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Google Photos Video Editor – How To Use It

James Hogan
James Hogan Originally published Sep 30, 24, updated Dec 05, 24

Editing videos is a fun activity that turns our ideas into reality and allows us to inspire others, but it's crucial to use the correct methods and tools while creating. If you're not careful and don't choose the right software for your needs, it can cost you time and money. That's why this article will provide you with some incredible options you can prosper and expand with.

Does Google Have a Video Editor?

Google is an instantly recognizable brand, and most people will first think of this famous search engine when the internet is mentioned.

And what would such a powerful and globally popular tech giant be without a video editor included in its toolbox?

Google's interest in video editing tools grew with its purchase of YouTube in 2006 when it combined its search engine with a major video platform. However, it would take years for Google to release its standalone video editing software which was done in 2015.

It provided cloud storage and basic video editing tools, which allowed users to polish their videos and back up their files. The features of Google's video editor expanded over time and integrated with their ecosystem, allowing for smooth and quick work.

Now the editor has evolved into a more sophisticated one and includes many modern features. This can be a great opportunity for novice editing lovers and those who'd like to experience basic editing features before they pull the trigger on buying premium software.

About the Google Video Editor (Google Photos)

google photos editing software

Google Photos is an intuitive built-in video editor and its main function is offering basic editing capabilities and tools that any user will find helpful.

The company updates the app often, so its interface is even easier to use than before. While features are getting more complex, however, its complexity is still far from more advanced options on the market.

Google Photos allows you to add audio, trim your clips, apply a variety of filters, and share your art or work on social media. It displays all these basic tools, but if you're a professional cinematographer or an experienced editor, this app will not stand a chance of meeting your expectations.

It would be far-fetched to say it's strictly sheer beginner software because it does provide some decent qualities and tools, but it falls short when compared to more powerful editing programs.

Therefore, if you're an aspiring editor looking for a platform to practice on, this will be a great fit. However, if you require a more robust UI with more functionality, it might not deliver the results you're after.

In this article
    1. Trim and Cut
    2. Adjust the Speed and Add Slow Motion
    3. Add Text
    4. Add Audio
    5. Crop and Rotate
    6. Add Effects and Filters
    7. Stabilize

Main Features of the Google Photos Video Editor

Google Photos is composed of essential tools that can make your clips modern and exciting. It's super easy to share the videos after you're positive you have nothing more to add, so using this app will seem easy and fun.

It offers several basic features and a couple of more modern ones, and they include:

Trim and Cut

This option allows you to adjust the video time to your desired length and cut the unwanted parts out so your clip becomes more compact and precise.

Adjust the Speed and Add Slow Motion

Another simple yet effective feature that makes the video more dynamic and captivating. You don't have to worry about your video being dull and predictable because the speed change grabs the viewer's attention and glues them to the screen.

Add Text

This is one of the most efficient tools to highlight a moment in the video or make a motion stronger.

Add Audio

Adding audio effects and having a selection of tracks to use can benefit your video, making it more emotional, energetic, or professional.

Crop and Rotate

You can align the angles or rotate the visuals to add an element of surprise and suspense, so use this feature to your advantage!

Add Effects and Filters

Although the number of effects and filters is limited, you can still make the most out of it by utilizing what the app offers.

Stabilize

This option will help you reduce the shaking in the scenes and will make your videos stable and smooth.

Pros and Cons of the Google Photos Video Editor

Making a verdict isn't easy since this program comes in handy when you need a fun and simple editor, but on the other hand lacks more advanced features. So, let's see the pros and cons!

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Features like trimming, cropping, speed adjustment, adding audio, etc.
  • Works on different devices, adapting to your PC and phone
  • Automatic cloud storage
  • Sharing and collaborating options
  • Automatic auto-creation of highlight videos with added filters and audio
  • No watermark
Cons
  • Limited feature capacity and not enough modern and up-to-date controls found in more complex editors
  • Slow editing speed when working with larger files
  • Video quality issues when exporting more robust files
  • Inability to edit offline since it's an online app
  • Occasional crashes
  • Not enough audio controls, which may stunt your video's progress and quality.

If you still feel like you're not sure if this app will lead you where you want to go, some alternative options offer many more features and professional tools, so let's explore them quickly.

A Better Alternative to Consider – Filmora

filmora video editing software

While working in Google Photos can benefit your business, sooner or later, you will experience certain limitations and lack of the tools you might need, which can lead to frustration and time loss.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are some expensive and difficult-to-use software with price tags much larger than the value they provide.

That's why the best option might be an established software like Wondershare Filmora which has been busy adding some new additions to its powerful arsenal of tools, such as Speech-To-Text, Motion Tracking, Keyframing, etc.

This modern and highly-equipped software enables you to fine-tune your videos and customize them to every little detail you require.

Known for its pleasing interface and stunning features, Filmora is one of the most prominent video editing programs on the market that offers bolt-like rendering speed and endless libraries of effects.

Key Video Editing Features of Filmora

Filmora has been on the rise ever since it's been launched and for a few reasons. It offers a unique blend of two key factors; a large and sturdy interface, but one that is incredibly easy to handle and navigate.

The main features of this premium software are:

  • Easy-to-use UI
  • 3D titles
  • Speed Ramping
  • Auto beat sync
  • Masking tools
  • Lightning rendering speed
  • A wide range of transitions, effects, and overlays

And with Filmora's latest version, 13, you can get even more advanced features like:

  • AI Copilot Editing – the software's chatbot suggests what you should edit and does it with natural language commands.
  • AI Auto Masking – a feature that recognizes objects and allows you to blur or change the background.
  • AI Image Creator – this phenomenal tool allows you to type a scene you visualize, which AI then produces.
  • AI Voice Cloning – enables you to clone a voice and use it naturally.
  • Curved text – a modern feature that makes it easy to place your text around objects or curve them into your desired shapes.
  • Corner pin – feature adjusts the parameters of the image and uses 3D space adjustments.

Supported Platforms of Filmora

If you're worried about your devices and if they support Filmora, don't be alarmed. This versatile software is available on Windows, Mac, and Android. iOS users can download the FilmoraGo version and enjoy editing videos from anywhere.

How to Use Filmora to Edit Videos

Once you've successfully installed the app, click on the icon and follow these steps to edit your clips.

  1. Create a New Project and Import your files.
    filmora new project
  2. When you import your files, you can personalize the parameters to your preference. You can play videos in reverse, pan and zoom frames, motion track, stabilize shaky frames, and reset any option with the Reset button in the lower left corner.
    filmora video personalization
  3. Select an option from the Toolbar. Choose from a wide range of Audio samples, Titles, Transitions, Modern Effects, etc. Filmora gives you the freedom to use royalty-free tracks and endless sound effects, as well as different video presets.
    filmora audio adjustment
  4. Now that you chose your favorite filters, overlays, and transitions it's time to fine-tune your audio using options like Equalizer, Pitch, Denoise, etc. You can also remove and mute the video audio or background noise.
    filmora audio editing
  5. Your video is finished, and you're certain that you have nothing to add or edit, so you can Export it and share it with your audience and friends.

The feature of uploading directly to YouTube and Vimeo allows you to share your ideas quickly. You can save the files in different types of formats such as MP4, MPEG2, FLV and HD. A built-in DVD tool enables you to burn your files to discs so you can play it on your LCD.

filmora export the project

It's safe to say that editing becomes super easy when you use software such as Filmora, and with its training and tutorials, your workflow will start to be even smoother.

Conclusion

Technology is transforming at an incredible pace, and we're witnessing many new changes and upgrades in the editing world. With that in mind, you shouldn't let yourself fall behind and get stuck using basic and limited tools.

You don't have to keep track of every single change, of course, but if you're aware of what the best software is and how it works, it will help you grow your audience and business substantially.

With exquisite and high-quality software like Filmora, you'll not feel limited anymore because this program will allow you to do almost anything you imagine. Your talents are finally going to be used to their full potential, and your ideas are finally presented in the way they deserve.

James Hogan
James Hogan Dec 05, 24
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