How to Make Objects Move in Video: 2 Simple Methods

Have you ever, like me, watched a video and wondered how a logo glides smoothly across the screen? These effects look like magic, but they’re much easier to achieve than you might think. Keyframe animation is the core technique.

This does not require expensive, complex software. With today’s tools, anyone can animate objects in the video.

How to Make Objects Move in Video

Fast Track Steps:

1. Launch the video editing software.
2. Start a project and import media files.
3. Add keyframes and adjust the animation.
4. Save and export the video.

Method 1: Use MiniTool MovieMaker

MiniTool MovieMaker is a beginner-friendly video editor without watermark, offering essential editing tools and effects. With the software, I can precisely split, crop, and trim videos, apply transitions, add text, and correct the clip’s color.

Now, the software supports custom keyframe animation that allows users to set start and end points to achieve movement, scaling, or rotation over time. Here is how to make objects move in video.

1. Download and Install the Software

Make sure this video editor is already installed. If not, click the button below to get the installation package and follow the on-screen prompts to install the software.

MiniTool MovieMaker

• Split and trim videos to remove redundance.

• Change video aspect ratio to match screen sizes.

• Add bubble texts, bgm, transitions, and more effects.

• Create PiP or split-screen videos by multitrack editing.

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2. Import Media Files

Launch the application and click New Project to access the main user interface. By default, the project aspect ratio is set to 16:9. From here, I can change it to 9:16, 4:3, or 1:1. On the left side, click the Import Media Files area to open the File Explorer and add the target media files.

3. Stack Clips on the Timeline

Drag and drop the main video to the first video track on the timeline. Next, add the overlay image or an element on top of the background video.

4. Animate the Object

Select the clip, and the Image Property window will open on the right side of the screen. Switch to the Basic tab. Here are three controls: Rotate, Scale, and Position to add keyframes.

• Rotate: change the degree value to spin the photo.
• Scale: increase or decrease the percentage to zoom in / zoom out.
• Position: modify X and Y numbers to move the photo left‑right / up‑down.

On the timeline, move the playhead to the start point of the animation, and click the Add Keyframe icon next to the target parameter to add the first keyframe.

Next, drag the playhead to where I want the animation to finish. Adjust the three settings for the end state of the animation. The second keyframe will be added automatically, and the photo will smoothly animate from the first state to the new values.

Alternatively, I can rotate, scale, or change the position of the image in the preview window to create motion.

To delete a keyframe, right-click it on the image and select Delete Keyframe. Select Delete All Keyframes to remove all keyframes simultaneously.

5. Preview the Animation

Click the Play button to preview the animation. I can also fine-tune the animation by stretching or shortening the time gap between the two keyframes.

6. Export the Video

Click Export in the upper-right corner. On the Export window, configure the save path, format, resolution, and frame rate. Finally, click Export again to begin rendering the video. Once done, click Find Target to locate the video.

Method 2: Use CapCut

CapCut is a popular, free video editing application with a powerful keyframe animation tool. It can control the clip’s position, scale, and rotation, and audio volume fading. Undoubtedly, it is also an excellent tool for making objects move in videos.

Here is how to make an object move in a video using CapCut.

1. Start a Project in CapCut

Open the CapCut desktop app and click Create project at the top to start a new one.

2. Import Files

Click Import to add videos or images. First, add the main video to the timeline. Next, place the object (sticker, image, or graphic) on an overlay layer above the main video.

3. Animate the Object

Option 1: Add keyframes

Click the clip on the timeline, and the Basic tab opens immediately. Move the playhead to the exact point where I want the movement to start, and click the Add keyframe icon next to Scale, Position, Rotate, or Transform to add the first keyframe.

Next, move the playhead to the end of the animation, adjust the object’s properties, such as the position, scale, and rotation (alternatively, drag the object in the player preview window to its new destination), and the software will automatically add the second keyframe.

Option 2: Add animation effects

Switch from the Video tab to Animation, choose an effect, and click to apply it. Next, drag the slider at the bottom of the Animation panel to set the duration of the effect.

4. Preview and Export the Video

Preview the animation by clicking the Play button in the player window. Click Export in the top-right corner to export the video.

Conclusion

Keyframe animation is the foundation of creating smooth motion in videos. With this technique, it is also easy to animate other objects added to the video, making the final result more engaging.

Finally, if you encounter problems while using MiniTool MovieMaker, send an email to [email protected] for help.

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