Video Editing with CapCut

Set up your project

CapCut is a free video editor with apps for phone and computer, and a version in the browser. Menu names can differ slightly between versions and devices, so if a button here looks different, look for the nearest match.

1. Open CapCut and tap New project.
2. Select the clips and photos you want, in roughly the right order, and tap Add.
3. Check the aspect ratio (the shape of the video). For Reels, TikTok, Shorts and WhatsApp status, choose 9:16, which is tall. For YouTube, use 16:9, which is wide.

Cut out the boring parts

Short videos work when every second earns its place. On the timeline at the bottom:

• Trim: tap a clip and drag its white edges inward to remove the start or end.
• Split: move the playhead (the white line) to where you want to cut, tap Split, then select the part you don't want and tap Delete.
• Reorder: press and hold a clip, then drag it to a new position.

Aim to get to the point in the first two seconds. Most people scroll past slow openings.

Add text and captions

Many people watch with the sound off, so words on screen matter.

• Text: tap Text → Add text, type a short headline such as "3 ways to keep your braids neat", choose a clear style, and drag it into place. Keep it away from the very bottom and right edge, where the app's buttons cover it.
• Automatic captions: tap Captions (sometimes under Text) and choose auto captions. CapCut listens to the speech and writes subtitles. Read them all; it often mishears names and Nigerian words, so tap any caption to fix the spelling.

Adjust how long text stays on screen by dragging its edges on the timeline, just like a clip.

Add music and sound

Tap Audio to add music or sound effects, or record a voiceover.

• Lower the music volume when someone is speaking, so the voice is clear.
• Keep sound effects few and purposeful.

Export and post

1. Watch the whole video once, with the sound on and once with it off.
2. Tap the export button (often an arrow at the top).
3. Choose 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second. That's good quality for social media without a huge file.
4. Save to your phone, then post it on your chosen platform.

Some versions of CapCut add an ending clip with its logo. If you don't want it, you can usually delete that last clip from the timeline before exporting.

Try it

Make a 15–30 second vertical video about something you do or sell:

1. Record three or four short clips on your phone.
2. Start a 9:16 project in CapCut and add the clips.
3. Trim and split so it gets to the point within two seconds.
4. Add one headline and automatic captions, and correct any wrong words.
5. Add music at a low volume, or a short voiceover, and export in 1080p.