CapCut
A free, easy video editor for phone, desktop and web with auto captions, templates and AI effects for social media.
- Category
- Video
- Free version
- Yes
- Platforms
- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web
- Website
- capcut.com
Best for
- TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts
- Beginners who want a simple but capable editor
- Automatic subtitles in many languages
- Quick edits with trendy templates
Pros
- Powerful features in the free version
- Automatic captions save a lot of time
- Works on phone, computer and browser
- Large library of templates, effects and sounds
Cons
- Some advanced AI features and assets require Pro
- Commercial use of some templates and music is restricted
- Owned by ByteDance, which matters to some companies
What is CapCut?
CapCut is a video editor made by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. It became hugely popular because it combines an easy interface with features that used to require expensive software: multi-track editing, keyframes, chroma key, speed curves, automatic captions, background removal and a big library of templates and effects. It’s available on phones, Windows, Mac and in the browser, and projects can sync between devices.
Key features
- Auto captions. Generate subtitles from speech and style them.
- Templates. Swap in your clips and get a trendy edit instantly.
- AI tools. Background removal, text to speech, voice effects and image enhancement.
- Editing basics done well. Trimming, transitions, keyframes, speed ramps and filters.
- Script to video. Generate a draft video from text.
- Cross-platform. Start on your phone, finish on your computer.
How to get started
- Install CapCut on your phone or computer, or open it in the browser.
- Create a new project and import your clips.
- Trim the clips, add music and use auto captions.
- Choose the right aspect ratio, 9:16 for short-form platforms.
- Export in high quality and upload.
Who CapCut is for
TikTok and Instagram creators, small businesses making their own social videos, YouTubers editing Shorts, students and anyone who wants good-looking videos without learning professional software.
Tips for better short videos
- Hook in the first two seconds with a strong visual or caption.
- Keep captions short; plan the voiceover and check its length with the free word counter.
- Make matching thumbnails and covers with the image resizer or the social image generator.
- Check licenses before using trending sounds in paid ads.
CapCut vs alternatives
Descript is better for talking-head videos and podcasts because you edit by editing text. InVideo AI creates whole videos from a prompt. Runway generates new footage with AI. Canva is convenient for simple videos when you already design graphics there.
Is CapCut worth it?
The free version of CapCut is one of the best free video editors available, especially for short-form social content. Pro is worth considering if you rely on premium effects and AI features regularly. Businesses should check the licensing rules of templates and music for commercial use.
Find more video tools in the AI tools catalog.
CapCut alternatives
- DescriptEdit video and podcasts by editing the transcript.
- InVideo AITurns a prompt or script into a finished video with footage and voiceover.
- RunwayGenerate and edit video clips from text or images.
- CanvaDesign tool with AI image, text and resize features.
- Kling AIRealistic video generation from prompts and photos.
- HeyGenTalking avatar videos and video translation.
Free Holsha tools that help
CapCut: common questions
Is CapCut free?
Yes. CapCut's core editor is free on mobile, desktop and web. CapCut Pro unlocks premium effects, some AI tools, extra storage and assets.
Does CapCut add a watermark?
Standard exports from the editor don't include a watermark. Some templates add an ending clip, which you can remove.
Can CapCut add subtitles automatically?
Yes. Auto captions transcribe the speech in your video and create editable subtitles, which you can style.
Who owns CapCut?
CapCut is developed by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok.
Can I use CapCut music in commercial videos?
Not always. Some sounds and templates are licensed for personal use or specific platforms only. Check the license before using them in ads or client work.