CapCut changes: what it means for you and your content

6 July

Written By Danielle OReilly

Me: "CapCut. It's not me. It's you. We've been together for 3 years now, but all good things must come to an end."

CC: "But Rebecca, why? Why now? We were going to edit videos all summer long."

Me: "Alexa - play Gotta Go My Own Way by Troy and Gabriella."

Why I'm dumping CapCut

You might be able to guess why I'm choosing to part ways with free, TikTok-sister, video-editing app. But incase you missed it:

CapCut is changing it's terms of service. Change can be good. Change keeps things fresh, exciting. But this change in particular means that the app can use your content in an ad without paying you. They own the rights not only to your content - but to your face, voice and creative flair.

You might be thinking, 'I've only used CapCut to edit drafts and share elsewhere. I've never posted on the app! I must be safe right. Right?' Well, rumour has it even if you've only ever uploaded drafts - CapCut may still be able to your content in an ad, and not pay you.

Creators of all levels of expertise and all industries deserve to be recognised for the work that they put into their craft. Unfortunately, changes such as these allow CapCut to be greedy, and exploit them instead.

Swiping, cutting and editing right

If you're not sure how to feel about CapCut (because let's be honest, you want to side with me during this breakup), you're in luck. Thankfully, there's plenty of free video editing apps in the sea and I won't be on the market for too long.

Here's three that you can get to know, before making a commitment.

Edits:

CapCut, Edits and I have history. We've been in a triangle of sorts before. I imagine you want to know the juicy details. Since then, edits has added a few new shiny features that might make a blast from the past rather exciting.

Most recently, Meta has improved its offering by adding precision editing options, known as Keyframes, as well as additional effects for text and voice effects. Further precision tools are also promised in Edits future. You'll also know that, given my history with the app - I fell for its Idea tab. I love a gimmick. I love creativity. And I love utility. The Ideas tab is those three things in one, and it's received an update with the ability to now add sticky notes to saved audios. If you love long walks on the beach, precision editing and sticky note gimmicks, then Edits could be a match.

However exes are exes for a reason. A deeper look into Edits terms of service and its revealed that Meta have a global, royalty-free license on your content, meaning they too, like CapCut, can use your content in ads without permission, or payment. Not only that - but it applies to all Meta products.

Adobe Express:

I'll be honest, it's been a while since me and Adobe have danced. We knew each other really well during university and my Gymshark days. But since then? We've drifted. But I'm wondering whether we can rekindle what we once had.

I've used Canva for my graphics and, honestly, the Adobe Express UI is pretty similar. That's not a bad thing. If anything, it makes it feel like home. I'm a loyal girlie through and through, but perhaps I'll try something new. From a video editing POV, Adobe has a lot of bang for its (free!) buck. From customisable templates, generative AI to trimming, splitting, cutting and cropping. It also has the biggest green flag of all: drag-and-drop timeline control.

Now for the final test... how you doin', Adobe terms of service? Well, although using the platform does grant Adobe Express with a license to use your content, it's only for 'operating or improving the service or software'. Adobe can't use your content in ads, without permission or a specific agreement. It also goes on to add that it does not use your content to train their generative AI, Firefly, either.

Who'd have thought? Chivalry ain't dead after all. Wine and dine me, Adobe.

VEED.IO:

For me, VEED is a bombshell. I've only ever heard of the platform, but I've never used it. Could it be your type on paper? According to Google, Veed is a free AI video editor with text to video, avatars, auto-subtitles and voice translation.

Like Adobe Express, Veed waves at least one green flag - drag-and-drop editing. It also features the classic tools that everyone knows and loves: trimming and splitting. But it goes beyond that, with its AI enhancing capabilities. From AI avatars and voices, to AI generation, the platform's USP revolves heavily around it. While I'm yet to get to know Veed, I can understand why this USP might be appealing, especially for solo creators or social teams of one.

But what about the terms of service? Surprisingly, you might think that a platform heavily involved in AI might be a little suspect... but their terms check out. Like Adobe, using Veed gives them a license to use your content, but only as needed to operate their service, and not within promotional material. However, unless you sign-up for the paid version, Veed will use your content to train its AI.

Breaking up is hard. Editing shouldn't be.

Whether you care or not about platforms using your content for promotional purposes, with or without your consent or compensation, or to train AI models, is ultimately up to you. But, if you need my ranking of which ones I'll be looking at using moving forward, its as follows:

Adobe Express - free to use, no permission for content in ads or training AI
Veed - free (to an extent), AI capabilities and support, can use content for training AI, but not for ads
Edits - free, easy to use, still developing feature suite, can use content for ads
CapCut - free (to an extent), easy to use, can use content for ads

Got a favourite? Want to share with me your experience of a platform here, or one not mentioned? Send me a DM on LinkedIn, and let's connect.