Splitting a video means dividing one long recording into multiple shorter clips. Instead of keeping everything in a single file, you create separate segments that are easier to manage, edit, and share.
Content creators, marketers, educators, and casual users split videos for many reasons.
Shorter clips make it simple to extract key moments, post segments to platforms with time limits such as Instagram or TikTok, and remove unwanted sections before sharing.
Breaking a long file into parts also improves organization and speeds up uploads.
Online tools make the process fast and accessible. Browser-based editors require no installation and work on almost any device with internet access.
Beginners appreciate the simple interfaces, while casual creators benefit from quick edits without learning advanced software.
Step #1 – Upload your video
Getting your file into the editor is the first action in the splitting process.
Most online video splitters are designed for simplicity, so uploading usually takes only a few clicks.
Open the platform in your browser and locate the upload area.
You can either click the upload button and select a file from your device or drag the video directly into the workspace.
Upload speed depends on file size and internet connection stability.
Many platforms also provide alternative import options to make the process more flexible.
Common upload methods include:
- Drag and drop directly into the browser window
- Selecting a file manually through an upload button
- Pasting a published video URL for direct import
- Connecting cloud storage accounts for quick access
Finding the right video splitter might take some time, but you should be patient until you find the one that will cover all your needs.
Before moving forward, confirm that the correct file has been selected. Large videos may take longer to upload, so keeping the browser window open during the process is important.
Step #2 – Wait for processing
After uploading, automatic processing begins. Video data is prepared for editing so it can be displayed smoothly in the browser.
Once processing finishes, your video appears inside a preview window and on a timeline.
Timeline view allows you to scroll through the entire length of the video and see where edits will happen.
Editing tools typically become available at this stage, including:
- Play and pause controls
- Timeline zoom options for detailed editing
- Split or cut icons
- Trim handles for adjusting clip edges
Avoid refreshing the page during processing. Interruptions can require uploading the file again, which increases waiting time.
Step #3 – Find Where to Split
Careful placement of split points determines how clean and professional your final clips will look.
Rushing this step often leads to uneven segments or awkward cuts.
Play the video from the beginning and pause at the exact moment where the first segment should end.
Dragging the playhead along the timeline gives even more precision.
Zooming into the timeline can help when working with short pauses or fast transitions.
Before making any cuts, consider your overall structure. Think about:
- How many total segments you need
- Platform time limits such as Instagram or TikTok
- Natural scene changes or topic shifts
- Removing mistakes or unwanted sections
Planning ahead keeps your project organized and reduces the need for repeated edits.
Step #4 – Use Split or Cut Controls
Once the playhead is positioned correctly, create the split. Most editors display a scissor icon or a clearly labeled cut button near the timeline.
Click the split tool at the playhead position to divide the video into two separate clips. Many online editors also support keyboard shortcuts for faster editing.
Repeat this process at every timestamp where a new segment should begin. Each cut creates a new clip that can be edited independently.
Step #5 – Export Clips
Exporting converts your edited timeline into final video files. Once all splits and trims are complete, locate the export, save, or download button.
Export settings usually allow adjustments before processing begins. You may be prompted to choose:
- Video resolution such as 720p or 1080p
- File format like MP4
- Compression or quality level
Selecting higher quality increases file size, so balance clarity with upload requirements for your target platform.
Processing time varies depending on video length and selected quality settings.
Step #6 – Download Each Part
After export finishes, download your clips. Some tools generate each segment as an individual file, while others provide all clips packaged in a single ZIP archive.
Review each file before sharing. Check playback quality, audio synchronization, and file size.
Ensuring compatibility with your publishing platform prevents delays later.
Storing files in clearly labeled folders helps keep multiple segments organized, especially when working with longer source videos.
Tips and Best Practices
Small improvements in workflow can significantly improve final results. Paying attention to details during editing reduces mistakes and improves efficiency.
Avoid common pitfalls
Preview the full video after splitting but before exporting.
Confirm that cuts happen at the intended frames and that no important content was accidentally removed.
Maximize quality
Some tools, including Galaxy.ai, use stream copy technology.
Stream copy avoids re-encoding, which means original video data remains unchanged during splitting.
Quality stays intact because no additional compression is applied.
Privacy and file size
Browser-based tools can process files directly in your session, which limits unnecessary data transfers.
Benefits of browser-based processing include:
- Reduced upload time for certain workflows
- Increased privacy since files may not require long-term storage
- No software installation required
Selecting a platform that aligns with your privacy expectations and file size needs ensures a smoother experience.
Optional Advanced Online Features
Modern online editors include advanced capabilities that simplify complex editing tasks.
Auto-split and AI assistance
Kapwing and Clipchamp offer AI-powered cutting tools that analyze your video automatically. These tools can:
- Detect scene changes
- Identify silent sections
- Suggest natural split points
Automated assistance saves time, especially when working with long recordings such as webinars or interviews.
Multi-mode splitting
Advanced editors provide multiple ways to divide content.
Options may include splitting into equal time segments, cutting every set number of seconds, or entering exact timestamps manually for precision control.
Cloud collaboration
Online platforms like Kapwing allow multiple users to access and edit the same project.
Team members can review changes, adjust split points, and export updated versions without transferring large files through email or external drives.
The Bottom Line
Splitting videos online is fast and beginner-friendly.
Browser-based tools handle most common editing needs without heavy software installations.
After dividing a video into parts, each segment can be reused for social media posts, marketing campaigns, tutorials, or storytelling across platforms.
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