What Is a Time-lapse Video
Before we learn how to convert time-lapse to normal video, let’s quickly review what a time-lapse video is.
Time-lapse photography is a creative technique that shoots at a frame rate lower than the frequency used to view a sequence of images. When playing such videos at normal speed, time appears to move faster, thus creating a time-accelerated (speed-up) effect.
Time-lapse videos are often used to record slow-changing processes and allow people to witness gradual changes, such as the blooming of a flower and the construction of a skyscraper.
How to Convert Time-lapse to Normal Video
In your phone’s camera app, you can simply switch from time-lapse mode to regular mode and you’ll be able to shoot video at normal frame rates and speeds. Then, how do you turn time-lapse videos that are already captured to normal speed? Use a professional video editor to slow them down until you achieve the best results.
Professional Tools to Convert Time-lapse to Normal Video
On iPhone: iPhone users can use the built-in Photos app to turn time-lapse video to regular speed. They can also use the iMovie app to convert time-lapse videos and achieve better visual effects with additional editing features.
On Android: Many video editing apps, such as CapCut and Inshot, can help users reduce video playback speed. These apps also include a variety of tools and effects for creating high-quality videos.
On Mac: Mac users can transform time-lapse videos to regular speed in the iMovie app, too. It’s a free video editor that comes pre-installed on most Mac computers.
On Windows: MiniTool MovieMaker, an easy-to-use video editor without watermarks, is recommended here to help you convert time-lapse video to normal speed on Windows computers. In the following section, we will use this great video editor as an example to show you how to convert time-lapse to normal video.
How to Convert Time-lapse Video to Normal Speed on Windows
Step 1. Click the button below to download and install MiniTool MovieMaker on your computer.
MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. Launch the time-lapse video converter and close the project library window to enter the main user interface. Then, click the Import Media Files button under the Media tab to import your time-lapse video and click the + icon on the clip to add it to the timeline.
Step 3. Select your clip on the timeline, click the Speed icon on the timeline toolbar, select Slow, and pick a playback speed. Experiment with these speed options until you convert your time-lapse video to a normal speed that looks natural.
Alternatively, go to the Speed tab in Video Property and drag the Speed slider to the left until you’re happy with the visual effect.
Step 4. If you’re satisfied with the result, click the Export option in the upper right corner to export your video. You can select the output format, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. After confirming the save path, click the Export button to save the video.
Furthermore, you can make your converted time-lapse video even better in MiniTool MovieMaker by applying filters, adding stickers, frames, and text, adjusting colors, etc. Additionally, this program enables you to crop videos, create picture-in-picture effects, change the video aspect ratio, trim videos, and more.
Tip: How to Convert Normal Video to Time-lapse
You can easily record a time-lapse video using your phone’s camera app or a professional video camera like a GoPro, but can you convert a regular video into a time-lapse video? According to the content of the first two paragraphs, it is theoretically possible to convert a normal video into a time-lapse video by speeding it up.
Again, MiniTool MovieMaker can help you do just that.
MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
However, the effect may not be as good as recording a time-lapse video directly with the camera, and video acceleration may result in a loss of image quality and detail.
Conclusion
It’s simple to convert time-lapse to normal video. Now, it’s your turn. Choose a tool and turn your time-lapse videos to normal speed in just a few clicks.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Cora works as an editor at MiniTool for many years, writing articles about video editing, video conversion, and screen recording. She also writes articles about Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter. During her spare time, Cora loves reading, traveling, and watching movies.