What Is CapCut? Everything You Need to Know About the Viral Video Editor

What is CapCut? Learn how this viral video editor works, who owns it, whether CapCut is free or pro, and how to use CapCut on PC and mobile.

What Is CapCut? 

By now, you've probably seen a video with perfect transitions, slick cuts, and auto-synced music and thought, “How did they edit that so fast?” The answer, more often than not, is CapCut.

But what is CapCut, really? Is it just a TikTok add-on? Is CapCut free, or do you need a subscription? What is CapCut Pro, and how much is CapCut Pro anyway?

These are just a few of the questions flooding search engines as more creators, brands, and casual users dive headfirst into mobile content editing. So whether you’re a total beginner or someone debating whether to upgrade, here’s the full breakdown.

What Is CapCut?

CapCut is a free video editing app created by ByteDanc, the same company behind TikTok. It's best known for its easy-to-use interface, wide range of editing features, and seamless integration with TikTok. But its capabilities go far beyond just social media content.

Originally launched as Jianying in China and rebranded internationally as CapCut, the app has exploded in popularity thanks to its accessibility and powerful editing features packed into a mobile platform.

So when people ask, “What is CapCut app used for?”, the answer is simple: it’s a video editing tool that caters to anyone from content creators to small business owners who wants professional-looking videos without a steep learning curve.

Is CapCut Free?

Let’s start with the big question: Is CapCut free?

Yes. CapCut is completely free to use. The mobile app offers a wide array of features such as:

• Video trimming and splitting
• Filters and effects
• Text overlays
• Auto-captioning
• AI background removal
• Voiceover recording
• Speed adjustments
• Transitions and animations

The free version of CapCut is powerful enough to create polished, professional-level content. For the average user, there’s little you need that’s locked behind a paywall.

That said, there is a CapCut Pro version (we’ll get to that in a moment) for users who want advanced tools or are editing videos for commercial purposes.

What Is CapCut Pro and How Much Is It?

If you’re wondering, what is CapCut Pro, think of it as the premium tier of the app. It unlocks exclusive assets like higher-resolution exports, premium effects, commercial music licenses, and additional cloud storage.

As of 2025, CapCut Pro pricing varies by region, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Monthly Plan: ~$9.99/month
• Annual Plan: ~$74.99/year (which saves you around 30%)
• Business Licensing (for commercial use): Pricing available on request

If you're asking, how much is CapCut Pro really worth?, that depends on your editing needs. For occasional social posts, the free version is more than enough. But if you’re a full-time content creator, business owner, or editor needing commercial licenses or ultra-HD exports, CapCut Pro offers solid value.

Who Owns CapCut?

The next question people often ask is: Who owns CapCut? And here’s where things get interesting.

CapCut is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company also behind TikTok. ByteDance has been the subject of international scrutiny due to its data practices, which is why apps like TikTok and CapCut are often caught in political debates particularly in the U.S. and India.

Still, ByteDance has managed to grow CapCut into one of the top video editors globally, rivaling even desktop tools like Adobe Premiere Rush and Final Cut Pro.

So while ByteDance’s ownership might raise eyebrows in some circles, there’s no denying the company’s ability to scale tools like CapCut to millions of users worldwide.

CapCut Video Editor: What Sets It Apart?

When people search “CapCut video editor,” they’re usually comparing it to other apps like InShot, Splice, or VN.

Here’s what sets CapCut apart:

1. AI Features: Auto captions, smart cut-outs, facial tracking
2. Templates: Plug-and-play editing for fast content creation
3. Music Library: Extensive and frequently updated
4. TikTok Syncing: Direct integration lets you edit and upload without leaving the app
5. Cloud Projects: Seamless editing across devices
6. Free Exports: Even 4K exports are available on mobile

The CapCut video editor feels intuitive while still offering powerful tools making it popular with everyone from casual vloggers to full-blown influencers.

How to Use CapCut (Beginner Friendly)

If you're wondering, how to use CapCut, don’t worry—it’s refreshingly simple. Here’s a quick walkthrough:

1. Download the App

CapCut is available on Android, iOS, and as a CapCut for PC version.

2. Create a New Project

Once installed, tap "New Project" and select your video clips or photos.

3. Edit Timeline

Trim, cut, and rearrange clips. Add transitions, filters, text, and overlays as needed.

4. Use CapCut Templates

CapCut offers trending CapCut templates that allow you to apply professional effects with one tap. Templates auto-sync to music and transitions based on the platform’s latest trends.

5. Add Music & Captions

Choose music from CapCut’s library or import your own. You can also add auto-captions in multiple languages.

6. Export or Share

Once done, export in your desired resolution or post directly to TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.

CapCut also offers tutorials inside the app, so if you’re still learning how to use CapCut, you’re in good hands.

What Are CapCut Templates?

If you’ve ever seen the term “CapCut template” on TikTok or Instagram Reels, you’re not alone.

CapCut templates are pre-designed video editing formats that allow you to plug in your own media while keeping the effects, timing, and transitions intact. They’re wildly popular because they let users recreate viral trends without manually editing frame-by-frame.

You can find CapCut templates directly in the app or from shared links on TikTok (they often say “Use template in CapCut”).

Templates are especially useful if you want quick content creation without sacrificing polish.

CapCut for PC: Is It Any Good?

CapCut started as a mobile app, but there’s now an official CapCut for PC version and it’s surprisingly robust.

Available for both Windows and macOS, CapCut for PC includes:

• Multi-track editing
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Integration with CapCut Cloud and mobile
• No watermarks on exports

If you prefer a bigger screen, CapCut for PC gives you most of the power of desktop editing software without the complexity or cost.

Pros and Cons of Using CapCut

Pros:

• Free to use
• Easy to learn
• No watermarks
• Rich template and music library
• Cross-device syncing
• Fast exports, even in 4K

 Cons:

• Occasional app lag with large files
• Free version lacks advanced color grading
• Concerns around ByteDance data handling
• Not all features are available on PC yet

Conclusion: Should You Use CapCut?

If you’re still asking what is CapCut, the short answer is: a powerful, user-friendly, and surprisingly free video editor that works seamlessly with today’s content-driven platforms.

Is CapCut free? Yes. It's fully functional for most users.

What is CapCut Pro? A premium upgrade for commercial and high-level use.

How much is CapCut Pro? Around $10/month or $75/year.

Who owns CapCut? ByteDance, the same company behind TikTok.

How to use CapCut? Download, start a project, and tap into the template magic.

Whether you're editing for fun, going viral on TikTok, or producing ads for a brand, CapCut is more than capable of keeping up—and that’s exactly why it's dominating the video editing scene in 2025.