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Mastering Vertical Video: A Step-by-Step Guide to Editing in iMovie on iPad

Cynthia Jul 13, 2026

Vertical videos have taken the social media world by storm, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritizing this format. If you're an iPad user, iMovie provides a streamlined way to edit these vertical videos. Let's delve into a step-by-step guide on how to edit vertical videos in iMovie on your iPad.

Edit vertical videos in iMovie on iPhone or iPad! | Vertical Video Tutorial
Edit vertical videos in iMovie on iPhone or iPad! | Vertical Video Tutorial

Before starting, ensure your iPad runs on the latest iOS version and iMovie is updated to its newest build. This guide assumes you have a vertical video on your iPad and are familiar with basic iMovie functions.

iMovie for iPad & iPhone - Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Mobile Editing 2020
iMovie for iPad & iPhone - Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Mobile Editing 2020

Setting Up Your Project

iMovie makes it easy to start with the right aspect ratio. Let's set up your project for vertical videos.

Apps For Making Videos On iPad
Apps For Making Videos On iPad

1. Open iMovie and tap on 'Projects' at the bottom. Tap the '+' button to create a new project. Select 'Movie'.

Choosing the Right Project Setting

How to Edit Videos in iMovie on iPad | NEW Magic Movie & Storyboard Features🔥
How to Edit Videos in iMovie on iPad | NEW Magic Movie & Storyboard Features🔥

To ensure your video remains vertical, you'll need to adjust the project settings.

1. After selecting 'Movie', tap 'Create'. On the next screen, tap the gear icon. Here, select '4:5' under the 'Shots' section. This aspect ratio is perfect for vertical videos.

Importing Your Vertical Video

imovie editing hacks
imovie editing hacks

Now that your project is set up, let's import your vertical video.

1. Tap on the '+' button at the bottom left corner. Select 'Video' and choose the video you want to import.

Editing Your Vertical Video

a man holding up an ipad with the text how to edit video on iphone & ipad with imovie
a man holding up an ipad with the text how to edit video on iphone & ipad with imovie

Once your video is imported, you can start editing. iMovie offers a variety of tools to enhance your vertical video.

1. Drag your video onto the viewer. Here, you'll see your video in the vertical format, ready for editing.

LumaFusion  iPhone iPad video editing switch to i
LumaFusion iPhone iPad video editing switch to i
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How to Layer Audio in iMovie: Mac, iPhone and iPad
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a notepad with a pen on it sitting on a fluffy white blanket that says, pov you found a way to edit your youtube videos on your ipad
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iPad Pro Video Editing Apps (2020)
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a woman holding a hair brush in front of her face with the words how i roll on it
an ipad sitting on top of a white desk next to a keyboard and mouse,
an ipad sitting on top of a white desk next to a keyboard and mouse,

Trimming Your Video

Trimming your video allows you to remove unwanted parts and keep only the best bits.

1. Tap on your video in the timeline. The yellow bar indicates the part of the video currently visible in the viewer. Drag either end of the bar to set your desired start and end points.

Adding Transitions

Transitions smoothen the flow from one clip to another. Here's how to add one:

1. After trimming your video, tap 'Transitions' at the bottom. Choose a transition, then tap 'Done'. Drag the transition over the split in your video to apply it.

Adding Text, Effects, and More

iMovie offers various tools to make your vertical video unique.

1. To add text, tap on the 'Aa' button, then choose a style and drag the text box onto your video. Type your text and adjust its position and size.

Adding Filters and Effects

iMovie has several filters and effects to enhance your vertical video.

1. Tap on the 'Effects' button, then select a category. Apply a filter by tapping on it. The changes will preview on your video.

Adding Music or Voiceovers

Background music or voiceovers can significantly improve your vertical video.

1. Tap on the '+' button, then select 'Audio'. Choose a track or record your voiceover. Adjust the audio clip's start and end points by tapping on it.

Once you're satisfied with your edit, preview your video by tapping the play button. If needed, make further adjustments. When you're ready to share, tap the share icon and select your desired platform or download option.

Editing vertical videos in iMovie on your iPad can be a fun and creative process. Experiment with different tools, and soon you'll be producing stunning vertical videos ready to captivate your audience.