How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other in 4 Ways

Putting two videos next to each other is a simple move that pays off fast when you work on how to Get Started as a Content Creator. You may want a side-by-side clip to compare looks, show a before and after, or make a split-screen reaction for reels, but juggling editors, crop settings, and aspect ratios can slow you down. 

This guide outlines clear steps for side-by-side and merge video techniques, recommends the best apps and desktop editors like CapCut and Premiere Pro, and highlights quick edits that help you discover trendy content ideas that attract attention. Ready to turn two clips into one memorable post?

To make spotting those trends easier, Virlo's virality analysis tool shows which formats and topics perform best so you can pick styles and content ideas that catch on side-by-side.

Table of Contents

• How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other in 4 Ways

• How to Overlay Video on Video in 4 Steps

• How to Make Engaging Social Media Videos

• 9 Ways to Find Engaging Social Media Content Ideas

• Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other in 4 Ways

1. iMovie — How to place two clips side by side on iPhone or iPad

Want to put two clips next to each other on an iOS device? iMovie lets you build clean split-screen videos with minimal fuss while keeping your edits precise and polished.

Key features

• Combine several clips on a timeline for precise trimming and timing control.  

• Add transitions and visual effects to smooth the cut between segments  

• Use split screen to position two videos side by side or top and bottom  

• Insert titles and text overlays for context or captions  

• Adjust and balance audio tracks so both sides are audible and synced

How to put two videos side by side in iMovie

STEP 1

• Create a new project and import clips

• Open iMovie, choose Start New Project, then pick the two video files you want to use. 

• Add them to the project timeline so you can edit their placement and timing.

STEP 2

• Turn on split-screen overlay.

• Tap the first clip in the timeline, open Video Overlay Settings, and select Split Screen from the overlay menu. 

• Do the same with the second clip or drag the second clip into the overlay track so both occupy the same frame.

STEP 3

• Align, tweak, and export.

• Adjust scale, position, and timing so frames line up and audio stays in sync. 

• When you are satisfied, tap Done and export the file by choosing resolution and quality settings.

2. InShot — Create side-by-side layouts on Android devices

Need a fast way to build a side-by-side video on Android? InShot combines an approachable interface with enough tools to make attractive split-screen clips for social posts and stories.

Key features

• Trim, cut, and split clips directly on the timeline for tight edits  

• Add text, stickers, and emojis to label or decorate each side  

• Change playback speed to create slow motion or quick cuts  

• Apply filters and color adjustments to match the two clips visually  

• Export at social media-friendly resolutions and aspect ratios

How to put two videos side by side in InShot

STEP 1

• Start a new video project

• Open InShot, tap Video to begin, and import the two clips you plan to combine. 

• Place them on the canvas or timeline so you can manipulate each separately.

STEP 2

• Choose a split layout and position clips

• Use the layout or collage option to assign each clip to one half of the frame. 

• Resize and crop each video to control framing and aspect ratio so both sides look balanced.

STEP 3

• Polish and save

• Adjust audio levels and add transitions or effects if you want. 

• When the composition looks right, export at your chosen resolution for posting or sharing.

3. Instagram Reels — Use Layout to pair videos for social feed

Want to post a split screen directly to your feed or Reels? Instagram’s native Layout tool helps you place two photos or videos next to each other without leaving the app.

Key features

• Built-in Layout grid for side-by-side or stacked compositions  

• Record directly inside the tool or import prerecorded clips  

• Add text, stickers, and music before publishing  

• Adjust clip order and trim within the Reels editor  

• Publish optimized for mobile viewing and stories

How to put two videos side by side on Instagram

STEP 1

• Open Reels and pick a layout

• Swipe right to open the camera, choose Reels, then tap Layout on the left side. 

• Pick the grid that places content side by side.

STEP 2

• Record or upload clips for each slot

• First, record the left slot or upload a clip, then switch to the right slot to record or import the second clip. 

• Use the preview to check framing and timing.

STEP 3

• Enhance and post

• Add text, effects, and music. 

• Preview to verify alignment and audio, then tap Next to publish the split-screen Reel to your profile.

4. TikTok — Apply layout and split effects to show two angles

Looking to show reactions, comparisons, or parallel footage on TikTok? The app includes layout and split options that make side-by-side editing fast and native.

Key features

• Built-in Layout choices for multiple panels and side-by-side views  

• Effects menu with split and duet style options  

• Record inside the app or upload clips from your device  

• Trim and time clips so actions sync across panes  

• Add sound, captions, and stickers before posting

How to put two videos side by side on TikTok

STEP 1

• Open the recorder and add clips

• Tap the plus icon to create a new video. 

• Record live or upload existing clips to the editor so both clips are available.

STEP 2

• Use the split effect or layout tool

• Open Effects and choose Split or select Layout to assign clips to left and right panels. 

• Pick the split style and set the timing point where the screen divides.

STEP 3

• Preview, adjust audio, and upload

• Check the preview for framing and audio balance, trim as needed, then tap Next to add captions and tags and post the side-by-side video to your profile.

How to Overlay Video on Video in 4 Steps

What overlaying video on video actually means — quick primer

Overlaying places one clip on top of another, allowing both to show at once. You can stack footage as picture-in-picture, split screen, or cutaway to compare, contrast, or add reaction shots. Think side by side, two up, split screen, or a small insert window inside a full frame. This is compositing and layering inside the timeline.

Step‑by‑step: Place an overlay clip in iMovie on iPhone.

1. Launch iMovie and open your movie project.  

2. Move the timeline so the playhead, the thin white vertical line, sits exactly where you want the overlay to begin.  

3. Tap the Add Media button, then choose what you want to place over the central clip:  

a. To add another video: tap Video, pick a category, then tap the clip you want.  

b. To add a still image: tap Photos or Albums, select an album, then tap the photo you want to use.  

4. Tap the More button after selecting the asset, and then select an overlay mode from the list of options.  

5. After the asset appears on the timeline as an overlay, open the overlay controls to pick picture-in-picture, split screen, cutaway, or green/blue screen and make adjustments to fit the frame.

Choose overlay modes and what each does.

Picture in picture places a more petite frame on top of the central clip so viewers see both at once. Split-screen crops and shows clips side by side for direct comparison or parallel action. Cutaway uses the selected clip as a temporary cover, replacing the main footage while it plays. A green or blue screen removes a color so a subject can sit cleanly over a different background. Each mode changes scale, position, and audio handling.

How to position and size the overlay

After you add the overlay, tap the preview and use pinch gestures to scale the inset clip. Drag to reposition it anywhere inside the frame. For split screen, pick left or right, and iMovie crops automatically. For precise juxtaposition, crop clips before adding them or trim edges in the timeline so the two frames align cleanly.

Syncing timing, trimming, and audio control

Drag either clip’s edges in the timeline to set how long the overlay shows—split or trim clips to match actions or dialogue. Tap the overlay clip, then choose audio options to keep, mute, or mix soundtracks. Use fade handles to smooth transitions between layers.

Tips for clean side‑by‑side edits and split-screen comparisons

Match the aspect ratio and resolution of both clips when possible to avoid awkward black bars or stretching. Use consistent color and exposure so frames feel like one scene. Add a thin border or divider for clarity if the two shots run very close together. Want a multi-camera look? Keep motion and eye lines consistent so viewers can compare without confusion.

Troubleshooting common overlay problems

If the overlay option is greyed out, confirm you tapped the More menu after selecting the media and that the media type supports overlays. Large files may slow your iPhone; trim or transcode clips to a lower resolution for editing, then export at high quality. If audio conflicts, mute the overlay or main track and add a dedicated audio clip instead. Want to try this now? Play with different overlay modes to see which style tells your story best. Need help matching two clips side by side so they read like a single scene?

Virlo helps short‑form content creators crack the code of virality through AI‑powered trend analysis. Try Virlo’s virality analysis tool to surface patterns, best posting times, and audio-video combinations that increase engagement.

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How to Make Engaging Social Media Videos

1. Know Your Viewer: Make Content That Feels Written For Them

Understand who watches, why they watch, and what they do next. Map a clear audience persona, then use analytics to confirm assumptions: watch time, retention spikes, click-through rate, device type, and top-performing topics. Read comments, customer reviews, survey responses, and direct messages to collect the exact phrases your audience uses. Those lines belong in your script so the video reads like the characters' existing thoughts.  

Ask: What keeps this viewer up at night? Build a single goal for every clip and write the hook and call to action around that goal. When you need to compare products or claims, use a split screen or side-by-side video layout so viewers can judge differences at a glance. In editors, place clips on separate tracks, align their timelines for synchronized playback, then crop and scale to create a clean horizontal merge or dual screen view.

2. Design Visuals That Stop the Scroll

Eyes move fast. Use precise composition, strong contrast, and motion to force a second look. Mix stock footage, generated art, and original clips. Try AI image tools for custom backgrounds and an AI video maker for voiceovers or avatars when you cannot film. Make every image earn its spot: panoramic shots, drone flyovers, or macro details work when they support the message. Use motion graphics, kinetic typography, and dynamic transitions to boost retention. For comparisons, a split screen or video collage communicates differences immediately; set the editor timeline so clips play side by side with matched pacing and synced audio, add a thin divider or subtle mask to separate panels, and color grade both panels for a consistent mood. On the web, use CSS or HTML video side-by-side patterns when embedding parallel clips.

3. Structure a Story That Holds Attention

People follow narratives. Give them a beginning, an obstacle, and an ending that shows change. Position the viewer as the hero or let a relatable character model the struggle and solution. Use tension and curiosity to push viewers forward and provide a practical takeaway they can use right away. When you present before and after scenes, a side-by-side presentation can dramatize the contrast and make the lesson obvious without extra explanation. Use a clear arc on the editor timeline so the pacing rises and resolves on cue, and place emotional beats where retention tends to dip.

4. Trigger Emotion on Purpose

Decide which feeling you want to create: trust, urgency, relief, envy, or humor. Then align music, color palette, pace, and cast to that emotion. A CEO voiceover builds authority. A customer testimonial builds trust. An on-camera founder who looks and speaks like the audience builds authenticity. Write lines that echo how people already talk about the problem and include a few deeper beliefs to push toward a proper reaction, such as the sense that the system is stacked against them or that there must be a better way. Use sound design and slow or fast cuts to intensify the emotional arc.

5. Grab Attention Within Seconds

Lead with a hook: a provocative question, an unusual visual, a quick demo, or a bold data point—script the opening before any other line so every second after it serves that promise. Viewers decide fast; pick a clear promise and deliver it in the first four to eight seconds. Match video length to the purpose. Break long material into micro videos for social feeds and use side-by-side clips when you need to compress comparison information. On platforms like YouTube, mid-length videos often perform best, while extremely long videos lose most viewers unless they serve a niche need. Plan pacing on the timeline to maintain momentum.

6. Turn Viewers Into Participants

Add quizzes, polls, clickable links, branching scenarios, or on-screen prompts to coax responses. Interactive elements increase commitment and completion. Use scenario-based branching when training or onboarding so learners control the flow and practice decisions. For comparison content, let viewers switch layouts or choose synchronized playback of two clips. Add annotations or timed CTAs that appear near the relevant panel in a split screen, and prompt replies: which side convinced you more? Track engagement metrics to iterate on format.

7. Be Human on Camera

Authenticity builds trust faster than polish. Speak plainly, share small failures, and show behind the scenes. Avoid stiff scripts; rehearse main points, not every sentence, so your delivery feels natural. Reply to comments, feature user-generated clips, and invite viewers into the process so they promote the work for you. Different personalities attract different viewers. Keep your tone consistent and match production choices to your persona. When you place clips side by side for reaction or comparison videos, ensure that framing, lighting, and grading are consistent so the contrast reads as content, not a production mismatch.

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9 Ways to Find Engaging Social Media Content Ideas

1. Virlo — AI Trend Signals That Point You Toward Viral Short-Form Wins

Virlo uses machine learning to decode what makes short-form posts catch fire. The platform cross-references creator behavior and analytics to surface repeatable content patterns, peak posting windows, and high-performing audio and visual pairings. For creators building a side business, Virlo removes guesswork: it suggests which topic formats, split-screen layouts, or side-by-side video combinations are currently getting traction. Use its insights to match a trending sound with a split-screen edit, test side-by-side comparisons, or assemble a dual-screen video that syncs two clips for direct contrast. Do you want to pair a trending audio clip with a two-up video layout? Use Virlo’s virality analysis tool to boost that experiment.

2. Pinterest Search — Visual Query Engine for Repeatable Ideas

Treat Pinterest like a picture-first search engine. Enter a niche term and scan the top pins to see which topics and compositions repeat. Those top results become storylines for captions, carousel posts, Reels, or long-form videos. If you search a topic such as freelancing for beginners, you’ll discover angles like portfolio setup or top job boards you can demonstrate side by side. Use Pinterest to harvest phrase ideas too: search “[topic] quotes” for ready-made captions. Are you considering a split-screen tutorial or a side-by-side comparison? Pinterest will show visual templates and composition ideas you can emulate.

3. Lurk Facebook Groups — Hear Questions, Then Show Two Perspectives

Join active niche groups and read the threads. You’ll find recurring pain points and the exact wording your audience uses. Capture those questions and map each one to a content type: a quick Story or Reel, a longer feed video, or a live Q&A. For visual answers, consider framing responses in a split-screen or side-by-side layout: show the problem on one side and the step-by-step fix on the other, or place user quotes next to your demonstration. Which recurring question could you answer with a two-up clip this week?

4. Answer The Public — Turn Search Queries into Comparison Videos

Plug a keyword into Answer The Public and get lists of real search questions. Those prompts make strong hooks for social posts, IGTV series, or downloadable guides. Use the results to build side-by-side content: for example, pull two common how-to questions and create a split-screen that contrasts the methods, or create a two-up tutorial that aligns text questions with live demonstrations. What high-volume question from Answer The Public would work as a dual-screen explainer?

5. Instagram Stories Polls and Questions — Let Followers Pick the Two-Up Topics

Ask your audience directly with the Stories tools. Use the Questions sticker and polls to learn their biggest struggles and preferences. Ask: “What do you struggle with most in X?” or “Which format do you want: quick tips or deep tutorials?” Use their replies to prioritize content. For comparative formats, poll which two items they want contrasted side by side. Will you use their answers to inform your following split-screen comparison or a two-up review?

6. Scan Instagram Reels — Capture Trending Sounds and Split-Screen Challenges

Watch Reels for five to ten minutes daily and note recurring sounds, transitions, and visual formats. Save promising audio and any Reels that use split-screen or side-by-side edits; you can adapt them. Then, for batch film, synchronize two clips to the same beat or create a side-by-side before-and-after that benefits from split-screen editing. Which trending sound could you repurpose into a dual-screen clip for your niche?

7. Browse Stock Photo and Clip Sites — Visual Prompts That Translate to Split Views

When creativity stalls, search Pexels, Unsplash, or free stock video libraries for intense compositions. Look for complementary images or clips you can combine into a single frame or a video collage. Use those assets as placeholders while storyboard­ing a side-by-side video, or as background plates for split-screen overlays. If you use Plann, you can pull imagery without leaving the app. Which visual pairing from a stock search would become a clear two-up storyboard?

8. Check Trending YouTube Videos — Spot Topics Worth a Two-Up Response

Search YouTube for keywords tied to your niche and sort by view count. High-performing videos show what audiences care about right now. Create your own take and repurpose it into shorter clips for Reels or IGTV. For engagement, consider reaction or comparison formats: play the original on one side and your commentary on the other, or juxtapose two tutorials to highlight differences. Which popular video could you convert into a side-by-side reaction or comparison?

9. Analyze Competitors with BuzzSumo — Recreate Top Ideas as Split-Screen Content

Use BuzzSumo to find the highest-performing articles and posts in your niche. Filter results by date, format, or engagement to focus on what’s current. Then adapt the best-performing ideas into social content. A strong tactic is to turn a top-performing blog or video into a two-up video: one side shows the original claim or tip, the other shows your demonstration, proof, or counterpoint. Which competitor post would gain momentum if presented as a side-by-side clip?

Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

Virlo uses AI trend analysis to find patterns that actually drive views and shares. It pulls creator signals and platform data, then ranks audio and video combinations, topic angles, and posting windows. Use it to see which hooks, clip lengths, and edits repeatedly win. The platform translates raw data into clear actions, allowing you to spend less time guessing and more time creating.

From Trend Signals to Clear Content Choices

Which trends should you follow and which to skip? Virlo surfaces repeatable patterns: the hook types that hold attention, the pacing that fits the trend, and the visuals that get remixed. Ask yourself what you can reproduce reliably. Use Virlo to test minor variations, then scale the versions that gain traction.

When to Post: Timing That Works

Virlo suggests the best posting times by region and by audience segment. Try narrow tests across a few time slots, track the short-term lift in impressions and watch time, and remember that consistency matters. Pick a cadence and let data guide minor adjustments to days and hours rather than broad changes.

Pairing Audio and Visuals to Amplify Reach

Virlo flags audio tracks that boost engagement when paired with specific visuals. That could mean a beat drop that lines up with a jump cut or a voice-over that matches a reaction shot. Match rhythm to movement and give each clip a clear story beat in the first two seconds.

How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other: Step-by-Step Basics

Want a split screen or side-by-side effect? Start with matching frame sizes and aspect ratios. Set the project canvas to your target ratio, often nine by sixteen for mobile. Import both clips, then crop and scale so each occupies half the canvas. Align edges and keep key subjects centered inside safe areas. Add a small gap or border if you need visual separation—finally, export at the same frame rate and bitrate as your source to avoid motion artifacts.

Editor Tips for Side-by-Side Video In Popular Apps

CapCut

Create a new project with a nine-by-sixteen canvas. Add clip A and clip B on separate tracks. Use the transform controls to resize each to fifty percent width. Snap them to the left and right. Add a border using overlays or a shape layer.  

InShot

Start with a vertical canvas. Place the first clip, tap canvas, and use split screen mode or manually scale and move the second clip. Lock positions and check captions for legibility.  

Premiere Pro

Create a sequence matching export settings. Place clips on V1 and V2. Use effect controls to scale to 50 and reposition X values to negative and positive offsets. Add an adjustment layer for color match.  

Final Cut Pro

Use the transform tool and precise position values. Use the crop to fill option to keep faces framed. Save the arrangement as a compound clip for reuse.  

iMovie

A limited split-screen option exists. Select both clips, choose the split screen effect, then adjust the crop and Ken Burns settings to keep motion smooth.  

TikTok Duet

Use the duet function to pair your original with a reaction. Choose split layout and microphone settings before posting.

Syncing Timing and Action Across Two Clips

Align beats so cuts and reactions feel intentional. Use markers or match audio waveforms to synchronize key moments. Trim leading and trailing frames to keep both clips in rhythm. When one clip has a visible action and the other is a reaction, time the response to peak at the action.

Audio Mixing When Two Clips Play Together

Set the primary audio to the voice or track you want to be dominant. Lower the secondary clip by 6 to 12 decibels, depending on the content. Use volume automation to duck music under speech. Consider stereo panning subtly to separate sources and avoid muddiness.

Mobile First Design Rules for Split Screen Content

Will viewers watch on small screens? Use big captions with high contrast and short lines. Keep faces larger than one-quarter of the screen. Avoid thin borders and place essential text away from screen edges. Test on a phone before final export.

Visual Hierarchy and Composition for Two Clips

Decide which clip is the hero. Use color grading, exposure, or a vignette to draw the eye. Keep camera angles consistent when possible so the split feels intentional rather than accidental, and place captions and graphics where they do not overlap faces.

A Simple Workflow to Create Side-by-Side Viral Tests Using Virlo

Pick a trend from Virlo and choose a matching audio clip. Plan two versions: an original and a reaction, or a how-to next to a demo. Edit each clip to match length and punch. Assemble side by side using your chosen editor and follow mobile design rules—post during the time window Virlo recommends, and track watch time and shares for each variant.

Testing and Iteration: What Metrics to Watch

Look at retention at key timestamps, completion rate, and share rate for side-by-side posts. Use Virlo to compare creative variants and isolate which element changed performance. Ask which version kept viewers watching into the last third of the clip.

Questions to Trigger Your Next Move

• Which two clips do you want to pair to highlight contrast or agreement? 

• Can you simplify each into a single visual idea or action? 

Try a micro experiment this week and use Virlo to measure whether the side-by-side format increases engagement.

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