How do I combine multiple videos into one?

Combining multiple video files into one video can be useful for creating a longer video from shorter clips, compiling highlights or memorable moments, or creating a movie from raw footage. With the right video editing software, it’s easy to stitch together an unlimited number of video files.

Why Would You Want to Combine Multiple Videos?

There are a few key reasons you may want to combine multiple video files:

• Creating a longer video – You can combine shorter video clips to create a longer, cohesive video. This allows you to build a full video out of individual scenes or segments.
• Compiling highlights or memorable moments – Stitch together the best parts from multiple videos into one “best of” compilation video.
• Creating a movie from raw footage – If you have a lot of raw video footage from a shoot, you can select the best clips and combine them into a polished video.
• Combining videos shot on different devices – If you have relevant videos shot on different cameras or devices, you can combine them into one video for consistency.
• Creating a timeline or story – Arrange videos chronologically or in a logical sequence to create a narrative.

What Video Formats Can You Combine?

The good news is that you can combine videos of virtually any format and resolution into a single video file. Here are some of the most common video formats you can stitch together:

• MP4 – One of the most universal video file formats. MP4s can contain different video and audio codecs.
• AVI – An older but compatible video format on Windows PCs.
• WMV – Windows Media Video files.
• MOV – A common format for Apple and iOS video files.
• MKV – An open-source, multimedia container format.
• FLV – The format used for Flash video files.
• MPEG/MPG – A legacy video format, can also contain MP3 audio.
• WEBM – An open, royalty-free video format from Google.
• MTS/M2TS – Video formats common to Sony HD camcorders.
• VOB – The DVD video format, also found on Blu-Rays.

As long as your video editing program supports the formats, you can combine any videos regardless of their original format, resolution, codec, or aspect ratio. The combined export will need to be encoded into a common format though.

How to Combine Videos on Windows PC

On a Windows PC, there are two easy options for combining video files – using the Photos app for basic editing, or using more advanced video software like Adobe Premiere Elements.

Using Microsoft Photos App

Windows 10’s included Photos app has basic video editing capabilities, including the ability to append multiple videos together.

Here is how to combine clips in Photos:

1. Open the Photos app and select the “Videos” tab.
2. Select all the video files you want to join together. Hold down Ctrl or Shift to select multiple files.
3. Click “Edit & Create” then select “Custom video with music”.
4. Drag your video clips into the storyboard in the order you want.
5. Click “Export” to save the finished combined video.

The Photos app makes combining clips easy, but lacks advanced editing tools. For more control over the final video, a dedicated video editor is recommended.

Using Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements offers professional-grade video editing tools in an easy to use interface. Here is how to join videos together in Premiere Elements:

1. Open Premiere Elements and click “Create Project” then “Movie Project” to start a new project.
2. Import the video clips you want to combine into the project panel.
3. Drag each clip down onto the main video timeline in the desired order.
4. To transition between clips, set edit points and apply transitions.
5. When finished, export the timeline into a final video file format.

Premiere Elements provides extensive customization options including transitions, color correction, audio editing, titles, and more advanced tools. The final export can be customized for resolution and compression.

Combining Videos on Mac

Mac users also have simple and advanced options for joining video clips together:

Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is built into Mac OS and provides basic video editing functions.

1. Open QuickTime Player and choose File > Open Multiple to select video files.
2. Arrange clips in order by dragging them left or right.
3. Trim clips if needed by adjusting start and end points.
4. Click Edit > Trim to remove unwanted segments.
5. Export the finished video with File > Export.

Using iMovie

For more advanced effects and tools, use Apple’s free iMovie app to combine video clips.

1. Import clips into iMovie library from your Mac or external device.
2. Drag clips down onto the timeline in order.
3. Enhance video by adjusting color balance, applying filters, or stabilizing shaky clips.
4. Add transitions between clips and title screens.
5. Export finished video by choosing share options.

iMovie makes it easy to save merged videos directly to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, CNN iReport and more.

How to Combine Videos on Mobile

iOS and Android phones also include video editors to combine clips:

iPhone & iPad

Use the Clips app to combine videos on iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the Clips app and tap Make Movie.
2. Select videos from you camera roll to add to the project.
3. Customize with titles, filters, music and stickers.
4. Rearrange clips as needed.
5. Tap the Share icon to export video.

Android Phone

On Android, use the built-in Photos app to join videos.

1. Open Photos and select the videos to combine.
2. Tap the Edit icon (pencil shape) at the bottom.
3. Rearrange clips by dragging and dropping them.
4. Trim clips by adjusting their start or end points.
5. Tap Save copy to export the edited video.

There are also more powerful video editors available such as Adobe Premiere Rush, FilmoraGo, or VivaVideo.

How to Combine Videos Online

If you don’t have video editing software installed, there are also free online apps that can combine videos.

Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a full featured online video editor with a generous free plan.

1. Go to Clipchamp.com and sign up for a free account.
2. Click Create Video and select Combine Videos.
3. Upload or link to videos to add to the project.
4. Trim and rearrange clips as needed.
5. Add optional transitions between clips.
6. Export finished video to computer or YouTube, Facebook, etc.

Clideo

Clideo is another handy online app for combining video clips.

1. Go to Clideo.com and click the Try the App button.
2. Upload videos from your computer.
3. Drag and drop clips into the timeline.
4. Trim or reorder clips as desired.
5. Click the Export button to download the merged video.

Special Considerations

Resolution

When combining videos shot in different resolutions, the finished video will have to choose a single export resolution. You want to avoid scaling up lower resolution clips significantly, which introduces pixelation. So it’s best to export at the resolution of the majority of clips, or lowest common resolution.

Aspect Ratio

Similarly, combining clips shot in different aspect rations like 16:9 and 4:3 can introduce letterboxing. Choose an aspect ratio that avoids excessive black bars and best frames the majority of clips.

Orientation

Videos shot vertically on phones should be rotated before combining with horizontal clips to avoid pillarboxing. Most editing apps allow rotating clips.

Codec

When exporting, choose a widely compatible codec like h.264 rather than less compatible ones like Apple ProRes. Test playback on various devices before sharing final video.

Audio

Matching audio levels between clips can help create a seamless viewing experience without jarring volume changes. Consider gently normalizing levels if needed.

Transitions

Using crossfade transitions between clips can help smooth over jumps between different scenes. But don’t overdo it, usually only use transitions when scene or subject matter changes.

Conclusion

Combining multiple video files is easy to do at home with both desktop and mobile apps. By arranging clips in order, trimming, and applying transitions, you can create professional looking videos from raw footage. After picking the right export settings, you can share your work on social media and video sites or keep as a personal memento.