Published on Apr 25, 2025 6 min read

How to Reverse a Video on Snapchat Using the Built-In Filter

Snapchat has become the go-to app for those quick, quirky moments that need no filter—except when you want one. Among all the filters and features, the reverse video option has a charm of its own. Whether it’s pouring water back into a bottle or catching a moment that just feels cooler when played backward, this effect can give a regular clip a fun twist. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to pull it off. Just a few taps, and you’re there.

Let’s walk through exactly how to reverse a video on Snapchat. No fluff, just clear, simple steps with everything you need—whether you’re using Android or iPhone.

Reversing a Snapchat Video Isn’t Magic—It’s Simpler Than You Think

Step 1: Capture or Upload the Video First

First things first, you need a video. Either record one on the spot or choose a clip from your Camera Roll. Snapchat lets you do both, but there’s a catch: the reverse filter only works automatically on videos recorded directly in the app.

So, if you want to reverse a moment you already captured yesterday or last week, you’ll need to take a slight detour (don’t worry—we’ll explain that too).

Recording a Video Within Snapchat

To get started, open the Snapchat app. Press and hold the circular capture button in the center to begin recording your video. Let go of the button when you're done. This instantly creates a Snap that’s ready for editing within the app.

Uploading a Video From Your Gallery

If you want to use a video that's already on your phone, tap on the small gallery icon—usually found to the left of the capture button. From there, select the video you want to use. After selecting it, tap the three dots or look for the "Edit Snap" option to start customizing your clip.

Keep in mind that Snapchat’s reverse effect doesn’t always show up for uploaded videos. But we’ll talk about a workaround for that in a minute.

Step 2: Apply the Reverse Filter

Now, here’s the fun part. Once your video is recorded (or if you’re lucky and your uploaded clip qualifies), swipe left on the preview screen. Keep swiping until you see the video play in reverse.

You’ll know you’ve landed on the right filter when:

• The video starts playing backward.
• A rewind icon (two arrows pointing left) appears on the screen.

That's it. No menus to dig through. No setting to enable it. Just a swipe and done. The reversed version will still have sound, but it'll be played backward, too—which can be surprisingly funny or eerie, depending on what you recorded.

Important note: the reverse filter is one of Snapchat’s default filters, so if it doesn’t show up, make sure you didn’t disable filters under settings. Go to your profile > gear icon > "Additional Services" > “Manage” > check if “Filters” is toggled on.

What If You’re Using a Pre-Recorded Video?

Let’s say you have a hilarious video from last month, and you want to reverse it. But no matter how many times you swipe, the filter won’t show. That’s because Snapchat limits the reverse effect to videos taken with its camera.

But all hope isn’t lost. Here’s what you can do instead:

Use a Third-Party App: If Snapchat won’t let you reverse a pre-recorded video, don’t worry. You can still get the job done using a third-party video editing app like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Premiere Rush. All three have solid reverse features.

Import Your Clip: Open your chosen app and import the video you want to reverse. This is usually as simple as tapping an “Import” or “Add Video” button and selecting the file from your phone’s gallery.

Apply the Reverse Effect: Look for the reverse option—most apps keep it under “Effects” or basic editing tools. Once you tap it, the app will flip your video so it plays backward.

Export the Reversed Video: After applying the reverse effect, export the video. This saves the new version to your phone, which is now fully reversed and ready for sharing.

Upload to Snapchat: Finally, open Snapchat and upload the reversed video as you normally would. While Snapchat won't add any more filters, the reversed effect is already built in.

Can You Add Other Effects on Top of the Reversed Video?

Yes, absolutely. Once the reverse filter is applied, you can enhance your content by adding text or stickers, drawing with the pen tool, or layering a voiceover or music, especially if the reversed audio is just noise. You can also use AR lenses, though compatibility may vary depending on the effect.

Everything works the same as with a regular Snap. You can even add timed captions, change the color of your text, or stack several stickers to give it more personality. Reversed Snaps also tend to grab more attention in Stories, especially if the effect is unexpected. The only thing Snapchat won’t let you do is stack the reverse filter with another video filter, such as speed-up or slow-motion. It's one or the other.

Sharing and Saving: What to Expect

Once your video is reversed and customized, you can send it to friends, post it to your Story, or save it to your Memories. If you save it, it stays in its reversed form—Snapchat doesn’t flip it back later.

To save:

• Tap the download icon before sending or sharing.
• It’ll go to your Memories or Camera Roll, depending on what you’ve chosen under settings.

One quick heads-up: if you edit a reversed video after saving it and then send it out again, make sure the changes don’t overwrite the effect. Snapchat can sometimes reset filters when re-editing older Snaps, especially if pulled from Memories. Double-check before sharing.

Conclusion

There’s something about watching life backward that makes even ordinary things look cooler. Snapchat knew that when it built this feature in. Whether you're flipping a water bottle, catching your dog mid-jump, or just experimenting with sounds, the reverse filter adds that little bit of unexpected flair. And now you know how to use it like a pro.

If Snapchat ever updates how this works or introduces a new way to reverse clips from your gallery directly, we’ll be the first to say goodbye to workarounds. But until then, the process above has you covered. Now, go try it. Who knows? Your next Snap might just be better backward.