Blurring the background in videos is no longer a pro-only trick. Whether you’re shooting a casual vlog or creating polished content for YouTube or Instagram, a blurred background adds a cinematic touch. It helps you stand out while keeping distractions out of sight. But how do you actually blur the background in your videos—especially using your phone?
Good news: both iPhones and Android devices offer plenty of ways to do it—some built-in, others through apps.
Let’s break down exactly how to video blur background on iPhone and Android, step-by-step.
Native Features for Background Blur
iPhone Built-in Options
Cinematic Mode (iPhone 13 and Later)
Starting with iPhone 13, Apple introduced Cinematic Mode, a game-changing feature that mimics DSLR-style depth-of-field. It automatically detects faces and blurs the background while keeping the subject in focus.
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How to use it:
Open the Camera app → Swipe to Cinematic → Start recording. It’ll automatically create a blurred background.
Portrait Mode for Video
Although not traditionally available, some third-party apps on iPhone simulate Portrait Video, allowing you to record videos with artificial background blur similar to photo portrait mode.
Android Built-in Options
Samsung’s Live Focus Video
Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 series and above) offer Live Focus Video that blurs the background in real-time.
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How to enable it:
Open Camera → Select Video → Tap Live Focus → Adjust blur level → Record.
Google Pixel’s Cinematic Pan
Pixel phones offer Cinematic Pan, which enhances movement and applies subtle background blur. Not heavy blur, but great for aesthetic shots.
Best Third-Party Apps to Blur Video Backgrounds
For iPhone
InShot
InShot is one of the most beginner-friendly apps that lets you blur video backgrounds easily.
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Select your video → Go to Canvas or Background → Choose Blur effect.
VN Video Editor
Another powerful free editor that supports background effects and layering.
CapCut
Popular among TikTokers, CapCut provides background blur under effects and masking features.
For Android
KineMaster
A pro-level editor with background blur under “Effects” or using chroma key if you shoot against green screen.
PowerDirector
Offers AI background blur for premium users and manual blur via timeline effects.
CapCut
Also available for Android, with similar tools to its iOS version.
Step-by-Step Guides to Blur Video Backgrounds
Using iPhone’s Cinematic Mode
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Open Camera app
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Swipe to Cinematic
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Tap to focus on the subject
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Record
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Use Photos app to edit blur intensity afterward
Using InShot on iPhone
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Open InShot → Import video
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Tap Canvas or Background
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Choose Blur from the options
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Export
Using CapCut on Android
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Import your video
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Tap Overlay → Add duplicate clip
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Apply Gaussian Blur to background layer
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Resize front layer to focus subject
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Export video
Using PowerDirector on Android
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Import video → Tap Effects
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Search for Blur
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Apply blur to specific area or whole background using masking
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Preview → Export
Tips for Best Results
Lighting and Framing
Better lighting makes subject separation easier. Natural light or a ring light can help your camera detect the subject sharply.
Shooting Distance and Angles
Stand at least 3–5 feet from the background to create more depth. Use angles that have a clear separation between you and the background.
Using AI Tools to Auto Blur Video Background
Runway ML
This browser-based AI tool allows you to remove or blur backgrounds automatically, no editing experience required.
Unscreen
Unscreen is perfect for removing or blurring video backgrounds without a green screen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-blurring the Background
Too much blur looks artificial. Keep it subtle for a natural, cinematic feel.
Ignoring Foreground Focus
Make sure your subject is always sharply in focus. Background blur is only effective if the foreground is crisp.
Conclusion
Blurring the background in your videos isn’t just a stylistic trend—it’s a way to create professional, viewer-friendly content straight from your phone. Whether you’re using the native camera features or third-party apps, the options for iPhone and Android are both powerful and accessible.
Try experimenting with different apps and settings to find the combo that works best for your content style. And don’t forget, good lighting and framing are just as important as any app!
FAQs
1. Do all phones support video background blur?
Not all. Phones like iPhone 13+ and Samsung S20+ have native blur, but older models need third-party apps.
2. Can I blur background in videos after recording?
Yes, using apps like InShot, PowerDirector, and CapCut.
3. Is video background blur the same as bokeh?
Not exactly. Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of blur; background blur can be artificial or natural.
4. Are there free apps for video background blur?
Yes! CapCut, InShot, and VN Video Editor are great free options.
5. Can I blur background during video calls?
Most video apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp now support background blur during calls.
