How To Make a Slow-Motion Video (iOS & Android)

Award-winning movies have dramatic moments when everything stops, the music warps, and all eyes are on the main character as they move in slow motion (slo-mo). Slo-mo creates drama and suspense and can emphasize critical moments. 

As a content creator, optimizing slow-motion footage makes a viewer stop, lean in, and focus more on your creation. It pauses on dynamic visuals so your audience can fully invest in the moment. 

Discover how to make a slow-motion video with our step-by-step guide for iOS and Android users.

Can You Make Slow-Motion Videos on Your Phone?

In short, yes. Most modern smartphones offer the ability to film in slo-mo, but you’ll more likely edit this effect retroactively as it can be difficult to pre-plan for slo-mo. When crafting your video script, you could also identify moments to film this way.

Even if your phone doesn’t have slo-mo built in, you can create this effect using video recording apps.

How To Record in Slow Motion on an iPhone

Apple products were among the first to install slo-mo video features on iOS. iPhone users now have the choice to select the number of frames per second (FPS) — such as 60, 120, or 240 fps — in which their video is filmed. 

Here’s how to change slo-mo settings:

1. Open “Settings,” choose “Camera,” then click “Record slo-mo.”
2. Choose your desired fps setting (the higher the fps, the slower the footage is). Note that slo-mo videos occupy more space in your memory than a regular video. 
3. Exit “Settings” and go record your video.

Here’s a quick overview of how to record a video in slo-mo using an iPhone:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe to “SLO-MO” in the options menu above the red record button.

3. Start recording, keeping your camera steady (using a tripod is recommended).
4. Save the video.
5. Adjust it in the Photos app. The timeline of the recording will appear with a series of white lines beneath the video. These white lines represent the speed of the footage. Drag the more extensive white lines to the desired place to adjust where slo-mo begins. You can do the same to where the effect ends. 
6. Press “Done.”

How To Change the Speed of a Video in iMovie

iMovie is a built-in video editing app for iPhone users that has speed effects and frame rate software. 

Here’s a rundown of how to add a slow-motion effect to your video through iMovie:

1. Open the iMovie app and start a new project.
2. Tap “Create Movie” and import the video. 
3. Select the speedometer tool, a small timer symbol used to adjust video speed.

4. Move the slider closer to the turtle to slow the clip or closer to the rabbit to speed it up.
5. Press “Done” to save your edits. 

How To Record in Slow Motion on Android

Like Apple, Android phones have a built-in slow-motion recording feature, but adjusting frame rate when editing isn’t yet available.

Here’s a quick overview of how to record a video in slo-mo using an Android:

1. Open the Camera app. 
2. Find the slo-mo feature on the top of the camera app (the turtle icon next to the timelapse mode).
   

3. Start recording, with your camera held in a steady position.
4. Save the video. 

Ways To Change the Speed of a Video Without Recording

If you don’t have an option for slo-mo recording or further editing, here are a few more methods to change the speed of a video.

Video Editing Apps

Many video editing apps available for mobile download have slow-motion features. Some of the most popular for Android and Google phones include:

• Slow Motion Video FX
• VideoShop Video Editor
• Slow Motion Video Maker
• Video Speed

Social Media Apps

Some social media apps have editing capabilities built-in before you post, like TikTok and Instagram. But for editing YouTube videos and other long-form content, you’ll need to use an external app like Captions.

Optimize Your Videos With Captions

Slo-mo storytelling makes video content more dynamic and strategically draws viewer attention. But even if slo-mo isn’t your style, there are many ways to create more engaging content — and doing so is easy with Captions.

Captions is an AI-powered content creation and editing platform that makes optimizing content for your audience 10x easier. Remove background noise, add captions, and enhance video aesthetics to share increasingly engaging content with your followers.