How to Edit Videos with CapCut – Complete Beginner's Guide 2026

CapCut has revolutionized mobile video editing by making professional tools accessible to everyone. Whether you're creating content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Step 1: Download and Install CapCut. Head to Google Play Store and download CapCut 17.2.0, the latest version. It's completely free and takes about 280MB of storage space.

Step 2: Import Your Media. Open CapCut and tap 'New Project'. Select the videos and photos you want to edit from your gallery. You can select multiple clips at once.

Step 3: Basic Editing. Use the timeline to trim, split, and rearrange your clips. Pinch to zoom in on the timeline for precise editing. Tap on a clip to access editing options.

Step 4: Add Effects and Filters. Navigate to the Effects tab to browse hundreds of visual effects. Apply filters to give your video a cinematic look. You can adjust the intensity of each effect.

Step 5: Add Text and Captions. Use the Text tool to add titles, subtitles, and captions. Try the AI Auto Caption feature to automatically generate subtitles from speech.

Step 6: Add Music. Browse CapCut's built-in music library or import your own audio files. Adjust volume levels and add fade-in/fade-out effects.

Step 7: Export Your Video. When you're satisfied with your edit, tap the export button. Choose your resolution (up to 4K) and frame rate. CapCut exports without watermarks!