If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and wondered how creators manage to make such smooth, professional-looking videos right from their phones, there’s a good chance CapCut was involved.
CapCut is a freemium video editing app developed by ByteDance (the same company behind TikTok). It has become a go-to editing tool for short-form video content and is widely used by content creators, influencers, and yes, even beginners.
The CapCut interface is simple to use, making it easy for anyone to get started editing videos like a pro, and if you’re already a pro, well, CapCut can take your videos to the next level without missing a beat. It’s a powerful editing tool that you can use right from your iPhone.
What Is CapCut?
CapCut is an all-in-one video editor that lets you trim, cut, merge, and enhance videos directly on your smartphone. Its intuitive interface makes it ideal for beginners, while advanced tools, such as keyframe animation and AI-powered effects, appeal to seasoned creators seeking a more professional and polished look.
The app integrates seamlessly with TikTok, but it’s equally useful for editing videos for YouTube, Instagram Reels, and other platforms. Available on iOS, Android, and desktop, CapCut makes it easy to create eye-catching videos from anywhere.
Key features of CapCut
CapCut’s popularity stems from its balance of simplicity and professional-grade tools. Here are some standout features that make CapCut a favorite among creators:
1. Easy drag-and-drop editing
The timeline interface makes trimming, splitting, and rearranging clips intuitive. Just tap and drag to adjust clips before using the editing tools to enhance them to your liking.
2. Built-in templates and effects
You don’t have to start from scratch with CapCut’s massive library of templates, transitions, and effects. There are hundreds of pre-made designs to choose from. Tap on a template, import your clips, and the pacing, effects, and even the sound sync will be handled for you.
3. AI tools for next-level editing
When you think of AI editing tools, you may be envisioning ultra-fake scenes that are easy to scroll past, but CapCut’s AI features can be used more subtly. With a single tap, you can remove backgrounds, auto-caption videos, or even match beats to music.
4. Royalty-free music and sound effects
CapCut’s built-in library features thousands of free options, categorized by mood and genre, with most being royalty-free. You can save custom tracks to match your brand, and even create AI tracks based on prompts you provide.
Before you edit — free up space for smooth performance
Before starting your CapCut project, ensure you have sufficient free space on your iPhone, as high-resolution videos and AI effects can quickly consume storage and reduce performance.
A cluttered device can lead to sluggish editing, long export times, and app crashes. CleanMy®Phone helps you quickly clear out gigabytes of unnecessary files: large videos, duplicate and similar photos, and forgotten screenshots. It’s the easiest way to make room for your next creative project and keep CapCut running smoothly.
How to get started with CapCut
Getting started with CapCut is simple and intuitive, even if you’ve never edited a video before. Here’s how to get started using it on your iPhone.
Step 1: Download and open the app
Install CapCut from the App Store. Most of the editing tools are available for free, but, if you enjoy editing within the app, the premium features are worth the cost. When you open it, tap New Project to begin.
Step 2: Import your footage
Select videos or photos from your camera roll. Alternatively, choose a ready-made template before importing photos and videos to fill it in.
Step 3: Trim and split
Tap on a clip in the timeline to access editing options. Use Split to cut clips and Delete to remove unwanted parts. To reorder clips, long press on a clip and then drag it to a new position.
Step 4: Add music, text, and effects
Once your clips are where you want them, you can begin to fine-tune your video. Select the Audio, Text, or Effects tabs to layer in music, captions, and transitions. This is where you can experiment with filters or AI effects to enhance the look and feel of your video.
Step 5: Export and share
Once you’re satisfied, tap Export (top-right corner). Choose your resolution (1080p, 4K or AI ultra HD) and frame rate, then share directly to TikTok, Instagram, or save to your device. If you are using the free version of Capcut, you will notice a small watermark in the upper right corner of your video.
Tips to edit faster and smarter
- Use CapCut’s desktop version. There are some benefits to editing your videos on a larger screen. Not only will your edits be more precise, but you can use keyboard shortcuts to trim and cut clips quickly.
- Try templates first. They’re a great way to learn transitions and pacing, plus you’ll save so much time.
- Organize your footage into albums before importing so you don’t waste time searching for clips for your project.
- Experiment with layers. CapCut supports overlays for text, stickers, and green screen effects.
CapCut gives creators the tools they need to make professional-quality videos without a steep learning curve or expensive software. As your skills and confidence grow as a creator, you can experiment with more advanced tools.
Before diving into your next project, give your iPhone a quick cleanup with CleanMy®Phone. You’ll free up storage, speed up your workflow, and ensure that CapCut is fast and integrates seamlessly into your workflow.
