Most people think WhatsApp is only for sending videos, but very few realize that it also lets you edit videos before sharing them. You do not need any extra app for basic editing. WhatsApp already includes simple tools that are useful for quick changes.
In this guide, you will learn how video editing works inside WhatsApp on both Android and iPhone, what features are available, and what limitations you should know about.
Also read: Understanding WhatsApp Call Status Messages and What They Actually Mean
What Video Editing Options WhatsApp Offers
Before sending a video, WhatsApp automatically opens an editing screen. From here, you can make small but useful changes such as:
- Trimming video length
- Muting or keeping original audio
- Adding text on the video
- Drawing or marking areas
- Adding emojis or stickers
- Cropping video for status or chat
These tools are designed for quick edits, not professional-level editing.
How to Edit Videos in WhatsApp on Android
Editing a video on Android is very straightforward.
Step-by-step process
- Open WhatsApp and go to any chat
- Tap the attachment icon and select Gallery
- Choose a video from your phone
- The video editor screen will open automatically
Editing options on Android
- Trim video
Use the slider at the bottom to cut unwanted parts - Mute audio
Tap the speaker icon if you want to remove sound - Add text or draw
Use the text or pencil icon to write or draw on the video - Add emojis
Select emojis and place them anywhere on the video
Once done, tap the send button to share the edited video.
How to Edit Videos in WhatsApp on iPhone
On iPhone, the editing experience is slightly smoother but very similar.
Step-by-step process
- Open WhatsApp and select a chat
- Tap the plus icon and choose Photo & Video Library
- Select a video
- The editing screen appears before sending
Editing options on iPhone
- Trim video length
Drag the handles on the timeline - Add text or stickers
Use the top icons to add text or emojis - Draw on video
Mark or highlight areas using drawing tools - Mute audio
Turn off sound if needed
After editing, tap Send to share the video.
Also read: How to Stop WhatsApp From Auto-Downloading Media and Filling Up Your Gallery
Can You Edit Videos for WhatsApp Status?
Yes, WhatsApp uses the same editor for status videos.
However, there is one limitation:
- Videos longer than 30 seconds are automatically split into parts
You can trim and edit each part before posting it as a status.
Limitations of WhatsApp Video Editing
WhatsApp editing tools are basic. You cannot:
- Add background music
- Apply advanced filters
- Adjust brightness or contrast
- Combine multiple videos
If you need advanced editing, you will have to edit the video outside WhatsApp first.
When WhatsApp Video Editing Is Useful
WhatsApp’s built-in editor is perfect when:
- You want to quickly trim a video
- You need to blur or hide something
- You want to add short text or emojis
- You do not want to install extra apps
For daily use, these tools are more than enough.
Also read: Create WhatsApp Stickers Without Installing Any App on Android and iPhone
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp may not be a full video editor, but its built-in editing tools are very useful for quick sharing. Whether you are using Android or iPhone, you can easily trim, mute, and customize videos before sending them.
If your goal is fast and simple editing, WhatsApp does the job perfectly without any extra effort.