken Burns Effect by trimming the clip’s length and have widened the shot to include everyone, it’s time to preview the changes you have made. Given below are simple steps:

  • Press the Play Loop button;
  • Tap on the Pause icon and return to editing;
  • Click Done and enjoy your animation.

Seems a little complicated? Filmora allows users to do Ken Burns effect, or pan and zoom effect, in much easier steps, click to download and have a try!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 2: How to add the Ken Burns Effect to Multiple Camera Movements?

Although you can apply a single Ken Burns movement to your image, you can still give the impression of multiple movements being used. This means the Ken Burns Effect can be added to multiple camera movements by duplicating the photo and building numerous movements in sequence.

  1. Add the first camera movement to your image;
  2. Duplicate the clip by click and drag option or copy and paste option;
  3. Press the Swap button in the Ken Burns settings to reverse the start and end positions;
  4. Verify if multiple camera movements have been added.

Extensive Reading: Why Ken Burns Effect is Named after Ken Burns?

What is the Ken Burns Effect?

The Ken Burns Effect is a feature in Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect by using your predefined start and end positions. Basically, it is a crop effect with one crop at the start of the clip while the other at the end. Ken Burns Effect can be further customized by adjusting the smoothness of the animation. While creating a Ken Burns Effect, the motion applied to the video clips gets automatically smoothed to accelerate and decelerate the movement slowly at the start and the end of the animation.

Why the Effect is named after Ken Burns?

Now, as you have learned the purpose of the Ken Burns Effect, you must be curious about its name. It is named after American documentarian Ken Burns, who is known for his instantly recognizable and highly influential visual aesthetic. Surprisingly, Ken Burns did not invent this Ken Burns Effect; rather, it has existed for decades. You might be wondering why the technique was then named after Ken Burns. This was due to the persistent and adroit use of this technique that it is now known as the Ken Burns Effect.

ken-burns

What are the Applications of Ken Burns Effect?

Primarily, the Ken Burns Effect is used due to the unavailability of a film or video. The technique gives action to still photographs to glorify the subjects of interest like couples in wedding photography. It gets better and better as you apply simulated parallax with Ken Burns Effect to make your 2D images appear as 3D plus advanced zooming visuals. You can also use the Ken Burns effect to make a video of your graduation ceremony pictures or memorable moments of reunion. Ken Burns Effect is also used in documentaries by professional filmmakers and editors.

Conclusion

Adding animated effects to your pictures and videos makes them look gorgeous. This is crazy, isn’t it, when you impress your peers with your editing skills. So, what’s the bottom line of this whole discussion? Try adding the Ken Burns Effect with Final Cut Pro to create a pan and zoom effect on your pictures and clips get the output in your desired format.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Say Goodbye to iMovie: Top 10 Android Video Editing Apps

iMovie is one of the best software options out there for novice editors. However, it is available only in iOS and macOS versions, leaving people looking for a capable iMovie alternative for Android.

Luckily, multiple apps are available with similar qualities to the iOS software, with rich effects, soundtracks, and themes to select from. Go through this list of the best apps similar to iMovie for Android, and choose one to use.

imovie interface

  1. Filmora
  2. VideoShow
  3. VivaVideo
  4. VidTrim Pro
  5. WeVideo
  6. Magisto
  7. KineMaster
  8. InShot
  9. CapCut
  10. Splice

Part 1: Top Pick for iMovie for Android Alternative

To start off the discussion on the most similar Android alternative iMovie apps you will find in terms of functionality and benefits; three stand out. This table cohesively represents them for you to know the main points of concern about each.

#1 Wondershare Filmora- Best for Custom video edits with preset templates

filmorago icon

For high-quality video recording and then editing, the Filmora tool is useful. Easily add preset filters and templates, adjust sound quality, and more.

Download now on Google Play Store and Apple App Store .

Rating: 4 out of 5

Free, with in-app costs starting at USD 1.99.

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 10 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Android

Yes, the above three are the best iMovie similar apps for Android. However, they are not the only ones to consider seriously. Go through this comparative table on the top 10 alternatives you should try, with their main points on display.

OS Price Ease of Use Overall Rating
Filmora Android, iOS Free, cost starting at USD 1.99 Easy 4 out of 5
VideoShow Android, iOS Free, cost between USD 0.99- USD 179.99 Medium-Difficult 2.5 out of 5
VivaVideo Android, iOS Free, cost starting at USD 1.99 Easy 3.8 out of 5
VidTrim Pro Android USD 3.49 Easy-Medium 4.1 out of 5
WeVideo Android, iOS, Chromebook, Windows Creator- USD 9.99, Business- USD 36.99, Enterprise- quoted price Easy-Medium 4.4 out of 5
Magisto Android, iOS Premium- USD 4.99, Professional- USD 9.99, Business- USD 34.99 Medium-Difficult 3.9 out of 5
KineMaster Android, iOS Free Easy-Medium 4 out of 5
Spice Android, iOS Free with costs between USD 0.99 to USD 89.99 Medium-Difficult 4.5 out of 5
Filmora 11 (Windows) Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 Monthly- USD 19.99, Quarterly- USD 49.99, Annual- USD 79.99 Easy 4.4 out of 5
Filmora 11 (Mac) macOS 10.14 - macOS 11 Monthly- USD 19.99, Quarterly- USD 49.99, Annual- USD 79.99 Easy 4.4 out of 5

Part 3: 8 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Android

Indeed, multiple capable apps are available that Android users can opt for to improve their video projects with high-quality edits, both custom and using preset templates. Learn more about them here and find the most useful Android app equivalent to iMovie for your personalized needs.

1. Filmora

Best for Custom Video Edits With Pre-Set Templates

One of the best Android alternatives to iMovie is Filmora, with its high-grade editing functions after shooting the videos. Use standard tools like splitting, cutting, copying, and merging while also available premium features like voiceover addition and background removal.

filmorago app interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases starting at USD 1.99.

Key Features:

  • Easily share files on social media accounts.
  • Add options from a list of fun stickers.
  • Multiple preset dynamic filters and effects for use.
  • Add voiceover and background sound effects.

Pros

  • Record videos before editing
  • The free trial comes with various creative editing tools
  • Suitable for all types of users due to its simple UI

Cons

  • Need to upgrade for the full advanced feature list access
  • Watermark removal is not available for free

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4 out of 5 (TechRadar)

Summary of user verdict:

Users enjoy this app’s high-quality tools and editing interface, as per reviews .

2. VideoShow

Best for Funny Videos and Memes

Another top Samsung equivalent to iMovie, among other Android smartphones, is VideoShow. Using this, you can create engaging and visually attractive videos with animations, music, and FX transitions.

videoshow interface

Cost: In-app purchases range from USD 0.99- USD 179.99.

Key Features:

Easily zoom in/out and adjust speed.

  • Ready-made templates and filters are available.
  • Add customized background audio.
  • Add doodles and images into videos.

Pros

  • Access materials center for filters, themes, GIFs, stickers, etc
  • Compress videos to save space
  • Add voiceovers to the videos

Cons

  • The slightly complex learning curve here
  • Need to upgrade to get full use of preset functions

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 2.5 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

VideoShow is a major choice for intuitive and simple usability during video editing. Users enjoy the various tools available.

3. VivaVideo

Best for Short Video Recording and Editing

VivaVideo is a capable app similar to iMovie for Android that allows users the opportunity to create high-resolution short videos and then fine-tune them better. Here, easily make changes like cutting out the background, removing unnecessary sound effects, changing speed, and more.

vivavideo interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases starting at USD 1.99

Key Features:

  • Select chorus in video playback with one click.
  • Translate subtitle tracks.
  • PIP support for additional features like denoise, voice changer, reverse, etc.
  • Restore the deleted background with a single tap.

Pros

  • Optimized toolbar for easy feature access
  • Add and organize favorites
  • Long press on the video to include PIP elements

Cons

  • No major dimension support
  • Advanced benefits like 4K UHD support requires upgrades

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 3.8 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

As per reviews , users can easily find and use the various top-grade functions here, like unwanted part removal, duration changing, cropping, and canvas support.

4. VidTrim Pro

Best for Video Edits With Transcoding Support

The VidTrim Pro is a professional-level Android-based video editor. Use it to cut video files into shorter clips and merge, adjust the visuals with effects like Blur, Luma, etc., and much more. It is compatible with ARM/x86 CPUs as well.

vidtrim pro interface

Cost: USD 3.49

Key Features:

  • Convert files into audio type, i.e., MP3.
  • Multiple effects like Negate, Vignette, Negate, etc.
  • True rotation if you are using encoding and quick rotation if not.
  • Transcoding is supported for video files.

Pros

  • Multiple languages are supported
  • Delete the clips easily
  • Play the files before sharing

Cons

  • Automatically saves into internal storage, no other choices
  • No iOS alternative is available

How to download: Google Play Store

Ratings: 4.1 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Users leave reviews on the simple usability of the VidTrim Pro app on Google, including trimming and transcoding support here.

5. WeVideo

Best for Cloud-Based Editing on Android and Browsers

For professionals, WeVideo is a strong iMovie alternative for Android-based use. Companies and educational institutes use this app for creating short but engaging promotional videos and tutorials.

wevideo interface

Cost: Creator- USD 9.99, Business- USD 36.99, Enterprise- quoted price

Key Features:

  • Remove the background with green screen support.
  • Royalty-free and commercially licensed songs are available.
  • Instant upload and editing quality.
  • Huge stock of images, videos, and stickers.

Pros

  • Multiple platforms supported
  • Accessible through browsers
  • Cloud service support assures more storage

Cons

  • Limited native app benefits
  • Need to upgrade to a paid plan to access more publishing time

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 (G2)

Summary of user verdict:

As per reviews , WeVideo is a favorite of many users, some of who have utilized it for years to create and edit stylish videos. It is simple for beginners.

6. Magisto

Best for Marketing and Promotional Video Making

Another top app similar to iMovie for Android users to depend on is Magisto. Use it to create crisp and visually appealing short videos with premium styles and standard-level editing tools.

magisto interface

Cost: Premium- USD 4.99, Professional- USD 9.99, Business- USD 34.99

Key Features:

  • Commercially-licensed stock music is available.
  • Download final files in HD quality.
  • Good customer support benefits are present.
  • Add personalized logo/text into videos.

Pros

  • Download an unlimited number of videos
  • Standard editor is available for all users
  • Premium-level styles and templates are available

Cons

  • Cannot make videos over 10 minutes long
  • Cloud support only for Professional/Business plan users

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 3.9 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Customers and professional editing experts enjoy the easy-to-use quality of Magisto for creating marketing videos in lesser time.

7. KineMaster

Best for Advanced Video Edits on Open-Source Platform

KineMaster is an open-source app that Android users can try out to create fun videos for different needs, adding the templates available. Moreover, you can adjust the video speed, remove the background instantly, and blend different clips cohesively into one.

kinemaster app interface

Cost: Free

Key Features:

  • Many templates and effects are available to choose from for instant optimization.
  • Reverse video playback.
  • Eight different available blending modes.
  • Chroma key support for background alteration.

Pros

  • Open-source features
  • Save and backup videos
  • Remix the project with your videos and images

Cons

  • Remove ads from videos if you upgrade your plan to Premium
  • Watermark on free edits

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

There are many high-quality functions of KineMaster. As per reviews , the green screen support is very useful for quick and efficient video edits, after which they post them easily.

8.Splice

Best for Social Media Video Editing with Precise Audio

Another top software for video editing is Splice, which is available for both professionals and beginners to try out. It comes with standard cut/trim/merge tools, besides strong audio editing feature support. Use out of the 400 available songs for background audio and more.

splice app interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases between USD 0.99 to USD 89.99.

Key Features:

  • Add customized texts into videos.
  • Free audio tracks are available for the background.
  • Speed features like hyperlapse and timelapse are available.
  • Import and edit bigger file sizes.

Pros

  • Mix and trim audio tracks precisely
  • Control video speed and audio volume
  • Share across social media platforms or save offline

Cons

  • Need to opt for paid plans to access unlimited feature access
  • Slightly complex to use for early beginners

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Splice is a useful app for various types of advanced editing work, at reasonable rates, as per reviewers .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With an iMovie Alternative on Android

Now that you know all the best Android apps similar to iMovie choosing the best one should be easier. From an overall perspective, Filmora is one that surely stands out in terms of usability, variety of features, cost, and user-friendliness. So, you should try it out for instantaneous video editing work with movie-quality outcomes**.**

How to edit videos with Filmora?

Step1 Download the Filmora app on your Android phone.

Step2 Open the app and add video clips.

Step3 Use the tools available for specific edits. For example, click the Trim button to cut a section of the video.

trim to cut sections

Also, scale the editing timeline by pinching your fingers together.

scale the editing timeline

Step4 After completing all editing steps, click on the Export button on top of the screen.

For a more detailed understanding of how the editing process works on this iMovie alternative for Android, see this tutorial video:

Final Words

All the apps mentioned are suitable for Android users for top-notch video editing work. For the best of the best benefits, you can try out Filmora, and even practice with the other choices. After checking all, you will have a better experience deciding the final choice.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Part 1: Top Pick for iMovie for Android Alternative

To start off the discussion on the most similar Android alternative iMovie apps you will find in terms of functionality and benefits; three stand out. This table cohesively represents them for you to know the main points of concern about each.

#1 Wondershare Filmora- Best for Custom video edits with preset templates

filmorago icon

For high-quality video recording and then editing, the Filmora tool is useful. Easily add preset filters and templates, adjust sound quality, and more.

Download now on Google Play Store and Apple App Store .

Rating: 4 out of 5

Free, with in-app costs starting at USD 1.99.

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 10 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Android

Yes, the above three are the best iMovie similar apps for Android. However, they are not the only ones to consider seriously. Go through this comparative table on the top 10 alternatives you should try, with their main points on display.

OS Price Ease of Use Overall Rating
Filmora Android, iOS Free, cost starting at USD 1.99 Easy 4 out of 5
VideoShow Android, iOS Free, cost between USD 0.99- USD 179.99 Medium-Difficult 2.5 out of 5
VivaVideo Android, iOS Free, cost starting at USD 1.99 Easy 3.8 out of 5
VidTrim Pro Android USD 3.49 Easy-Medium 4.1 out of 5
WeVideo Android, iOS, Chromebook, Windows Creator- USD 9.99, Business- USD 36.99, Enterprise- quoted price Easy-Medium 4.4 out of 5
Magisto Android, iOS Premium- USD 4.99, Professional- USD 9.99, Business- USD 34.99 Medium-Difficult 3.9 out of 5
KineMaster Android, iOS Free Easy-Medium 4 out of 5
Spice Android, iOS Free with costs between USD 0.99 to USD 89.99 Medium-Difficult 4.5 out of 5
Filmora 11 (Windows) Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 Monthly- USD 19.99, Quarterly- USD 49.99, Annual- USD 79.99 Easy 4.4 out of 5
Filmora 11 (Mac) macOS 10.14 - macOS 11 Monthly- USD 19.99, Quarterly- USD 49.99, Annual- USD 79.99 Easy 4.4 out of 5

Part 3: 8 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Android

Indeed, multiple capable apps are available that Android users can opt for to improve their video projects with high-quality edits, both custom and using preset templates. Learn more about them here and find the most useful Android app equivalent to iMovie for your personalized needs.

1. Filmora

Best for Custom Video Edits With Pre-Set Templates

One of the best Android alternatives to iMovie is Filmora, with its high-grade editing functions after shooting the videos. Use standard tools like splitting, cutting, copying, and merging while also available premium features like voiceover addition and background removal.

filmorago app interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases starting at USD 1.99.

Key Features:

  • Easily share files on social media accounts.
  • Add options from a list of fun stickers.
  • Multiple preset dynamic filters and effects for use.
  • Add voiceover and background sound effects.

Pros

  • Record videos before editing
  • The free trial comes with various creative editing tools
  • Suitable for all types of users due to its simple UI

Cons

  • Need to upgrade for the full advanced feature list access
  • Watermark removal is not available for free

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4 out of 5 (TechRadar)

Summary of user verdict:

Users enjoy this app’s high-quality tools and editing interface, as per reviews .

2. VideoShow

Best for Funny Videos and Memes

Another top Samsung equivalent to iMovie, among other Android smartphones, is VideoShow. Using this, you can create engaging and visually attractive videos with animations, music, and FX transitions.

videoshow interface

Cost: In-app purchases range from USD 0.99- USD 179.99.

Key Features:

Easily zoom in/out and adjust speed.

  • Ready-made templates and filters are available.
  • Add customized background audio.
  • Add doodles and images into videos.

Pros

  • Access materials center for filters, themes, GIFs, stickers, etc
  • Compress videos to save space
  • Add voiceovers to the videos

Cons

  • The slightly complex learning curve here
  • Need to upgrade to get full use of preset functions

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 2.5 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

VideoShow is a major choice for intuitive and simple usability during video editing. Users enjoy the various tools available.

3. VivaVideo

Best for Short Video Recording and Editing

VivaVideo is a capable app similar to iMovie for Android that allows users the opportunity to create high-resolution short videos and then fine-tune them better. Here, easily make changes like cutting out the background, removing unnecessary sound effects, changing speed, and more.

vivavideo interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases starting at USD 1.99

Key Features:

  • Select chorus in video playback with one click.
  • Translate subtitle tracks.
  • PIP support for additional features like denoise, voice changer, reverse, etc.
  • Restore the deleted background with a single tap.

Pros

  • Optimized toolbar for easy feature access
  • Add and organize favorites
  • Long press on the video to include PIP elements

Cons

  • No major dimension support
  • Advanced benefits like 4K UHD support requires upgrades

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 3.8 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

As per reviews , users can easily find and use the various top-grade functions here, like unwanted part removal, duration changing, cropping, and canvas support.

4. VidTrim Pro

Best for Video Edits With Transcoding Support

The VidTrim Pro is a professional-level Android-based video editor. Use it to cut video files into shorter clips and merge, adjust the visuals with effects like Blur, Luma, etc., and much more. It is compatible with ARM/x86 CPUs as well.

vidtrim pro interface

Cost: USD 3.49

Key Features:

  • Convert files into audio type, i.e., MP3.
  • Multiple effects like Negate, Vignette, Negate, etc.
  • True rotation if you are using encoding and quick rotation if not.
  • Transcoding is supported for video files.

Pros

  • Multiple languages are supported
  • Delete the clips easily
  • Play the files before sharing

Cons

  • Automatically saves into internal storage, no other choices
  • No iOS alternative is available

How to download: Google Play Store

Ratings: 4.1 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Users leave reviews on the simple usability of the VidTrim Pro app on Google, including trimming and transcoding support here.

5. WeVideo

Best for Cloud-Based Editing on Android and Browsers

For professionals, WeVideo is a strong iMovie alternative for Android-based use. Companies and educational institutes use this app for creating short but engaging promotional videos and tutorials.

wevideo interface

Cost: Creator- USD 9.99, Business- USD 36.99, Enterprise- quoted price

Key Features:

  • Remove the background with green screen support.
  • Royalty-free and commercially licensed songs are available.
  • Instant upload and editing quality.
  • Huge stock of images, videos, and stickers.

Pros

  • Multiple platforms supported
  • Accessible through browsers
  • Cloud service support assures more storage

Cons

  • Limited native app benefits
  • Need to upgrade to a paid plan to access more publishing time

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 (G2)

Summary of user verdict:

As per reviews , WeVideo is a favorite of many users, some of who have utilized it for years to create and edit stylish videos. It is simple for beginners.

6. Magisto

Best for Marketing and Promotional Video Making

Another top app similar to iMovie for Android users to depend on is Magisto. Use it to create crisp and visually appealing short videos with premium styles and standard-level editing tools.

magisto interface

Cost: Premium- USD 4.99, Professional- USD 9.99, Business- USD 34.99

Key Features:

  • Commercially-licensed stock music is available.
  • Download final files in HD quality.
  • Good customer support benefits are present.
  • Add personalized logo/text into videos.

Pros

  • Download an unlimited number of videos
  • Standard editor is available for all users
  • Premium-level styles and templates are available

Cons

  • Cannot make videos over 10 minutes long
  • Cloud support only for Professional/Business plan users

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 3.9 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Customers and professional editing experts enjoy the easy-to-use quality of Magisto for creating marketing videos in lesser time.

7. KineMaster

Best for Advanced Video Edits on Open-Source Platform

KineMaster is an open-source app that Android users can try out to create fun videos for different needs, adding the templates available. Moreover, you can adjust the video speed, remove the background instantly, and blend different clips cohesively into one.

kinemaster app interface

Cost: Free

Key Features:

  • Many templates and effects are available to choose from for instant optimization.
  • Reverse video playback.
  • Eight different available blending modes.
  • Chroma key support for background alteration.

Pros

  • Open-source features
  • Save and backup videos
  • Remix the project with your videos and images

Cons

  • Remove ads from videos if you upgrade your plan to Premium
  • Watermark on free edits

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

There are many high-quality functions of KineMaster. As per reviews , the green screen support is very useful for quick and efficient video edits, after which they post them easily.

8.Splice

Best for Social Media Video Editing with Precise Audio

Another top software for video editing is Splice, which is available for both professionals and beginners to try out. It comes with standard cut/trim/merge tools, besides strong audio editing feature support. Use out of the 400 available songs for background audio and more.

splice app interface

Cost: Free with in-app purchases between USD 0.99 to USD 89.99.

Key Features:

  • Add customized texts into videos.
  • Free audio tracks are available for the background.
  • Speed features like hyperlapse and timelapse are available.
  • Import and edit bigger file sizes.

Pros

  • Mix and trim audio tracks precisely
  • Control video speed and audio volume
  • Share across social media platforms or save offline

Cons

  • Need to opt for paid plans to access unlimited feature access
  • Slightly complex to use for early beginners

How to download: Google Play Store , Apple App Store

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Summary of user verdict:

Splice is a useful app for various types of advanced editing work, at reasonable rates, as per reviewers .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With an iMovie Alternative on Android

Now that you know all the best Android apps similar to iMovie choosing the best one should be easier. From an overall perspective, Filmora is one that surely stands out in terms of usability, variety of features, cost, and user-friendliness. So, you should try it out for instantaneous video editing work with movie-quality outcomes**.**

How to edit videos with Filmora?

Step1 Download the Filmora app on your Android phone.

Step2 Open the app and add video clips.

Step3 Use the tools available for specific edits. For example, click the Trim button to cut a section of the video.

trim to cut sections

Also, scale the editing timeline by pinching your fingers together.

scale the editing timeline

Step4 After completing all editing steps, click on the Export button on top of the screen.

For a more detailed understanding of how the editing process works on this iMovie alternative for Android, see this tutorial video:

Final Words

All the apps mentioned are suitable for Android users for top-notch video editing work. For the best of the best benefits, you can try out Filmora, and even practice with the other choices. After checking all, you will have a better experience deciding the final choice.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

10 Leading Aspect Ratio Conversion Apps for Mobile and Desktop

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Aspect Ratio Types

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

In this article

01 [What is Aspect Ratio and Its Importance?](#Part 1)

02 [Need for Changing the Aspect Ratio](#Part 2)

03 [Top 10 Free Aspect Ratio Changing Tools](#Part 3)

04 [The Best Alternative to Free Tools for Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora](#Part 4)

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

Clideo

Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Veed,io

Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

Online UniConverter

FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

FreeConvert

CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

Finally, click on the Convert button.

CloudConvert

Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Kapwing

FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

FileConverto

Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

Free HD Video Converter

AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

AV Video Converter

TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

TEncoder

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Wondershare Filmora

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Aspect Ratio Types

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

In this article

01 [What is Aspect Ratio and Its Importance?](#Part 1)

02 [Need for Changing the Aspect Ratio](#Part 2)

03 [Top 10 Free Aspect Ratio Changing Tools](#Part 3)

04 [The Best Alternative to Free Tools for Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora](#Part 4)

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

Clideo

Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Veed,io

Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

Online UniConverter

FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

FreeConvert

CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

Finally, click on the Convert button.

CloudConvert

Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Kapwing

FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

FileConverto

Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

Free HD Video Converter

AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

AV Video Converter

TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

TEncoder

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Wondershare Filmora

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Aspect Ratio Types

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

In this article

01 [What is Aspect Ratio and Its Importance?](#Part 1)

02 [Need for Changing the Aspect Ratio](#Part 2)

03 [Top 10 Free Aspect Ratio Changing Tools](#Part 3)

04 [The Best Alternative to Free Tools for Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora](#Part 4)

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

Clideo

Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Veed,io

Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

Online UniConverter

FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

FreeConvert

CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

Finally, click on the Convert button.

CloudConvert

Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Kapwing

FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

FileConverto

Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

Free HD Video Converter

AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

AV Video Converter

TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

TEncoder

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Wondershare Filmora

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Aspect Ratio Types

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

In this article

01 [What is Aspect Ratio and Its Importance?](#Part 1)

02 [Need for Changing the Aspect Ratio](#Part 2)

03 [Top 10 Free Aspect Ratio Changing Tools](#Part 3)

04 [The Best Alternative to Free Tools for Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora](#Part 4)

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

Clideo

Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Veed,io

Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

Online UniConverter

FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

FreeConvert

CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

Finally, click on the Convert button.

CloudConvert

Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

Kapwing

FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

FileConverto

Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

Free HD Video Converter

AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

AV Video Converter

TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

TEncoder

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Wondershare Filmora

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Best Websites to Download Public Domain Videos

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

In historic terms, cinema is still a relatively new art, and yet the amount of footage that has been filmed since the Lumière brothers released their first film is staggering. Capturing unique materials that were never seen by the world before has become the question of prestige among the filmmakers. Nonetheless, certain genres of film are almost entirely dependent on the public domain footage. Documentaries about historic events, space or any other topic that is impossible to stage rely on the videos that entered the public domain for one reason or the other. That’s why in this article, we are going to take you through some of the best websites that let you download public domain videos.

What is Public Domain Video?

Any video that is not subject to copyright can be considered a public domain video. This means that anyone can use this footage for free without having to ask for permission to do so. Videos can enter the public domain under the following circumstances:

  • If the footage was produced by a government because governments are obligated by the law to offer the footage to the public domain.
  • In case the author of the footage has forfeited his or her copyrights and dedicated the footage to the public domain
  • A film or any other work of art becomes public domain 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. The expiration date of the copyrights is not the same in all the countries around the world, which is why you must make sure that the video you want to use is, in fact, a public domain video.

In addition, you should avoid using the footage that contains art or music that can be described as third-party intellectual property because you may unintentionally infringe copyrights.

Best Online Websites Where You Can Download Public Domain Videos

Finding free public domain footage or public movies on the Internet has never been too difficult, as you can watch thousands of public domain movies on YouTube, but you cannot download them. Over the course of the last couple of decades, the websites where you can download public domain footage have grown in number, which makes it somewhat easier to find the video clips you can use in your projects for free. Here are some of the best online destinations where you can download public domain videos.

1. Prelinger Archive

Public Domain Video Download

With more than 17,000 items in the collection, the Prelinger Archive is probably one of the largest public domain video libraries on the Internet. The archive was founded in 1983 by Rick Prelinger, but by 2002 it became a part of the Library of Congress Motion Picture Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Divison’s collection. You can download public domain video clips created by educational institutions, advertising companies, trade associations or corporations from this impressive collection. There are different download options available for each file, so you can choose the size of a file and the method you’re going to use to download a file to your computer.

2. The Public Domain Review

Public Domain Video Collections

This is an excellent resource for researchers looking for essays, books, audio recordings, images or old films. The movies are divided into different categories such as Animals&Beasts, Politics, War or Sports which makes locating and downloading public domain videos faster and easier. The Public Domain Review offers footage that is available within different public domain licenses, so you must make sure that the film you want to download can be used for the purpose you have in mind. The vast majority of the films in this archive are from the last decade of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. That’s why The Public Domain Review’s selection of films can only be useful if you are researching a topic from that era.

3. The National Screening Room

National Screening Room Public Domain Video Collection

The National Screening Room is a project created by the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center with the aim of making the videos from their collection available to the viewers around the world. The vast majority of the videos in the collection were filmed during the 20th century, but there are only a few videos available that are produced outside of the United States. The National Screening Room can be a valuable asset if you are looking for videos you can use for educational or research videos that cover topics that range from the development of the arms industry to the daily life of great American inventors.

4. Pond5’s Public Domain Project

Pond 5 Public Domain Video Download

Industry professionals don’t need an introduction to the Pond5 platform, because it is probably the largest online marketplace for royalty-free media at the moment. Their Public Domain Project contains a thousand public videos that can be downloaded for free, but the duration of these videos is limited to just two minutes To make things worse, most of these public domain videos don’t have audio, so you can only use them if you already have a soundtrack for the video you’re making. The platform offers powerful search tools that enable you to look for videos based on different parameters. You can download public domain videos in HD resolution, but you must create an account on Pond5 before you can save them to your computer.

5. Pexels

Pexels Public Domain Video  Collection

Free public domain stock footage can be used on different types of projects, and it is usually a great choice if you’re looking for some extra shots that will make a scene in your video more cinematic. Pexels offers an impressive collection of free public domain stock videos, so you just have to insert a search term and pick a video clip that best fits your needs. The duration of the free videos you can find on Pexels rarely exceeds thirty seconds, which makes it difficult to make an entire video exclusively from free public domain stock footage. Hence it is better to use Pexels as a complementary source of shots in case you can’t go back to the filming location.

6. Vidsplay

All video clips you can find on this platform are free, so you just have to select one of the categories and start browsing through the available public domain stock footage. The only condition to use the stock footage on private or commercial projects for free is to credit the Vidsplay platform in the end credits, on the website or in the description of the videos you upload to your social media channels. All stock videos on Vidsplay are available in HD or 4K resolution, and you simply have to click on the Download button below a particular video to save it.

7. The Moving Image Archive

This is yet another archive of public domain videos you can find on the Arhive.org that features countless collections of texts, images, and videos. Within the Moving Image Archive, you can find different collections that contain full feature movies, art videos, animations, cartoons or television footage. The public domain videos hosted on The Moving Image Archive cover a broad range of topics, but some of them can be in poor resolution. The Moving Image Archive can be an excellent source of footage for anyone who wants to download public domain video clips and use them in their commercial or non-commercial projects.

8. PublicDomainFootage

BBC, National Geographics or NBC are just a few among many famous television networks that use the services of PublicDomainFootage. All content on the platform is divided into Archival Footage and Historic Newsreels sections that contain categories like Atomic Age, Civil Rights or Pop Culture. You can also use PublicDomainFootage to research a particular topic and request content that is not uploaded to the website. You can download a public domain video after you pay a one time fee that enables you to use that video as many times as you want. The platform’s YouTube channel provides an easy way of searching for public domain videos you are going to use in your next documentary film.

Space exploration is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics of our era, so if you are looking for some space public domain videos NASA’s website is the best place to start. Like all other government institutions, NASA is obligated by the law to offer all images and videos to the public domain. This means that all content you download from their website is free to use. Simply insert the search term and browse the results until you find the video clip you want to save to your computer. However, most public domain videos you can download from NASA’s website last only a couple of minutes.

10. Motion Elements

The collection of free public domain stock footage, this website offers contains more than 4,000 clips. Categories like Cityscape, Animals or Water contain hundreds of stock videos, so you just have to open one of the available categories and locate the video clip you want to download. However, you must first create an account on Motion Elements before you can save video files to your computer. In addition, the platform doesn’t allow you to make more than five downloads per week and you must invite your friends to join the platform if you want to increase the weekly number of downloads. Even so, Motion Elements is a great source of stock footage you can use without any restrictions.

Is It Okay to Use Public Domain Videos for Commercial Purposes?

All public domain videos can be used for both commercial and non-commercial projects, but you must approach using public domain videos for commercial purposes with caution. Crediting the author or providing the source from which you acquired the footage will reduce the likelihood of legal complications. The public domain videos that feature famous actors or third party intellectual property can also be a subject of legal disputes, which is why it is better to avoid using them on commercial projects.

What Should You Do If You Can’t Find Public Domain Footage for Your Project?

Opting for videos that are protected by the Creative Commons licenses is probably the safest option if you’re struggling to find the public domain footage you’d like to use in your project. Respecting the terms of the license under which a video is protected is of utmost importance, since failing to properly credit the author of the video, for instance, can have legal consequences. There are several different types of Creative Commons licenses and you must find out which one covers the video you’d like to use, before publishing your video. You can find more information about Creative Commons licenses at the FAQ .

Conclusion

Public domain videos cover very different topics, which means that the nature of your project determines the source from which you’ll acquire the footage. If you are researching the early days of cinema, then you’ll have no trouble downloading the public domain videos, but if the topic you’re exploring is more contemporary, finding the content you can use without any restrictions can prove to be troublesome. Which website do you like to use the most to download public domain videos? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

In historic terms, cinema is still a relatively new art, and yet the amount of footage that has been filmed since the Lumière brothers released their first film is staggering. Capturing unique materials that were never seen by the world before has become the question of prestige among the filmmakers. Nonetheless, certain genres of film are almost entirely dependent on the public domain footage. Documentaries about historic events, space or any other topic that is impossible to stage rely on the videos that entered the public domain for one reason or the other. That’s why in this article, we are going to take you through some of the best websites that let you download public domain videos.

What is Public Domain Video?

Any video that is not subject to copyright can be considered a public domain video. This means that anyone can use this footage for free without having to ask for permission to do so. Videos can enter the public domain under the following circumstances:

  • If the footage was produced by a government because governments are obligated by the law to offer the footage to the public domain.
  • In case the author of the footage has forfeited his or her copyrights and dedicated the footage to the public domain
  • A film or any other work of art becomes public domain 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. The expiration date of the copyrights is not the same in all the countries around the world, which is why you must make sure that the video you want to use is, in fact, a public domain video.

In addition, you should avoid using the footage that contains art or music that can be described as third-party intellectual property because you may unintentionally infringe copyrights.

Best Online Websites Where You Can Download Public Domain Videos

Finding free public domain footage or public movies on the Internet has never been too difficult, as you can watch thousands of public domain movies on YouTube, but you cannot download them. Over the course of the last couple of decades, the websites where you can download public domain footage have grown in number, which makes it somewhat easier to find the video clips you can use in your projects for free. Here are some of the best online destinations where you can download public domain videos.

1. Prelinger Archive

Public Domain Video Download

With more than 17,000 items in the collection, the Prelinger Archive is probably one of the largest public domain video libraries on the Internet. The archive was founded in 1983 by Rick Prelinger, but by 2002 it became a part of the Library of Congress Motion Picture Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Divison’s collection. You can download public domain video clips created by educational institutions, advertising companies, trade associations or corporations from this impressive collection. There are different download options available for each file, so you can choose the size of a file and the method you’re going to use to download a file to your computer.

2. The Public Domain Review

Public Domain Video Collections

This is an excellent resource for researchers looking for essays, books, audio recordings, images or old films. The movies are divided into different categories such as Animals&Beasts, Politics, War or Sports which makes locating and downloading public domain videos faster and easier. The Public Domain Review offers footage that is available within different public domain licenses, so you must make sure that the film you want to download can be used for the purpose you have in mind. The vast majority of the films in this archive are from the last decade of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. That’s why The Public Domain Review’s selection of films can only be useful if you are researching a topic from that era.

3. The National Screening Room

National Screening Room Public Domain Video Collection

The National Screening Room is a project created by the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center with the aim of making the videos from their collection available to the viewers around the world. The vast majority of the videos in the collection were filmed during the 20th century, but there are only a few videos available that are produced outside of the United States. The National Screening Room can be a valuable asset if you are looking for videos you can use for educational or research videos that cover topics that range from the development of the arms industry to the daily life of great American inventors.

4. Pond5’s Public Domain Project

Pond 5 Public Domain Video Download

Industry professionals don’t need an introduction to the Pond5 platform, because it is probably the largest online marketplace for royalty-free media at the moment. Their Public Domain Project contains a thousand public videos that can be downloaded for free, but the duration of these videos is limited to just two minutes To make things worse, most of these public domain videos don’t have audio, so you can only use them if you already have a soundtrack for the video you’re making. The platform offers powerful search tools that enable you to look for videos based on different parameters. You can download public domain videos in HD resolution, but you must create an account on Pond5 before you can save them to your computer.

5. Pexels

Pexels Public Domain Video  Collection

Free public domain stock footage can be used on different types of projects, and it is usually a great choice if you’re looking for some extra shots that will make a scene in your video more cinematic. Pexels offers an impressive collection of free public domain stock videos, so you just have to insert a search term and pick a video clip that best fits your needs. The duration of the free videos you can find on Pexels rarely exceeds thirty seconds, which makes it difficult to make an entire video exclusively from free public domain stock footage. Hence it is better to use Pexels as a complementary source of shots in case you can’t go back to the filming location.

6. Vidsplay

All video clips you can find on this platform are free, so you just have to select one of the categories and start browsing through the available public domain stock footage. The only condition to use the stock footage on private or commercial projects for free is to credit the Vidsplay platform in the end credits, on the website or in the description of the videos you upload to your social media channels. All stock videos on Vidsplay are available in HD or 4K resolution, and you simply have to click on the Download button below a particular video to save it.

7. The Moving Image Archive

This is yet another archive of public domain videos you can find on the Arhive.org that features countless collections of texts, images, and videos. Within the Moving Image Archive, you can find different collections that contain full feature movies, art videos, animations, cartoons or television footage. The public domain videos hosted on The Moving Image Archive cover a broad range of topics, but some of them can be in poor resolution. The Moving Image Archive can be an excellent source of footage for anyone who wants to download public domain video clips and use them in their commercial or non-commercial projects.

8. PublicDomainFootage

BBC, National Geographics or NBC are just a few among many famous television networks that use the services of PublicDomainFootage. All content on the platform is divided into Archival Footage and Historic Newsreels sections that contain categories like Atomic Age, Civil Rights or Pop Culture. You can also use PublicDomainFootage to research a particular topic and request content that is not uploaded to the website. You can download a public domain video after you pay a one time fee that enables you to use that video as many times as you want. The platform’s YouTube channel provides an easy way of searching for public domain videos you are going to use in your next documentary film.

Space exploration is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics of our era, so if you are looking for some space public domain videos NASA’s website is the best place to start. Like all other government institutions, NASA is obligated by the law to offer all images and videos to the public domain. This means that all content you download from their website is free to use. Simply insert the search term and browse the results until you find the video clip you want to save to your computer. However, most public domain videos you can download from NASA’s website last only a couple of minutes.

10. Motion Elements

The collection of free public domain stock footage, this website offers contains more than 4,000 clips. Categories like Cityscape, Animals or Water contain hundreds of stock videos, so you just have to open one of the available categories and locate the video clip you want to download. However, you must first create an account on Motion Elements before you can save video files to your computer. In addition, the platform doesn’t allow you to make more than five downloads per week and you must invite your friends to join the platform if you want to increase the weekly number of downloads. Even so, Motion Elements is a great source of stock footage you can use without any restrictions.

Is It Okay to Use Public Domain Videos for Commercial Purposes?

All public domain videos can be used for both commercial and non-commercial projects, but you must approach using public domain videos for commercial purposes with caution. Crediting the author or providing the source from which you acquired the footage will reduce the likelihood of legal complications. The public domain videos that feature famous actors or third party intellectual property can also be a subject of legal disputes, which is why it is better to avoid using them on commercial projects.

What Should You Do If You Can’t Find Public Domain Footage for Your Project?

Opting for videos that are protected by the Creative Commons licenses is probably the safest option if you’re struggling to find the public domain footage you’d like to use in your project. Respecting the terms of the license under which a video is protected is of utmost importance, since failing to properly credit the author of the video, for instance, can have legal consequences. There are several different types of Creative Commons licenses and you must find out which one covers the video you’d like to use, before publishing your video. You can find more information about Creative Commons licenses at the FAQ .

Conclusion

Public domain videos cover very different topics, which means that the nature of your project determines the source from which you’ll acquire the footage. If you are researching the early days of cinema, then you’ll have no trouble downloading the public domain videos, but if the topic you’re exploring is more contemporary, finding the content you can use without any restrictions can prove to be troublesome. Which website do you like to use the most to download public domain videos? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

In historic terms, cinema is still a relatively new art, and yet the amount of footage that has been filmed since the Lumière brothers released their first film is staggering. Capturing unique materials that were never seen by the world before has become the question of prestige among the filmmakers. Nonetheless, certain genres of film are almost entirely dependent on the public domain footage. Documentaries about historic events, space or any other topic that is impossible to stage rely on the videos that entered the public domain for one reason or the other. That’s why in this article, we are going to take you through some of the best websites that let you download public domain videos.

What is Public Domain Video?

Any video that is not subject to copyright can be considered a public domain video. This means that anyone can use this footage for free without having to ask for permission to do so. Videos can enter the public domain under the following circumstances:

  • If the footage was produced by a government because governments are obligated by the law to offer the footage to the public domain.
  • In case the author of the footage has forfeited his or her copyrights and dedicated the footage to the public domain
  • A film or any other work of art becomes public domain 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. The expiration date of the copyrights is not the same in all the countries around the world, which is why you must make sure that the video you want to use is, in fact, a public domain video.

In addition, you should avoid using the footage that contains art or music that can be described as third-party intellectual property because you may unintentionally infringe copyrights.

Best Online Websites Where You Can Download Public Domain Videos

Finding free public domain footage or public movies on the Internet has never been too difficult, as you can watch thousands of public domain movies on YouTube, but you cannot download them. Over the course of the last couple of decades, the websites where you can download public domain footage have grown in number, which makes it somewhat easier to find the video clips you can use in your projects for free. Here are some of the best online destinations where you can download public domain videos.

1. Prelinger Archive

Public Domain Video Download

With more than 17,000 items in the collection, the Prelinger Archive is probably one of the largest public domain video libraries on the Internet. The archive was founded in 1983 by Rick Prelinger, but by 2002 it became a part of the Library of Congress Motion Picture Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Divison’s collection. You can download public domain video clips created by educational institutions, advertising companies, trade associations or corporations from this impressive collection. There are different download options available for each file, so you can choose the size of a file and the method you’re going to use to download a file to your computer.

2. The Public Domain Review

Public Domain Video Collections

This is an excellent resource for researchers looking for essays, books, audio recordings, images or old films. The movies are divided into different categories such as Animals&Beasts, Politics, War or Sports which makes locating and downloading public domain videos faster and easier. The Public Domain Review offers footage that is available within different public domain licenses, so you must make sure that the film you want to download can be used for the purpose you have in mind. The vast majority of the films in this archive are from the last decade of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. That’s why The Public Domain Review’s selection of films can only be useful if you are researching a topic from that era.

3. The National Screening Room

National Screening Room Public Domain Video Collection

The National Screening Room is a project created by the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center with the aim of making the videos from their collection available to the viewers around the world. The vast majority of the videos in the collection were filmed during the 20th century, but there are only a few videos available that are produced outside of the United States. The National Screening Room can be a valuable asset if you are looking for videos you can use for educational or research videos that cover topics that range from the development of the arms industry to the daily life of great American inventors.

4. Pond5’s Public Domain Project

Pond 5 Public Domain Video Download

Industry professionals don’t need an introduction to the Pond5 platform, because it is probably the largest online marketplace for royalty-free media at the moment. Their Public Domain Project contains a thousand public videos that can be downloaded for free, but the duration of these videos is limited to just two minutes To make things worse, most of these public domain videos don’t have audio, so you can only use them if you already have a soundtrack for the video you’re making. The platform offers powerful search tools that enable you to look for videos based on different parameters. You can download public domain videos in HD resolution, but you must create an account on Pond5 before you can save them to your computer.

5. Pexels

Pexels Public Domain Video  Collection

Free public domain stock footage can be used on different types of projects, and it is usually a great choice if you’re looking for some extra shots that will make a scene in your video more cinematic. Pexels offers an impressive collection of free public domain stock videos, so you just have to insert a search term and pick a video clip that best fits your needs. The duration of the free videos you can find on Pexels rarely exceeds thirty seconds, which makes it difficult to make an entire video exclusively from free public domain stock footage. Hence it is better to use Pexels as a complementary source of shots in case you can’t go back to the filming location.

6. Vidsplay

All video clips you can find on this platform are free, so you just have to select one of the categories and start browsing through the available public domain stock footage. The only condition to use the stock footage on private or commercial projects for free is to credit the Vidsplay platform in the end credits, on the website or in the description of the videos you upload to your social media channels. All stock videos on Vidsplay are available in HD or 4K resolution, and you simply have to click on the Download button below a particular video to save it.

7. The Moving Image Archive

This is yet another archive of public domain videos you can find on the Arhive.org that features countless collections of texts, images, and videos. Within the Moving Image Archive, you can find different collections that contain full feature movies, art videos, animations, cartoons or television footage. The public domain videos hosted on The Moving Image Archive cover a broad range of topics, but some of them can be in poor resolution. The Moving Image Archive can be an excellent source of footage for anyone who wants to download public domain video clips and use them in their commercial or non-commercial projects.

8. PublicDomainFootage

BBC, National Geographics or NBC are just a few among many famous television networks that use the services of PublicDomainFootage. All content on the platform is divided into Archival Footage and Historic Newsreels sections that contain categories like Atomic Age, Civil Rights or Pop Culture. You can also use PublicDomainFootage to research a particular topic and request content that is not uploaded to the website. You can download a public domain video after you pay a one time fee that enables you to use that video as many times as you want. The platform’s YouTube channel provides an easy way of searching for public domain videos you are going to use in your next documentary film.

Space exploration is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics of our era, so if you are looking for some space public domain videos NASA’s website is the best place to start. Like all other government institutions, NASA is obligated by the law to offer all images and videos to the public domain. This means that all content you download from their website is free to use. Simply insert the search term and browse the results until you find the video clip you want to save to your computer. However, most public domain videos you can download from NASA’s website last only a couple of minutes.

10. Motion Elements

The collection of free public domain stock footage, this website offers contains more than 4,000 clips. Categories like Cityscape, Animals or Water contain hundreds of stock videos, so you just have to open one of the available categories and locate the video clip you want to download. However, you must first create an account on Motion Elements before you can save video files to your computer. In addition, the platform doesn’t allow you to make more than five downloads per week and you must invite your friends to join the platform if you want to increase the weekly number of downloads. Even so, Motion Elements is a great source of stock footage you can use without any restrictions.

Is It Okay to Use Public Domain Videos for Commercial Purposes?

All public domain videos can be used for both commercial and non-commercial projects, but you must approach using public domain videos for commercial purposes with caution. Crediting the author or providing the source from which you acquired the footage will reduce the likelihood of legal complications. The public domain videos that feature famous actors or third party intellectual property can also be a subject of legal disputes, which is why it is better to avoid using them on commercial projects.

What Should You Do If You Can’t Find Public Domain Footage for Your Project?

Opting for videos that are protected by the Creative Commons licenses is probably the safest option if you’re struggling to find the public domain footage you’d like to use in your project. Respecting the terms of the license under which a video is protected is of utmost importance, since failing to properly credit the author of the video, for instance, can have legal consequences. There are several different types of Creative Commons licenses and you must find out which one covers the video you’d like to use, before publishing your video. You can find more information about Creative Commons licenses at the FAQ .

Conclusion

Public domain videos cover very different topics, which means that the nature of your project determines the source from which you’ll acquire the footage. If you are researching the early days of cinema, then you’ll have no trouble downloading the public domain videos, but if the topic you’re exploring is more contemporary, finding the content you can use without any restrictions can prove to be troublesome. Which website do you like to use the most to download public domain videos? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

In historic terms, cinema is still a relatively new art, and yet the amount of footage that has been filmed since the Lumière brothers released their first film is staggering. Capturing unique materials that were never seen by the world before has become the question of prestige among the filmmakers. Nonetheless, certain genres of film are almost entirely dependent on the public domain footage. Documentaries about historic events, space or any other topic that is impossible to stage rely on the videos that entered the public domain for one reason or the other. That’s why in this article, we are going to take you through some of the best websites that let you download public domain videos.

What is Public Domain Video?

Any video that is not subject to copyright can be considered a public domain video. This means that anyone can use this footage for free without having to ask for permission to do so. Videos can enter the public domain under the following circumstances:

  • If the footage was produced by a government because governments are obligated by the law to offer the footage to the public domain.
  • In case the author of the footage has forfeited his or her copyrights and dedicated the footage to the public domain
  • A film or any other work of art becomes public domain 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. The expiration date of the copyrights is not the same in all the countries around the world, which is why you must make sure that the video you want to use is, in fact, a public domain video.

In addition, you should avoid using the footage that contains art or music that can be described as third-party intellectual property because you may unintentionally infringe copyrights.

Best Online Websites Where You Can Download Public Domain Videos

Finding free public domain footage or public movies on the Internet has never been too difficult, as you can watch thousands of public domain movies on YouTube, but you cannot download them. Over the course of the last couple of decades, the websites where you can download public domain footage have grown in number, which makes it somewhat easier to find the video clips you can use in your projects for free. Here are some of the best online destinations where you can download public domain videos.

1. Prelinger Archive

Public Domain Video Download

With more than 17,000 items in the collection, the Prelinger Archive is probably one of the largest public domain video libraries on the Internet. The archive was founded in 1983 by Rick Prelinger, but by 2002 it became a part of the Library of Congress Motion Picture Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Divison’s collection. You can download public domain video clips created by educational institutions, advertising companies, trade associations or corporations from this impressive collection. There are different download options available for each file, so you can choose the size of a file and the method you’re going to use to download a file to your computer.

2. The Public Domain Review

Public Domain Video Collections

This is an excellent resource for researchers looking for essays, books, audio recordings, images or old films. The movies are divided into different categories such as Animals&Beasts, Politics, War or Sports which makes locating and downloading public domain videos faster and easier. The Public Domain Review offers footage that is available within different public domain licenses, so you must make sure that the film you want to download can be used for the purpose you have in mind. The vast majority of the films in this archive are from the last decade of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. That’s why The Public Domain Review’s selection of films can only be useful if you are researching a topic from that era.

3. The National Screening Room

National Screening Room Public Domain Video Collection

The National Screening Room is a project created by the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center with the aim of making the videos from their collection available to the viewers around the world. The vast majority of the videos in the collection were filmed during the 20th century, but there are only a few videos available that are produced outside of the United States. The National Screening Room can be a valuable asset if you are looking for videos you can use for educational or research videos that cover topics that range from the development of the arms industry to the daily life of great American inventors.

4. Pond5’s Public Domain Project

Pond 5 Public Domain Video Download

Industry professionals don’t need an introduction to the Pond5 platform, because it is probably the largest online marketplace for royalty-free media at the moment. Their Public Domain Project contains a thousand public videos that can be downloaded for free, but the duration of these videos is limited to just two minutes To make things worse, most of these public domain videos don’t have audio, so you can only use them if you already have a soundtrack for the video you’re making. The platform offers powerful search tools that enable you to look for videos based on different parameters. You can download public domain videos in HD resolution, but you must create an account on Pond5 before you can save them to your computer.

5. Pexels

Pexels Public Domain Video  Collection

Free public domain stock footage can be used on different types of projects, and it is usually a great choice if you’re looking for some extra shots that will make a scene in your video more cinematic. Pexels offers an impressive collection of free public domain stock videos, so you just have to insert a search term and pick a video clip that best fits your needs. The duration of the free videos you can find on Pexels rarely exceeds thirty seconds, which makes it difficult to make an entire video exclusively from free public domain stock footage. Hence it is better to use Pexels as a complementary source of shots in case you can’t go back to the filming location.

6. Vidsplay

All video clips you can find on this platform are free, so you just have to select one of the categories and start browsing through the available public domain stock footage. The only condition to use the stock footage on private or commercial projects for free is to credit the Vidsplay platform in the end credits, on the website or in the description of the videos you upload to your social media channels. All stock videos on Vidsplay are available in HD or 4K resolution, and you simply have to click on the Download button below a particular video to save it.

7. The Moving Image Archive

This is yet another archive of public domain videos you can find on the Arhive.org that features countless collections of texts, images, and videos. Within the Moving Image Archive, you can find different collections that contain full feature movies, art videos, animations, cartoons or television footage. The public domain videos hosted on The Moving Image Archive cover a broad range of topics, but some of them can be in poor resolution. The Moving Image Archive can be an excellent source of footage for anyone who wants to download public domain video clips and use them in their commercial or non-commercial projects.

8. PublicDomainFootage

BBC, National Geographics or NBC are just a few among many famous television networks that use the services of PublicDomainFootage. All content on the platform is divided into Archival Footage and Historic Newsreels sections that contain categories like Atomic Age, Civil Rights or Pop Culture. You can also use PublicDomainFootage to research a particular topic and request content that is not uploaded to the website. You can download a public domain video after you pay a one time fee that enables you to use that video as many times as you want. The platform’s YouTube channel provides an easy way of searching for public domain videos you are going to use in your next documentary film.

Space exploration is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics of our era, so if you are looking for some space public domain videos NASA’s website is the best place to start. Like all other government institutions, NASA is obligated by the law to offer all images and videos to the public domain. This means that all content you download from their website is free to use. Simply insert the search term and browse the results until you find the video clip you want to save to your computer. However, most public domain videos you can download from NASA’s website last only a couple of minutes.

10. Motion Elements

The collection of free public domain stock footage, this website offers contains more than 4,000 clips. Categories like Cityscape, Animals or Water contain hundreds of stock videos, so you just have to open one of the available categories and locate the video clip you want to download. However, you must first create an account on Motion Elements before you can save video files to your computer. In addition, the platform doesn’t allow you to make more than five downloads per week and you must invite your friends to join the platform if you want to increase the weekly number of downloads. Even so, Motion Elements is a great source of stock footage you can use without any restrictions.

Is It Okay to Use Public Domain Videos for Commercial Purposes?

All public domain videos can be used for both commercial and non-commercial projects, but you must approach using public domain videos for commercial purposes with caution. Crediting the author or providing the source from which you acquired the footage will reduce the likelihood of legal complications. The public domain videos that feature famous actors or third party intellectual property can also be a subject of legal disputes, which is why it is better to avoid using them on commercial projects.

What Should You Do If You Can’t Find Public Domain Footage for Your Project?

Opting for videos that are protected by the Creative Commons licenses is probably the safest option if you’re struggling to find the public domain footage you’d like to use in your project. Respecting the terms of the license under which a video is protected is of utmost importance, since failing to properly credit the author of the video, for instance, can have legal consequences. There are several different types of Creative Commons licenses and you must find out which one covers the video you’d like to use, before publishing your video. You can find more information about Creative Commons licenses at the FAQ .

Conclusion

Public domain videos cover very different topics, which means that the nature of your project determines the source from which you’ll acquire the footage. If you are researching the early days of cinema, then you’ll have no trouble downloading the public domain videos, but if the topic you’re exploring is more contemporary, finding the content you can use without any restrictions can prove to be troublesome. Which website do you like to use the most to download public domain videos? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

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Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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  • Title: In 2024, Elevate Your Storytelling A Step-by-Step Ken Burns Effect Tutorial
  • Author: Amelia
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 11:47:22
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 11:47:22
  • Link: https://ai-driven-video-production.techidaily.com/in-2024-elevate-your-storytelling-a-step-by-step-ken-burns-effect-tutorial/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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In 2024, Elevate Your Storytelling A Step-by-Step Ken Burns Effect Tutorial