Editing in the Insta360 App: A Step-by-Step Guide

🎬 Editing in the Insta360 App: A Step-by-Step Guide for X4 & X5 Users

The Insta360 app is more than just a companion tool — it’s a powerful, all-in-one mobile editing studio designed specifically for Insta360 cameras like the Insta360 X4 🎥 and the Insta360 X5 🚀. Whether you’re reframing immersive 360° footage, applying dynamic effects, or exporting polished content for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, the app gives you the flexibility to turn raw shots into professional stories — straight from your phone.

The X4 makes 8K 360° editing accessible to creators who want performance without breaking the bank, while the X5 adds replaceable lenses, PureVideo AI, and extended batteries — features that elevate editing workflows for pro storytellers. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to editing like a pro inside the Insta360 app.

📂 1. Importing Your Footage

Before you edit, bring your clips into the app efficiently:

• Connect Your Camera: Link via Wi-Fi or USB-C. The X5’s faster transfer speeds make a difference for larger files.

• Select Media: Browse clips directly from your X4/X5 or from your phone’s gallery.

• Download Files: Save locally to your device for smoother playback.

💡 Pro Tip: The X5’s bigger batteries allow longer recording sessions — but also create larger file sizes. Keep extra phone storage available.

🎥 2. Reframing 360° Videos

One of the biggest advantages of 8K capture (on both X4 & X5) is reframing: turning one clip into multiple edits.

• How to Reframe: Open clip → drag to adjust angle → set Keyframes → smooth transitions auto-generate.

• Modes to Explore:

  • Follow Mode: Locks onto a moving subject.

  • FreeCapture: Converts 360° into cinematic flat formats for YouTube or TikTok.

🚀 X5 Edge: Thanks to PureVideo AI, the X5 handles low-light reframing better, preserving detail when shooting in darker environments.

✨ 3. Applying Creative Effects

The Insta360 app’s Shot Lab makes professional effects easy:

• Clone Trail – Duplicate moving subjects.

• Stop Motion – Create playful animation vibes.

• Bullet Time – Capture dramatic slow-motion spin shots.

🪄 Simply tap Shot Lab, pick an effect, and follow the guided workflow. Customize speed, duration, and transitions for your style.

🎨 4. Color & Lighting Adjustments

Polish your footage to make it pop:

• Basic Controls: Brightness, contrast, and saturation.

• Advanced Tools:

  • ColorPlus – AI one-tap enhancement.

  • White Balance – Match lighting conditions.

  • LOG Mode (X5 & X4) – Capture flat profiles for advanced grading in apps like Resolve.

🌌 X5 Edge: With its low-light optimized sensor and PureVideo AI, the X5 delivers cleaner footage in challenging conditions, reducing noise during grading.

🛠️ 5. Stabilization & Horizon Control

Both cameras shine here:

• FlowState Stabilization: Eliminates shakes for smooth action.

• Horizon Lock: Keeps horizons level — ideal for biking, skiing, or vlogging.

⚡ Why It Matters: The X4 is rugged and compact for active shots, while the X5’s pro-level stabilization is especially powerful in cinematic sequences.

⏱️ 6. Trim & Speed Adjustments

Shape the flow of your story:

• Trim Tool: Cut away rough edges or long intros.

• Speed Tool:

  • Slow down action (works best with 60fps+ clips).

  • Speed up travel sequences with TimeShift.

📤 7. Exporting Your Final Video

Deliver your content in the right format for your audience:

• Resolution: Export up to 4K on mobile (for full 8K, use Insta360 Studio desktop).

• Aspect Ratios:

  • 16:9 → Widescreen platforms (YouTube).

  • 9:16 → Vertical (TikTok/Reels).

  • 1:1 → Square (Instagram).

• Direct Share: Export and publish instantly to social platforms.

💡 Pro Workflow: X5 users working with replaceable lenses can shoot specialty footage, then export different versions optimized for each platform in minutes.

🚀 8. Explore Additional Features

Don’t miss the extras that speed up your workflow:

• Auto Editing: AI generates highlight reels.

• Music Sync: Match cuts to beats.

• Templates: Plug-and-play styles for quick edits.

🔑 Pro Workflow Tip: Use the app for fast, social-ready edits. Then finish bigger projects in Insta360 Studio desktop software, where you can export full-resolution 8K footage from either the X4 or X5.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Insta360 app makes editing on the go fast, intuitive, and powerful. The X4 🎥 keeps 8K editing accessible, portable, and budget-friendly, while the X5 🚀 adds professional power with its advanced low-light, AI features, and modular lens system.

No matter which camera you use, the Insta360 app gives you the freedom to reframe, stabilize, color-grade, and export polished videos directly from your pocket. 🌟

✨ Experiment with its tools — one tap, one swipe, one frame at a time — and watch your content transform into stories that stand out on every platform.