To reverse a video on Mac, add it to an iMovie project, select the clip, click the Speed button above the viewer, and tick Reverse. Then export with File > Share > File. It's free and keeps the audio, which plays backwards too. For a quick reversed MP4 without opening an editor, the MobileStudio Reverse Video tool works in Safari or Chrome.
The short answer
| Method | Keeps audio? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| iMovie, Speed > Reverse | Yes, reversed | Editing projects |
| Reverse Video | No, silent | Quick reversed clips up to 30 s |
| FFmpeg | Optional | Terminal users |
| QuickTime | Can't reverse and save |
How do I reverse a video in iMovie on Mac?
- Open iMovie and add your video to a project timeline.
- Select the clip.
- Click the Speed button (a speedometer) above the viewer.
- Tick Reverse.
- Choose File > Share > File to export.
A reverse-play icon appears on the clip. Apple's iMovie speed guide explains the Speed controls, including combining Reverse with slow or fast speeds. To reverse only part of a clip, split it first and select just that piece.
Can QuickTime play a video backwards?
QuickTime can play backwards for viewing in some cases, but it can't save a reversed file. Use iMovie, the browser tool, or FFmpeg to make one. QuickTime is still handy for trimming the clip first; Apple's QuickTime trim guide shows how.
How do I reverse a video on Mac in the browser?
- Open Reverse Video in Safari or Chrome.
- Drag in a clip up to 30 seconds.
- Keep the default frame rate for smooth motion.
- Click Reverse & export and save the MP4.
It's silent by design, since reversed speech and music rarely sound good. Nothing is uploaded.
How do I reverse a video with FFmpeg on Mac?
ffmpeg -i in.mov -vf reverse -af areverse out.mp4
This reverses both picture and sound. Use -an instead of -af areverse for a silent clip. The reverse filter holds the clip in memory, so keep it short. The FFmpeg documentation covers the filters.
Should I keep the reversed audio?
Reversed speech sounds garbled and reversed music sounds strange, which can be a fun effect but rarely helps a clip. Most reversed videos work better silent, with fresh music added. In iMovie, detach the audio (right-click the clip, Detach Audio) and delete it, or lower its volume.
How do I make a forward-and-back loop on Mac?
In iMovie, place the clip twice in a row and tick Reverse on the second copy. It plays forward, then back, like a boomerang. See how to make a boomerang video.
How do I reverse a screen recording on Mac?
Screen recordings reverse well for "undo" or "rewind" jokes in product videos: a form clearing itself, a list un-scrolling. Record with Shift-Command-5, trim it in QuickTime to the few seconds you need, then reverse it in iMovie or the browser tool. Keep it under 30 seconds for the browser tool.
What clips work best reversed?
Clear one-way motion from a still camera: pouring, splashing, building or knocking down, people walking. Product shots that "assemble" themselves are a classic for launch videos. For more, see how to reverse a video.
Where MobileStudio fits
Reverse Video is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I reverse a video in iMovie?
Select the clip, click Speed, and tick Reverse.
Can QuickTime reverse a video?
Not to a saved file. Use iMovie or the browser tool.
Does iMovie reverse the audio too?
Yes. Detach and delete it if you don't want it.
Can I reverse a video on a MacBook for free?
Yes. iMovie, the browser tool, and FFmpeg are free.
How long can a reversed clip be in iMovie?
iMovie handles long clips, but reversing short ones keeps editing quick.
