We’ve found the best video splitter and merger apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some apps provide significant editing power, while other apps simply glue clips together. Learn the distinction between the two and how to pick the right app for your needs.
Video Splitting vs. Video Merging
A video splitter can break one clip into multiple pieces, then it can be uploaded to a video service in multiple files or distributed in different ways. When you merge video clips, you’re combining them into a single video file. Then, the resulting file can be easily shared and uploaded as a single element.
There are far more merger apps available than splitting apps, but plenty of both exist. A non-linear video editor like Avid or Final Cut Pro can do either, but they’re expensive and hard to learn. These alternative tools can get the job done without too much investment.
Simple and Web-Based: MergeVideo.online
Mergevideo.online is a web-based tool for gluing together video clips. It’s not very smart, nor is it very fast. But with almost no settings or controls, its easy to understand and use. The video files are uploaded, combined on a server somewhere, and then presented for download as a single file.
To split video files online, use CutVideo.online, made by the same company. Both sites are basic and functional but only work on desktop web browsers. Some Android-based mobile devices might have luck with it, but iOS users might not.
Powerful and Universal: ffmpeg
If you can get your head around a command-line tool, then go directly to the source with ffmpeg. This is the function that’s in the background of most free video apps anyway. You might as well get the most control you can, but the text-only utility will be confusing for Terminal neophytes. Use the concat filter to re-encode files together, and use the time command to split the clips at specific time intervals. Explore the extensive documentation to unlock all of ffmpeg’s considerable power.
Windows: HD Video Converter Factory
The name might be a mouthful, but HD Video Converter Factory balances power and complexity skillfully. It’s not a full-fledged non-linear editor; instead, it’s an application built specifically for converting one video format to another. It supports an impressive range of video codecs and container formats and will plug in with hardware acceleration options if your system and options support it. You can also create a list of video files in the interface and convert them all down to a single file, effectively concatenating the files together, or cut them apart at specific time codes. It’s a free download for Windows only.
macOS: QuickTime Player
For splitting and merging video files on macOS, look at QuickTime Player, which is bundled with macOS. Move the playhead to the location you want to split the video, then choose “Edit -> Split Clip…” from the menu or press Command + Y. To combine clips, choose “Edit -> Add Clip to End” or “Add Clip At Position,” then export the combined video file with the “Export” menu option.
iMovie for macOS provides more power for creating videos and is worth using. Any Mac users can download iMove for free, though it requires a basic understanding of non-linear editors to use effectively.
Linux: OpenShot
OpenShot is an open-source, non-linear video-editing application for Linux. Because it’s a full video editor, you’ll find far more power than simple cutting or combining clips. But the design is simple enough and the interface streamlined enough that you won’t be overwhelmed by extraneous power. Just like any other non-linear editing platform, drag your clips to reposition in the timeline, then export the video file. To split clips, split them and export sections of the timeline individually.
iOS: iMovie
iMovie on iOS balances the limited interface with capable software. The user interface design is streamlined and straightforward, taking advantage of the iPhone’s uniquely tuned hardware and software features. It takes advantage of the best video processing algorithms offered by Apple, so management and processing are speedy even on older devices. To split clips, use the editing tools to trim down the master clip into a smaller segment. Export, clip, then adjust the master clip to reveal the next segment in the timeline. Export and repeat until you’ve cut out all the pieces you want.
Android: Filmora Go
Filmora Go strikes a difficult balance. It’s thoughtfully-designed without being gaudy, free without being unusably ad-supported, and functional without destroying your battery. It sits at the delicate nexus between cost, power, and usability, occupying that rare middle zone. You won’t find much to complain about, provided you come in with reasonable expectations. To merge clips, combine them into the timeline and export. To split clips, follow the same process as any other non-linear editor: use the cutting tools to place only the desired segment in the timeline, then export.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind working with command-line tools, install ffmpeg and get the most power for the lowest cost. Otherwise, try out the video merger as appropriate for your platform.
Alexander Fox is a tech and science writer based in Philadelphia, PA with one cat, three Macs and more USB cables than he could ever use.
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