Time lapse videos have become increasingly popular, and are now much simpler to create. That's thanks to consumer-level products in the digital age making this video technique accessible for aspiring filmmakers, as well as pro videographers. What was once only possible by professional videographers with high-end tools is now made easier than ever to experiment with.
These days, whether you're making a GoPro time lapse, using a video camera, or using the best budget time lapse camera, you can improve your results and limit the risk of disappointment with just a little bit of understanding.
By speeding things up, videos can highlight the beauty of things like transition and movement. So, if you're wondering how to time lapse a video, you're in a good spot. Let's find out how to create something great with some time lapse video tips.
Last updated: June 2026
What Exactly Is a Time Lapse Video?
Time-lapse videos are essentially a large number of still images captured on a time lapse camera over a long period of time, played back at a quick speed. It results in a representation of a large passage of time played seamlessly and fast. A time lapse is created by the capture rate of the images being slower than the playback rate, which results in time appearing to move quickly on playback.
Choosing the Right Camera for Time Lapse
Technically, any camera that can take a photo can be used to create a time lapse video - but certain things make some more practical than others, since a time lapse involves hundreds of images captured over a long period, which would be incredibly time-consuming without some sort of built-in automation.
Choosing the right camera timelapse setup is one of the most important decisions you'll make before shooting. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer the most control, allowing you to manually adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO - all critical for consistent time lapse results, and their larger image sensors handle low light better too. Action cameras like GoPro are compact and great for outdoor or adventure time lapses. Many modern smartphones also feature a built-in time lapse mode, making them a surprisingly capable starting point. When evaluating a camera timelapse solution, look for intervalometer support (built-in or accessory), manual exposure controls, and reliable battery life. The right camera for your time lapse will depend on your subject, environment, and the level of creative control you need.
What Else Do I Need?
The type of equipment needed to master your time lapse can vary depending on what you're shooting. Still, there are a few accessories you'll need no matter what. These include:
- A tripod. For your time lapse to look seamless on playback, you want your field of view to remain as steady as possible, and the easiest way to achieve this is with a sturdy tripod for time lapse videos.
- A large capacity memory card. A time lapse video is made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of photos. Making a time lapse that's one minute long would mean capturing between 1,440 and 1,800 images. Knowing how long your video will end up being is a good way to gauge if your memory card is large enough, or if you'll need another.
- An intervalometer. An intervalometer is a device that can automatically set up your camera to take a predetermined number of images at a set interval over a period of time. It saves you from sitting around for hours and manually pressing the shutter of your camera.
- Spare battery or battery grip. Taking a high volume of images will use up battery power, quickly. To make sure you don't have to call it quits before you've captured all your images, pack a spare battery, or two. For continuity when shooting, consider using a battery grip if your camera is compatible to allow for the use of two batteries.
- Large storage capacity and water-proofing if you're filming outdoors for an extended period.
How to Shoot Time-Lapse Videos: Step-by-Step
Knowing how to shoot time-lapse videos comes down to preparation and consistency. Start by securing your camera on your tripod - any movement between frames will ruin the result. Set your camera to manual mode to lock in exposure settings so brightness doesn't flicker between shots. Choose your interval (the gap between each photo) based on how fast your subject moves - clouds may need 5-10 seconds, while a sunset works well at 15-30 seconds. Use a low ISO to reduce noise and a shutter speed roughly double your interval for natural motion blur. Shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility, so you can easily adjust your files to a consistent exposure and white balance across the whole sequence, with batch edits available in most software to drastically speed up the process. Always do a short test sequence before committing to a long shoot to confirm your settings are dialled in.
Time Lapse Video Production: Editing and Exporting Your Footage
Time lapse video production doesn't end when you stop shooting - editing is where your sequence comes to life. If you're creating your time lapse manually and not using an in-camera time lapse mode, import your image sequence into editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, or free tools like DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, Corel VideoStudio Pro, or iMovie. Apply consistent colour grading across all frames before compiling them into a video sequence, typically played back at 24-30 frames per second. Add smooth transitions, background music, or combine your time lapse with regular-speed footage for a dynamic final edit. When exporting, use H.264 or H.265 at 1080p or 4K depending on your source images. Proper time lapse video production workflow - from capture to export - is what separates a rough sequence from a polished, professional-looking final film worth sharing.
Experiment with Time Lapse Today
Now that you've got all these tips on how to make a time lapse video, you're well on your way to making some movie magic! Browse Ted's blog for photography advice, or take a look around at high-quality photography equipment.