How to Blur Someone's Face in a Video

Сreate awesome videos easily in Movavi Video Editor:

  • Easy-to-use motion tracking

  • Quick, precise, and AI-powered modes

  • Large array of tools to blur an object in a video

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Edited by Sam P Dunn
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Blurring a person’s face in a still picture is a matter of two clicks – any basic photo editor can blur a part of a photo. But how do you blur someone’s face in a video where people and objects move? This is when you’ll want to use motion tracking. Don’t worry, this is easier than it sounds. If you want to know how to blur a face in a video, read our step-by-step guide to doing it in Movavi Video Editor. Movavi’s software is designed to make complicated things simpler – so that anyone with zero video-editing experience can use its features straight away.

Reasons to blur someone's face in a video:

  • This person didn’t give you permission to show their face
  • You don’t want this person to appear in your video
  • You want to blur a person’s face to reveal it later
  • Legal issues and restrictions in your country

Whatever reasons to blur a face in a video you may have, it is easily done in Movavi Video Editor. There are three modes you can choose from: a quick one (provides decent results but may lack precision); manual (where you can tweak the settings and get better results); and AI-powered (where artificial intelligence does all the work and provides amazing results). Here’s how to blur faces in a video on a Mac and Windows computer.

When working on large projects involving longer clips where blurring someone’s face is needed, split and segment the clips in the timeline. Apply the blurring effect only to the relevant segments instead of the entire footage. This approach minimizes system strain and significantly reduces the time needed for effect analysis, ensuring a smoother editing process and optimized performance.

How to blur a face in a video with Movavi Video Editor

Step 1. Download and install Movavi Video Editor

Get the latest version of Movavi Video Editor for Windows or Mac and install it on your device. The program will open automatically after the installation.

Step 2. Import your video

Click Add Files to import your videos to the program or just drag your clips into the program’s window. Your videos will appear in the Project files section. Drag them to the Timeline before you start working with them. You can also use default video clips from the Sample videos section.

Step 3. Choose your motion tracking tool

Before you apply motion tracking, select one of the tools to blur out a face in a video. Here in this example, we’re using Blurred ellipse. If you want to apply the same effect, go to More tools, then select Blurred ellipse in the Highlight and conceal section. Add this effect to your clip and adjust the ellipse’s size and position.

You can also use other tools to blur a face in a video: pixel ellipse/rectangle, non-transparent black ellipse/rectangle, and more. Use a clear ellipse/rectangle if you want to blur the background of your video.

If you want to apply a different effect, check out the Elements tab for amazing themed stickers and overlays that you can use to cover a person’s face. The process is the same for any element/effect you choose. We’ll proceed with our blurred ellipse.

Step 4. Blur a person’s face or any other object

Here’s how to blur an object in a video. While you’re still in your ellipse’s settings window, go to the Motion tracking tab and select one of the three options available: Quick, Precise, or AI-powered method. While creating this guide, we used the AI feature. Put the frame on the face that you want to blur throughout your video and click Track. You can see the result in the Preview window.

Step 5. Export your video

When you are satisfied with the result, click Export. In the window that appears, you can choose the output format and video quality. Click Start to save your video.

Movavi’s set of tools is suitable to blur a small object in a video, too: a number plate, a building’s address, someone’s personal information, or any other tiny thing that you want to stay private. Here’s more examples for you, each created with Movavi Video Editor.

The face-blurring method in Movavi Video Editor isn’t limited to obscuring faces; it’s also great for concealing sensitive information. It can also be creatively used in storytelling to build suspense or mystery in your videos, adding a unique touch to your editing projects.

Now you know how to blur a moving object in a video with Movavi Video Editor! Motion tracking can be challenging, but not with Movavi’s editor. Thanks to its functionality, you can create stunning videos in a snap:


  • Boost your videos with rad transitions, titles, and intros
  • Power up with AI: denoise sound and swap out backgrounds
  • Have a blast with 180+ filters: Glitch, Blur, VHS, and more
  • Amp up your videos with color correction and highlight effects
  • Save at high speed and get ready to collect those likes

Find more stunning effects, stickers, and overlays with Movavi’s Effects Store!

Highlighting a moving object is not the only way you can track it. In our Effects Store, you’ll find themed stickers, effects, overlays, and other elements that will bring your video editing to the next level.


Also read our step-by-step guide to tracking a moving object with a sticker!

Frequently asked questions

What is motion tracking?

Motion tracking is a technology used in video editing that analyzes pixels in a frame to make it possible to follow the position of a moving object throughout a video. Motion tracking is often used to pin an effect to a moving object – a sticker, a blurring mask, and other effects.

How do I blur a moving object in a video?

You can blur a moving object (a person’s face, a number, personal information) with Movavi Video Editor. Follow these steps:

  1. Download and launch Movavi’s editor.
  2. Add your videos to the program and drag them to the Timeline.
  3. Go to the More tools tab and select one of the tools in the Highlight and conceal section. Pixel/blur ellipse and rectangle is the best choice for your purpose. Drag the effect on your video and adjust the size and position.
  4. Now go to the Motion tracking tab, select the desired tracking method, and click Track.
  5. Check the result in the Preview window and save the video.

How do I blur the background of a video?

Background can be blurred with the help of the motion tracking functionality. Here’s how to blur the background of your video in Movavi Video Editor.

  1. Download and install Movavi Video Editor.
  2. Import your clips to the program and drag them onto the Timeline.
  3. Go to More tools and find the Highlight and conceal section. To blur the background of your video, it’s best to use a clear ellipse or rectangle – the area around it will be blurred. Add the effect to your video and adjust its size and position.
  4. Proceed to the Motion tracking tab, select a tracking method, then click Track.
  5. Save the result by clicking Export.

How do I put a sticker on a moving object?

Use the motion tracking technique. Movavi Video Editor offers three ways you can use the motion tracking feature: quick, precise, and AI-powered modes. Here’s how you pin a sticker to an object in Movavi Video Editor:

  1. Download and install the program.
  2. Import your clip and drag it onto the Timeline.
  3. Choose a sticker from the Elements section and add it to your clip.
  4. In the sticker settings, open the Motion tracking tab and select the suitable method to track an object.
  5. Adjust the size and position of the frame and click Track.
  6. That’s it! Export your video.

Read the complete guide with screenshots

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