The basic way to join two videos
To connect two videos together, you import both files into your video editor, place them one after the other on the timeline, and export the result as a single file. Most video editors handle this the same way: the first video plays, then stops, then the second video starts immediately. You can add a transition between them — a fade, a slide, or a dissolve — so the cut feels less abrupt.
The exact steps depend on which editor you are using. DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, and iMovie all work differently, but the principle is identical. You will need both video files on your computer or phone before you start, and you should know roughly how long each video is so you can plan how they fit together.
This guide covers the most common editors and the specific buttons to click. If your editor is not listed here, the same logic applies — look for an "import" or "add media" button, then drag clips onto a timeline, then export.
Key Takeaways
- Import both video files into your editor, then drag them onto the timeline one after the other in the order you want them to play.
- Most editors automatically place the second video right where the first one ends, with no gap or overlap.
- A transition effect between the videos makes the join look intentional rather than like a hard cut.
- Export the finished timeline as a new video file — this creates one combined video without changing your original files.
- If the videos have different frame rates or resolutions, your editor may ask you to match them before exporting.
Connecting videos in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Open the program and create a new project. Go to File > Import > Media and select your first video file. Repeat for the second video. Both files now appear in the media pool on the left side of the screen.
Click and drag the first video onto the timeline at the bottom. It appears as a colored bar. Click and drag the second video directly to the right of the first one — the timeline will snap them together with no gap. Play through the timeline to check that both videos are in the right order and that the audio from each one plays when you expect it to.
To add a transition, right-click on the space between the two clips and select Add Transition. Choose a transition type — Dissolve is the most common — and set how long it lasts (usually 0.5 to 1 second). When you are ready, go to File > Export > Video, choose your format and quality, and click Export. DaVinci will create a new file with both videos joined together.
Connecting videos in Adobe Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro is a paid subscription. Open the program and create a new project. Go to File > Import and select both video files at once (hold Ctrl or Cmd and click each one). They appear in the project panel on the left.
Drag the first video onto the timeline. Drag the second video directly to the right of it. Premiere automatically places them end-to-end with no gap. To add a transition, open the Effects panel, find the Video Transitions folder, and drag a transition (like Dissolve or Cross Dissolve) onto the cut between the two clips. Double-click the transition to adjust its length.
When you are done, go to File > Export > Media. Choose your format — H.264 is standard for most uses — and click Export. Premiere creates a new file containing both videos.
Connecting videos on your phone with CapCut
CapCut is free on iPhone and Android. Open the app and tap New project. Tap Add and select your first video from your phone's camera roll. The video appears on the timeline at the bottom. Tap Add again and select your second video. CapCut places it right after the first one.
To add a transition, tap the space between the two clips on the timeline. A menu appears with transition options. Tap the one you want — Fade is common — and it is added automatically. Tap the transition again to adjust how long it lasts.
When you are ready to save, tap the arrow at the top right, then tap Export. Choose your video quality and tap Export again. CapCut saves the combined video to your camera roll as a new file.
Connecting videos in iMovie
iMovie is free on Mac and iPhone. On Mac, open iMovie and click File > New Movie. Drag your first video from Finder onto the timeline. Drag your second video directly to the right of it. iMovie snaps them together automatically.
To add a transition, click the transition icon (it looks like two overlapping squares) in the toolbar at the top. Drag a transition onto the cut between the two clips. Double-click it to adjust the length — most transitions last 0.5 to 1 second by default.
To save, click File > Share > File. Choose your resolution and click Next. Name your file and click Save. iMovie exports a new video with both clips joined together. On iPhone, the process is similar: tap Create Project, add both videos, add a transition if you want one, then tap Done and Save Video.
Handling videos with different sizes or frame rates
If your two videos have different resolutions — one is 1080p and one is 4K, for example — your editor will ask you to choose a resolution for the final video. Most editors default to the resolution of the first clip. You can change this in the project settings before you export.
Frame rate mismatches (one video at 24 fps, another at 60 fps) are less common but can cause playback to stutter. Check the frame rate of each video before you import it. In most editors, you can right-click a clip and select Properties or Clip Information to see the frame rate. If they do not match, change your project settings to match the frame rate of your first video, and the editor will adjust the second one automatically during export.
Audio levels can also differ between videos. If one video is much louder than the other, click each clip on the timeline and look for a volume slider or audio level control. Adjust the quieter clip up or the louder one down until they sound balanced when you play them together.
Adding effects or adjusting timing between videos
Once both videos are on the timeline, you can adjust each one independently. Click a video clip to select it, then look for controls to trim it (cut out the beginning or end), adjust the speed, or add color correction. Most editors let you drag the edges of a clip to make it shorter without deleting the file.
If you want a gap between the videos — silence or a black screen — drag the second video to the right, leaving space on the timeline. The gap will appear in the final video. You can also add a title, text, or music over the gap to fill it.
Transitions are optional. A hard cut (no transition) is perfectly fine and is often used in professional videos. Use transitions when you want the join to feel smooth or when the two videos have very different lighting or colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to convert my videos to the same format before joining them?
No. Most modern editors accept MP4, MOV, AVI, and other common formats in the same project. The editor handles the conversion when you export. If your editor refuses to import a file, check that the file is not corrupted by trying to play it in your phone or computer's default video player first.
What if the audio from one video is much quieter than the other?
Click the quieter video on the timeline and look for a volume slider or audio level control — usually a small speaker icon or a number showing the current level. Drag it up to increase the volume. Test by playing the timeline and adjusting until both videos sound balanced.
Can I add a title or text between the two videos?
Yes. Most editors have a text or title tool in the toolbar. Click it, then click on the timeline between the two videos to add a text layer. Type your text and adjust the font, size, and color. Set how long the text stays on screen by dragging its edges on the timeline.
How long does it take to export a combined video?
Export time depends on the length of your videos, their resolution, and your computer's speed. A 5-minute video at 1080p typically takes 2 to 10 minutes to export on a modern computer. Higher resolutions and longer videos take longer. Do not close the editor while it is exporting.
What if I want to undo the join and go back to separate videos?
Your original video files are never changed. The combined video is a new file created during export. If you want to separate them again, just delete the combined file. Your original videos remain on your computer or phone.