Creating a Live Photo from a Video

Live Photos were first introduced by Apple with the launch of the iPhone 6s. This innovative feature allows you to capture not just a still image but also a short video clip before and after the photo was taken. It adds an interactive element to your photo library, providing a glimpse of the moments and emotions captured in that particular shot.

While Live Photos are predominantly associated with the iPhone’s native camera app, there is a way to create Live Photos from your existing videos. If you have a video clip that holds sentimental value or captures an important event, converting it into a Live Photo can bring that moment to life whenever you scroll through your photo gallery.

To begin the process, you will need access to a Mac computer since this method relies on the use of Apple’s iMovie software. Start by importing the video you wish to convert into a Live Photo into iMovie. You can either connect your iPhone to your computer and directly transfer the video, or import it from another source such as a digital camera or external storage device.

Once the video is imported, drag and drop it onto the timeline in iMovie. Trim the video to the desired duration that you wish your Live Photo to be. Remember that Live Photos typically last for a few seconds, so choose a section that showcases the essence of the clip.

Next, go to the “File” menu and select “Share” followed by “Export Movie.” Choose “File” as the output option and select a suitable folder on your computer to save the exported file. It is crucial to save it in a location that is easily accessible, as you will need to transfer the file to your iPhone later.

Now that you have exported the video as a file, the next step involves converting it into a Live Photo. There are various third-party apps available on the App Store that can assist with this conversion process. Some popular choices include Lively and LivePapers, both of which offer an easy-to-use interface for creating Live Photos from videos.

Download and install your preferred app from the App Store, open it, and look for the option to import a video. Locate the exported video file from your computer and transfer it to your iPhone using iCloud, AirDrop, or any other preferred method.

Once the video file is on your iPhone, open the third-party app, import the video, and follow the on-screen instructions to convert it into a Live Photo. These apps typically provide customization options such as choosing a keyframe or defining the starting and ending points of the Live Photo.

After the conversion is complete, the Live Photo will be saved to your Camera Roll, and you can enjoy reliving the moments captured in the video with a simple tap and hold on the photo.

Creating a Live Photo from a video allows you to breathe new life into your older video clips, adding a dynamic and interactive touch to your photo library. It’s an excellent way to preserve and revisit cherished memories with just a few simple steps. So, why not give it a try and transform your favorite videos into captivating Live Photos?