How to Turn Video into Timelapse?

How to Convert a Video to a Time Lapse in 5 Ways

What is a time lapse video, you may wonder? Imagine watching clouds drift across a blue sky, only to see them fly by in a matter of seconds. Reveal the hidden rhythms of night city life, where lights flicker like stars and cars blur. That's the magic of time lapse! By speeding up time, you can show some long-lasting actions, such as a sunrise or northern lights, in a short period of time.

So, how to make a time lapse video? Normally, you should record your video in a certain way (at a lower frame rate over a long period of time) to create such an effect. But you can also do it afterwards using video editing software. Below, we'll share with you 5 tools designed for use online, on Windows & Mac computers and smartphones. You'll also find answers to frequently asked questions and other valuable tips.

How to Turn a Video into a Time Lapse on Desktop

Here you’ll find two easy-to-use tools – one for Windows, the other for Mac – to convert video to timelapse clips!

How to Make a Timelapse Video on Windows

If you’re looking for an automatic video editor for Windows to create time lapse video with ease, Clipify is a good choice. This software is packed with features for both novices and seasoned users alike. You can cut segments out of a video, apply 180+ one-click effects, change backgrounds with Chroma Key, and adjust video speed. With this program, you can also record voiceovers and add sound to video clips from the built-in library. Here’s how to change a video to time lapse with Clipify step-by-step:

Step 1. Upload Your Footage

Once you’ve got time lapse video maker up and running on your PC, create the blank project. Select the necessary files from your PC using the Add Videos and Photos button or simply drag-and-drop it into the program window.

Step 2. Increase Video Speed

Select the clip you want to turn into a timelapse on the timeline and click the Edit button. Switch to the Video Speed tab and drag a slider or pick a preset to speed up video.

Step 3. Save the Result

Once you have set the desired video speed, click the Create Video button under the preview window and pick the format. Export your time lapse in MP4, AVI, and other popular video types, save it in Full HD for YouTube, or burn it to DVD.

How to Create a Time Lapse Video on Your Mac

For Mac users, iMovie is a classic favorite that makes creating stunning timelapse videos a breeze. This built-in video editor is intuitive and feature-rich, making it a go-to for Mac users without needing to purchase extra software. Besides increasing speed, iMovie offers tools for trimming, color correction, adding text, background music, and even green screen effects. Here’s how to make a video into time lapse with iMovie:

Step 1. Add Your Video

Run the software and create a new project. Use the Import Media button to load the clip you want to turn into a time lapse and drop it into a timeline.

Step 2. Adjust Time Lapse Speed

To turn regular video into time lapse, you first need to click on the Speed icon above the preview window. In the drop down menu choose Fast or Custom options to set the necessary speed.

Step 3. Export Your Timelapse

Use the Share icon in the top right corner to export your timelapse footage. Here you can save it to your Mac, upload it to YouTube & Facebook, or send it via Email.

How to Put a Video in Time Lapse Online

If you prefer working online, VEED is an excellent choice for making time lapse video. It’s browser-based and doesn’t require any downloads, so you can jump right in from any device. In addition to speeding up videos, this timelapse maker offers a range of tools for trimming, cutting, adding text, subtitles, and even background music. It also includes special effects, filters, and GIF creation, giving you full creative control over your content.

To turn video into time lapse, you first need to sign up on the website. Then create a project and upload your video files into the program. Use the Speed icon under the preview button to make the speed faster. Once you’re satisfied with the result, click Done to export your video. Unfortunately, the output will be with a watermark unless you get a subscription.

How to Turn Video into Time Lapse on an iPhone

For those who prefer working from their Apple smartphones, Video Speed Changer is a great app to try. With this app, you can not only create timelapse from video but compress and reverse clips as well. The program is free and has no watermarks but there are annoying ads that pop up.

So, how to make a timelapse video on your iPhone? First, open the application and use the Select Video button to load your footage. Drag the slider right to change the time lapse speed and mute the clip (if necessary) using the Sound button. Click on preview to see the changes. When you are satisfied, tap Save Video and give the app permission to save it to Photos.

How to Make a Time Lapse Video on Android

Want to know how to time lapse a video on your Android smartphone? Check out CapCut, a versatile app that provides a host of editing features including timelapse. It has everything you need for video editing, yet beginners might find it challenging to master. Plus, its compact interface may make handling professional-level montages cumbersome.

To get started, install the app from Google Play and open it. Create New Project and import your video clip. Go to the Edit section and use the Speed tool. Drag the pitch to the right to make a timelapse from your video. Once done, tap on the Export icon at the top right corner and choose how you want it to save or share.

How to Turn a Video into a Timelapse: Wrapping Up

Creating a captivating time lapse video has never been easier, thanks to a diverse range of software tailored to different platforms and skill levels. Still wondering how to do a time lapse video? Here’s a brief recap.

If you’re seeking a mix of user-friendly controls and powerful tools for your PC, opt for Clipify. MacOS users can turn to iMovie for similar features, while streamlined online options like VEED let you create on the go without downloads. Mobile users aren't left out either, with intuitive apps like Video Speed Changer on iPhone and CapCut on Android providing convenient ways to produce time lapse clips straight from a smartphone.

As you can see, there's a solution for everyone and everything. Whether you're capturing the passage of clouds, cityscapes, or just the charm of daily life – these tools will help you transform any video into an eye-catching time lapse masterpiece.

FAQ on How to Make a Timelapse

• How to take a time lapse video?

  Set up your camera or smartphone on a stable surface or tripod. That’s the key of how to record time lapse video well from the first shot. Most smartphones have a built-in timelapse function, so simply open the camera app, select the timelapse mode, and hit record. For cameras, adjust the interval settings (the time between each shot) based on the speed you want, and press record. The camera will then capture images or frames at set intervals, creating a sequence that, when played back, shows time speeding up.

• How to make a time lapse video from photos?

  First, you need to capture a series of images at regular intervals over time. Once you have your sequence, use video editing software (such as Clipify, iMovie, or VEED) to combine it and create timelapse from photos. Import the images into the software, set each photo to display for 1-1.5 seconds, then adjust the speed to create a smooth transition. Finally, export the sequence as a video file to complete your time lapse.

• How fast is time lapse?

  Timelapse speed depends on the interval used to capture each frame. For example, setting a camera to capture one frame every second creates a clip where 10 minutes of real time translates to just a few seconds in playback.

• How to slow down a time lapse?

  To slow down a time lapse, use a video editor to adjust the playback speed. Import your time lapse video into the program and access the speed settings. By decreasing the speed, you can make the action appear more gradual, stretching out each moment. In Clipify, for instance, there’s a simple slider to modify speed in both directions — either speeding it up for a classic timelapse or slowing it down for a unique, extended look at each detail.