VideoTrimming questions, answered
VideoTrimming is free, needs no account, and works with direct video links and with YouTube links for videos you have the right to use. The answers below cover links, quality, speed, privacy and permissions.
Getting started
What is VideoTrimming?
VideoTrimming is a free online tool that cuts a section out of a video. Paste a link, set the start and end, preview the clip, then download it as an MP4.
Is VideoTrimming free?
Yes. Trimming and downloading clips is free and needs no account. If that ever changes, the site will say so.
Do I need an account?
No. There is nothing to sign up for.
Links and formats
Which links work?
Direct links to video files (.mp4, .webm, .mov, .m4v, .mkv) work best. YouTube links also work for videos you own or have permission to use.
Can I trim a video from a site that is not YouTube?
Only if the site gives you a direct link to the video file. Pages that wrap the video in a player usually don't, and private, paid or login-only videos can't be trimmed.
What format is the clip?
The clip is an MP4 file, which plays on phones, computers and in most apps.
Quality and speed
What is the difference between 360p and 720p?
For YouTube clips, 360p is the smaller, faster file and 720p is sharper but takes longer. Direct video files keep their original quality. Read the 360p or 720p guide.
Why does my clip start a little early?
Direct files are cut without re-encoding, so the cut lands on the nearest keyframe and can start up to a few seconds early. Read why.
How long does a clip take?
It depends on the length of the clip, the quality you pick and where the video comes from. Short clips from direct files are often ready quickly. YouTube clips take longer, and 720p takes longer than 360p.
Privacy and files
What happens to my files?
Temporary files are deleted automatically, within an hour at most. We don't keep a library of videos.
Does VideoTrimming add a watermark?
No. The clip is the part of the video you chose, with nothing added.
Permissions and copyright
Can I trim any YouTube video?
No. Only trim a YouTube video if it is yours or you have the owner's permission. YouTube's terms don't allow downloading other people's videos.
Is it legal to trim a clip from someone else's video?
Copyright applies separately from any website's terms. Owning the video, having the owner's permission, or a licence that allows reuse is what makes trimming a clip legitimate. This is general information, not legal advice. Read when you are allowed to use a clip.
How do I report a copyright problem?
Send a notice using the steps on the copyright and DMCA page.
Troubleshooting
Why did my download fail?
Common reasons are that the source refused our server, the video is private or protected, or the connection dropped. For YouTube links, YouTube may refuse requests from our server: the preview still works, but the download can fail. Direct video file links are not affected.
It says the video is unavailable. What now?
The video may be private, deleted, age-restricted or blocked for our server. Try a different video, or a direct link to the video file.
Why won't my link load?
Check that it starts with https:// and points to a video. Private addresses and pages that are not videos can't be loaded.
Still stuck?
Email us or use the contact page. For copyright matters, use the DMCA page.