How to Reverse Video on iMovie on Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Reverse Video is one of the most widely used effects by filmmakers, content creators, and influencers worldwide. From creating time reversal effects to giving your video an artistic flair, reverse video opens up amazing possibilities for creators. And, you don't need sophisticated video editing skills to create a rewind effect on your video. It's easy to do it. And, there are plenty of tools you can use to do it, too. For Apple users, however, a quick and easy way to reverse video is iMovie. In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to reverse video on different devices using iMovie and other handy tools.
Part 1: How to Reverse Video on iMovie in Mac
iMovie makes it delightfully easy for Mac users to reverse videos on the desktop. In fact, even first-time users can open and reverse a video in a matter of minutes with this user-friendly tool. Let's see if we can bring that down to a few seconds. Use this quick tutorial to reverse a video in iMovie in a matter of seconds:
- Step 1: Import Video to Timeline
- Step 2: Reverse Video in iMovie
- Step 3: Export Video
Launch iMovie on your Mac. Load the video into the tool, drag it into the Timeline at the bottom of the window.
Notice the various editing options above the Preview box? Click on the Speedometer (Clock) icon. Check the newly appeared 'Reverse' checkbox, this activates the 'Reverse-play' icon within the video timeline. Click on it to reverse the video.

Go to 'File' > Select 'Share' > Choose 'File.'
Part 2: How to Reverse Video in iMovie on iPad and iPhone
Unfortunately, there's no way to reverse video on iMovie on iPhone or iPad. The feature does not exist. It can be frustrating for Apple users who expect consistent experience from iMovie across Apple devices, but that's how it is for now. Apple has made no indication that this will change in the near future either. So, Apple fans are left in a bad situation where they have to sift through a myriad third-party options to find a reliable way to reverse video on iOS devices.
On that note, there is some good news. There's a fast, easy, and reliable way to reverse videos on iPad and iPhone, and that brings us to the next part.
Part 3: How to Reverse Video on iPhone/iPad Free Online
HitPaw Online Reverse Video simplifies video rewinding for users everywhere. Whether you're using iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, or some other device, you can easily use HitPaw Online Reverse Video to rewind your videos quickly. That's because HitPaw Online Reverse Video is a completely online tool that can be accessed from any browser-compatible device.
The best part? HitPaw Online Reverse Video is 100% free, does not add watermarks to videos, and beginner-friendly. Here's a quick tutorial for it:
Step 1:Visit HitPaw Online Reverse Video page. Drag and drop the video into the webpage to upload it. There's also a 'Choose File' button you can use if it's more convenient, especially on desktops.
Step 2:The tool automatically reverses the video. Use the presets on the right to choose the reverse playback speed for the video.
Step 3:Click on 'Save' button at the bottom right to download the reversed video.
Bonus: How to Edit Videos with A Superior Alternative to iMovie
iMovie is a basic video editor preinstalled on Macs. Besides the quick and easy access to the tool, there's very little good going on for iMovie. For video editing enthusiasts and professionals, HitPaw Univd offers a superior alternative that's more capable in every perceivable way. Univd isn't just loaded with editing features, but also compresses, converts, and does a lot more.

HitPaw Univd - All-in-one Video Solutions for Win & Mac
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- Univd is not only optimized for Mac's hardware, it uses GPU acceleration.
- No loss in quality, details, or resolution when you edit videos with Univd.
- Despite its rich editing features, including social media presets, Univd is very easy to use.
- MOV, MP4, MKV, FLV - you name it, Univd can edit it with ease.
- You can apply the editing functions you do on a video to all the other videos in the batch.
- Univd's powerful AI tools not only simplify editing but give you enhanced capabilities.
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FAQs on Reversing Video Using iMovie
Q1. Does iMovie reverse the audio too?
A1. No. iMovie reverses only the video, while the audio remains unchanged. You can mute the audio to make sure that it does not interfere with the rewind effect. If you need the reversed audio to accompany the reversed audio, you need to export just the audio, reverse it on a third-party tool like GarageBand or Audacity, and then combine it with the reversed video. Make sure to remove or mute the original audio track when you reverse video on iMovie in iPhone or other devices, so that it does not interfere the reversed audio.
Q2. Can I combine reversed and forward-play clips in one video?
A2. Yes. This is called the boomerang effect. You can split the video into multiple clips and impart the video rewind effect on the select clips.
Conclusion
Reversing videos can make your content more fun, interesting, or artistic. With iMovie on Mac, you can do this in just a few easy steps. But iMovie doesn't have this feature on iPhone and iPad. Nevertheless, you can still reverse videos using online tools like HitPaw Online Reverse Video that can be accessed from any browser-equipped device. For more serious video editing tasks, consider using HitPaw Univd. It's radically more feature-rich, sophisticated, and unbelievably user-friendly. Try Univd to edit your first video today.
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Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
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