Live Photos are a fun and dynamic feature on iPhones and iPads that capture 1.5 seconds of motion before and after a picture is taken almost like a mini video. But what if you want to convert that Live Photo into a shareable video?
In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to save a Live Photo as a video on your iPhone or iPad using built-in features, without any third-party apps. Whether you’re creating content for social media or just preserving memories in motion, this tutorial will walk you through the process step-by-step.
What Is a Live Photo?
Before diving into the conversion process, here’s a quick refresher:
- Live Photos are Apple’s way of turning still images into short, animated moments.
- They’re captured using the iPhone or iPad Camera app when Live Photo mode is enabled.
- The format includes audio and movement, stored in the Photos app.
Why Convert Live Photos to Video?
There are many reasons you might want to convert a Live Photo into a video:
- To share on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, or TikTok that don’t support Live Photos
- To combine multiple Live Photos into one clip
- To edit using video editing tools
- To preserve a memory in a more universally accessible format
How to Save a Live Photo as a Video on iPhone or iPad
Requirements:
- iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later
- The Photos app (pre-installed on your device)
Method 1: Using the Photos App (Built-in Option)
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the Live Photo you want to convert.
- Tap the Share button (box with an arrow).
- Scroll down and select Save as Video.
- The new video will appear in your Recents and Videos albums.
Bonus Tip: Use Shortcuts App to Batch Convert Live Photos
For more control, especially if you want to convert multiple Live Photos, use the Shortcuts app:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the Gallery tab and search for “Convert Live Photo to Video.”
- Add and run the shortcut to automate the process.
Final Thoughts
Converting a Live Photo to a video on iPhone or iPad is simple, fast, and useful for sharing your animated memories across various platforms. No third-party apps are needed — just your built-in Photos app or Shortcuts.
By following this guide, you can make the most of your iOS device and turn photos into dynamic, sharable content in seconds.