When looking at YouTube videos, you may often come across split-screen videos, where two or more video clips are displayed side by side in a single frame. This technique is popular among content creators for various purposes, such as showcasing multiple perspectives or comparing different scenes.
Some video editor software offers split-screen features, be it using pre-designed split screen video templates or manually splitting the frame into multiple sections. If you are interested in making one, this guide will show you how to make a split-screen video.
In this article
Part 1. Best Video Editor for Split-Screen Videos
The split screen The first thing you need to do when creating split-screen videos is find the best split-screen video editor for you. Every person has different needs and preferences, so it’s important to choose software that matches your skill level and specific requirements.
Generally, look for software with an extensive feature set, such as customizable templates, basic video/audio editing tools, manual splitting tools, and AI capabilities that can assist you all within one app. This will save you time and effort in creating and editing your videos. Some popular choices include Wondershare Filmora. With its intuitive interface, it’s an ideal choice if you are new to video editing or need a quick and simple solution.
Wondershare Filmora is an easy software for creating split-screen videos as it includes easy-to-use templates, making it suitable for both beginners and professional editors. Its ready-made split-screen templates allow you to arrange multiple videos side-by-side without trouble. It’s also available in different styles and themes, from basic to more dynamic options suited for social media.
Filmora video editing features:
- Filmora offers 250+ split-screen templates and also picture-to-picture effects with simple and effective steps.
- Special effects to suit different video requirements, such as social media, game commentary, vlog, and many more.
- Advanced tool to customize your video with special effects and filters, you can also resize or change positions.
- Various filters, effects, and stickers that match your video's main theme, add a creative touch.
- FIlmora offers a Scene Detection feature, allowing users to automatically split clips into basic temporal segments by detecting the transitions between shots in a video.
Part 2. How to Make a Split Screen Video Horizontally
Now, it’s time to start editing using Wondershare Filmora. There are two types of video formats: horizontal and vertical. If you're a YouTube or video blogger, you might find the horizontal split-screen video format useful for content like comparison videos or interviews.
Here is a step-by-step on how to split the screen horizontally with Filmora:
Step1Import video clips
Launch Wondershare Filmora and create a new project. Then, import the video clips you want to edit.
Step2Scene Detection
If you have a long video but only want to use a specific part, Filmora offers a Scene Detection feature that will greatly ease the editing process. This feature helps automatically split the video into segments by detecting shot transitions, making it ideal if you prefer editing short clips rather than adjusting frame by frame.
To use the Scene Detection feature, right-click your imported video, then select Scene Detection. Or you can go to Tools > Scene Detection.
Step3Auto-detect all scenes
In the pop-up window, click Detect. In seconds, Filmora will split the original file into smaller parts. You can double-click on the segments to preview them. Click Add to Timeline, if you're satisfied, and then move all segments to the video track on the timeline.
Step4Choose your preferred split-screen templates
Click Template > Split Screen to open the library layout. From here you can choose 250+ split-screen video templates, and select the one that suits your style. To preview layouts, double-click the preset thumbnails.
Next, drag your chosen layout to the timeline panel to select it. The default duration of the split screen is 5 seconds, but you can extend or shorten it by dragging the edges on the timeline.
Step5Add the video clips
Incorporate the video clips into split-screen templates by dragging each clip into the designated split-screen layout on the preview screen.
Step6Editing your split-screen video
To add borders to your split-screen video, go to Video > Basic on the right panel and enable Border.
In the same tab, you can also customize the color and the border's size between clips in your split-screen video. Or make any further adjustments like rotating, scaling, and changing the size of your split-screen videos.
Step7Customize your video
To enhance your split-screen video, you can choose and add filters, effects, and stickers from Filmora's extensive library. Use the "AI Stickers" feature to create custom stickers.
Part 3. How to Make a Split Screen Video Vertically
If you want to make videos for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, or Reels, you can also use Filmora to create a vertical split-screen video. The steps to make a split-screen video vertically are actually not much different from creating a horizontal one.
Follow the steps below on how to split screen vertically:
Step1After importing your video, set the project to a 9:16 ratio
If your video was originally horizontal, you can change it by clicking on Settings > Change Project Aspect Ratio. Then, select 9:16 (portrait) for the aspect ratio to fit the YouTube Short or Reel format. There is also a 4:5 (vertical) option if you need a different aspect ratio for your project.
Step2Convert horizontal video to vertical by cropping
If your videos are in horizontal format, you can crop them by using the Crop feature in Filmora. Click the clip in the timeline and select the Crop icon. Then, change the ratio into a vertical format (9:16 or 4:5).
Step3Choose a vertical split-screen video template
Once you've adjusted the video's aspect ratio to vertical, the split-screen templates on Filmora will also display vertical options. Select the one you need and drag it to the timeline.
Part 4. Content Ideas for Split Screen Videos
Split-screen allows you to create and get creative in making content ideas. You can do video comparisons, before and after videos, video analysis, and much more. Here are content ideas that use split-screen effects in videos that you might want to check out.
Making a comparison:
- Compare two different restaurant dishes with the same dish.
- Compare two different smartphones or other gadgets by explaining their features and showing their design side by side.
Before and after video:
- Showing a person's face before and after applying makeup.
- Show the process of making an art or handicraft from start to finish.
Video interview:
- A podcast interview with the host and the guest.
- Interview an expert guest and do a Q&A session.
Reactions video:
- Present music videos on one side and fan reactions or reviews on the other side.
- Show gameplay footage on one side and player reactions and comments on the other.
Acapella videos:
- Feature different singers from various locations performing together in a harmonized acapella piece
Video analysis:
- Product reviews use one side and the other side reviewer explaining its pros and cons.
- Show match footage on one side and analysts outlining plays and strategies on the other.
Conclusion
When creating split-screen videos for your YouTube content, having reliable video editing software like Wondershare Filmora is important. Filmora not only supports the creation and customization of multiple video clips within a single frame but also offers tailored formats like horizontal for regular YouTube videos and vertical for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels.
In the article above, we have outlined step-by-step guides and offered some creative ideas and tips to maximize the impact of your split-screen videos. Now, all that's left is to put these techniques into practice and impress your audience.
