Adjusting Video Speed: Speed Up or Slow Down

Adjusting the speed of your videos can add a dynamic element to your content, making storytelling more energetic and keeping your audience engaged. Whether you’re editing YouTube videos, creating TikTok clips, or working on professional projects in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, tweaking video speed can significantly enhance the quality and appeal of your work.

In this guide, we’ll cover different ways to adjust video speed, including how to do it on an iPhone, Samsung, CapCut, Canva, and professional editing software like Final Cut Pro. You’ll learn not only why and when to adjust video speed, but also the specific steps to do so on any device or platform.

What is Video Speed and Why Adjust It?

Video speed refers to the playback rate of a video. Changing this rate allows you to:

• Speed up footage to compress time (e.g., time-lapse).
• Slow down footage to highlight details (e.g., slow motion).
• Match the pacing of your content with your storytelling.

Benefits of Adjusting Video Speed

• Showcase lengthy processes: Compress long activities like cooking or crafting into digestible clips.
• Highlight important details: Use slow motion to draw attention to key moments in sports, tutorials, or dramatic scenes.
• Enhance storytelling: Maintain viewer engagement by adjusting the pacing of your content.

How to Adjust Video Speed on Different Platforms

1. Adjusting Video Speed on iPhone

The iPhone makes it easy to tweak video speed using its native editing tools or apps like CapCut.

Using the iPhone Photos App

1. Open the Photos app and select your video.
2. Tap Edit at the top right.
3. If the video is a slo-mo recording, use the Slo-mo Timeline to adjust where the slow-motion effect starts and ends.
4. Save your changes.

Using CapCut on iPhone

1. Download the CapCut app from the App Store.
2. Import your video.
3. Tap Speed and choose between Normal or Curve (for custom speed adjustments).
4. Drag the slider to speed up or slow down your video.
5. Export the edited video to your camera roll.

2. Adjusting Video Speed on Samsung

Samsung users can adjust video speed using the Samsung Gallery app or third-party apps like Kinemaster.

Using the Samsung Gallery App

1. Open the Gallery app and select your video.
2. Tap the Edit icon (pencil).
3. Look for the speed adjustment tool (may appear as a slider or preset options).
4. Set your desired speed and save your changes.

Using CapCut on Samsung

Follow the same steps as for iPhone to adjust video speed with CapCut.

3. Adjusting Video Speed in Adobe Premiere Pro

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import your footage into the Premiere Pro timeline.
2. Right-click on the clip and select Speed/Duration.
3. Adjust the speed percentage:
   • Above 100% to speed up.
   • Below 100% to slow down.
4. Check the box for Time Interpolation and choose Optical Flow for smoother transitions.
5. Preview and export your video.

4. Adjusting Video Speed in DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a powerful tool for advanced color grading and video editing, including speed adjustments.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import your video and drag it to the timeline.
2. Right-click the clip and select Change Clip Speed.
3. Enter a percentage for the speed adjustment.
4. Enable Retime Controls (optional) to adjust speed with keyframes.
5. Export your video after previewing the changes.

5. Adjusting Video Speed in Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is ideal for Mac users seeking an intuitive interface with robust editing tools.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import your video into the timeline.
2. Select the clip and go to the Modify menu.
3. Choose Retime and select one of the preset speeds (e.g., 2x, 50%).
4. Use the retime handle to fine-tune speed changes directly in the timeline.
5. Export your video with the desired adjustments.

6. Adjusting Video Speed in CapCut

CapCut is a free, beginner-friendly app for speed adjustment.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import your video into CapCut.
2. Tap Speed and select:
   • Normal: Drag the slider to increase or decrease speed.
   • Curve: Customize speed changes with keyframes for smooth transitions.
3. Preview the changes and export the video.

7. Adjusting Video Speed in Canva

Canva is a versatile platform for creating videos and visuals, including basic speed adjustments.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Upload your video to Canva’s editor.
2. Select the clip and click the Speed tool.
3. Adjust the playback speed using the slider.
4. Save your changes and download the video.

When to Speed Up a Video

1. Showing a Lengthy Process

Speeding up videos is perfect for making long tasks (e.g., baking, assembling furniture) more engaging.

2. Enhancing Production Value

Fast motion adds energy to promotional videos, music videos, and sports highlights, giving them a professional edge.

3. Narrating a Story

Speeding up certain sections can maintain the audience’s attention and streamline the pacing of your story.

When to Slow Down a Video

1. Highlighting Details

Slow motion is ideal for tutorials, nature documentaries, and product demos to emphasize critical moments.

2. Demonstrating Skills

Showcase talents like dancing or sports moves in slow motion to let viewers appreciate the intricacies.

3. Creating Suspense

Slow motion builds tension in dramatic storytelling or action sequences, making them more immersive.

Letting Viewers Control Video Speed

Platforms like YouTube allow viewers to adjust playback speed. For content creators, enabling this feature ensures viewers can customize their experience—speeding up long tutorials or slowing down detailed explanations.

Final Thoughts: Master Video Speed Adjustments

Adjusting video speed is a versatile technique that enhances the storytelling and production value of your content. Whether you're speeding up a time-lapse or slowing down a critical moment, the ability to manipulate playback speed gives your videos a dynamic edge.

Ready to master more advanced editing skills? Enroll in Miracamp’s Video Editing Bootcamp to learn everything from speed adjustments to professional editing techniques. Take your videos to the next level and captivate your audience like never before!

FAQ About Adjusting Video Speed

How can I speed up or slow down a video on my phone?

You can easily adjust video speed on your phone using apps like CapCut:

1. Open the app and import your video.
2. Select the Speed tool.
3. Use the slider to speed up or slow down your clip.
4. Save and export the edited video.

What is the best software for adjusting video speed professionally?

The best professional tools for adjusting video speed include:

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Ideal for precise speed adjustments.
• DaVinci Resolve: Offers advanced retime controls and keyframing.
• Final Cut Pro: Perfect for Mac users with intuitive retime tools.

How do I make a slow-motion video?

To create a slow-motion video:

1. Use a camera that records at a high frame rate (e.g., 120fps or 240fps).
2. Import the footage into software like DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro.
3. Reduce the playback speed to stretch the footage while maintaining smooth motion.

Can I adjust video speed in Canva?

Yes, you can adjust video speed in Canva:

1. Upload your video to Canva’s editor.
2. Click the Speed option in the toolbar.
3. Drag the slider to increase or decrease playback speed.
4. Save the video with your desired speed settings.

What are LUTs, and how do they help with speed changes?

LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are not directly related to speed changes but can enhance your video’s visuals when used alongside speed adjustments. For instance, you can apply a cinematic LUT to a time-lapse or slow-motion video to create a professional look.

Why should I adjust video speed for my content?

Adjusting video speed can:

• Highlight details: Use slow motion to emphasize critical moments.
• Condense time: Speed up footage to make long processes engaging, like time-lapse videos.
• Improve storytelling: Adjust pacing to match the tone and flow of your narrative.

How do I ensure smooth playback when adjusting video speed?

To avoid choppy playback when changing video speed:

• Use high-frame-rate footage for slow motion.
• Select Optical Flow in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for smoother transitions.
• Adjust speed incrementally instead of making drastic changes.

Can I change video speed on YouTube?

Yes, YouTube allows viewers to control playback speed:

1. Open a YouTube video.
2. Click the Settings gear icon.
3. Select Playback Speed and choose a slower or faster option.

Which app is best for adjusting video speed on a phone?

CapCut is one of the best apps for adjusting video speed on phones. It’s free, user-friendly, and offers customizable speed settings, including keyframe-based adjustments for smooth transitions.

Does speeding up a video affect its audio?

Yes, speeding up or slowing down a video will alter the pitch and tempo of its audio. Most software, like Premiere Pro, allows you to adjust the audio separately or remove it entirely to avoid distortion.

Can I make time-lapse videos using my phone?

Yes! Most modern smartphones have a built-in time-lapse mode in their camera apps. Alternatively, you can record at a normal speed and use apps like CapCut or Canva to speed up the footage.