CapCut

Key facts: CapCut, from ByteDance, is the video editor behind a huge share of short-form content: a mobile and desktop editor with templates, trending effects, auto-captions, background removal and a stock library, built for the vertical-video workflow. Its free tier is generous enough that most casual creators never pay.

Plans: CapCut is free to start, and a Pro subscription unlocks premium effects, templates, cloud storage and higher export quality. The free tier covers most short-form editing, though some effects and exports carry limits.

Best for: TikTok, Reels and Shorts creators who edit on their phone. Watch out: check the current terms before commercial use, and note that some free exports include branding or resolution limits.

Pros

• Mobile and desktop editor built for the vertical-video workflow.
• Templates, trending effects, auto-captions, background removal and a stock library in one app.
• Free tier is generous enough that most casual creators never pay.
• From ByteDance, the company behind the short-form ecosystem it serves best.

Watch out for

• Some free exports include branding or resolution limits.
• Premium effects, templates, cloud storage and higher export quality sit behind Pro.
• Check the current terms before commercial use.

Best for

TikTok, Reels and Shorts creators who edit on their phone. Who should skip it: editors cutting long-form projects who need an advanced timeline and colour suite.

Pricing

CapCut is free to start, and a Pro subscription unlocks premium effects, templates, cloud storage and higher export quality. Check the official pricing page for current pricing.

FAQs

What is CapCut best for? Short-form vertical video for TikTok, Reels and Shorts.

What does it include? Templates, trending effects, auto-captions, background removal and a stock library.

Is the free tier enough? For most casual creators, yes, though some effects and exports carry limits.

What does Pro add? Premium effects and templates, cloud storage and higher export quality.