In our recent round-up of mobile video editing apps, we looked at the top 10 video editing apps for iPhone to help content creators, marketers, and social media enthusiasts. After testing the user interface, feature set, performance, and user reviews, one app stood out: CapCut.
Even more impressive is that CapCut isn’t limited to just iOS users – it’s also available for Android devices, making it a versatile choice for all smartphone users.
This video editing app has taken the digital world by storm, and for good reason. Its cross-platform availability ensures that you have access to its powerful features, whether you’re team iPhone or team Android.
This guide explores what makes CapCut unique, how to get the most out of it on iOS and Android platforms, and when you might need to bring in the pros.
What is CapCut?
CapCut is a free video editing app by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. Since its global launch in 2020, it has become a go-to tool for creators and marketers. Here’s why you should care:
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Massive user base. As of 2024, CapCut has 300 million monthly active users.
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Market leader. It has 81% of the mobile video editing market share.
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User-friendly. 4.8 stars in the App Store, and users love the interface.
CapCut allows users to edit videos with various functionalities, including scene-by-scene editing, animation, and advanced tools that cater to both professionals and beginners.
How to use CapCut: A quick start guide
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Download and install: Get the app from your device’s app store or the official website.
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Log in: with your Google, TikTok, or Facebook account.
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Create your first project: Tap “New Project” and import your media files.
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Get started:
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Trim and split clips using various editing tools
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Add transitions and animations
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Add overlays and effects
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Add and style text
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Auto captions.
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Try advanced:
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Keyframe animations
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Basic color grading.
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Export and share: Choose your export settings to export videos and share to socials.
The history of CapCut: From “Jenny” to global sensation
CapCut’s journey is as incredible as the app:
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2017: Launched in China as “Jenny” by Shenzhen Lianmeng Technology.
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2018: Acquired by ByteDance for $300 million.
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2020: Rebranded as CapCut and launched globally.
Since the rebrand, CapCut has had many updates:
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Redesigned interface for better usability.
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More video formats are supported.
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Auto captions and background removal.
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Regular performance and bug fixes.
CapCut beyond video editing: Unexpected uses
While CapCut is known for video editing, it’s also versatile. Here are some ways marketers are using it:
Quick social media ad creation.
With its user-friendly interface and many templates, CapCut has become a go-to for creating social media ads. The “Product URL to Ads” feature is helpful; you can turn product links into video ads with one click. CapCut also helps create high-quality videos suitable for platforms like TikTok and YouTube, enhancing the visual appeal of your content.
Storyboarding for bigger projects.
CapCut isn’t just for short-form content. Use it to create a sequence of clips that outline the flow of a more extensive video project. This can be useful for visualizing scenes and transitions before moving to more advanced editing software. Also, CapCut allows you to seamlessly merge videos, making the editing process more flexible and user-friendly.
Animated infographics.
CapCut’s many effects and transitions allow you to create animated infographics that grab attention and convey complex information.
Hidden features: CapCut’s secret editing tools
While CapCut’s basic features are well-known, here are some of the lesser-known tools that will take your video editing to the next level:
AI Tools
CapCut’s AI is strong:
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Auto captions. Automatically generates subtitles, saves time, and makes content more accessible.
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Background remover. Uses AI to separate subjects from backgrounds, opens up new creative possibilities.
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Motion tracking. Allows users to follow and animate objects in their videos, enhancing video production for both casual users and professionals.
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Text to speech. Converts written text into spoken words, automating subtitle generation and offering multiple language options.
Custom font import.
CapCut allows you to import custom fonts to maintain brand consistency, giving you more control over your video’s look and feel.
Collaborative editing.
CapCut’s collaborative features allow you to share projects, get comments, and even let others edit within the app, making the workflow much smoother.
CapCut vs Desktop editing: When to use which
While CapCut is powerful, it’s not always the best for every project. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Use CapCut for:
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Quick social media edits.
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Mobile editing on the go.
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Basic to intermediate projects.
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Adjusting video speed to create engaging content.
Use desktop software for:
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Complex projects that require advanced techniques.
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High res videos (4K or higher).
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Projects that require heavy collaboration or specific file formats.
Integrating CapCut into your workflow:
Even if you use desktop software for your main editing work, CapCut can still be helpful:
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Use CapCut for initial video drafts and rapid prototyping.
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Use its AI tools for tasks like captioning.
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Create quick social media content for urgent posts.
How to get the most out of CapCut
To get the most out of CapCut, try these:
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Use templates. Start with a premade template to speed up your editing.
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Master the Auto Captions. Generate subtitles and edit in bulk.
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Use AI tools. Use background remover to simplify complex tasks.
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Organize your media. Keep your files organized for easy access while editing.
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Organize video tracks. Properly managing video tracks allows for smoother editing and easier synchronization of audio-visual elements.
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Save regularly. Although CapCut autosaves, periodically checking your work is always a good idea.
When to get professional help
As powerful as CapCut is, there may be times when you need professional help:
Content creators with limited time.
If you’re constantly struggling to meet deadlines because of editing tasks, it’s time to outsource. Professional video editing services can handle the workload so you can focus on content creation and strategy.
Benefits of fractional video editing service.
Services like Vidpros offer:
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Expertise and quality. Professional editors bring expertise that can take your content to the next level.
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Efficiency. Outsourcing can save you time producing more content without sacrificing quality.
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Scalability. As your content needs grow, professional services can scale to meet the demand.
CapCut in action
As an experienced CapCut user, you’ve seen all the Instagram accounts showcasing YouTube clips that have turned into beautiful shorts. As an intermediate editor, you search for advanced techniques, shortcuts, and effects to level up your editing game. At this point, we will point you toward the best TikTok resources to take your CapCut skills beyond the basics. CapCut is also widely used to create engaging TikTok videos.
Steven Wommack
Platform: TikTok
Followers: 1.5 million (as of September 2024)
Steven Wommack is the CapCut guru. With a large following on TikTok, Wommack breaks down the clever cuts and effects that make the rounds on social media. His content is excellent for:
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Decoding advanced editing techniques
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Step-by-step instructions to recreate widespread effects
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Hidden CapCut features and how to use them
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Using music clips to enhance video content
Wommack’s tutorials are super clear and practical, making him a great resource for intermediate editors looking to level up.
Emma | Content Strategy
Platform: TikTok
Followers: 95.3K (as of September 2024)
Emma’s following may be smaller, but her approach to CapCut tutorials is more holistic. Based in the UK, Emma doesn’t just focus on technical instructions. She covers content creation as a whole:
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Advanced CapCut editing.
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How to create visually appealing effects.
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How to build an online presence through content.
Emma’s tutorials are great for those who want to improve their editing skills and understand how those skills fit into a content strategy.
Follow these creators, and you’ll get access to intermediate and advanced CapCut editing techniques. Their tutorials will help you master the shortcuts, effects, and strategies to turn regular footage into short-form content that stands out in today’s digital world.
Capping off
CapCut has changed the game for marketers when it comes to video editing. As shown by tutorial creators like Steven Wommack and Emma Content Strategy, CapCut goes beyond basic editing. This video editor excels in enhancing and manipulating video clips through various techniques such as trimming, splitting, and adding transitions. Wommack’s technical skills and Emma’s holistic approach show how CapCut can be a foundation in your content creator toolset.
But remember, CapCut is just one tool in your tool belt. While great for mobile editing and quick turnarounds, there are times when professional services or desktop software will be more suitable.
This video maker allows users to create visually appealing videos with features like keyframe animation and effects. Understand its capabilities and know when to use it, or seek professional help to create impactful videos that resonate with your audience and drive results for your brand.
