CapCut review: free video editor compatible with mobile devices, the web, and browsers

CapCut is a video editor developed by ByteDance, available on mobile, web, and desktop, offering multi-layer editing, trendy effects, and export up to 4K, without a subscription.

Do you create videos but want to avoid complex or expensive software?

CapCut includes all the essential tools for editing, subtitling, text animation, and adding effects.

It’s perfect for content creators, influencers, or anyone who wants to quickly and efficiently edit videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube.

Key features of CapCut

CapCut combines classic editing features with advanced AI tools to create modern, trendy videos that are perfect for social media.

Multi-layer editing and keyframe animations on CapCut.

You can combine multiple video, audio, text, and image tracks. Animations can be programmed using keyframes, allowing you to create zooms, movements, or synchronized effects without a steep learning curve.

Automatic background removal

The AI feature detects and removes the background of a scene without the need for a green screen. You can replace the background with a video, color, or visual effect.

Automatic subtitles and built-in translation on CapCut

CapCut automatically generates synchronized subtitles in multiple languages, with customizable fonts and styles. Excellent for accessibility and engagement on social media.

Voice-over text via text-to-speech

Translate a written script into realistic synthetic speech, available in multiple accents, languages, and styles, without recording.

Automatic synchronization with music

The beat-sync feature analyzes the rhythm of the music and automates the cutting or adjustment of clips to match the tempo, making editing fast and consistent.

Trendy visual effects and transitions

The library includes retro, glitch, ultra-cinematic, and color grading effects, with smart filters that adjust to the video content.

AI-powered stabilization, video enhancement, and color adjustment on CapCut

The tool corrects shaky footage, adjusts brightness, contrast, and exposure, and removes flickering for a more professional look.

Automatic resizing for social media (auto-reframe)

You can adapt vertical content to a horizontal or square format without automatically cropping subjects or losing key elements. Ideal for broadcasting on multiple platforms.

High-resolution rendering (up to 4K at 60 fps)

CapCut supports 4K exports without watermarks in the Pro version, optimized for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Reels.

AI-powered video script creation (script-to-video)

Based on a project description, CapCut provides a structured script, automatically generated visuals, and audio content, making it easy to create videos without a storyboard.

The price of CapCut Pro

The subscription price for CapCut Pro is currently $23.99 per month or $199.99 per year.

It gives you access to the following options:

• Advanced editing powered by AI.
• Free use of all paid features.
• It unlocks and edits all templates.
• It is available on the desktop, mobile, and web versions.

You can cancel at any time.

Advantages of CapCut

• CapCut features a sleek and intuitive design, ideal for beginners and experienced creators alike. Drag-and-drop functions make it easy to get started.
• Automatic background removal, generated subtitles, and automatic synchronized editing to music greatly simplify the production process.
• Free version with no watermarks or hidden limitations.
• Start a project on mobile, continue on the web or desktop, and export up to 4K depending on the content.
• Extensive library of effects, transitions, templates, and royalty-free music.

Disadvantages

• Many features now reserved for the Pro plan.
• Instability reported during large projects.
• Unlimited long or multi-camera editing not suitable.
• Collection of personal data without clear consent.

My opinion on CapCut

CapCut is a good option if you create short content and want to edit it quickly without spending a penny.

Its TikTok-inspired effects are perfect for social media and beginners.

The AI tools (automatic subtitles, background removal, music synchronization) give you professional results quickly.

However, they are now often reserved for Pro subscribers. The subscription price is still attractive, though.

It should also be noted that the privacy policy raises serious concerns.

The app collects a lot of personal data, including Gmail contacts and biometric information, and its terms of use allow it to exploit the content you upload, which poses a risk for professionals or sensitive content.

Consider using a separate email address from your Gmail account.

Finally, the gradual transition to a majority of paid features is leaving many users frustrated.

Many former free tools are now locked behind a Pro subscription, limiting the experience for free accounts.