How to Add a Speed Overlay to Video on Android

Updated · Published by VelocityCam (JuMaSt Appworks LLC)

VelocityCam captures speed while it records, so the overlay is part of the session rather than something added later. That distinction matters: VelocityCam cannot analyze arbitrary footage you already have. Here is the workflow it does support.

1. Install the open-testing build

VelocityCam is available through Google Play open testing. Install it on an Android 10 or newer phone with a rear camera, GPS, and motion sensors, then grant camera and location permission. Microphone permission is only needed if you want audio.

2. Mount the phone, or go handheld, and wait for GPS lock

If you want pitch, roll, or G-force telemetry, set the phone in a stable mount where it will stay for the whole session — that is what keeps those readings accurate. If you'd rather record without a mount, the Handheld HUD reports GPS-based performance metrics instead. Either way, VelocityCam blocks recording until GPS is locked, so the first frame already carries a real speed value rather than a placeholder.

3. Choose a HUD before you record

The HUD profile you select is what appears on screen and, later, in the export. Classic, Handheld, and Minimal are available for free; Adventure and premium HUD themes are part of Pro.

4. Record the session

Tap Record, or long-press for a three-second delayed start when the phone is out of reach. The screen and orientation lock while recording. Do not touch the phone while operating a vehicle.

5. Review playback

Open the session in the Library and watch it back. Speed, G-force, pitch, and roll should stay aligned with what happens in the video. If something looks off, note the phone model and report it through the feedback form.

6. Export with the overlay baked in

Pick a destination and format — Original, 9:16 Vertical, 1:1 Square, or 16:9 Landscape. The overlay is composited into a new file. Your original recording is never modified.

  • High quality for archival, Balanced or Fast for social
  • Free exports keep the VelocityCam watermark
  • Pro can remove the watermark or set custom text

What this workflow cannot do

VelocityCam is not a general-purpose video editor. It cannot import a clip from another camera or app and reconstruct accurate speed for it, because the telemetry has to be sampled at the moment the video is captured.

Open Testing Now Available

Install VelocityCam and start recording

VelocityCam is open for testing on Google Play. Install the test build on any Android 10+ phone, record a real session, then tell us how it went.

Release Updates

Get notified about the public release

Open testing is live. Join the VelocityCam update list and we'll email you when the full public Google Play release becomes available, along with a small number of important major-update announcements. No daily emails and no spam.

By joining, you agree to receive a limited number of emails about the VelocityCam public release and important major updates. Confirm your subscription through the email we send you. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy.

Related VelocityCam pages

Return to VelocityCam home