Timelapse Video EditorMake Time-Lapse Videos in 3 Simple Ways
Turn everyday moments into breathtaking time-lapses. No fancy gear required. With our free video editor, you can effortlessly adjust speed, create time-lapses from photos, and add AI-powered effects in just a few taps. It’s time to bring your vision to life - beautifully, simply, and free.
What Is Time-Lapse Video?
A time-lapse video transforms the passage of time into a captivating story, compressing hours, days, or even weeks into moments. Perfect for revealing the hidden beauty of slow-moving scenes - like drifting clouds, sunrise to sunset transitions, or the pulse of city traffic - it turns lengthy processes into dynamic, visually striking narratives.
Everything You Need to Know Shooting a Time-lapse Video
Whether you’re using the best camera for time-lapse photography or opting for a simpler video lapse, we’ll guide you on how to create a time-lapse video with the device that suits you best.
Achieve Perfect Time-Lapse Shots: A Guide to the Right Tools to Record Detailed Time-Lapses
DSLR Camera
Smartphone
GoPro
Drone
Pros:
• Shoot in RAW for the ultimate flexibility when it comes to post-production editing.
• Take full control of your shot by adjusting exposure, focus, and ISO to suit your vision.
• Capture incredible detail with interchangeable lenses.
• Take full control of your shot by adjusting exposure, focus, and ISO to suit your vision.
• Capture incredible detail with interchangeable lenses.
Tips to Use:
• Match your intervals to the subject by adjusting the timing.
• Keep your ISO low to reduce noise and produce cleaner images, especially in low light.
• Set your focus manually to maintain consistent focus throughout the sequence.
• Buy an intervalometer for precise timing between shots, ensuring a smooth final video.
• Keep your ISO low to reduce noise and produce cleaner images, especially in low light.
• Set your focus manually to maintain consistent focus throughout the sequence.
• Buy an intervalometer for precise timing between shots, ensuring a smooth final video.
Pros:
• Most newer Samsung, LG, HTC, and iPhones have time-lapse.
• Always on hand, ideal for quick, spontaneous shots.
• Probably don't need to buy a device.
• Always on hand, ideal for quick, spontaneous shots.
• Probably don't need to buy a device.
Tips to Use:
• Download a time-lapse app like Filmora or Lapse It.
• If you're using an iPhone, you can edit video directly in the Photos app (which is handy because it's already on your phone).
• Keep your phone charged with a portable battery or outlet.
• If you're using an iPhone, you can edit video directly in the Photos app (which is handy because it's already on your phone).
• Keep your phone charged with a portable battery or outlet.
Pros:
• Cheaper than buying a smartphone or a middle-to-high level DSLR camera.
• Using GoPro with time lapse is compact and convenient.
• Waterproof.
• Great for extreme conditions like outdoor or underwater time-lapses.
• Using GoPro with time lapse is compact and convenient.
• Waterproof.
• Great for extreme conditions like outdoor or underwater time-lapses.
Tips to Use:
• Use GoPro's Time-lapse and Multi-shot mode.
• Reduce the resolution to 7 megapixels (to save space).
• Attach it to a tripod, suction mount, or other GoPro accessories for stability.
• Reduce the resolution to 7 megapixels (to save space).
• Attach it to a tripod, suction mount, or other GoPro accessories for stability.
Pros:
• Unique vantage points for capturing large-scale scenes like cities, forests, or landscapes.
• Ability to move and capture timelapses in motion (hyperlapse).
• Ability to move and capture timelapses in motion (hyperlapse).
Tips to Use:
• Use ND filters to control light and improve exposure in bright conditions for better footage.
• Drones have limited flight time, so plan shorter time-lapse or bring extra batteries.
• Wind and weather changes can ruin footage or cause damage to your equipment. Be cautious.
• Drones have limited flight time, so plan shorter time-lapse or bring extra batteries.
• Wind and weather changes can ruin footage or cause damage to your equipment. Be cautious.
Choose Your Subject, and Refine Time-Lapse Settings
Some subjects commonly chosen for shooting a time-lapse video include sunrises, sunsets, storms, and other natural phenomena. Yet, don't let these popular time-lapse topics deter you from being creative.
| Shooting Occasion | Interval | Shutter Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise or Sunset | 5–10 seconds | Adjust based on light changes (wide aperture) | Gradual lighting changes; shorter intervals work better. |
| Day to Night (Cityscape, Street Scenes) | 10–30 seconds | Adjust for light dimming (manual exposure compensation) | Focus on smooth transitions from day to night. |
| Clouds Moving / Weather Changes | 10–30 seconds | Adjust for cloud speed and brightness | Shorter intervals for faster-moving clouds. |
| Traffic (Cars, People) | 1–5 seconds | 1/250s to freeze motion (adjust for night) | Short intervals capture fast-moving traffic smoothly. |
| Flower Blooming / Plant Growth | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Slower, adjust for lighting changes | Long intervals for capturing slow growth; plan for long duration. |
| Ocean / Waves | 3–10 seconds | 1/100s to 1/250s (adjust for wave speed) | Short intervals for smoother wave transitions. |
| Star Trails (Astro Time-lapse) | 10–30 seconds | 15–30 seconds (long exposure) | Short intervals prevent star blur; long exposure for trails. |
| Urban Construction / Building Progress | 10–30 minutes | Manual adjustments for lighting changes | Slow intervals for gradual progress tracking. |
Tips Before You Start Your Time-Lapse Video Shoot and Edit
Before you dive in, here's a list of general recommendations for creating a good time-lapse video
Check Weather Before Outdoor Shooting
If shooting outdoors, check the weather forecast to avoid rain, wind, or sandstorms. Use weather-resistant covers to protect equipment.
Use a Wide Aperture for Light Control
For time-lapse with light changes, use a wide aperture lens and manually adjust exposure settings, especially for transitions from day to night.
Use a Stable Tripod for Fixed Shots
Use a stable tripod to avoid wobbling and camera shake for fixed-position time-lapse shots.
Prepare a Slider for Moving Time-lapse
For moving time-lapse, use a camera slider to achieve smooth motion.
Ensure Sufficient Battery and Storage
Ensure enough battery and storage space for long time-lapse shoots; bring extra memory cards and batteries.
Manual Focus for Consistent Sharpness
Use manual focus to prevent autofocus adjustments during shooting, ensuring sharp focus throughout.
Edit Time-lapse Videos in Editing Software
After shooting, edit your time-lapse with software like Filmora or Adobe Premiere for trimming, speeding up, and color correction to enhance the final result.
How to Make a Time-Lapse Video: 3 Simple Methods
Solution 1. No Footage? No Problem: Use AI to Generate Creative Time-Lapse Effects
Filmora's AI Image-to-Video feature provides a fast solution when you lack visuals or prefer not to shoot. You can generate day-to-night time-lapse videos, plant growing time-lapse or apply various custom AI-powered time-lapse video effects effortlessly. For example:
Day to Night
Plant Growing
City Lights at Night
Access to Filmora's AI Image to Video
Launch Filmora and click on the AI Image-to-Video feature.
Import Images into Filmora
You can upload your images for AI video effects generation. Choose multiple images for a more dynamic video or just one for a focused effect.
Generate Time-Lapse Videos
Go to Image to Video > Scenery in the Properties panel and choose a preset to animate your images. Or you can enter a detailed description of the desired effect (e.g., "Create a day-to-night time-lapse of this bridge"). The AI will process your inputs, and the video will be generated.
Time-lapse Video Generation Prompts for You To Try:
Solution 2. Transform Image Sequences into Cinematic Time-Lapse Videos
With Filmora's Image Sequence to Video feature, you can easily transform a series of static images into a captivating time-lapse video, showcasing the passage of time. Perfect for landscapes and cities, it helps achieve professional video effects effortlessly.
Import Your Image Sequence
Open Filmora and create a new project. Import a series of images that represent different moments of the scene you want to capture in your time-lapse video. Make sure the images are in the correct order.
Adjust Playback Speed
To create the time-lapse effect, increase the playback speed of the image sequence. Use the speed control feature in Filmora to speed up the video, making the transition between images faster and creating a time-lapse effect.
Customize and Export Your Time-Lapse Video
Add stickers, effects, and transitions to enhance your content. Once you're satisfied with the time-lapse effect, click on the Export button. Choose your desired file format, resolution, and settings for the video.
Tips for Turning a Series of Still Images Into a Time-lapse Video:
Import Images in the Correct Order
When importing your images into Filmora, make sure they are ordered correctly. You can name your images sequentially (e.g., image001, image002) to ensure Filmora imports them in the right order.
Use the Right Frame Rate for Smoother Playback
Frame rates control how fast the images appear in the video. A higher FPS creates smoother motion, while a lower FPS may create a jerky or choppy look. Set the right frame rate (FPS) in Filmora - typically, 24 or 30 FPS works well for time-lapse videos.
Adjust the Duration Between Frames
Fine-tuning this setting helps you match the desired speed and intensity of the time-lapse. Filmora allows you to adjust the duration of each image to control the speed of your time-lapse. For faster motion, reduce the duration; for a slower, more detailed effect, increase it.
Solution 3. Shoot a Video and Speed It Up
Simply record your video, open it in Filmora editing software, and accelerate the footage by 3x or more. Adjust the speed to set the perfect rhythm or video length. With the right speed-up and masking features, you can help to reduce the impact of flickering in areas that are less affected.
4X
8X
12X
Steps to Change the Speed in Your Time-Lapse Intervals
Benefits of Making a Time-Lapse Video
Turn hours into seconds. Experience the beauty of time in motion. Explore the magic of time-lapse and how it elevates your story.
Highlight Progress
and Changes
Some processes, like the movement of clouds or the growth of a plant, happen so slowly that they are invisible to the naked eye. Time-lapse videography makes these events visible and intriguing.
Showcase Natural
Phenomena
Time-lapse is an ideal way to showcase progress and transformation. It lets viewers witness growth and development. It's perfect for illustrating before-and-after moments in a visually impactful way.
Add Creative Appeal
and Engage Audiences
The fast-paced nature of the footage, combined with the novelty of watching time speed up, creates a sense of wonder that keeps audiences engaged. Time-lapse videos are highly shareable and compelling compared to normal speed videos.
Enrich Your Time-lapse Video with AI Tools and Creative Assets
Want to get your work perfectly done in clicks? Filmora brings all the powerful AI tools and creative assets to the table.
- AI Text-To-Video
- AI Speech-to-Text
- AI Portrait Cutout
- AI Object Remover
- AI Music Generator
FAQs on a Time Lapse Video Editing
What is the best timelapse camera for construction?
When choosing the best camera for creating time-lapse videos for construction projects, there are several factors to consider, such as durability, battery life, weatherproofing, and ease of use. Here are some of the best options currently available:
- Brinno BCC200/BCC2000 Plus – Weatherproof, long battery life, ideal for long-term outdoor use.
- GoPro HERO12 Black – Rugged, versatile, with 5.3K resolution and stabilization.
- DJI Osmo Action 3 – 4K, durable, compact, excellent for extreme conditions.
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 – High-quality DSLR, great for detailed shots, but needs weatherproof housing.
- Afidus ATL-200S – Full HD, waterproof, long battery life, perfect for remote monitoring.
- CamDo UpBlink for GoPro – Adapts GoPro for long-term time-lapse with solar/battery options.
How to change slow-mo to time-lapse on iPhone?
To convert a slow-motion video into a time-lapse on an iPhone, you can use the following method:
- Open the Photos app and select the slow-motion video you want to convert.
- Tap "Edit" in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- In the editor, you can adjust the speed sliders to reduce the slow-motion effect. However, you cannot directly change it to a time-lapse from here.
- For a true time-lapse effect, export the video to a third-party app, like Filmora app, where you can speed up the video significantly.
- In the app, apply the time-lapse or fast-forward effect by adjusting the speed of the video.
Is there a way to reduce flickering in time-lapse videos?
Yes, flickering, also known as “time-lapse flicker,” can occur due to inconsistent lighting. Some advanced software like LRTimelapse or Adobe Lightroom has de-flicker options that smooth out these inconsistencies.
How to convert a time-lapse video to normal speed?
Yes, you can change a time-lapse video back to normal speed using Filmora video editor on both desktop and mobile devices. Here's how to do it on different platforms:
On iPhone or Android phone:
On iPhone or Android phone:
- Download and open the Filmora app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Create a new project and import the time-lapse video you want to edit.
- Once the video is imported, tap the video clip on the timeline to select it.
- Tap on the Speed option (usually represented by a speedometer icon).
- Adjust the speed by dragging the slider towards the slower speed to bring it closer to normal speed (1x is normal speed).
- Preview the changes to ensure the video is playing at the desired speed.
- Once you're happy with the changes, tap Export to save your video at normal speed.
- Import the time-lapse video into your video editing software.
- Drag the video into the timeline.
- Right-click the video and select Speed/Duration.
- Adjust the speed percentage to 100% for normal speed playback.
- Export the video in your desired format.
Make Any Kind of Video You Want, Not Just Time Lapses
Unlock endless creative possibilities with Filmora - your all-in-one tool for crafting any video, from stunning cinematic clips to everyday moments, and beyond time-lapse creations.
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