Ever hit record only to find your video came out completely backwards or upside down? Or maybe you’re just itching to add a trippy, creative twist to your content? Learning how to invert video is one of those simple but super useful editing tricks that can save your footage or just make it way more fun.
This guide is all about making that happen—no matter what device you’re on. We’ll cover how to flip a video horizontally or vertically using your computer, your phone, or even a free online tool. Plus, we’ll clear up the whole flip vs. mirror vs. rotate confusion so you always pick the right move.
Sound good? Let’s jump in!
What Does It Really Mean to Flip a Video?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s get the terms straight. A lot of people use “flip,” “mirror,” and “rotate” like they’re the same thing… but they’re not! Each one does something a little different to your video.
What is flipping a video?
Flipping means reversing your video along an axis—like an invisible line cutting through the middle. You can flip it vertically or horizontally.
A vertical flip turns your video upside down. Super handy if you filmed something with your phone held wrong and everything’s topsy-turvy. It’s also a fun way to make dreamy or surreal-looking clips.
A horizontal flip (which is basically mirroring) swaps left and right, so it looks like a reflection. A lot of people search how to flip a video horizontally when their webcam footage comes out backwards, or when they want that mirror-image vibe for artistic reasons.
So whether you’re fixing a goof or getting creative, knowing how to invert video puts you in full control.
What is mirroring a video?
Mirroring is just another word for flipping your video horizontally. Yep—it’s the same thing! So when you mirror a clip, you’re doing a left-right swap: left becomes right, right becomes left.
This happens a lot with front-facing phone cameras. Sometimes the video plays back reversed, and while many social apps fix this automatically, you might still need to learn how to put videos flipped the right way around yourself.
You might also mirror a video for style—like creating a twin effect or making a scene feel balanced or intentionally weird.
What is rotating a video?
Rotating is different. Instead of flipping the image over an axis, you’re turning the whole video around a center point by a certain number of degrees—like 90°, 180°, or 270°.
This is a lifesaver if you shot in portrait mode but need it in landscape (or vice versa). Ever watched a video shot sideways? Not fun. Rotating fixes that!
You can even use rotation to do a vertical flip—just spin it 180 degrees. So sometimes when you’re figuring out how to invert video, you might actually use the rotate tool.
How to Flip a Video on Your Computer Using CapCut
If you’re editing on a Mac or Windows PC, one of the easiest and most powerful tools you can use is the CapCut desktop video editor. It’s totally free, pretty intuitive, and packed with features—even if you’ve never edited video before.
With CapCut, you can flip video footage without losing quality. And it’s not just about flipping—you can crop, filter, add effects, and more.
Why Choose CapCut Desktop?
- One-click flipping: Flip your video horizontally or vertically in literally one click.
- Rotate without quality loss: Spin your video any direction and keep it looking sharp.
- Easy cropping and repositioning: Adjust the frame, focus on what matters, and make your video fit the screen perfectly.
- Extra editing tools: After you flip, you can color correct, add filters, throw in transitions, and more.
Step-by-Step: How to Invert Video with CapCut Desktop
Ready to flip? Here’s how.
First, download and install CapCut on your computer. Don’t worry—it’s free!
Step 1: Import your video
Open CapCut and click “New Project.” Hit the Import button to bring your video into the editor. You can also add photos or audio tracks here.
Drag your video down to the timeline. That’s your editing workspace.
Step 2: Flip your video
Click the video clip in the timeline. Up top, you’ll see a mirror icon—click that to flip it horizontally.
To flip vertically, go to the right menu, click “Video” > “Basic,” and use the rotation tool. Set it to 180°, and boom—your video is upside down.
That’s all it takes! Now you know how to put videos flipped exactly how you want.
Step 3: Export and save
Happy with your flipped video? Click Export in the top right. Choose your quality—from 480p all the way up to 4K—then save it to your computer or share straight to YouTube or TikTok.
And that’s it! CapCut makes learning how to invert video quick and easy.
CapCut — Your all-in-one video & photo editing powerhouse! Experience AI auto-editing, realistic effects, a huge template library, and AI audio transformation. Easily create professional masterpieces and social media viral hits. Available on Desktop, Web, and Mobile App.
How to Flip a Video Online Using VEED
Don’t want to download software? Using someone else’s computer? No worries! You can flip a video online in your browser with VEED.
VEED is a super handy web-based video editor. No installs—just go to the site, upload your clip, and start editing. Perfect for quick fixes.
Why Pick VEED?
- One-click flip: Flip your video in seconds.
- Works in your browser: No downloads, no installs.
- Keeps your quality: Your video stays sharp.
- More than flipping: Trim, add text, record your screen—lots of extras.
How to Flip a Video Online with VEED
Wondering how to flip a video horizontally without installing anything? VEED’s got you.
Step 1: Upload your video
Go to VEED’s website and click to upload your video file. Give it a few seconds if your video is large.
Step 2: Flip the video
On the left sidebar, click “Media.” You’ll see two buttons—one for horizontal flip, one for vertical. Click your choice and the video flips instantly.
You can flip video footage over and over until it’s just right.
Step 3: Download your video
Click “Done,” then “Export.” VEED will process your video, and you can download it. Now you’ve got a flipped video, no software needed.
So yes—you can flip a video online anytime, anywhere.
How to Flip a Video on Your Phone with the CapCut Mobile App
What if you’re out and about and need to flip a video real quick? Your phone is always there—so use it!
The CapCut mobile app is perfect for this. Free, easy, and loaded with features. Whether you’re on iPhone or Android, you can flip, mirror, or rotate video right from your palm.
Why Use CapCut Mobile?
- One-tap flip: Mirror or flip a video in seconds.
- Super simple: No pro skills needed.
- Perfect for short videos: Great for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts.
- More than flipping: Split clips, add music, use effects—it’s a full editor.
Step-by-Step: How to Flip a Video on Your Phone with CapCut
Here’s how to mirror-flip a video right from your phone.
Step 1: Upload your video
Open the CapCut app, tap “New Project,” and pick the video from your gallery.
Step 2: Flip the video
Tap the video in the timeline. At the bottom, tap “Transform.” You’ll see options like Rotate, Mirror, and Resize. Hit the Mirror button to flip it horizontally.
To flip vertically, use the rotate option and turn it 180 degrees.
Step 3: Save and share
Once it looks good, tap export. Your video saves to your phone, and you can share it right away.
Seriously—it’s that easy. Now you can flip video footage from anywhere!
CapCut — Your all-in-one video & photo editing powerhouse! Experience AI auto-editing, realistic effects, a huge template library, and AI audio transformation. Easily create professional masterpieces and social media viral hits. Available on Desktop, Web, and Mobile App.
So… Which Method Should You Use to Flip Your Video?
Now you know how to invert video on desktop, online, and on your phone. But which one’s best?
- If you’re at home and want full control: Use CapCut on your computer. It’s powerful and free.
- If you’re in a hurry or on a shared device: Use VEED online. No installs, no fuss.
- If you’re on your phone: Use the CapCut mobile app. Perfect for social clips and quick edits.
No matter how you do it, flipping a video doesn’t have to be hard. With these tools, you can easily learn how to flip a video horizontally or vertically, fix mistakes, or just get creative.
So next time you wonder, “Can you flip a video?”—you’ll know: yes, and it’s way easier than you thought!
FAQs About Flipping Videos
How can I flip a video?
You can flip a video using editors like CapCut. Upload your video, click the mirror or rotate button, and export. Just a few clicks!
How to mirror or flip a video on a phone?
Use the CapCut mobile app. Upload your video, tap “Transform,” then “Mirror.” It flips right away.
Which is the best way to flip a video?
For most people, CapCut on desktop is best. It’s easy, free, and high quality. But if you’re on your phone, the mobile app is great too.
Some images used in this article are courtesy of CapCut.