How to Add a Timer on Video using InShot?

Adding a timer to a video using InShot is a simple process that can help you mark specific time intervals or display a countdown. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add a timer to a video in InShot.

1. Install and Open InShot

The first step in adding a timer to a video is to have the InShot app installed on your device. If you haven’t already installed the app, you can easily download it for free from either the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Once the app is installed, open it to begin working on your video project. InShot has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through the app and find the tools you need.

2. Create a New Project

When you open InShot, you’ll be presented with a variety of options. To start adding a timer to your video, tap on the Video button to create a new project. This will open your device’s gallery where you can select the video you want to work with. Choose the video you want to edit and import it into the InShot workspace. Once your video is loaded, you can proceed to the editing phase.

3. Trim or Edit the Video (Optional)

Before adding the timer, you may want to trim or edit the video to make it fit your needs. InShot provides tools to cut, trim, and adjust the video’s length. If your video has unnecessary parts at the beginning or end, use the trimming tool to remove them. You can also make other basic edits, such as adjusting the video’s brightness or adding filters and effects. If you plan on adding music or sound effects, you can do that here as well. Editing your video beforehand ensures that the timer will appear at the exact right moment in the final cut.

4. Add Text (For Timer Display)

To create a basic timer on your video, you can use the Text tool in InShot. Tap on the Text option in the toolbar, and a text box will appear on your screen. You can now type in any time-related text, such as a countdown or a timestamp. For example, you might want to type “10:00” or something more customized, depending on the purpose of your video. Once you’ve entered your text, you can modify the font style, size, and color to match the aesthetics of your video. InShot provides a variety of font styles to choose from, so you can select one that stands out and complements the visuals. You can also use bold or italic styles to make the timer text more prominent.

5. Position and Animate the Timer

Once you’ve added the timer text, it’s time to position it on the screen. InShot allows you to drag the text box anywhere on the video canvas, so you can place it in a corner, the center, or any other location that fits your video layout. Common positions for a timer are the top-left or bottom-right corners, but feel free to get creative. After positioning the timer, you can further enhance it by adding an animation. Tap on the Animation button (the icon that looks like a magic wand), which will allow you to apply various animation effects to the timer text. This can include fade-in or fade-out effects, sliding transitions, or more dynamic movements. Animating your timer makes it more visually engaging and ensures that it doesn’t just appear static on the screen.

6. Using the Sticker Feature (Optional)

InShot also offers animated stickers, which can be an excellent alternative for creating more visually engaging timers. If you want a dynamic countdown timer or a moving clock, tap on the Sticker option in the toolbar. You can search for countdown timer stickers, or you can create your own using shapes and text. InShot has a large collection of stickers, so you may find one that works perfectly for your video. Animated stickers are particularly useful if you want your timer to be more eye-catching and appealing to the viewer. These stickers often come with built-in animations, such as numbers counting down or timers ticking.

7. Adjust Duration

Once you’ve added your timer, whether through text or stickers, the next step is adjusting its duration. You can determine how long the timer appears in your video by selecting the text or sticker and then adjusting its position on the timeline at the bottom of the screen. By dragging the edges of the text box or sticker, you can set the duration for how long it will be visible during playback. If you want the timer to appear only at the beginning of the video, set a shorter duration. If you want it to show throughout the video or for a specific section, adjust the duration accordingly. This flexibility allows you to control when and for how long the timer appears.

8. Preview and Fine-tune

After you’ve added the timer and adjusted the duration, it’s important to preview your video to ensure everything looks just right. Tap the Play button to watch the video and see how the timer appears on screen. You can check if the timer is positioned correctly, if the duration is suitable, and if the animation flows well with the video’s content. If necessary, go back and make adjustments, such as changing the timer’s text, size, position, or animation. Fine-tuning ensures that the timer complements the overall video experience and adds the intended effect without distractions.

9. Save the Video

Once you’re satisfied with your edits and the timer is perfectly placed, the final step is saving your video. Tap the Save button in the top-right corner of the screen. You will be prompted to select your preferred resolution (such as 720p or 1080p) and frame rate. Choose the settings that best match your desired output quality. After confirming, InShot will process the video and save it to your device’s gallery. The edited video with the timer will now be ready for sharing or further editing if needed.

Additional Tips

To enhance your timer’s impact, you might consider using multiple timers at different points in the video. For instance, you can display a countdown that begins at a specific time, and then place different timers at intervals throughout the video. If you’re looking for a more visually appealing effect, try combining a timer with speed effects. Slow-motion or fast-forward speeds can create dramatic moments in your video, and the timer can serve as a useful visual marker during these transitions. By using creative combinations of text, stickers, and animations, you can add a professional touch to your video with a timer.

Conclusion

InShot offers a simple yet powerful way to add timers to your videos, whether through text or animated stickers. With its intuitive tools for positioning, animating, and adjusting durations, you can create a professional-looking video with a timer that enhances its appeal and functionality.