How to Edit Videos on Android

This article explains how to crop or trim videos using Google Photos. It also includes information on using YouCut to cut or slice videos and Kinemaster or Adobe Premiere Rush for a multi-layer video masterpiece. This information applies to stock Android phones and Samsung phones.

Use Google Photos to Crop Video on Android

The Google Photos app on Android includes the ability to cut or trim videos you record with your camera app. If you don't already have the Google Photos app on your device, install it from the Google Play Store.

These steps walk you through how to trim video with the Google Photos app on Android.

1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device and locate the video you want to edit. The video you want to edit must be stored on your Android device.

2. Tap the video you want to edit to open it. The video plays on your device.

3. Tap the screen outside of the video to display the editing options.

4. Tap the Edit icon, the three-horizontal lines with a vertical mark through each (in the lower center portion of the screen), to access the Edit options.

5. The video displays with two white Edit handles, one on the left and one on the right. Tap and hold either Edit handle, then drag the handle to adjust the length of the video. Repeat this step with the other Edit handle, if desired.

6. Tap Save copy in the upper-right corner to save the video.

   

7. Your original video and your trimmed video are saved in Google Photos.

Use Built-in Video Editing Capabilities on Samsung

If you want to trim or crop a video on a Samsung device, the built-in controls in the Gallery provide access to the basics. Much like the controls for Google Photos, you can crop and trim videos. You also have options to adjust the resolution of the video, change the aspect ratio, and add filters and other artistic touches.

1. On your Samsung device, navigate to and open the video you want to edit.

2. Tap the pencil icon in the lower-left corner.

3. Tap and drag from either end of the video frame line near the bottom of the screen to crop the video.

4. If you don't want to make additional changes, tap Save in the upper-right corner to save a copy of the cropped video. The original video remains on your device, with no changes.

   

5. If desired, tap an icon on the Editing toolbar to:

   • Add a filter.
   • Apply Beauty Mode.
   • Add Closed Captioning.
   • Add stickers and emoji.
   • Make creative changes to coloring and temperature.
   • Adjust the play speed of the video.
   • Add music to the video.

   You can also tap Resolution at the top of the screen to change the video resolution and reduce the file size for the video.

Alternative Ways to Cut or Trim Video 

Even if your Android device lacks the Google Photos app, the built-in video camera app may offer a similar set of basic video editing capabilities. Nearly all basic editors work as described above. Select a video, tap an Edit option, slide from the end to trim, then save the video.

The following three apps provide additional video editing capabilities. Each requires a one-time fee or subscription if you want to edit without ads or limited capabilities.

YouCut Video Editor

YouCut Video Editor & Video Maker, No Watermark includes trim, cut, and split features, among other options.

• Trim: Lets you adjust the start and finish frames within a video, much as you can within Google Photos.
• Cut: Allows you to select sections at the beginning and end of your video and omit (or cut) a section in the middle of the video.
• Split: Divides a video into two parts at any point in the video you choose.

YouCut is free, although you'll need to view an ad each time you save an edited video. A one-time purchase of $9.99 or a subscription of $3.99 per year removes ads and gives you full access to features.

Kinemaster Video Editor & Adobe Premiere Rush

If you prefer more full-featured editing capabilities on an Android device, consider Kinemaste Video Editor (for iOS or Android) or Adobe Premiere Rush Video Editor (for iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS).

Kinemaster allows basic edits and adds features such as multiple video layers, sound editing features, and access to various assets (for example, music, graphics, fonts, and more). The subscription ($5.49 per month or $32.99 per year) removes the watermark and unlocks access to tools and assets.

Adobe Premiere Rush supports drag-and-drop multi-layer editing, with access to templates, fonts, motion graphics, and more. Your work syncs across systems, so you can switch devices and continue your work. Adobe offers a variety of plans, including a free starter plan (limited to three exports), a single app subscription ($9.99 per month), or an All Apps Creative Cloud subscription ($52.99 per month).

In most cases, Google Photos works well when you want to trim a video. YouCut is worth the money when you want a simple way to make complex edits. Turn to Kinemaster or Adobe Premier Rush when you need pro-level features.