Live Photos on iPhone and iPad capture a moment in time by recording a few seconds of video before and after you take a photo. These animated images bring your memories to life, but sometimes, you might want to convert them into a video format for easier sharing or use. Fortunately, you can easily convert a Live Photo into a video directly on your iPhone or iPad.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn a Live Photo into a video, making it simple to share your favorite moments in a more versatile format.
How to Turn a Live Photo into a Video on iPhone and iPad
1. Using the Photos App to Create a Video from a Live Photo
You can convert a Live Photo into a video directly within the Photos app using the following steps:
- Open the Photos App
Launch the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. - Select the Live Photo
Find and select the Live Photo that you want to convert to a video. - Swipe Up to View Effects
Once you’ve opened the Live Photo, swipe up on the screen to see the available effects. You’ll see options such as Live, Loop, Bounce, and Long Exposure. - Choose the Loop or Bounce Effect
Tap on Loop or Bounce. Both of these effects create a continuous loop of the Live Photo, making it behave like a video. The Loop option plays the Live Photo in a continuous loop, while Bounce plays it forward and backward. - Save as Video
Once you’ve applied one of these effects, the Live Photo will behave like a video. To save it as a video:- Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow).
- Scroll down and tap Save Video. This will save the Live Photo as a video in your Photos app.
2. Use the iOS Shortcuts App to Convert Live Photos to Videos
For more flexibility and automation, you can use the Shortcuts app to convert Live Photos into videos:
- Download the Shortcuts App
If you don’t already have it, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store (it’s free). - Create a New Shortcut
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the + icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut. - Add the “Convert Live Photo to Video” Action
- In the Shortcuts app, tap Add Action.
- Search for Live Photos and select Convert Live Photo to Video.
- This will add the action that converts your Live Photo to a video.
- Run the Shortcut
Once you’ve created the shortcut, you can run it by selecting a Live Photo from your Photos app and tapping Run in the Shortcuts app. The shortcut will convert your Live Photo into a video and save it to your Photos library.
3. Using Third-Party Apps to Turn Live Photos into Videos
If you prefer using a third-party app for more options, there are several apps available on the App Store that can help you turn Live Photos into videos. One popular app is Lifelapse.
- Download a Third-Party App
Search for a third-party app like Lifelapse, GIF Maker, or IntoLive in the App Store. These apps allow you to convert Live Photos into videos with additional editing tools. - Follow the App’s Instructions
Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to import your Live Photo and convert it to a video. These apps typically offer more customization options, such as trimming, applying filters, and adding music. - Save the Video
After the conversion, you can save the video to your Photos library, making it ready for sharing or editing.
4. How to Share Your Live Photo Video
Once you’ve successfully turned your Live Photo into a video, you can easily share it with others. Here’s how:
- Open the Photos App
Open the Photos app and find the video you’ve created from your Live Photo. - Tap the Share Button
Tap the Share icon (the square with the upward arrow) in the bottom-left corner of the screen. - Select Your Sharing Method
Choose how you want to share the video. You can share it via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. - Save to Files (Optional)
If you want to save the video to a different location, tap Save to Files and choose a folder on your iPhone or iCloud Drive.
Why Convert Live Photos into Videos?
Converting Live Photos into videos has several benefits, including:
- Easier Sharing: Videos are more universally supported on social media and other platforms. Sharing a Live Photo directly may result in the loss of the animation, but a video ensures that the moment is captured in full motion.
- Longer Durations: Videos can play for as long as you like, whereas Live Photos are limited to a short duration (about 3 seconds). Converting them into videos allows for more flexibility.
- Editing Options: Videos provide more flexibility for editing, such as trimming, adding music, or applying effects, which isn’t possible with a Live Photo.
Final Thoughts on Turning a Live Photo into a Video on iPhone and iPad
Turning a Live Photo into a video is a great way to preserve your memories in a more flexible and shareable format. Whether you use the built-in Photos app, the Shortcuts app, or a third-party tool, you have plenty of options to make your Live Photos come to life as videos. Follow the steps in this guide to quickly convert your Live Photos into videos and share them with ease.
