How to Add Narration to iPhone Videos Using iMovie

I want to add narration to a video I took on my iPhone using an app!

When adding narration to a video shot on an iPhone, you might wonder which app to use.

Actually, **Apple's genuine iMovie, which comes pre-installed on the iPhone**, is very convenient for such occasions.

With iMovie, you can record narration on the spot or add pre-prepared MP3 files to your video—all within a single app.

In this article, I will explain **how to add narration to videos using only an iPhone**, using screens from iOS 26.

What you will learn in this article:

1. Apps to use when adding narration to videos on iPhone/iPad (iOS)
2. How to add prepared audio files to a video
3. How to record narration on the spot with iMovie
4. Tips for recording clear narration

iMovie is Recommended for Adding Video Narration on iPhone

When you want to add narration to a video on an iPhone or iPad (iOS), **it is recommended to use Apple's genuine video editing app, "iMovie."**

Since it is an app released for free by Apple, no additional costs are required, and no ads are displayed.

In addition to cutting videos and adding BGM, you can, of course, add narration as well.

It supports two methods, so you can:

1. Add audio files (such as MP3) saved on your iPhone to the video
2. Record audio via the microphone on the spot using the voiceover feature

You can add your preferred narration according to the style of the video you want to create.

Note that while the standard Photos app on iPhone has functions for trimming videos and adjusting volume, it cannot add external narration audio.

Why not try using iMovie to add narration to your videos on iPhone or iPad?

How to Add Narration to Videos with iMovie (iPhone is All You Need)

Now, let's look at the flow of adding narration to a video using iMovie installed on an iPhone or iPad.

1. Create a New Project in iMovie

First, **launch the iMovie app** from the iPhone home screen or App Library.

(If it is not installed, you can install it for free from the App Store)

Tap "Movie" from "Start New Project."

A list of videos saved in the Photos app will be displayed, so select the video you want to add narration to and tap "Create Movie."

The editing screen is now open.

2. Add Narration to the Video

Add narration to the video on the editing screen.

There are two methods: adding an audio file like an MP3 and recording narration on the spot. I will explain each.

• Click here for how to add a prepared audio file (MP3) to a video
• Click here for how to record on the spot (Voiceover feature)

How to Add a Prepared Audio File (MP3) to a Video

Using iMovie, you can import audio files in formats like MP3 to add narration to your video.

This time, we will add narration using audio created with the AI text-to-speech site "Ondoku."

To add narration to a video from an audio file, first, align the cursor (white line) in the "timeline" at the bottom half of the screen to the position where you want to insert the audio.

Tap "+" (Add Media).

Scroll down and tap "Files."

A list of audio files within the Files app will be displayed, so tap the audio file you want to add.

*If you cannot find it, please check the "Downloads" folder from "Browse" at the bottom right.

When you tap the audio file, it will be added to the timeline.

You have now successfully added narration to the video in iMovie using a prepared audio file.

If you want to change the position where the audio starts playing, you can adjust it by long-pressing and dragging the audio clip.

How to Record on the Spot (Voiceover Feature)

Using iMovie, you can also record narration with your own voice.

To record on the spot and add narration to the video, use the iMovie **Voiceover feature**.

First, align the cursor (white line) in the "timeline" to the position where you want to insert the audio.

Next, tap "+" (Add Media) on the left side of the timeline.

Select "Voiceover" from the options.

The first time, you will be asked for permission to access the microphone, so tap "OK."

A volume meter will appear on the screen, indicating that it is waiting to record.

**Tap "Record"** to start recording the narration.

Recording starts after a 3-second countdown.

Speak into the microphone while watching the volume meter.

When you are finished recording, tap "Stop."

Once stopped, a confirmation screen will appear.

Tap "Accept" to save it to the timeline as an audio clip (purple bar).

You have now successfully recorded and added narration to your video in iMovie.

3. Export and Save the Video

Once you have added the narration, export it as a video file and save it to the Photos app.

Tap "Done" in the upper left corner of the screen.

Tap the "Share" icon at the bottom of the screen.

Select "Save or Share Video" from the options.

The save/share screen will open, so tap "Save Video."

After the export process, the video will be saved to your Photo Library.

You have now successfully added narration to a video on iPhone using iMovie.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Narration to Videos on iPhone

How do I add audio recorded with the Voice Memos app to a video?

Audio recorded with the standard iPhone "Voice Memos" app can also, of course, be used as video narration.

To add narration from audio recorded in Voice Memos, you need to export the voice memo as a file.

After opening the recording in Voice Memos, tap the "..." in the upper right to open the menu.

Tap "Save to Files" on the screen that appears when you tap "Share."

Then just tap "Save."

You can now add narration in iMovie using audio recorded with the Voice Memos app.

How can I adjust the volume of the video narration?

To adjust the volume of the narration, first, **quickly double-tap the narration in the timeline**.

The narration audio will then enter editing mode, and a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.

**Tap the speaker icon** to adjust the volume.

The changes will be saved automatically.

Once adjusted, you can close the editing screen by tapping anywhere else on the screen.

Can I layer multiple video narrations?

In iMovie, you can **layer and insert multiple audio clips**, such as narrations.

Since you can adjust the volume of each individually, it is also easy to layer video narration and BGM.

How can I delete video narration?

If you want to delete a narration after adding it to a video, quickly double-tap the narration in the timeline to open the menu at the bottom of the screen.

Tap "Delete" to remove the narration from the timeline.

How can I record cleanly using the iPhone's Voiceover feature?

When using the Voiceover feature in iMovie on iPhone, **the recording environment is important**.

Since the recording environment significantly affects sound quality, it is recommended to **record in a quiet room**.

The iPhone's microphone is located at the bottom of the device (next to the charging port).

Try to keep a distance of about 15–20 cm between the iPhone's microphone and your mouth, and be mindful not to move closer or further away while recording.

Since recording easy-to-hear narration yourself can be difficult, it is also recommended to create narration with an AI text-to-speech site and import the MP3 file to add narration.

How to quickly create narration for videos like YouTube using text-to-speech software. Tips and points | Text-to-speech software Ondoku

Explains how to quickly create YouTube video narration with Ondoku. From how to create a script to using Ondoku, adjusting for natural intonation, and tips for editing in video editing software. A must-see for those who want to streamline video production with text-to-speech software!

Recommended Method for Creating Video Narration Audio

As you can see, you can add narration to videos using only an iPhone or iPad with iMovie.

However, you might encounter problems such as:

• It is difficult to create easy-to-hear narration
• It is embarrassing to speak yourself

In such cases, it is recommended to **create narration with AI**.

The sample audio used in this article was created with the **AI voice synthesis service "Ondoku."**

**Ondoku** is a speech synthesis service that allows you to create easy-to-hear audio on a website.

Simply paste the text and press the read-aloud button to immediately download natural Japanese audio.

Features of Ondoku include:

1. A free plan is available for reading up to 5,000 characters per month. Membership registration is also free.
2. Supports multiple languages including Japanese and English.
3. Created audio can be used commercially (explained in detail in this article)
4. MP3 files can be downloaded to an iPhone and added directly to a video

Since it can be used without membership registration, why not start by actually creating narration audio with Ondoku?

Adding Narration to Videos on iPhone is Very Easy

As explained, when adding narration to videos on an iPhone, **using Apple's genuine iMovie is all you need**.

When you are in an environment where recording is difficult, or when you want to create high-quality, easy-to-hear audio, using the AI speech synthesis site "Ondoku" is recommended.

Since you can add narration to a video with just one iPhone, why not try making a video using iMovie and Ondoku for yourself?

■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"

"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.

• Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
• Available from both PC and smartphone
• Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
• No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
• Supports reading from images

To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.

Text-to-speech software "Ondoku" can read out 5000 characters every month with AI voice for free. You can easily download MP3s and commercial use is also possible. If you sign up for free, you can convert up to 5,000 characters per month for free from text to speech. Try Ondoku now.

HP: ondoku3.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com