Live Photos are one of the coolest features Apple introduced to the iPhone lineup. Capturing movement and sound alongside a still image, Live Photos allow you to relive memories with a bit more context and emotion than a simple photo can provide. But what if you want to share them as videos? Whether it’s to ensure compatibility across devices or to create shareable content for your social media, converting a Live Photo into a video is much easier than you think.
This guide will teach iPhone users everything they need to know about how to save a Live Photo as a video. You’ll learn the simple steps, whether built-in options or third-party solutions, so you can turn your Live Photos into easily shareable videos in no time.
What Is a Live Photo and Why Convert It to Video?
A Live Photo is an exclusive iPhone feature that captures 1.5 seconds of motion and sound before and after you press the shutter button. The result is an image that appears static until you use 3D Touch or long-press the photo, bringing it to life.
The problem? Sharing a Live Photo in its original format often limits its functionality. It only works between Apple devices that support Live Photo playback. By converting a Live Photo into a video, you make it more widely usable. Videos can be shared with Android users, played on any device, and easily uploaded to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, which don’t support Live Photo format.
Understanding how to convert a Live Photo to video is all about giving yourself flexibility with your content.
How to Save a Live Photo as a Video Using the Photos App
The simplest way to save a Live Photo as a video is by using the built-in tools on your iPhone. Apple has made it incredibly straightforward, removing the need to install any additional apps. Here’s how to turn a Live Photo into a video step-by-step.
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone and locate the Live Photo you’d like to convert. You will notice the “Live” indicator in the top-left corner of the photo.
- Tap the photo to open it. From the menu at the bottom left of your screen, tap the Share button (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward).
- Scroll through the sharing options and select Save as Video.
That’s it! Your Live Photo has now been converted into a video and saved in your camera roll. You’ll find it right next to the original Live Photo in your Photos library, ready to share or upload wherever you like.
Saving Multiple Live Photos as a Video
If you have several Live Photos from an event or trip and want to stitch them together into a single video, iOS has an easy way to help. Follow these steps to turn multiple Live Photos into one continuous video.
Start by heading back into your Photos app. Next, tap Select in the top-right corner and choose all the Live Photos you’d like to combine. Once all the desired photos are selected, click the Share icon at the bottom of your screen. Then, scroll through the menu options until you locate Save as Video. The system will automatically arrange them into a single video file in the order they were taken.
This feature is perfect for creating highlight reels, behind-the-scenes moments, or mini-movies from your best memories.
Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Options
While the iPhone’s native Photos app is fantastic for basic conversions, sometimes you may want advanced options. For instance, you might want to crop your Live Photo, add text, effects, or even music to it. This is where third-party apps become handy.
Apps like “Lively” and “Motion Stills” are two popular choices available on the App Store. Lively is incredibly user-friendly and allows you to convert your Live Photos into both GIFs and videos. You can also edit the length of the video and choose a resolution to suit your needs.
Another standout option is Google’s Motion Stills app. This app not only converts Live Photos into smooth video clips but also stabilizes them—a game-changer for anyone who might have shaky captures. The app also lets you loop or fast forward your videos for a more dynamic output.
Simply download one of these apps, follow their in-app instructions, and you’ll be able to customize and convert your Live Photos in ways that aren’t possible with the Photos app alone.
Sharing Your Newly Converted Videos
Once your Live Photo is saved as a video, the sky’s the limit when it comes to sharing. Here are a few ideas for where your video could shine:
- Instagram: Post it as a reel or story. Add filters and creative captions to enhance engagement.
- TikTok: Show off your fun or scenic Live Photos and pair them with trending sounds for higher visibility.
- Email or Messaging Apps: Share videos with friends and family, even if they don’t use Apple devices.
- Presentations or Personal Projects: Use the converted video in creative projects, like slideshows for birthdays or anniversaries.
Because videos are universally compatible across platforms and devices, converting your Live Photo gives it a much broader audience.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of Live Photos
To make your Live Photos truly stand out when converted to video, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be Mindful of Movement: Remember that Live Photos capture a few seconds of motion before and after the shutter click. Ensure that there’s no unwanted movement or distractions when you take the photo.
- Edit Your Shots: Before exporting a Live Photo as a video, take time to edit it in the Photos app. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and cropping to make your final video polish-ready.
- Use Burst Mode: If you’re capturing action shots, burst mode combined with Live Photo can give you more flexibility when it comes to picking the perfect moment.
- Upgrade to Pro Apps: Once you’re done experimenting with Apple’s built-in tools, apps like Adobe Premiere Rush or Final Cut Pro might offer even richer editing features tailored for high-quality social or professional use.
Why You’ll Love Saving Live Photos as Videos
By now, you’ve seen how converting Live Photos into videos can offer incredible flexibility and opportunities for creativity. The process is quick, user-friendly, and doesn’t require professional photo editing experience. Whether you’re sharing personal moments on Instagram or creating sentimental keepsakes for family, this small trick can go a long way in helping you enjoy your memories in an even more engaging format.
Take advantage of the tools already available on your iPhone to save your Live Photos as videos—or go one step further by downloading an app that gives you even more creative control. Either way, you’re sure to fall in love with the ease and versatility of this feature.
