How-to guide, iPhone
How to make a text story video on iPhone
A text story video shows a conversation appearing one message at a time, often with music or a voice reading along. You can build the chat part on your iPhone in Mimicly, save it as an MP4 to Photos, then add sound and captions in CapCut, iMovie or any editor you like. You write every line on both sides; Mimicly only renders it.
Updated . Steps written for: iPhone.
What you need
- An iPhone with Mimicly installed from the App Store
- Your script, written as short lines with a speaker name on each
- A Mimicly account: signing in gives 3 free exports, shared across images and videos
- A video editor for sound and captions (optional)
Example script
Sample script, 12 messages. Type Sam’s lines as Them and the rest as Me.
Sam: did you take my charger again Me: which one Sam: the only one. the white one Me: define “take” Sam: I am at 3% Me: ok I may have borrowed it Sam: where are you Me: library. second floor Sam: I’m coming up Me: bring snacks and I’ll give it back Sam: that’s not how borrowing works Me: second floor, by the window
Steps
Step 1: Write the script before you open the app
Keep each message short, one thought per bubble, the way people text. Decide who is “Me” (right side) and who is “Them” (left side). Eight to fifteen messages is a comfortable length for a 20 to 40 second clip. Read it aloud once; if a line feels long, split it into two messages.
Step 2: Pick a chat template that supports recording
Open Mimicly, go to Templates and search for the app your characters would use, such as iMessage or WhatsApp. Messaging and AI conversation templates can be recorded as video. Comments, posts, stories, email and game chats save as images only, so choose a messaging template for this job.
Step 3: Set the people and the phone bar
In the Build tab, tap People to change the contact name and photo. Use a photo you have the rights to, or a plain avatar. Tap Phone bar to set the time and battery shown at the top of the screen. If the story happens at night, set a time like 11:48 PM.
Step 4: Type the conversation
Type each line into the “Write a message” box, choose Me or Them, and tap Send. Tap any message in the preview to change its text or delete it. If you entered the whole thread in the wrong order, the Reverse chip flips the message order in one tap.
Step 5: Record the video
Switch to the Export tab and tap Record. Mimicly replays your conversation message by message and generates an MP4; tap Stop if you want to end early. The clip saves to Photos. If iPhone Screen Recording is running, turn it off first, and allow Photos access when asked.
Step 6: Add sound, captions and a cover in your editor
Import the MP4 into your video editor. Add music, your own voice-over or sound effects, and a title card if the story needs one. Mimicly does not add voice-over or background gameplay footage, so this is where those layers go. Export at the aspect ratio of the platform you post to.
Tips
- For a thumbnail still, open the Export tab, tap Save as image and pick Phone (inside a phone frame), Screen (just the chat) or Transparent (no background).
- Your draft saves automatically, so you can come back and change a line before recording again.
- If a story is fictional, say so in the caption. It keeps comments focused on the story.
What Mimicly does not do
- Mimicly does not send messages or connect to any messaging account; it renders the conversation you wrote.
- There is no built-in voice-over, music or background video. Add them after export.
- Mimicly is not affiliated with the apps whose styles its templates follow.
Questions
Is Mimicly free for text story videos?
You can build and preview a conversation without paying. Sign in to get 3 free exports, shared across images and videos. For more, Pro is $3.99 per month or $32.99 one time for lifetime access in the US; the current price is shown before purchase.
How long can the video be?
The video runs for as long as your conversation takes to replay, so you control the length through the number and length of messages. For TikTok and Reels, keeping the chat under a minute leaves room for an intro and a payoff.
Can I make a text story video on the web instead?
Yes. Open the same template in the web editor at mimicly.net, use Preview to check the pacing, pick a speed from 0.5x to 2x and click Record to save an MP4.
Can I add a voice reading the messages?
Not in Mimicly. Record your own voice or use a text-to-speech tool in your video editor. If you need AI narration inside the same app, ChatTales lists that feature.
Related
The template opens with sample content. Replace it with your own and preview before you export.
Open the iMessage-style template