Content Creation

CapCut Pricing 2026: Free vs Pro Plans + Templates Guide

SocialRails Team
SocialRails Team
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

12 min read

Tips you can use today. What works and what doesn't.

CapCut Pricing 2026: Free vs Pro Plans

Quick answer: CapCut Free works for most creators. CapCut Pro costs $7.99/month (or $74.99/year) and adds cloud storage, premium templates, and removes the Pro watermark. There's a 3-day free trial for Pro.

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CapCut Pricing Plans

PlanPriceBest For
Free$0Beginners, casual editors
Pro Monthly$7.99/monthActive creators testing Pro
Pro Yearly$74.99/year ($6.25/mo)Serious content creators

Check current pricing on CapCut's official website as prices may vary by region.


Free vs Pro Comparison

FeatureFreePro
Basic editing tools
Standard templates
Export 4K video
Cloud storage1GB100GB
Premium templates
Premium effects & filters
Pro watermark removed
Priority export
Commercial licenseLimitedFull

CapCut Free Trial

CapCut Pro offers a 3-day free trial with full access to all Pro features.

How to start the trial:

  1. Download CapCut (iOS, Android, or desktop)
  2. Open the app and sign in
  3. Tap "Try Pro Free"
  4. Enter payment method (won't charge until trial ends)
  5. Cancel anytime before day 3 to avoid charges

Trial includes:

  • All premium templates
  • 100GB cloud storage
  • No Pro watermarks
  • All premium effects
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

How long is CapCut's free trial?

💡
Hint: Set a calendar reminder for day 2 to decide whether to keep Pro.

Is CapCut Pro Worth It?

Get Pro if you:

  • Create videos daily for business
  • Need premium templates consistently
  • Want cloud backup for projects
  • Use Pro-only effects regularly
  • Need commercial licensing

Stay Free if you:

  • Edit casually (few videos per month)
  • Don't need premium templates
  • Have your own storage solution
  • Use basic effects only

Best CapCut Templates by Category

CapCut's template library is its strongest feature. Here's what works for each platform:

TikTok Templates

For maximum reach, pair these templates with optimal TikTok video lengths and best posting times.

Template TypeUse CaseEngagement
Trending audio syncViral challengesHigh
Quick transitionsProduct revealsHigh
Text overlaysEducational contentMedium
Before/afterTransformationsHigh

Instagram Reels Templates

Understanding the Instagram Reels algorithm helps you choose templates that get pushed to more viewers. See also: how long Instagram Reels can be.

Template TypeUse CaseEngagement
Aesthetic slow-moLifestyle contentHigh
Multi-clip montageTravel, eventsMedium
Quote animationsMotivational contentMedium
Product showcaseE-commerceHigh

YouTube Shorts Templates

Use the right YouTube Shorts hashtags to maximize discoverability. Compare platforms in our YouTube Shorts vs Instagram Reels guide.

Template TypeUse CaseEngagement
Hook + contentEducationalHigh
Reaction framesCommentaryMedium
Tutorial stepsHow-to contentHigh
Countdown revealsLists, rankingsMedium

How to Use CapCut Templates

Step-by-step:

  1. Open CapCut → Templates tab
  2. Browse or search by keyword
  3. Tap template to preview
  4. Hit "Use template"
  5. Replace placeholder clips with your footage
  6. Edit text, music, timing
  7. Export

Tips for better results:

  • Match your clip lengths to template timing
  • Use clips with similar lighting
  • Keep the original music for trending templates
  • Customize colors to match your brand
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

What's the main advantage of CapCut over other video editors?

💡
Hint: Templates save hours of editing time on trending content formats.

CapCut Alternatives Comparison

AppPriceTemplatesBest For
CapCutFree/$7.99ExcellentTikTok, Reels
InShotFree/$3.99GoodQuick mobile edits
VN Video EditorFreeLimitedManual editing
Adobe Premiere Rush$9.99/moModerateAdobe ecosystem
DaVinci ResolveFreeNoneProfessional editing

Bottom line: CapCut wins for template-based social media video editing. DaVinci Resolve wins for professional work. InShot is a simpler mobile alternative.


CapCut on Different Platforms

Mobile (iOS/Android)

  • Full template library
  • Touch-optimized interface
  • Direct posting to TikTok
  • All Pro features available

Desktop (Windows/Mac)

  • Larger workspace
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Better for longer projects
  • Same template access

Web (capcut.com)

  • No download needed
  • Limited features vs apps
  • Good for quick edits
  • Syncs with mobile projects

Canceling CapCut Pro

On iOS:

  1. Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions
  2. Find CapCut
  3. Cancel Subscription

On Android:

  1. Play Store → Menu → Subscriptions
  2. Find CapCut
  3. Cancel

On Desktop:

  1. Open CapCut → Account
  2. Manage Subscription
  3. Cancel

You keep Pro features until the billing period ends.


FAQ

Is CapCut completely free?

Yes, CapCut's free version includes full editing tools, basic templates, and 4K export. Pro ($7.99/month) adds premium templates, more cloud storage, and removes Pro watermarks on premium content.

Does CapCut free have a watermark?

CapCut Free doesn't add watermarks to your videos. However, some premium templates and effects show a small "Pro" watermark until you subscribe.

Can I use CapCut for commercial videos?

Free version has limited commercial rights. CapCut Pro includes full commercial licensing for templates, music, and effects.

Is CapCut Pro monthly or yearly better?

Yearly saves 22% ($74.99/year vs $95.88 if paying monthly). Try the 3-day free trial first, then go yearly if you use it regularly.

What's the best free video editor with templates?

CapCut Free offers the best template library at no cost. InShot and VN are alternatives, but CapCut has more trending templates synced to popular sounds.


Official CapCut Resources:

Video Editing Guides:

Platform Guides:

Content Tools:

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