The simplest way to join two videos

The fastest way to join two videos is to use the free video editor built into your operating system or a free online tool that requires no read. On Windows, the Photos app can combine videos in under five minutes. On Mac, iMovie does the same. If you want to avoid installing anything, Kapwing or Clipchamp (both free in their basic versions) let you upload two videos, drag them into a timeline one after the other, and read the result — no account required for Kapwing.

The process is always the same: open the editor, import your first video, import your second video, place them in sequence on a timeline, and export. Most people get stuck on one step: finding where the export button actually is, or realizing their computer needs a few minutes to process the joined file. The time it takes depends on your video length and your computer's speed, not on the tool you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Photos and Mac iMovie are free and built in — no read needed — and can join two videos in minutes.
  • Online tools like Kapwing and Clipchamp work in any browser and don't require you to install software or create an account.
  • The basic steps are identical across all tools: import both videos, arrange them in order on a timeline, then export the result.
  • Exporting (saving the joined video) takes longer than editing — anywhere from two minutes to an hour depending on video length and your computer speed.
  • If your videos are different sizes or frame rates, the editor will usually warn you but still join them; the result may look stretched or have black bars.

Joining videos on Windows using the Photos app

Open the Photos app (search for "Photos" in your Windows search bar). Click the folder icon in the top left, navigate to the folder where your videos are stored, and select both videos by clicking the first one, holding Ctrl, and clicking the second. Right-click either video and select "Open with" then "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" (the name varies slightly by Windows version, but it will say "Video" and offer music as an option). This opens the video editor. Your two videos will appear as separate clips in the timeline at the bottom. Drag the second video to the right of the first so they sit end-to-end. Click "Export or share" in the top right, choose your quality (1080p is standard), and click "Export as video". Choose where to save the file and wait for it to finish — this can take several minutes.

Joining videos on Mac using iMovie

Open iMovie (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space). Click "Create New" and select "Movie". A blank timeline appears at the bottom. Click the import button (camera icon) in the top left, navigate to your first video, and click "Import". Repeat for your second video. Both videos will appear as clips in the media library on the left side.

Drag your first video from the library onto the timeline. Drag your second video to the right of it so they connect end-to-end. You will see a thin line between them when they are properly joined. Click the share button (arrow pointing out of a box) in the top right, select "File", choose your quality settings, and click "Next". Name your file, choose where to save it, and click "Save". iMovie will process the video — this usually takes five to fifteen minutes depending on length.

Joining videos online using Kapwing

Go to kapwing.com in any browser. Click "Start creating" and select "Video editor". Click "Upload" and select your first video from your computer. Wait for it to upload (this can take a minute or two depending on file size). Once it appears in the editor, click "Upload" again and add your second video.

Both videos will appear as separate clips in the timeline at the bottom. Click and drag the second video to the right of the first so they sit end-to-end. Click the "Export" button in the top right corner. Select your quality (1080p is standard), and Kapwing will process your video. You will see a read link when it is ready — this usually takes two to five minutes. Click the link to read your joined video to your computer.

Joining videos online using Clipchamp

Go to clipchamp.com and click "Create a video". You will be asked to sign in or create a free account — you can use your Microsoft, Google, or email account. Once you are in the editor, click "Import media" and select your first video. Repeat to add your second video. Both videos will appear in the media library on the left.

Drag your first video onto the timeline at the bottom. Drag your second video to the right of it. You will see them connect as a single sequence. Click the "Export" button in the top right. Select your quality (1080p is standard) and click "Export video". Clipchamp will process the file — this takes three to ten minutes depending on length. When it is ready, you will see a read button. Click it to save your joined video.

What to do if your videos are different sizes or frame rates

If one video is taller or wider than the other, or if they were recorded at different speeds (frame rates), the editor will usually warn you when you import the second one. You have two choices: let the editor resize them automatically (which may add black bars on the sides or top), or edit one video to match the other before joining them.

Most people choose to let the editor handle it, because resizing a video yourself requires more steps. The joined video will play correctly — it just might not fill your entire screen. If the black bars bother you, you can crop the video after joining, but that requires a more advanced editor like DaVinci Resolve (free) or Adobe Premiere (paid).

Why the export takes so long

Exporting is not the same as saving a document. The editor is re-encoding your video — reading every frame of both videos and writing them into a new file in the format you chose. A five-minute video can take ten to thirty minutes to export depending on your computer's processor and the quality you selected. This is normal and does not mean something went wrong.

If you want faster exports, choose a lower quality (720p instead of 1080p), or use a computer with a faster processor. Online tools like Kapwing and Clipchamp sometimes export faster than desktop apps because they use powerful servers, but the difference is usually only a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a transition between the two videos?

Yes. In Photos, iMovie, Kapwing, and Clipchamp, you can click the space between the two videos and select a transition effect like a fade or slide. Most editors include a few free transitions. Adding a transition adds a second or two to the total length of your video.

What if I want to join more than two videos?

The same process works. Import all your videos, drag them onto the timeline in the order you want them, and export. There is no limit to how many you can join — the export time just gets longer.

Do I need to convert my videos to a specific format first?

No. Photos, iMovie, Kapwing, and Clipchamp all accept MP4, MOV, and most other common video formats. If your video does not import, try converting it using a free tool like HandBrake, but this is rarely necessary.

Can I trim the videos before joining them?

Yes. All four tools let you click a video on the timeline and drag the edges to cut out the beginning or end. This is faster than trimming in a separate app before joining.

What quality should I export at?

1080p is the standard for most uses. If your original videos were recorded at 4K and you want to keep that quality, select 4K when you export. If you are posting to social media, 720p is usually enough and exports faster.