How to Make a Time Lapse Video: Phone & DSLR Methods

You've seen time-lapse videos before: clouds racing across the sky, traffic flowing like streams of light, or a flower opening in seconds. Want to learn how to make a time lapse video like that? It's easier than you might expect.

You can use a dedicated camera for more control, but your phone works just as well for most projects. This guide breaks down the methods, tools, and tips you'll need to turn everyday scenes into striking visuals that reveal the passage of time in a whole new way.

What Is a Time-Lapse Video?

A time-lapse video shows change by speeding up reality. Instead of recording every frame in real time, you capture far less frames at regular intervals and then play them back at normal speed. For example, if you take one frame per second and export the video at 30 frames per second (fps), time appears 30 times faster. That's why clouds streak across the sky, flowers stretch open, or a city lights up from dusk to night in just a few seconds.

There are three common ways to create a time-lapse:

• Photo sequence: This is the pro route. You capture individual photos at set intervals, often with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, and combine them in editing software.
• A built-in time-lapse mode on your phone or camera is the easiest option. Just mount it, press record, and let it run.
• Video-to-time-lapse: Of course, you can also record a normal video and speed it up later in editing to create that time-lapse effect.

Each approach has trade-offs, but they all condense minutes, hours, or even days into short, watchable clips that reveal patterns and motion you might not notice otherwise.

Because of that magic, time-lapse clips have snuck into everything. Filmmakers use it to show cityscapes coming alive, scientists use it to document growth or decay, and everyday creators use it to capture projects, travel, or nature in motion.

What You Need: Equipment & Tools

To make a good time-lapse video, you don't need every high-end gadget. But some basic tools and smart choices make a big difference. Here's what matters most:

A Camera or Smartphone

You can make a time-lapse with almost any device:

• Smartphone: Most modern phones, iPhone or Android, include a time-lapse mode in the native camera app. Some apps also let you adjust playback speed afterward.
• DSLR or mirrorless camera: These give you the most control. Many models include interval timers or "time-lapse movie" modes. You can also shoot photo sequences in RAW for higher quality and more editing flexibility.
• Action camera: GoPros and similar devices often have built-in time-lapse features. They're compact, weather-resistant, and ideal for long outdoor shoots or moving setups.

A Stable Mount

Besides your camera, a sturdy tripod is the most important tool you'll use. Even small vibrations show up when hours are compressed into seconds. Look for a tripod that folds small for hikes yet stays steady in the wind. A clamp or small tabletop tripod works if you're shooting in tight spaces.

Storage

Time-lapse projects generate a lot of files. Use high-capacity, fast memory cards or make sure your phone has plenty of free space. For long shoots, consider bringing multiple cards, so you don't run out mid-session.

An Intervalometer (If Needed)

If your camera doesn't have a built-in interval timer, an external intervalometer will trigger the shutter at regular intervals. Many affordable options connect via cable or wirelessly.

Extra Batteries or Power Supplies

Time-lapse shoots often last longer than your batteries can handle. Phones can run dry in under an hour, and even cameras with large batteries struggle during all-night sessions.

If you're shooting indoors, say, a plant growing on your windowsill, you can often plug into a charger or a USB-C dummy battery. Outdoors, it's different. Whether you're recording clouds, traffic, or stars, wall power won't be an option.

For phones, a high-capacity power bank is the most reliable backup to keep it running. For cameras, you can carry spare batteries, use a battery grip, or connect to an external power bank if your model allows it.

Need serious power for your time-lapse sessions outdoors? The Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) has you covered. With enough output to charge a laptop, camera, and phone simultaneously, plus a 26,250 mAh capacity (~99.75 Wh) that lasts for hours, you won't have to worry about running out mid-shoot. A built-in smart display and app controls make it easy to keep track of your power at a glance.

If you prefer something more compact, the Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) is easier to carry but still strong enough for most shoots. It provides 140W on a single USB-C port and 220W total output, which covers a laptop and smaller devices comfortably. Made with a magnesium-aluminum alloy shell for better heat management, its 20,000 mAh capacity balances portability with endurance, and fast recharging gets you back to 80% in about 35 minutes.

Editing Software

If you're shooting photo sequences or converting standard video into a time-lapse, you'll need editing software. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can import image sequences, adjust playback speed, and export your finished video. Free tools like DaVinci Resolve or even mobile apps can also handle the basics.

How to Shoot a Time-Lapse Video

Every time-lapse starts with a choice: what do you want to show? A dramatic sunset, cars flowing through an intersection, or a plant unfolding? Think about how long the real event lasts and how much you want to condense it.

A good starting point for most clips is 10-20 seconds of final video. Once you know your subject and length, you can choose the method that fits best:

Smartphone Method

If you want the easiest way to get started, use your phone. Most models today have a time-lapse mode built right into the camera app.

Here's how to make a time lapse video on iPhone or Android:

1. Set it up. First, mount your phone on a tripod or rest it on a solid surface so it won't move. Even small shakes will be obvious once the footage speeds up.

2. Switch modes. Open the camera and slide to Time-Lapse.

3. Frame the shot. Use the rear camera for better quality. Tap the screen to lock focus and exposure so the image doesn't shift mid-recording.

4. Power up. Plug your phone into a charger or portable battery if you're filming longer than 15-20 minutes.

5. Record. Hit the button and let it run until your subject finishes its course. Resist the urge to pick it up. Movement ruins the effect.

6. Tweak in an app (optional). Want to fine-tune? Open the video in an editor like Adobe Rush for cropping, color warmth, or speed fine-tuning to make the clip shine even brighter.

This method handles all the math for you. The phone automatically decides how often to capture frames and how fast to play them back.

Photo Sequence Method

This approach gives you the most control and the best quality. Instead of recording video, your camera takes individual photos at set intervals. Later, you combine them into a finished clip.

Here's how to make a time lapse video from photos:

1. Plan your math. Decide how long you want the finished clip to be. Multiply that length by your playback frame rate to find how many photos you need. Example: a 10-second clip at 30 fps = 300 photos.

2. Work out the interval. Divide the total real-world time you want to cover by the number of photos you need. For example, 30 minutes (1,800 seconds) ÷ 300 photos = a 6-second interval. As a rule of thumb, use 1-3 seconds for faster action like traffic or drifting clouds, and 30-60 seconds for slower changes like stars moving across the sky or the sun setting.

3. Set up your gear. Mount the camera on a tripod. Switch to manual mode. Lock the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, and focus so nothing shifts during shooting. Shoot in RAW. It gives you the most leeway in software afterward.

4. Program the interval. Use your camera's built-in interval timer or connect an intervalometer. Enter the interval and total number of shots.

5. Shoot the sequence. Start the program and let the camera run without interruption. Check that batteries and memory cards will last the full session.

6. Build the video. Import the images into your editing software as an image sequence at your target fps (24/25/30). Adjust exposure or white balance as needed with one grade and sync across the set. Then export at your delivery resolution (1080p or 4K).

The photo sequence method takes more effort, but it produces high-quality results that hold up well even on large screens.

Video-to-Time-Lapse Method

This option works by recording normal video and then speeding it up later in editing software. It's simple, but keep in mind it uses more storage.

Here's how to do it:

1. Stabilize. Put your camera or phone on a tripod. If you're shooting handheld, keep your movements slow and steady.

2. Record video. Choose the highest resolution your device offers, ideally 4K. Lock exposure and focus if the camera allows it.

3. Keep clips short. Record in 5-10-minute chunks rather than running for an hour straight. This avoids overheating and makes the files easier to manage.

4. Edit. Import the clips into your software and increase the playback speed. Test different speed-up factors (8×, 16×, 30×) until the motion looks natural.

This method is best when you need a quick result, or when your device doesn't support time-lapse capture. It's also useful for moving shots, such as a walk through a city, where you'll stabilize the video later in editing.

Smart Tips for Time-Lapse Shooting

Once you understand the methods, a few smart habits can make your time-lapses look cleaner and more professional. Follow these simple tips:

• Nail the composition: Keep classic framing rules in mind. Use the rule of thirds to position the main subject. Look for strong lines, symmetry, or repeating shapes to guide the eye.
• Lock your settings: Don't leave your camera on auto. Sudden changes in brightness or focus can cause distracting flicker in the final video. Fix exposure, focus, and white balance before you start.
• Mind your shutter speed: For smoother motion, use a shutter speed that's about half your shooting interval (known as the "180° rule"). If your interval is 6 seconds, aim for around a 3-second exposure. This adds a bit of blur to moving objects, so they don't look jumpy.
• Use ND filters in daylight: Bright sunlight makes it hard to use slower shutter speeds without overexposing. A neutral-density (ND) filter reduces light, giving you the flexibility to keep motion blur natural.
• Stabilize your setup: Even tiny shakes are obvious once you speed things up. Keep your tripod low and weighted down if it's windy. For phones, use a mount rather than balancing it against a wall.
• Shoot extra footage: Record more clips than what you think you need. Extra frames give you room to fine-tune the speed in editing. It's simpler to cut frames than to stretch a scene that's too short.
• Plan for power and storage: Time-lapse eats batteries and memory cards. Bring extras or connect to portable power banks. Check your card or phone storage before you start. Running out mid-shoot can ruin the sequence.
• Expect the unexpected: Weather shifts, lights flicker, or people step into frame. Take a test run before committing to a long shoot and be ready to adapt.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a time lapse video is less about complex gear and more about planning and patience. Whether you use your phone's built-in mode, shoot a sequence of photos, or speed up standard video, the process reveals patterns and motion you can't see in real time. Start simple, experiment with different subjects, and build from there. With steady setup and a bit of practice, you'll be able to capture the passage of time in a way that feels both creative and rewarding.

FAQs

How to make a video timelapse in iPhone?

To make a video time lapse on iPhone, open the Camera app and swipe over to Time-Lapse. Mount your phone on a tripod or place it on a stable surface to avoid shakes. Frame your shot, then tap and hold to lock focus and exposure. Plug into power if you're recording for a while. Tap the red Record button to start and let it run. Tap the button again to stop. The iPhone automatically speeds up the footage, so you get a smooth time-lapse video right away.

Can you timelapse a pre-recorded video?

Certainly. While traditional time-lapse is recorded live, you can mimic the effect with a video you've already shot by speeding it up. Many editing tools, including built-in phone apps like Photos or software such as iMovie, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, let you adjust playback speed. By increasing the speed several times over, you can transform regular footage into a smooth, time-lapse-style video.

How long is a 30 minute video in time-lapse?

It depends on how often frames are captured. On an iPhone, a 30-minute time-lapse usually compresses to 20-40 seconds, since the phone adjusts speed automatically. With a camera, it depends on your interval and frame rate. For example, 30 minutes equals 1,800 seconds. If you capture one frame every 6 seconds, that's 300 frames total. Played back at 30 frames per second, the result is a 10-second time-lapse clip.

How to set time-lapse on camera?

On most DSLR or mirrorless cameras, look in the menu for Time-lapse or Interval Shooting. Choose your shooting interval and number of frames, mount the camera on a tripod, and set focus and exposure manually to avoid flicker. Then start the sequence and let the camera capture the shots.