The art of video editing is no longer reserved for professionals using expensive software. Mobile applications like InShot have put powerful editing tools right in the hands of everyday content creators. One of the most in-demand editing techniques today is the ability to blur backgrounds in videos and photos.
Whether you’re creating cinematic vlogs, professional tutorials, or stylish social media reels, background blur can make your subject stand out, hide distractions, and give your content a polished look.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything about using the InShot app to blur backgrounds, including why it matters, step-by-step methods, advanced techniques, and tips for achieving the best results.
Why Blur Background in InShot?
Background blur, also called bokeh in photography, is more than just a trend. It serves multiple purposes, including:
- Focus on Subject: A blurred background ensures the viewer’s attention remains on the main subject of your video or photo.
- Professional Look: Background blur creates a cinematic, DSLR-like feel, even if the video was shot on a smartphone.
- Distraction-Free Content: If your background has clutter or unwanted objects, blur can soften or hide them.
- Privacy Protection: When filming in public places, background blur can hide faces, license plates, or sensitive information.
- Consistency: Blur can unify clips shot in different environments by softening background differences.
Understanding Blur Options in InShot
InShot provides multiple options for blurring backgrounds. Unlike some advanced software where blur is applied using layers and masks, InShot simplifies the process with built-in features. The main blur options include:
- Background Blur: Automatically blurs the background of videos or images when resizing or fitting into different aspect ratios.
- Effect Blur: Specific blur effects like Gaussian blur, motion blur, or selective blur applied as filters.
- Overlay Blur: Adding blur layers or stickers to create a customized blur on specific parts of the frame.
- Custom Mask Blur: Using shapes, frames, or cropping tools combined with blur effects for advanced editing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Blur Background in InShot
Now let’s dive into a complete walkthrough of blurring backgrounds using the InShot app.
Step 1: Open Your Project
Launch InShot and import your video or photo. Tap on “Video” or “Photo” depending on your project. Once uploaded, your file will appear on the editing timeline.
Step 2: Adjust Canvas Size
If your media doesn’t fit the canvas (for example, shooting vertical on a horizontal frame), InShot will automatically generate a blurred background. You can adjust this blur under the Canvas section, where options include “Blur,” “Solid Color,” or “Gradient.” Choose “Blur” for a soft, cinematic effect.
Step 3: Apply Background Blur
InShot lets you modify the blur intensity. Go to Background > Blur, then adjust the slider until you achieve the desired softness. This method is ideal for videos where you want the background of the canvas area (outside the main video) to be blurred.
Step 4: Use Blur Filters
If you want to blur within the actual video itself, tap on Filter > Effect. Scroll down to find blur effects. Options often include Gaussian Blur, Motion Blur, and Radial Blur. Apply the effect and adjust its strength.
Step 5: Add Blur Overlay
Another creative method is using overlays. Tap Sticker or PIP (Picture-in-Picture) and insert a blurred image or shape. Resize and place it over the area you want blurred. Adjust transparency for smoother blending.
Step 6: Export Your Video
Once satisfied, preview your edit and tap the export button. Select the resolution (up to 4K for Pro users), adjust bitrate, and save. Your blurred background video is now ready to share.
Advanced Techniques for Background Blur in InShot
1. Selective Blur for Privacy
If you want to blur a face, number plate, or text in the background, use the PIP feature. Import a blurred version of the clip or a blurred sticker, crop it to the area, and place it directly over the sensitive section.
2. Cinematic Depth Blur
For cinematic projects, adjust contrast and saturation before applying blur. Then, apply radial blur around your subject to mimic depth of field.
3. Motion Blur for Action Shots
When editing sports or action videos, apply motion blur to create speed effects. This adds dynamism and hides distracting details in the background.
4. Combining Filters with Blur
Enhance your blur effect by combining it with filters. For instance, pair soft blur with a warm filter to create a dreamy, romantic mood, or use blur with cold tones for a dramatic look.
Tips to Get Professional Results When Blurring Background in InShot
- Don’t Overdo It: Too much blur can make your video look unnatural. Keep it subtle unless you’re going for a strong stylistic effect.
- Maintain Subject Clarity: Always ensure the subject remains sharp and well-lit. Blur should enhance, not distract.
- Match Blur Style with Content: Use radial blur for portraits, motion blur for action, and Gaussian blur for casual or vlog-style content.
- Experiment with Layering: Combine multiple blur effects for complex edits, like blurring both background and moving objects.
- Preview Before Export: Watch your edits on full screen to check if blur looks natural across the entire video.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Excessive Blur: Making the background too blurry creates a fake look and lowers professional appeal.
- Blurring the Subject: Misplaced blur can reduce focus on your subject, defeating the purpose.
- Ignoring Lighting: Even with blur, poor lighting makes videos look dull. Always balance exposure before blurring.
- Low-Quality Exports: Applying blur on low-resolution videos can create pixelation. Always export in high quality.
- Using Blur as a Cover-up: Blur should enhance your video, not simply mask bad footage.
Creative Use Cases of Background Blur in InShot
Vlogging
Blur distracting coffee shop backgrounds to keep the focus on your story.
Educational Videos
Use background blur to highlight text overlays and keep viewers focused on your explanations.
Business Promotions
Create polished product showcases by blurring out messy office spaces.
Social Media Content
Instagram reels and TikTok videos perform better with clean visuals. Blurring helps remove distractions.
Event Videos
During weddings or conferences, blur the background to emphasize the bride, speaker, or main subject.
Future of Background Blur in Mobile Editing
With AI becoming more integrated in mobile apps, future versions of InShot may include automatic subject detection for one-click background blur. This would rival DSLR portrait modes and make cinematic editing even more accessible. Expect AI-powered masking, smarter blur controls, and 3D depth adjustments in upcoming updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main purpose of blurring backgrounds in InShot?
The main purpose is to make your subject stand out while softening distractions in the background. It creates a professional, cinematic feel and ensures viewers focus on the most important part of your video or photo.
2. Does InShot automatically blur backgrounds?
Yes, in certain scenarios. For example, when you resize or fit your video into a different aspect ratio, InShot automatically generates a blurred background. You can adjust this blur in the Canvas or Background settings.
3. Can I blur only specific areas of my video in InShot?
Yes. While InShot doesn’t offer advanced masking like desktop software, you can achieve selective blur by using the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature. Add a blurred version of your clip or sticker, then overlay it on the area you want blurred.
4. What kinds of blur effects are available in InShot?
InShot provides options such as Gaussian Blur, Motion Blur, and Radial Blur. Each serves different purposes—Gaussian for soft backgrounds, motion for action clips, and radial for emphasizing central subjects.
5. How do I adjust the intensity of blur in InShot?
You can use sliders within the Background or Effect sections. These allow you to increase or decrease blur intensity to achieve subtle or dramatic looks, depending on your project.
6. Is background blur available in the free version of InShot?
Yes. The free version includes basic blur features for canvas and background adjustments. However, some advanced filters and overlays may require upgrading to InShot Pro.
7. Can I use background blur for privacy in InShot?
Absolutely. Many creators use blur to hide faces, license plates, or private details in the background. The PIP feature allows you to strategically place blur over sensitive sections.
8. Does blurring the background reduce video quality?
No, but excessive blur can make footage look unrealistic. To maintain quality, keep blur subtle and always export videos at the highest resolution available, ideally 1080p or 4K.
9. How do I make my blur look cinematic?
For cinematic results, combine blur with color grading. Apply radial blur around your subject, then adjust contrast, saturation, and filters for a polished, movie-like effect.
10. Can I apply blur to photos in InShot, not just videos?
Yes. InShot supports photo editing as well. You can blur the background of any image by resizing it on canvas or applying blur filters.
11. What’s the difference between canvas blur and effect blur?
Canvas blur affects the background space created when resizing media to fit the screen. Effect blur applies directly to the video or photo itself, altering the content rather than just the outer frame.
12. How do I blur moving objects in InShot?
You can apply motion blur effects to moving parts of your video. While it isn’t as precise as advanced desktop tools, it’s effective for sports, travel, or action videos.
13. Can I copy blur settings across multiple clips?
Yes. InShot lets you copy edits and apply them across clips in your timeline. This ensures consistency in background blur across your entire project.
14. How do I use blur creatively in social media videos?
Blur can help highlight text overlays, create dreamy intros, or emphasize product shots. For TikTok or Instagram reels, background blur removes distractions and improves audience engagement.
15. Is blur reversible once applied in InShot?
Yes. All edits in InShot are non-destructive. You can adjust or remove blur effects at any time before exporting the final video.
16. How do I avoid overusing blur in my videos?
Preview your edits regularly, and keep blur levels moderate. Overuse can make videos look artificial. Aim for natural enhancement rather than heavy effects.
17. Can I create a portrait-style blur like on DSLR cameras?
Yes. Use radial blur to soften backgrounds around your subject. Combine it with adjustments to depth and exposure for a DSLR-like portrait look.
18. How do I ensure blur looks smooth and not pixelated?
Always start with high-resolution footage. Blurring low-quality video can cause pixelation. When exporting, choose 1080p or 4K with high bitrate settings.
19. Does blur affect video rendering speed in InShot?
Yes, applying heavy blur effects can increase rendering time, especially on older devices. For smoother performance, keep blur levels moderate and close background apps while editing.
20. Can I combine multiple blur types in one project?
Yes. You can use canvas blur along with effect blur, overlays, and motion blur in a single project. Combining blur types allows more creative control and advanced editing styles.
Conclusion
Learning how to blur backgrounds in InShot is an essential skill for anyone serious about video editing. Whether you’re an aspiring YouTuber, a business owner creating ads, or just someone who loves sharing stylish clips on social media, background blur gives your content a professional and cinematic edge. M
By exploring the built-in background blur, effect filters, overlays, and advanced techniques, you can transform ordinary footage into visually stunning productions.
The key is balance—use blur to guide attention, enhance storytelling, and remove distractions without compromising the subject’s clarity. As mobile video editing continues to grow in 2025 and beyond, mastering blur effects in InShot will keep your content polished, modern, and engaging.