What CapCut's subscription does

CapCut offers a free video editing app, but a paid subscription unlocks features that the free version doesn't include. The subscription removes watermarks from exported videos, gives you access to premium templates, effects, and music tracks, and lets you work with longer videos and higher export quality. You pay monthly or yearly, and the cost varies depending on your region and which plan you choose.

CapCut is owned by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. The app works on phones (iOS and Android) and computers (Windows and Mac). Your subscription syncs across devices — if you pay on your phone, you can use the premium features on your computer too, as long as you're signed into the same account.

Key Takeaways

  • CapCut's free version includes basic editing tools but adds a watermark to videos you export and limits you to shorter videos and lower quality output.
  • A paid subscription removes the watermark, unlocks premium effects and music, and lets you export at higher resolutions and work with longer videos.
  • CapCut offers monthly and yearly subscription options; yearly plans cost less per month but charge you upfront for the full year.
  • Your subscription works across all your devices if you sign in with the same account, so you don't need separate subscriptions for phone and computer.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through your device's app store or account settings, and you'll keep access until your current billing period ends.

What the free version includes and what it doesn't

CapCut's free tier gives you the core editing tools: you can trim, cut, and arrange video clips; add text, stickers, and transitions; adjust colors and speed; and record voiceovers. You get a library of free music and sound effects. The catch is that every video you export gets a CapCut watermark in the corner, and you're limited to exporting at 1080p resolution (Full HD). Videos longer than a certain length — the limit varies by device — may not export at all on the free plan.

The free version also restricts access to premium templates, effects, and music tracks. If you see an effect or song marked "premium" in the app, you won't be able to use it unless you pay. Some advanced features like color grading presets and certain AI-powered tools are also locked behind the subscription.

How much CapCut's subscription costs

CapCut's pricing varies by country and region. In the United States, the monthly plan typically costs around $4.99 per month, and the yearly plan costs around $39.99 per year. That works out to about $3.33 per month if you pay yearly. Other regions have different pricing — for example, prices in euros or pounds sterling differ from US dollar amounts.

CapCut occasionally runs promotions where the first month or first year is discounted or free. These offers change, so check the subscription screen in the app to see what's currently available in your region. The app will show you the exact price before you confirm payment.

How to start a CapCut subscription

Open CapCut and look for the subscription button, usually labeled "Subscribe" or showing a crown or star icon. On the phone app, this is typically in the top right corner or in the settings menu. On the desktop version, it's usually in the top menu bar. Tap or click it to see the available plans.

Choose between the monthly and yearly option. The app will show you the price for your region and what you get with each plan. Tap "Subscribe" or "Buy" to proceed. You'll be taken to your device's payment system — Apple's App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android, or your computer's payment method on desktop. Complete the payment there, and your subscription activates when ready.

If you see a free trial offer, you can start it without entering payment information upfront. The trial period (usually 7 days) begins right away. Your payment method will be charged automatically when the trial ends, unless you cancel before that date.

What premium features you unlock

The watermark disappears from all videos you export once you subscribe. You can now export at 4K resolution (much higher quality than 1080p), which matters if you're uploading to platforms that support it or want to edit the video further later. You also get access to longer maximum video lengths — the exact limit depends on your device, but it's significantly higher than the free version.

You unlock the entire library of premium effects, transitions, and stickers. CapCut regularly adds new premium content, and subscribers get it all. You also gain access to premium music tracks and sound effects that aren't available to free users. Some regions include additional features like advanced color grading tools or AI-powered editing features, though these vary by location.

How to manage or cancel your subscription

To cancel, go to your device's settings, not the CapCut app itself. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name at the top, select "Subscriptions," find CapCut, and tap "Cancel Subscription." On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to "Payments and subscriptions," select "Subscriptions," find CapCut, and tap "Cancel." On a computer, the process depends on whether you bought through the Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, or another platform — check that store's subscription management page.

When you cancel, you keep access to premium features until your current billing period ends. If you paid for a monthly subscription on the 15th, you can use premium features through the 15th of next month. If you paid for a yearly subscription, you have access through the same date next year. After that date, your account reverts to the free version.

You can restart your subscription at any time by going back to the subscribe screen in CapCut and choosing a plan again. Your previous settings and projects remain in your account.

Syncing your subscription across devices

CapCut subscriptions are tied to your account, not to a specific device. If you sign into CapCut on your phone with your email address and buy a subscription there, then sign into the same account on your computer, the subscription works on the computer too. You don't pay twice.

Make sure you're using the same email address and password on all devices. If you use different accounts on different devices, each account needs its own subscription. If you switch devices or reinstall the app, sign in with the same account to restore your subscription access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CapCut have a free trial?

CapCut sometimes offers a free trial period, usually 7 days, that you can start without entering payment information. The trial period and whether it's currently available vary by region and change over time. Check the subscription screen in the app to see if a trial is available where you are.

What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?

Your videos stay in your account and you can still edit them. You just lose access to premium features — so you can't export without a watermark, and you can't use premium effects or music. You can still use all the free editing tools and export at 1080p resolution.

Can I use CapCut on my phone and computer with one subscription?

Yes. Sign into the same account on both devices, and your subscription works on both. You don't need to pay separately for each device. Make sure you're using the same email address and password on all devices.

Will my subscription refund if I cancel mid-month?

Most app stores don't refund partial months. If you cancel a monthly subscription on the 20th of the month, you keep access through the end of that month, but you won't get a refund for the unused days. Yearly subscriptions typically have a similar policy — check your app store's refund policy for details.

What's the difference between CapCut's phone and desktop versions?

Both versions have the same subscription and unlock the same premium features. The desktop version has more advanced editing tools and a larger workspace, which some creators prefer. Your subscription works on both, so you can start editing on your phone and finish on your computer.