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

Merging two videos means placing them end-to-end so they play as one file. The easiest path depends on whether you own video editing software, what operating system you use, and whether you need to trim or adjust the videos before joining them. If you just want to combine two videos with no changes, built-in tools on Windows and Mac can do this in minutes. If you need to cut clips, add transitions, or adjust audio, you will need editing software — but many free options exist and work the same way.

The core process is always the same: import both video files into a timeline, arrange them in order, and export the result as a single video file. Where you do this — in Windows Photos, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, or another program — changes the buttons you click, but not the logic.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in video merger in the Photos app that requires no software purchase and works for straightforward side-by-side combinations.
  • Mac users can merge videos in iMovie by dragging clips into the timeline in order, then exporting as a single file.
  • Free editing software like DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot gives you more control over timing, transitions, and audio if the built-in tools are too limited.
  • Before merging, check that both videos are in a compatible format — MP4 and MOV work with most tools, but older formats like AVI may need conversion first.
  • The merged file will be roughly the size of both original files combined, so make sure you have enough storage space before you start.

Merging videos in Windows Photos (no software needed)

Windows 10 and 11 come with a video editor built into the Photos app. Open Photos, click the video icon in the left sidebar, then find and click on the first video you want to merge. Click the edit button (pencil icon) at the top, then select "Create a video with music" or "Edit with Photos app" depending on your Windows version.

Once the editor opens, you will see your first video on a timeline at the bottom. Look for a plus button or "Add" option to insert the second video. Click it and select your second video file. The second video will appear on the timeline after the first one. Arrange them in the order you want, then click "Export" or "Save" at the top right. Choose a location and filename, and Windows will merge them into a single MP4 file.

This method works best when both videos are already in MP4 format and you do not need to trim them or add effects. If one video is sideways or in a different format, the Photos app may struggle — in that case, move to a dedicated editing tool.

Merging videos in iMovie (Mac and iPad)

iMovie is Apple's built-in video editor on Mac and iPad. Open iMovie and create a new project. Click "File" then "New Movie" (on Mac) or tap the plus icon (on iPad). A blank timeline will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Drag your first video file from Finder (or Files on iPad) directly onto the timeline. It will snap into place. Then drag your second video onto the timeline to the right of the first one. iMovie will automatically place it end-to-end with no gap. If you want to add a transition between them, double-click the space where they meet and choose a transition style — "Cross Dissolve" is the most common. When you are done, click "File" then "Share" and choose "File" to save the merged video as an MP4.

iMovie handles most video formats that come from an iPhone or camera. If your videos are in an unusual format, iMovie may ask you to convert them first — it will offer to do this automatically.

Merging videos in DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, or Linux)

DaVinci Resolve is free editing software that works on any operating system and gives you more control than built-in tools. read it from Blackmagic Design's website and install it. Open the program and create a new project.

In the "Media Pool" panel on the left, click the folder icon to import your first video file. Drag it onto the timeline at the bottom. Then import your second video the same way and drag it to the right of the first one on the timeline. The videos will sit end-to-end. If you want to add a fade or transition between them, right-click the space where they meet and choose "Add Transition." When you are ready to save, go to "File" then "Export" and choose MP4 as the format. DaVinci will merge both videos into a single file.

DaVinci Resolve can handle almost any video format and gives you options to trim clips, adjust audio levels, and color-correct before merging. The learning curve is steeper than iMovie or Photos, but the software is powerful enough for more complex projects.

Checking video format and converting if needed

Before you merge, confirm that both videos are in a format your editing tool can read. MP4 and MOV are the most common and work with all the tools mentioned above. To check the format, right-click the video file, select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), and look for the file type or codec information.

If one video is in AVI, WMV, or another older format, most modern editors will either convert it automatically or refuse to open it. If your editor refuses, you can convert the file first using free software like HandBrake. read it, open your video file, select MP4 as the output format, and click "Start." The conversion takes a few minutes depending on the video length. Once it is done, you can merge it with your other video.

Trimming videos before you merge them

If you only want part of each video in the final result, trim them before merging. In Windows Photos, iMovie, or DaVinci Resolve, you can trim directly on the timeline: click and drag the edges of a video clip to shorten it, or right-click and select "Trim" to set exact start and end points. Make these changes before you add the second video, or trim both videos on the timeline before exporting.

Trimming before merging keeps your final file smaller and saves you from having to edit the merged result later. If you are unsure where to cut, play the video and note the timestamp where you want it to start and stop — most editors show the time as you drag the edge.

Exporting and saving your merged video

Once both videos are on the timeline in the order you want, export the result as a single file. In Photos, iMovie, and DaVinci Resolve, look for "Export," "Share," or "Save" in the File menu. Choose MP4 as the format — it works on any device and is the smallest file size. You can also choose the quality: 1080p is standard for most uses, and 4K is only necessary if your original videos were shot in 4K.

The export process takes time proportional to the video length and your computer's speed. A five-minute video on a modern computer usually takes two to five minutes to export. Do not close the program until the export is complete. Once it finishes, you will have a single video file containing both of your original videos in sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I merge videos that are different resolutions or frame rates?

Most editors will merge them, but the result may look odd — one video might appear stretched or play at the wrong speed. Before merging, convert both videos to the same resolution and frame rate using free software like HandBrake or FFmpeg. Set both to 1080p and 30 frames per second for best results.

Will the merged video be the same quality as the originals?

Yes, if you export at the same quality as your source videos. If your originals were 1080p, export the merged video at 1080p and the quality will be identical. Exporting at a lower quality will reduce sharpness, but will create a smaller file.

How much storage space do I need to merge two videos?

You need space for both original files plus the merged result. A five-minute 1080p video is roughly 500 MB to 1 GB depending on quality. Before you start, make sure your computer has at least three times the combined size of both videos available as free space.

Can I add music or sound effects between the videos?

Yes, but you need editing software like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve — the Windows Photos app does not support this. Import an audio file onto a separate audio track below your videos, position it where you want it to play, and adjust the volume so it does not drown out the video audio.

What if one video is sideways or upside down?

In iMovie or DaVinci Resolve, right-click the video on the timeline and look for a "Rotate" or "Transform" option. You can rotate it 90 degrees in either direction. In Windows Photos, the rotation option is in the edit menu at the top. Rotate before merging so both videos play in the correct orientation.