Got Choppy GoPro Playback? Here's How to Fix It!

When you try to watch your GoPro footage on your phone, computer, or Mac, only to find that your GoPro video playback is choppy, it's frustrating when your videos, which should be smooth and cinematic, end up looking like a glitchy robot has edited them. But don’t fret. In this guide, we’ll explain the possible reasons your GoPro video playback is choppy and provide six solutions to fix it, so you can enjoy your footage the way it was meant to be seen.

GUIDE LIST

Part 1. Possible Reasons That Cause GoPro Playback to Be Choppy

Part 2. 6 Ways to Fix GoPro Playback Choppy on Phones and Mac

Part 3. FAQs

Part 1. Possible Reasons That Cause GoPro Playback to Be Choppy

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s talk about why your GoPro videos might be playing choppy in the first place. Here are some common reasons:

1. High Frame Rate

GoPro cameras, especially the newer models, allow you to record at high frame rates (like 60 fps or even 120 fps). While this makes for smooth and detailed footage, not all devices or players can handle such high-quality video. If you're trying to play back these high-frame-rate videos on an older or underpowered device, it could lead to choppy playback.

2. Corrupted Video Files

Sometimes, the issue isn't your device; it’s the video file itself. Video corruption can happen when the file is not properly saved or is damaged during transfer. If your GoPro video playback is choppy on your computer or phone, it could be due to corrupted GoPro files, which are often a major culprit behind playback problems.

3. Insufficient Device Resources

If your device is low on storage or processing power, it might struggle to keep up with high-definition videos. This can cause the playback to stutter, buffer, or freeze.

4. Outdated Software

Make sure your device’s software (whether it's your phone, computer, or video player) is up-to-date. Sometimes, outdated software or drivers can cause compatibility issues, which result in choppy playback.

5. Wrong Video Codec

GoPro cameras record video in specific formats like MP4 or HEVC (H.265). If the video file is not properly encoded or your player doesn’t support the codec, you may experience choppy playback.

Now that we know why the playback might be choppy, let’s explore some solutions to restore smooth, flawless playback to your GoPro videos.

Part 2. 6 Ways to Fix GoPro Playback Choppy on Phones and Mac

1. Check for Video Corruption

As mentioned earlier, corrupted files are a common cause of choppy playback. If you suspect that your GoPro video file is corrupted, the first step is to try and repair it. A tool like ArkThinker Video Repair can help you fix corrupted GoPro video files and restore smooth playback.

ArkThinker Video Repair is a powerful tool designed to fix video corruption issues, including choppy playback caused by damaged video files. It works by scanning your video and repairing any damaged data, such as audio sync problems, black screens, and stuttering playback.

Once that’s done, open the program and add the GoPro video that’s giving you trouble. Remember to upload a sample video from the same camera or source, which will help the tool work its magic and get your footage back in shape faster.

I’ve actually used ArkThinker Video Repair a few times for some choppy GoPro clips, and I’ve got to say, it impressed me with how fast it worked. If you only need to fix one video, it’s fantastic, though it’s not great if you need to repair multiple files at once; this tool can only handle one video at a time. Still, it’s super easy to use, and honestly, it saved my footage when I thought it was totally lost!

2. Convert the GoPro Video to a Lower Frame Rate

If you’re experiencing choppy playback because your GoPro video was recorded in a high frame rate (like 120 fps), try converting it to a lower frame rate. A video editor or converter like HandBrake can do this easily, and the conversion can help make playback smoother on older devices.

3. Update Your Video Player

If you’re playing your GoPro videos on a computer or phone and the playback is choppy, try updating your video player. Older versions of video players might not support the latest codecs required for smooth playback. Players like VLC are constantly updated to support newer video formats.

4. Use a Different Video Player

If updating your video player doesn’t fix the problem, you might want to try a different one. Some players are better equipped to handle GoPro footage than others. Try QuickTime on Mac or VLC on both Mac and Windows.

5. Reduce the Video’s Resolution

High-resolution GoPro videos (like 4K) can be resource-heavy for older devices. If your phone or computer is having trouble keeping up, consider lowering the video resolution.

You can use video editing software to downscale the resolution. Here’s how you can do it in iMovie (on Mac):

6. Free Up Storage Space and Close Other Apps

If you’re trying to play GoPro footage on your phone and it’s choppy, the issue might be that your device doesn’t have enough free space or resources to handle the video. Try closing other apps and freeing up storage to improve playback.

Part 3. FAQs

Conclusion

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consider upgrading your device or troubleshooting your GoPro’s settings. Keep your GoPro updated, use the right video player, and always make sure your footage is properly backed up to avoid future problems.