How to Add a Countdown Timer to a Video – 3 Easy Ways

  1. Add your video file to Movavi Video Editor.
  2. Add timer titles.
  3. Edit the timer.
  4. Save your final video.

By clicking the download button, you're downloading a free version of the program.*

Edited by Ben Jacklin
14 923

Thinking of adding a countdown video to your next video project? A video countdown timer can draw attention and add a sense of urgency to your video. So let’s explore three easy ways to create the perfect countdown video clip.

How to add a countdown timer with Movavi Video Editor

The first option is to use Movavi Video Editor. The program lets you not only add a countdown timer to a video but also customize the timer, so you can create your own to best fit your movie. You can change the text and background color, choose from a wide range of fonts, and create an outline. Movavi Video Editor lets you get really creative!

Step 1. Install the program

After downloading, install our countdown video maker following the on-screen instructions. The setup process will take just a few minutes.

Step 2. Add your video file

Click Add Files and choose the clip you want to work with. You can also simply drag the files from their folder onto the Timeline in the lower part of the program window.

Add your video to Movavi Video Editor

Step 3. Add timer titles

First, open the Titles tab to see the list of available text styles. Go to the Basic group and find the Timer title style. Drag the title onto the Titles Track of the Timeline, then move the timer along the Timeline to the point where the timer should begin to appear. To change the length of the countdown timer video overlay, simply pull on its edges.

Add the countdown title to the clip

Step 4. Edit the timer

To choose the font and style for the numbers, go to the Text tab. You can also set the colors for the numbers and the background color. On the Clip tab, set the duration of the timer.

Add your video to Movavi Video Editor

The Timer tab is where you enter the starting time in the From box. If you want to create a countdown video, select the Countdown option. In the preview window, drag the clock to the appropriate location. Finally, click Apply to save changes and exit editing mode.

Save the video with the timer

Step 5. Save your final video

Click the Export button, choose the destination folder in the Save to field, and select the video format from the tabs on the left of the export window. Then click Start. Now you know how to add a timer to a video with the countdown video creator from Movavi!

How to create a free countdown timer video

If you’re wondering how to make a countdown video, you don’t have to stress about creating the actual video or even making a countdown clock. With the right stock video, you can just edit in your countdown clip. There are a lot of free countdown timer videos available on stock image and video sites like Pexels, Pixabay, and Videezy. Let’s walk through how to use these free resources to create a timer in your video.

  1. Find the perfect stock video on a stock website

    Go to a stock video website. Select Videos from the media options, and then enter Countdown in the search bar. Browse through and find the video you like best.

  2. Download a countdown timer video

    Click on the video you want to download and select Free download. You may be prompted to choose the file size. For HD videos, choose the largest size available.

  3. Import the video into your preferred editing software

    On your computer, iPhone, or Android, choose the countdown video clip and import it into the video editor you’ll be using for your project. Then just edit the countdown footage into your video project.

Which stock site is the best resource for your countdown video? Each of these sources has numerous videos available for free, and there are paid videos available, as well. You may find that Pexels is the best for one project, but you find a better video on Pixabay for another. All three sites are there for you whenever you need to browse through stock videos for your film projects.

Website

Pros

Cons

Quality HD videos

Limited selection

Royalty-free, watermark-free videos

Slower load times

14-day free returns on paid videos

Limited free videos

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Making a countdown clock with a personalized template

Finding stock countdown footage is a great way to add a timer to a video, but it isn’t right for every project. When you need a customized animation – like a stopwatch counting down to a big game or event – you might want to consider using timeanddate.com. With this web app, you can select and personalize timers and countdown clocks online. This method for how to add a timer to a video is quick, easy, and gives you a timer that’s just right for your project.

To create a personalized countdown clock with timeanddate.com, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the website

    Visit the timeanddate.com website by following a link below.
    Go to timeanddate.com

  2. Choose your personalized countdown design

    Select any of the theme tiles to start your design. Available themes include holidays, sports, work, generic, and text only, among others.

  3. Choose your countdown title and font style

    Enter a name for your event in the title box. Then select the font style you prefer from the dropdown box to the right.

  4. Set your countdown clock

    When are you counting down to? Select the date, time, and location of the event you’re counting down for. You can also choose to have your timer display weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds; days, hours, minutes, and seconds; or just days. So, if you wanted, you could have a clock that counts down 2 weeks, 3 days, 7 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds. And you can choose if you want the timer to stop at zero or keep going.

  5. Create your countdown timer video

    Once you’re happy with your countdown clock, just click the green Create Countdown button for a free download of your customized stopwatch video.

  6. Add your countdown video to your movie

    Like the stock video method, you’ll need to add your countdown clock video to your video project. You can do this by importing it into your video editor and cutting it into your video there.

Summary: 3 easy ways to add a countdown to your next video

You now should have three simple methods for how to set a countdown in your next video project. Depending on your goals, you can:

  • Use a video editor with a countdown timer effect like Movavi

  • Download a pre-made stopwatch or countdown clock from a stock website

  • Create a personalized countdown timer online

Ready to get started? Follow the steps above to try one or all of these methods today and see how quickly and easily you can customize your next video.

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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

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