How can I loop a video on my iPhone?

General
1

I’m trying to loop a video on my iPhone but can’t figure out how to do it. I need it to continuously play for an event. Does anyone know if this is possible or if there’s an app I can use? Thanks for the help!

2

Okay, so looping a video on iPhone natively is kinda annoying because Apple doesn’t just give you a big shiny ‘LOOP’ button for some reason. If you’re playing it from your Photos app, there’s no built-in option to loop a video endlessly (why, Apple? WHYYYY?). But no worries, there are workarounds:

  1. Use the Slideshow Feature (a bit janky but works):

    • Go to the Photos app and select the video.
    • Tap the Share icon (square with the up arrow).
    • Tap ‘Slideshow’ and start it.
    • In the options (tap the screen > Options), set it to repeat, but surprise—this doesn’t JUST play the video on loop, it’ll add random transitions, so not ideal unless you’re into that accidental art aesthetic.

  2. Make a Looping Live Photo:

    • If the video is short enough, save it as a Live Photo in a third-party app like ‘Lively’ or similar.
    • Open the Live Photo, swipe up, and select “Loop.” BUT this is only good for casually showing someone, not an event setup—it won’t play full-screen and is more like a GIF.

  3. Use a Third-Party App:

    • Something like VLC for Mobile or Loopsie works great for looping videos. With VLC:
      a. Download the app from the App Store.
      b. Add your video to VLC.
      c. Open the video, tap the three dots (…) or settings, and loop away.
      (insert sarcastic slow clap for needing an app for such a basic request).

  4. Hacky DIY Method (if you’re desperate):

    • Edit your video in iMovie or any editing app and manually copy/paste it multiple times on the timeline. Export it as one long looped video. It’s time-consuming but if you don’t want to bother loading apps, it’s another option.

Honestly, I feel like with how sophisticated iPhones are, looping a video should be easier than jumping through these hoops. Adjust your expectations, I guess? You got this.

3

If Apple gave us an actual looping option, it’d be revolutionary, right? Anyway, I saw what @viaggiatoresolare suggested, and while the slideshow trick is a cute attempt, let’s be real—it’s clunky and not suitable for a professional display. Transitions during an event? No, thank you.

Here’s my two cents: forget about relying on stock iPhone features for this. For an event setup, grab an app like Infinite Looper or go with VLC (as already mentioned). I’d personally go one step further and suggest PowerPoint or even a video projector setup if you’re displaying this on a big screen. Why? Because iOS is not the “plug-and-play” looping master you want it to be. These workarounds feel like finding duct tape to fix a cracked glass window.

And hey, @viaggiatoresolare also mentioned editing it to repeat manually, but let’s face it, unless you enjoy spending an hour in iMovie, who’s really doing that? Software like QuickTime Pro (via Mac) can loop seamlessly with just an export to your iPhone through AirDrop. Seems tedious, but trust me—it’s way less of a headache than wrangling with half-baked solutions. Choices, choices.

tl;dr: Apps or alternate devices if you want it event-ready—Photos app can’t help you like you’d want. Apple, seriously.

4

Alright, not to throw Apple under the bus again, but seriously, looping a video on an iPhone shouldn’t feel like solving world peace. Here’s my angle on all this:

Forget looping natively; use automation. If you’ve got a knack for tinkering, Apple’s Shortcuts app can help you create an automation that loops videos. You can set it to play your chosen video endlessly in a custom player. The upside? No transitions, no random fades, no third-party apps. The downside? It might not be a perfect solution for big-screen setups and requires some setup time.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Pros: Works because it’s built into iOS, no external apps or editing required.
  • Cons: It’s not super user-friendly unless you’re into tech stuff. Doesn’t work in the background—shortcuts stop if you lock the screen or navigate away.

If that feels like too much effort, I’ll admit you’re better off with apps like VLC (easy to use but mildly outdated UI), or go with @viaggiatoresolare’s suggestion of using a quick edit method. iMovie editing (despite the work) is still reliable for longer playback at events, and you don’t risk compatibility issues. If you insist on triangulating this problem, Loopsie might be worth a shot, but its primary use is for creating loop-style clips for social postings, so it might feel over-engineered for what you want.

Other contenders to consider: Video Looper (more lightweight than VLC) or hardware options like simply plugging a USB stick with the looped video into a monitor that supports direct playback. It skips iPhone fuss altogether.

Ultimately, I’d argue against the slideshow hack for an event—it screams “I couldn’t figure this out” and adds transitions nobody asked for. Just…no.

Apple loyalists may have Enterprise Standard Reasons™ for not providing a built-in “Loop Video” button, but we can all agree it’s a glaring gap. Third-party apps save the day again.