CapCut

What it does

CapCut is a video editor built for short social videos. It adds captions automatically, has templates for popular formats and includes AI effects such as background removal.

It is quick to learn and works on phones as well as computers.

Why use it

• Automatic captions in a few taps, which most social viewers need.
• Templates for the formats that do well on social media.
• Background removal and other effects without special skills.
• Works on your phone, so you can edit anywhere.

How it works

1. Download the app or open it in your browser.
2. Start a new project and add your clips.
3. Use auto-captions, templates and effects to shape the video.
4. Export in the right size for each social network.

How hard is it to use?

Beginner Easy to start. You need an account, not any technical know-how.

Very approachable for short videos. Longer, more polished edits take practice.

What it costs

Free; paid features. Free to start. A paid plan unlocks more effects, storage and features.

Prices change often, so check CapCut’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Check the terms before using it for commercial work: some content in the app has its own licence rules.
• Rules on where its music and effects can be used change. Check them for client work.

Your data

CapCut is owned by ByteDance, which also owns TikTok. Read its privacy policy before uploading anything sensitive.

CapCut doesn’t offer UK data storage, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.