How speed works in Vaideo Editor
Speed is set per clip, in the Inspector's “Speed” group (the right-hand panel). There are quick buttons for 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x and 3x, and a “Custom” control that goes from 0.25x to 4x in 0.05 steps, in case you need something like 1.25x. The clip shows a label with its speed on the timeline, so you don't lose track of which ones you've changed.
Changing the speed changes the clip's length: at 2x it lasts half as long and at 0.5x twice as long. Clips that come after it on the same layer shift automatically so they don't overlap or leave gaps. If you only want to speed up part of it, split the clip with S at the start and end of that stretch and change the speed of the middle piece only: that way you get a timelapse of one moment or slow motion on the key play.
What happens to the audio when you speed up or slow down
The clip's sound changes speed along with the picture but keeps its pitch: a voice at 1.5x sounds faster, not higher, and at 0.5x it sounds slower, not deeper. This works the same in the preview and in the exported MP4. It's what you want for tutorials and talking videos, where going to 1.25x or 1.5x saves time without making the message harder to follow.
At extreme speeds (3x or 4x, or 0.25x) the voice stops sounding natural even though it keeps its pitch. In those cases it usually works better to tick “Mute” under “Audio and fades” and put your own music on an audio track underneath. Speed can also be changed on audio-only clips, for example to fit a voice-over to the length of the images.
Slow motion that looks smooth
Vaideo Editor slows footage down by repeating the original frames; it doesn't invent new ones. So slow motion looks smoother the higher the recording's frame rate: a video shot at 60 fps played at 0.5x looks smooth, while a 30 fps video at 0.25x will stutter. If your phone has a 60 or 120 fps mode, use it for shots you plan to slow down.
On export you can choose 24, 25, 30 or 60 fps and up to 1080p free (2K and 4K with Unlimited). If you also want to trim, add text or change the format, it's all in the same editor: see what it does at /en/cases/free-video-editor/. And if you have no footage, Vaideo's AI can create a video from a topic or an article and open it in the editor for you to fine-tune.
Ways to use it
Speed up a tutorial or screen recording
Set the waiting parts (installs, loading) to 3x or 4x and keep explanations at 1x or 1.25x. The voice keeps its pitch.
Slow motion on the key moment
Split the clip before and after the goal, the jump or the toast and set it to 0.5x. It's smoother if you shot at 60 fps.
Timelapse of a recipe, drawing or build
Chain several stretches at 4x, mute the original audio and add your own music on an audio track.
Step by step
- 1
Open Vaideo Editor and import the video
Go to app4.vaideo.org on your computer, sign in with your free account and upload the video in the “Media” tab.
- 2
Add it to the timeline
Press the + on the thumbnail or drag it onto the timeline. If you only want to change one stretch, split it with S at its start and end.
- 3
Choose the speed
Select the clip and under “Speed” press 0.5x, 1.5x, 2x or 3x, or use “Custom” for any value from 0.25x to 4x.
- 4
Check the sound
Play it with the space bar. If the voice doesn't sound right at high speed, tick “Mute” and add your music.
- 5
Export as MP4
Press “Export”, choose resolution and frame rate (60 fps if there's slow motion) and download the video with no watermark.
Tips that make the difference
- ★For talking videos, 1.25x or 1.5x saves time without sounding rushed; beyond 2x the voice gets hard to follow.
- ★Split before changing speed: that way you only speed up the filler and keep the important parts at 1x.
- ★Shoot anything you'll slow down at 60 fps and export at 60 fps too to make the most of it.
- ★For 3x or 4x timelapses, mute the original audio and add your own music: sped-up noise is distracting.
- ★After changing speeds, check the total duration in the Inspector if the video has a limit (Reels, Shorts).
Changing speed with a typical tool vs Vaideo Editor
| Desktop app or sign-up web tool | Vaideo Editor | |
|---|---|---|
| Voice pitch when sped up | Some simple web tools raise the pitch or drop the audio | Audio follows and keeps its pitch |
| Speeding up just one stretch | Single-purpose web tools apply speed to the whole video | Split with S and set each piece's speed |
| Speed range | Often just a few fixed values | From 0.25x to 4x in 0.05 steps |
| Watermark | Common on free versions | No watermark on your footage, free plan included |
Frequently asked questions
How do I speed up a video online for free?+
Upload the video to Vaideo Editor, select the clip and under “Speed” press 1.5x, 2x or 3x, or raise “Custom” up to 4x. Export an MP4 up to 1080p with no watermark using your free account.
Does the voice sound squeaky when I speed it up?+
No. The audio speeds up with the picture but keeps its pitch, both in the preview and in the exported MP4. At 3x or 4x the voice is harder to follow because of the pace, not the pitch.
Can I put a video in slow motion?+
Yes, down to 0.25x (four times slower) with the 0.5x button or the “Custom” control. For it to look smooth, the original should ideally be shot at 60 fps or more.
Can I speed up just part of the video?+
Yes. Split the clip with S at the start and end of the stretch, select that piece and change its speed. The rest of the video stays at 1x and later clips reposition themselves.
Are there speed ramps or variable speed?+
No. Each clip has one fixed speed and there are no curves or keyframes. You can approximate a ramp by splitting the stretch into several short pieces with increasing speeds.
Does it work on mobile?+
No. Vaideo Editor runs in your computer's browser and needs a screen at least 900 pixels wide.
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