To reverse a video on iPhone, open the MobileStudio Reverse Video tool in Safari, pick a clip up to 30 seconds from Photos, and download the backwards MP4. There's no app to install. Apple's Photos and iMovie apps don't have a reverse option, so this, or an editor app like CapCut, is the way to do it.
The short answer
| Method | Reverses any video? | App needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Video in Safari | Yes, up to 30 s | No |
| CapCut or a similar editor | Yes | Yes |
| Live Photo Bounce | Only Live Photos, forward and back | No |
| Photos or iMovie | No reverse option |
Can iPhone reverse a video?
Not with Apple's own apps. Photos can trim, crop, rotate, and change some speeds, as Apple's trim and speed guide shows, but it has no reverse. iMovie on iPhone doesn't either (iMovie on Mac does). That's why a browser tool or a third-party editor is the usual route.
How do I reverse a video on iPhone in Safari?
- Open Safari and go to Reverse Video.
- Tap the drop area and pick the video from Photos. Trim it first if it's longer than 30 seconds.
- Choose a frame rate. The default keeps your video's smoothness.
- Tap Reverse & export, then Download MP4.
- Save it to Photos from the Files app.
The reversed video is silent. Add music in Photos' memories, iMovie, or your social app. The clip is processed on your iPhone, not uploaded.
How do I reverse a video on iPhone with CapCut?
In CapCut, start a new project with your video, tap the clip in the timeline, and tap Reverse in the bottom toolbar. Wait for it to process, then export. CapCut keeps editing and reversing in one place, but it's an extra app and account.
What is Live Photo Bounce?
Open a Live Photo in Photos, tap the Live menu, and choose Bounce. It plays forward, then backward, on repeat. It's the closest built-in effect to reversing, but it only works on Live Photos and doesn't make a backwards-only video. For a forward-and-back loop from any video, see how to make a boomerang video.
How long can a reversed video be?
Up to 30 seconds in the browser tool. Reversing is heavy work, because compressed video is stored so each frame depends on earlier ones. Short clips also work best as an effect. To cut a longer video down, use Photos' trim or the video trimmer.
How do I shorten a clip before reversing it?
Open the video in Photos, tap Edit, and drag the ends of the frame viewer to keep just the part you want, as Apple's video editing guide shows. Save it as a new clip so the original stays intact, then reverse the short version.
What looks good reversed?
| Clip | Reversed effect |
|---|---|
| Pouring a drink | Liquid flows back up |
| Jumping into water | Splash pulls you out |
| Knocking something over | It stands itself up |
| Walking away | Walking backwards toward the camera |
| An app screen loading | Content "un-loads", good for a rewind joke |
For tips on recording clips to reverse, keep the phone still on a surface or tripod, so only the subject moves.
Can I reverse a video for TikTok or Instagram on iPhone?
Yes. Reverse it first, then upload the MP4. TikTok's editor also offers a reverse effect; see how to reverse a video on TikTok.
Where MobileStudio fits
Reverse Video is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns iPhone screen recordings into polished app demos, right on your phone. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can you reverse a video on iPhone without an app?
Yes. Use Reverse Video in Safari.
Does iMovie on iPhone reverse video?
No. Only iMovie on Mac has a Reverse option.
Why is my reversed video silent?
The tool drops the audio, since backwards sound rarely works. Add music afterwards.
How do I reverse a Live Photo?
Use Bounce for a forward-and-back loop, or reverse its video in the browser tool.
How long does reversing take?
Usually a few seconds for a short clip.
