The simplest way to merge videos depends on what you already have installed

Merging two videos means placing them one after the other in a single file. On Windows, the easiest route is usually Windows Photos, which comes built in and handles the basic task without downloading anything. On Mac, iMovie works the same way. If you want more control over timing, transitions, or audio, you'll need a dedicated video editor like DaVinci Resolve (free) or CapCut (free on mobile, paid on desktop).

The process is always the same: import both videos into the program, arrange them in order on a timeline, and export the result as a new file. The whole job takes 5 to 15 minutes once you know where the buttons are.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Photos and iMovie can merge two videos in under five minutes without any learning curve, though they offer limited control over transitions and timing.
  • DaVinci Resolve and CapCut are free programs that let you trim videos, add transitions, and adjust audio before merging them together.
  • Always export your merged video as a new file rather than overwriting the originals, so you keep your source videos intact.
  • The merged file will be larger than either original video, so make sure you have enough free space on your drive before you start.

Merging videos in Windows Photos

Open Windows Photos and click the folder icon in the top left to navigate to the folder where your two videos are saved. Select the first video, then hold Ctrl and click the second video to select both. Right-click either one and choose "Open with" → "Photos".

Once both videos are open in Photos, look for the "Create" button in the top menu bar. Click it and select "Video with music". Photos will open a simple editor showing your two videos as separate clips on a timeline at the bottom. Drag the second video to the right of the first one so they sit end-to-end. Click "Save as" and choose a new filename — this creates a merged file without changing your originals. The export usually takes a few minutes depending on video length.

Merging videos in iMovie on Mac

Open iMovie and create a new project by clicking "File" → "New Movie". A dialog will ask you to choose a theme; you can skip this by clicking "No Theme" at the bottom. Click the import button (camera icon) in the top left and navigate to your first video file. Select it and click "Import". Repeat this step for your second video.

Both videos will appear as clips in the panel on the right. Drag the first video down to the timeline at the bottom, then drag the second video to the right of it so they sit end-to-end with no gap. Click "File" → "Share" → "File" and choose a new filename. iMovie will export the merged video; this usually takes a few minutes. Your original videos remain unchanged.

Using DaVinci Resolve for more control

DaVinci Resolve is free and gives you precise control over where each video starts and stops, plus the ability to add transitions between them. Download it from Blackmagic Design's website and install it. Open the program and create a new project by clicking "Create" on the startup screen.

Click the "Media" tab on the left and navigate to your video folder. Drag your first video into the timeline at the bottom. Drag your second video to the right of the first one. If you want a fade or dissolve between them, right-click the space between the two clips and select "Add Transition". When you're done, click "File" → "Export" → "Video" and choose a location and filename for your merged video. The export will take several minutes depending on video length and your computer's speed.

Using CapCut on your phone

CapCut is free on iPhone and Android. Open the app and tap "New project". Select your first video from your camera roll and tap "Add". Tap the plus icon at the bottom and select your second video. Both videos will appear as clips on the timeline at the bottom of the screen, already arranged in order.

Tap the export button (usually an arrow or share icon) in the top right. Choose your video quality and resolution, then tap "Export". The app will save your merged video to your camera roll; this usually takes a few minutes. Your original videos stay in your camera roll unchanged.

What to do if the videos won't merge

The most common problem is that the two videos are in different formats or resolutions. Windows Photos and iMovie usually handle this automatically, but DaVinci Resolve sometimes needs both videos to match. If you get an error, check the file type of each video (right-click → Properties on Windows, or Get Info on Mac) and make sure they're both .mp4, .mov, or .avi files.

If one video is 1080p and the other is 4K, DaVinci Resolve will ask you which resolution to use for the merged file. Choose the lower resolution if you want a faster export, or the higher one if you want the best quality. The merged video will be at least as large as both originals combined, so make sure you have at least that much free space on your drive before you export.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will merging videos reduce the quality?

No, merging doesn't reduce quality. The merged video will have the same quality as your original videos. The file size will be roughly the sum of both originals, since you're combining them rather than compressing them.

Can I add a transition between the two videos?

Windows Photos and iMovie add a simple fade automatically. DaVinci Resolve and CapCut let you choose from dissolves, fades, and wipes. Right-click or tap the space between the two clips to add a transition, or leave it blank for a hard cut.

What if I want to trim one of the videos before merging?

In Windows Photos and iMovie, you can trim clips before adding them to the timeline. In DaVinci Resolve and CapCut, drag the edges of each clip on the timeline to shorten it. This doesn't change your original file, only what gets exported.

How long does it take to export a merged video?

Export time depends on the total length of both videos and your computer's speed. A five-minute merged video typically takes 2 to 10 minutes to export on a modern computer. Older computers or larger files may take longer.

Can I merge more than two videos?

Yes. All four programs mentioned here let you add as many videos as you want to the timeline. Arrange them in order and export as a single file. The process is identical to merging two videos.