WhatsApp is not just for sending messages anymore. It also includes built-in video editing tools that let you trim, crop, add text, mute audio, and apply simple edits before sending a video. The best part is that you do not need any extra app. Everything works directly inside WhatsApp on both iPhone and Android.
This guide explains all WhatsApp video editing options in simple steps and shows what you can and cannot do on each platform.
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What Video Editing Features WhatsApp Offers
Before sending a video, WhatsApp allows you to:
- Trim video length
- Crop or rotate the video
- Add text, drawings, and stickers
- Mute original video sound
- Convert video into a GIF
- Preview edits before sending
These features are available on both Android and iPhone, with small UI differences.
How to Edit Videos in WhatsApp on Android
Follow these steps to edit a video before sending it:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Chat
Open the chat where you want to send the video.
Step 2: Select the Video
Tap the attachment icon and choose Gallery. Select the video you want to send.
Step 3: Trim the Video
At the top, you will see a video timeline.
Drag the left and right sliders to cut unwanted parts.
Step 4: Crop or Rotate
Tap the crop icon.
You can:
- Crop the video size
- Rotate the video
- Change aspect ratio
Step 5: Add Text, Emojis, or Drawings
Use the top toolbar to:
- Add text
- Draw on the video
- Insert emojis or stickers
Step 6: Mute Video Sound
Tap the speaker icon to remove audio if needed.
Step 7: Send the Video
Preview your edits and tap Send.
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How to Edit Videos in WhatsApp on iPhone
Editing videos on iPhone is very similar but the layout looks slightly different.
Step 1: Open a Chat
Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send the video.
Step 2: Choose the Video
Tap the plus icon and select Photos & Videos.
Step 3: Trim the Video
Use the yellow trimming bar at the bottom.
Drag both ends to shorten the video.
Step 4: Crop and Rotate
Tap the crop icon to:
- Resize video
- Rotate
- Adjust frame
Step 5: Add Text, Stickers, or Drawing
You can:
- Add captions
- Insert emojis and stickers
- Draw using finger
Step 6: Remove Audio
Tap the mute icon if you want to send the video without sound.
Step 7: Send
Tap Send once everything looks right.
How to Convert a WhatsApp Video into a GIF
WhatsApp also lets you send short videos as GIFs.
Steps:
- Select a video
- Trim it to under 6 seconds
- Tap the GIF option (appears automatically)
- Send as a GIF
This works on both Android and iPhone.
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Video Size and Length Limits in WhatsApp
Important limitations to remember:
- Maximum video size: 2 GB
- GIF length limit: Around 6 seconds
- Heavy editing may reduce video quality
WhatsApp compresses videos automatically to save data.
What You Cannot Do with WhatsApp Video Editor
WhatsApp’s editor is basic. You cannot:
- Add music from library
- Apply filters like professional editors
- Merge multiple videos
- Adjust brightness or contrast
For advanced editing, you will need a dedicated video editing app.
Also read: How to Make Stickers for WhatsApp Without App on Android and iPhone
Tips for Better Video Quality on WhatsApp
- Send videos using Wi-Fi when possible
- Avoid excessive trimming and cropping
- Keep video resolution moderate
- Do not re-edit the same video multiple times
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s built-in video editor is simple but useful for quick edits. Whether you use Android or iPhone, you can trim videos, add text, mute sound, and send clean videos without installing any extra app.
For everyday sharing, WhatsApp video editing is more than enough. For professional edits, external apps are better, but for fast and easy sharing, WhatsApp gets the job done smoothly.
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