Lock Screen Videos: Discover the Best Apps

Have you ever imagined turning on your phone screen to find a moving landscape, a special moment, or an animation you created yourself?

Setting a video as your lock screen is a simple way to personalize your device and give it a look that stands out from the standard.

Beyond just changing your smartphone’s appearance, this feature lets you make use of videos saved in your gallery, create unique animated backgrounds, and make your screen more engaging for daily use. You can do this using dedicated apps or, depending on your device, by using built-in system tools.

In this guide, you’ll discover options for setting a video as your lock screen, learn how each method works, and follow simple step-by-step instructions to set up this feature on Android or iPhone.

How does video on the lock screen videos work?

Before getting started, it is important to understand that different phones may handle videos in different ways.

On many Android devices, apps convert the selected file into an animated background, also known as a “Live Wallpaper”, allowing the system to play the motion on the screen.

On the iPhone, the process typically involves using a Live Photo. You can convert a video into a compatible animated image and then set it as your lock screen wallpaper.

It is also worth noting that some smartphones offer this feature built directly into the system. Therefore, before installing an app, check the options available on your device.

Apps to set a video as your lock screen videos

There are various apps designed for those who want to turn videos into live wallpapers. Here are a few options.

Live Video Wallpaper

Live Video Wallpaper is an Android app that lets you use videos stored on your device as your wallpaper.

The app offers tools to adjust the file before applying it. Depending on the version, you may find features such as:

• video trimming;
• framing adjustments;
• audio toggling (on/off);
• adding text;
• support for high-resolution videos.

This type of feature is great if you want to create a lock screen video using your own footage—such as clips from trips, pets, or special moments.

How to use Live Video Wallpaper

Live Video Wallpaper allows you to turn a video saved on your mobile phone into an animated wallpaper for Android.

The process is simple:

• Install Live Video Wallpaper on your Android device.
• Open the app and grant permission to access the videos stored on your phone.
• Select the video you want to use as your background.
• Crop the specific segment you want to display.
• Adjust the framing to fit your screen’s aspect ratio.
• Decide whether to keep the sound on or mute it.
• Check the preview to see how the result will look.
• Select the option to set the video as your wallpaper.
• Choose the lock screen, provided your phone model supports this option.
• Lock your device and turn the screen back on to check the result.

The app also allows you to add text and use high-resolution videos. However, using a smaller file size can help reduce resource usage on your device.

Video Wallpaper Live

Another alternative is Video Wallpaper Live.

It offers a quick way to turn a gallery file into an animated background. The app is particularly useful for those looking for a simple setup without needing to edit the video in other programs.

Another important point to consider is the audio. For a wallpaper, it is generally recommended to keep the sound off and just keep the motion.

How to use Video Wallpaper Live

Video Wallpaper Live allows you to use videos from your gallery as animated backgrounds on Android.

To set it up:,

• Install Video Wallpaper Live.
• Open the app.
• Look for the option to create or set a video wallpaper.
• Select a file stored in your gallery.
• Adjust the video to fit the screen size.
• Enable or disable the sound according to your preference.
• Check the wallpaper preview.
• Select the option to apply the wallpaper.
• If Android offers multiple options, choose the lock screen.
• Confirm the settings.

Depending on the manufacturer and Android version, the system may allow you to use the video on the home screen, the lock screen, or both.

Pictalive on iPhone

On your iPhone, you can use apps like Pictalive to turn videos into Live Photos.

Once converted, simply use the resulting file in your iOS wallpaper settings.

This is a great option if you want a video-like effect on your lock screen without using complex editing tools.

How to use Pictalive on iPhone

Pictalive works a bit differently on the iPhone. The app converts a video into a Live Photo, which can then be used as an animated background compatible with the lock screen.

Here is the process:

• Install Pictalive on your iPhone.
• Open the app.
• Select the video you want to transform.
• Choose the specific segment (duration) you want to use.
• Crop the video if you need to adjust it to a vertical format.
• Save the result as a Live Photo in your photo library.
• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to Wallpaper.
• Select the option to add a new wallpaper.
• Find the Live Photo you just created.
• Adjust its position and size.
• Make sure the animation effect is enabled.
• Set the image as your lock screen wallpaper.

This way, the converted clip displays motion on your lock screen without needing to use the original video file directly as the wallpaper.

Your phone can do it without apps

Before installing any app, it is worth checking if your device already has a built-in tool.

Some Samsung Galaxy models, for example, allow you to select a video directly from the gallery and use it on the lock screen.

The process may vary depending on the system version, but it generally works as follows:

• Open the phone’s Gallery.
• Select the video you want to use.
• Open the options menu.
• Look for “Set as wallpaper.”
• Select the lock screen.
• Adjust the video clip.
• Save the changes.

If this option is available, you can set a video for your lock screen without needing to install additional tools.

How to set a video as your lock screen videos on iPhone

On an iPhone, the process is slightly different.

You can start by converting your video into a Live Photo using a compatible app.

Then:

• Open Settings.
• Go to the Wallpaper settings.
• Select the option to add a new wallpaper.
• Access your photos.
• Locate the Live Photo you created.
• Adjust the framing.
• Enable the animation effect, if available.
• Confirm the settings.

When you turn on the screen, the Live Photo can show movement, creating an effect similar to a video on the lock screen.

Unique ideas to personalize your screen

Instead of using just any video from your gallery, you can create content specifically designed for your mobile device.

Create a seamless loop

Choose a clip where the movement at the beginning matches the movement at the end.

This ensures a much smoother transition when the video restarts.

Turn a travel memory into a wallpaper

Pick a few seconds of footage from a beach, waterfall, city, or landscape that reminds you of a special trip.

That way, you’ll see a cherished memory every time you look at your phone.

Opt for minimalist movement

Backgrounds featuring rain, smoke, stars, water, or soft lights can give your screen an elegant look without making it hard to read.

Create your own background

You can also record a short video specifically to use as your wallpaper.

Try using slow movement and leave clear space where the clock and notifications appear.

How to get the best results

A few small details can make a big difference in how the video looks on your lock screen.

Use high-quality files, but don’t go overboard with the resolution. An excessively large video file can take up a lot of space without offering a noticeable improvement in visual quality on the device’s screen.

Brightness is another important factor to consider. Images that are too bright can make it difficult to see the clock and notifications.

You can also slightly lower the video’s brightness before using it.

To take it a step further, try to avoid scenes with too many moving objects. Simple videos usually make for a more pleasing screen display.

Can video increase battery consumption?

An animated wallpaper can use more device resources than a static image.

However, the impact depends on various factors, such as the video’s duration, the app used, and how long the screen stays on.

To reduce consumption:

• use short videos;
• avoid excessively large files;
• turn off the audio;
• lower the resolution when necessary;
• avoid overly complex animations;
• keep the app updated.

If you notice a significant change in battery life, try a different video or temporarily switch back to a static wallpaper.

Does the video on the lock screen videos appear cropped?

This usually happens when you try to use a horizontal video on a vertical screen.

The simplest solution is to edit the file beforehand.

You can crop the video to highlight only the important part or use the fit/adjustment option available in the app.

If you plan to create multiple animated wallpapers, it is a good idea to record your future videos in portrait (vertical) mode.

What should I do if the video doesn’t work?

Not all devices support animated wallpapers on the lock screen.

If it doesn’t work, you can try:

• restarting your phone;
• trying a different video;
• using a shorter file;
• checking the app’s permissions;
• updating the system;
• trying a different app;
• looking for a native tool from the manufacturer.

It is also possible that the app only allows the video to be used on the home screen.

In that case, the limitation is due to compatibility between the app and the device’s operating system.

Conclusion: lock screen videos

Using a video on your lock screen is a creative way to personalize your phone and turn ordinary videos into part of your daily experience. You can use special moments, landscapes, animals, or animations, or even create exclusive content.

On Android, live wallpaper apps make the process much easier. Some devices also come with their own built-in tools. On iPhone, Live Photos can provide a similar effect.

Now, all you have to do is choose a short video, adjust the framing, and try out one of the options compatible with your device. With a few minutes of setup, you can transform an ordinary screen into something much more personal and interesting.