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How to Set a Video as Your Wallpaper (Windows and Phone)

A customized desktop with live wallpaper

Short answer: you can set a moving video as your wallpaper on both Windows and your phone using free apps, on Windows a tool like Lively Wallpaper, on Android a live-wallpaper app, and on iPhone a Live Photo. It looks great, but it uses more battery and resources, so here is how to do it and keep it efficient.

On Windows (free)

Lively Wallpaper is a free, open-source app that sets videos, GIFs, and even web pages as your desktop wallpaper:

  1. Install Lively Wallpaper (also on the Microsoft Store).
  2. Drag your video file into it, or pick from its library.
  3. Set it as your wallpaper; it plays behind your icons.

Lively can also pause the wallpaper automatically when you run a full-screen app or game, which saves resources.

On Android

  • Use a free video-live-wallpaper app from the Play Store, load your video, and set it as the live wallpaper.
  • Some phones (and launchers) support video wallpapers natively in the wallpaper settings.

On iPhone

iPhone does not use video files directly, but you can set a Live Photo as your lock-screen wallpaper (touch and hold to see it animate). Convert a short video to a Live Photo with a free app, then set it in Settings > Wallpaper.

Keep it efficient (important)

TipWhy
Use a short, looping clipLess storage and smoother loop
Pause on full-screen appsSaves CPU/GPU while gaming
Lower resolution if laggyEases the load on older devices

The non-obvious tip: video wallpaper drains battery, so use it wisely

A live video wallpaper constantly renders, which uses more battery and CPU/GPU than a static image, noticeably so on laptops and phones. Enjoy it, but consider setting it to pause when on battery or when apps are full-screen. On a phone, if you notice faster battery drain, a static or lightly animated wallpaper is a better everyday choice, with the video saved for when you are plugged in.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set a video as my wallpaper on Windows?

Install the free Lively Wallpaper app, drag in your video, and set it as your wallpaper. It can pause automatically during full-screen apps to save resources.

Can I set a video wallpaper on my phone?

Yes. On Android use a free video-live-wallpaper app; on iPhone, set a Live Photo as your lock-screen wallpaper (convert a short video to a Live Photo first).

Does a video wallpaper drain battery?

Yes, more than a static image because it constantly renders. Use a short looping clip, pause it on full-screen apps, and consider a static wallpaper on battery.

What is the best free app for video wallpaper on Windows?

Lively Wallpaper is free, open source, supports videos, GIFs and web pages, and can pause to save resources while you game.

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