How to edit videos in CapCut: make TikToks and Reels

CapCut is the most popular free video editor for social media content. Whether you want to make TikTok videos, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, CapCut has all the tools you need. In this in-depth guide you'll learn step by step how to make professional-looking videos with CapCut.

What is CapCut?

CapCut is a free video editing app developed by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. The app is available for:

  • Smartphones: iOS and Android
  • Computers: Windows and Mac
  • Online: In your browser at capcut.com

What makes CapCut special is that it is completely free, adds no watermark, and still offers professional features that you would normally only find in paid software.

Installing CapCut

On your smartphone

  1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
  2. Search for CapCut
  3. Tap Install
  4. Open the app and, optionally, create an account

On your computer

  1. Go to capcut.com
  2. Click Download for Windows or Mac
  3. Run the installation file
  4. Follow the installation instructions
  5. Open CapCut and sign in with your account

Getting to know the interface

When you open CapCut, you'll see these important parts:

Home screen

  • New project: Start a new video
  • Recent projects: Pick up where you left off
  • Templates: Ready-made templates you can use

Editing screen

  • Preview window: This is where you see your video
  • Timeline: At the bottom, this is where you place your clips
  • Toolbar: Buttons for cutting, splitting and more
  • Effects panel: Audio, text, stickers, effects

Making your first TikTok video

Let's make a TikTok video step by step.

Step 1: Create a project

  1. Open CapCut and tap New project
  2. Select the videos and photos you want to use
  3. Tap Add
  4. CapCut automatically picks the right format (9:16 for TikTok)

Step 2: Arrange your videos

  1. Your clips are now on the timeline
  2. Press and hold a clip and drag it to change the order
  3. Tap a clip to select it
  4. Use the handles on the sides to trim

Step 3: Cutting and splitting

To split a clip in two:

  1. Move the white line (playhead) to the point you want
  2. Tap Split in the toolbar
  3. The clip is now split into two parts
  4. Select the part you don't want and tap Delete

Step 4: Adding transitions

Transitions make your video flow more smoothly:

  1. Tap the small white square between two clips
  2. Browse through the available transitions
  3. Tap a transition to select it
  4. Adjust the duration with the slider
  5. Tap the checkmark to confirm

Step 5: Adding music

Music makes your video much more engaging:

  1. Tap Audio at the bottom of the screen
  2. Choose Sounds for the built-in library
  3. Search for a song that fits your video
  4. Tap the song to hear a preview
  5. Tap the plus sign to add it
  6. The music appears on the timeline

Tip: Use the Beat feature to automatically place markers on the rhythm of the music. Your cuts will then land perfectly on the beat!

Step 6: Adding text

  1. Tap Text at the bottom
  2. Choose Add text
  3. Type your text
  4. Choose a font and style
  5. Adjust the color and size
  6. Drag the text to the position you want
  7. On the timeline you can set when the text appears

Step 7: Effects and filters

Give your video a professional look:

Filters:

  1. Tap Filters
  2. Choose a filter that matches the mood
  3. Adjust the intensity
  4. Tap the checkmark to apply it

Effects:

  1. Tap Effects
  2. Browse categories such as Trending, Basic, Party
  3. Tap to see a preview
  4. Add it to your video

Step 8: Exporting and sharing

  1. Tap Export in the top right
  2. Choose the resolution (1080p recommended)
  3. Choose the frame rate (30 fps is the default)
  4. Tap Export
  5. After exporting you can share directly to TikTok, Instagram or other apps

Making Instagram Reels

For Instagram Reels the process is similar, with a few adjustments:

Choosing the right format

Reels also use the 9:16 format (vertical). CapCut detects this automatically, but you can check it:

  1. Tap Format in the timeline
  2. Choose 9:16 for Reels
  3. Adjust your clips if needed

Reels-specific tips

  • Keep it short: 15 to 30 seconds often works best
  • Hook them right away: Start with something eye-catching
  • On-screen text: Many people watch without sound
  • Trending audio: Use popular music for more reach

Advanced CapCut features

Automatic captions

CapCut can generate captions automatically:

  1. Tap Text
  2. Choose Auto captions
  3. Select the language (Dutch available)
  4. Wait until the captions have been generated
  5. Check them and correct any mistakes

Green screen (Chroma key)

Remove the background from your video:

  1. Select the clip with the green background
  2. Tap Remove background or Chroma key
  3. Choose Chroma key and select the green color
  4. Adjust the intensity for a clean result
  5. Add a new background on a layer underneath

Changing the speed

Make slow-motion or fast videos:

  1. Select a clip
  2. Tap Speed
  3. Choose Normal for a constant speed
  4. Or choose Curve for variable speed
  5. Drag the slider (0.1x for slow-mo, up to 100x to speed up)

Keyframe animations

Create moving effects:

  1. Select an element (text, sticker, overlay)
  2. Tap Keyframe (diamond icon)
  3. Place a keyframe at the start
  4. Go to a later point on the timeline
  5. Change the position, size or rotation
  6. CapCut automatically animates between the keyframes

Masks and overlays

For creative effects:

  1. Add an overlay video
  2. Tap Mask
  3. Choose a shape (circle, rectangle, heart)
  4. Adjust the size and position
  5. Create unique compositions

Velocity edit

The popular velocity edit with changes in speed:

  1. Go to Speed > Curve
  2. Choose a preset such as Flash In or Montage
  3. Or make your own curve by dragging points
  4. Sync it with the beat of your music

3D Zoom effect

  1. Select your clip
  2. Go to Effects > 3D Zoom
  3. Choose the effect you want
  4. Adjust the timing

Photo slideshow with a beat

  1. Import several photos
  2. Add trending music
  3. Use Auto beat to place markers
  4. Match the duration of each photo to the beats
  5. Add transitions

Using templates

No time to start from scratch? Use templates:

  1. Tap Templates on the home screen
  2. Browse through the categories
  3. Watch the preview of a template
  4. Tap Use template
  5. Replace the sample clips with your own videos
  6. Edit the text where needed
  7. Export and share

Tips for viral videos

The first 3 seconds

The first seconds decide whether someone keeps watching:

  • Start with action: no long intros
  • Ask a question: it sparks curiosity
  • Show the end result: "Here's how you make this..."
  • Use eye-catching text: it grabs attention

A consistent style

  • Use the same filters for recognizable content
  • Choose one fixed font for text
  • Keep your color palette consistent
  • Develop your own editing style
  • Use popular music (check what's trending on TikTok)
  • Follow current trends but add your own twist
  • Use trending effects from CapCut

Frequently asked questions

Is CapCut really completely free?

Yes, CapCut is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs, no watermark on your videos, and all basic features are available for free. There is a Pro version with extra features such as more cloud storage and extra effects, but most users don't need it.

Can I use CapCut videos for commercial purposes?

Yes, you may use videos you make in CapCut for commercial purposes. Just make sure you don't use copyrighted music from the CapCut library for commercial projects. In that case, use royalty-free music or music you have a license for.

Why is my exported video blurry?

This can have several causes. First check that you are exporting in the highest quality (1080p or higher). Also make sure your source material is of good quality: CapCut can't make a video sharper than the original. If you upload the video to social media, the platform may also lower the quality during processing.

How do I sync my clips with the music?

Use the Auto Beat feature in CapCut. Select your audio track, tap "Beat" and let CapCut automatically place markers on the beats. You can also add these markers manually. Then adjust your clips so that the cuts land on these markers. This gives you a professional, rhythmic result.

Conclusion

CapCut is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to make videos for social media. The combination of powerful features, ease of use and the fact that it is completely free makes it the ideal choice for beginners and advanced users alike.

Start with simple projects and gradually experiment with more advanced features. Before you know it, you'll be making professional-looking TikToks and Reels that stand out in the feed!

Download CapCut today and start creating content you can be proud of. All you need is creativity and a willingness to learn.