Combining upscaled video clips in iMovie results in a glitch or hiccup

Question

Level 1

25 points

Combining upscaled video clips in iMovie results in a glitch or hiccup

I am trying to figure out how to combine video clips seamlessly in iMovie. The clips are from the same scene in a video and I want the two clips melded together without any glitch where clip A meets clip B. I cut the video in two so I could increase the resolution and clarity of each clip. (The software I am using won't do the whole video all at once, I need to cut the video into smaller sections first.) However, after cutting the video in two in iMovie , upscaling the videos and then 'stitching' them back together in iMovie there is a clear 'glitch' between clip A and clip B. There is obviously at least one frame missing. Any ideas how to resolve this?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.3

Posted on Aug 3, 2026 1:02 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

WheelieNick

Level 9

50,661 points

Aug 12, 2026 10:46 AM in response to werdup

To fix the glitch where your split clips meet, zoom all the way into the iMovie timeline and use the frame-trimming handles to pull back 1 to 2 frames on the inner edges of Clip A and Clip B to reveal overlapping footage, or use the keyboard shortcut Option + Left/Right Arrow to nudge clips frame by frame.

Why the Glitch Happens

Frame Drop During Export: Your upscaling software or iMovie dropped a frame or two at the exact cut points during rendering or slicing.
Variable Frame Rate (VFR): Phones or screen recorders often use VFR, which confuses strict cuts and makes exact frame alignment fail.
Magnetic Timeline Snapping: iMovie forces clips to snap, but if a frame was shaved off during processing, snapping leaves a micro-stutter.

Reply