If you’re a content creator, you’ve probably used CapCut – ByteDance’s popular video editing app, which has become the go-to choice for creating engaging social media content.
Here’s the latest update: While CapCut briefly went dark for U.S. users on January 18, 2025, it’s now back online. However, the app’s future remains uncertain – it’s still absent from Apple and Google app stores, and the current executive order only provides a 75-day grace period. Given this uncertainty, many creators are wisely looking for backup options.
Don’t worry – whether you’re a social media creator, marketer, or casual video editor, we’ve rounded up the best CapCut alternatives to keep your content flowing, no matter what happens next. From free options to professional-grade editors, we’ll help you find the perfect tool to match your editing style and needs.
Is CapCut Getting Banned?
The short answer? It’s complicated. While CapCut is currently accessible to existing U.S. users, its long-term future remains uncertain.
Here’s what happened: In April 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, targeting apps that could pose national security risks. Though TikTok grabbed most headlines, CapCut got caught in the crossfire since ByteDance owns it.
On January 18, 2025, ByteDance temporarily made both TikTok and CapCut inaccessible to U.S. users. While both apps are now back online following President Trump’s executive order, this reprieve is temporary – lasting only 75 days. Furthermore, new users can’t download the app as it remains unavailable on major app stores.
5 Best CapCut Alternatives to Explore in 2025
Before getting into the details of the CapCut alternatives, here’s a quick sneak peek of the tools to help you select the best alternative to CapCut:
| Tools | Free Plan Available? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Veed | ✅ | Teams and creators needing AI-powered editing tools and real-time collaboration |
| Descript | ✅ | Content creators who prefer text-based editing and need multi-platform content creation |
| Canva Video | ✅ | Marketing teams and creators focused on brand consistency and template-based workflows |
| Movavi | ❌ | Creators needing professional desktop editing with advanced features like 4K support |
| InShot | ✅ | Mobile-first creators who need professional editing tools on their smartphones |
Veed
Veed is a browser-based video editor that combines professional features with cloud-based convenience. You can create polished videos right in your browser without downloading any software.
- AI-powered editing suite, including auto subtitles, eye contact correction, and voice enhancement
- Real-time collaboration tools with instant feedback and commenting features
- Extensive stock library with music, footage, and brand customization options
Price:
- Free plan: Limited features with a watermark
- Lite: $9/month for individual creators
- Pro: $24/month for full feature access
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for teams
Descript
Descript lets you edit footage like a text document. Instead of traditional timeline editing, you can modify your video by simply editing the transcript, making it incredibly intuitive for creators.
- Text-based video editing – modify your video by editing the transcript
- AI-powered filler word removal and audio enhancement
- Automatic social media clip generation with custom sizing
Price:
- Free: Basic features
- Creator: $15/month
- Pro: $30/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Canva Video
Canva Video builds on the platform’s reputation for user-friendly design tools by bringing that same accessibility to video editing. Unlike traditional editors, this CapCut alternative integrates seamlessly with Canva’s massive library of design elements, templates, and stock assets.
- Seamless integration with Canva’s design tools and template library
- One-click resize for different social media platforms
- Built-in brand kit features for consistent visual identity
Price:
- Free: Basic access
- Pro: $12.99/month
- Teams: $14.99/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom solutions
Movavi
Movavi, the next CapCut alternative on our list, is a desktop powerhouse that doesn’t sacrifice user-friendliness for functionality. Movavi combines professional-grade editing capabilities with an approachable interface that won’t intimidate newcomers. As a desktop application, it offers more robust features than cloud-based alternatives, including advanced color correction and audio editing tools.
- Advanced chroma key and video stabilization tools
- Fast rendering speeds with minimal quality loss
- Comprehensive subtitle editing and screen recording capabilities
Price:
- Video Editor Plus: $59.95/year
- Video Suite: $79.95 one-time payment
- Trial version: Available with a watermark
InShot
A mobile-first video editor that brings professional capabilities to your smartphone. Unlike other mobile editors that feel limited, InShot offers a comprehensive suite of tools that rival desktop applications.
- Platform-specific aspect ratios with one-tap resizing
- Extensive filter and effect library optimized for mobile
- Built-in royalty-free music and sound effects collection
Price:
- Free: Basic features with watermark
- Monthly: $3.99
- Lifetime access: $29.99 one-time payment
What’s Next?
While CapCut is currently accessible to existing users, the app’s uncertain future makes it smart to explore backup options for your content creation workflow. Whether you continue using CapCut or transition to one of these alternatives, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with other tools that could become essential if the situation changes.
As you transition to any of these alternatives, consider elevating your content further with Beatoven.ai’s text-to-music feature. Instead of hunting through stock music libraries, you can simply describe the music you need – like “upbeat music for a cooking reel” – and get a custom track that perfectly matches your content.
Here’s how it works:
Remember, incredible content creation isn’t about the tools but your creativity.
These CapCut alternatives, combined with innovative music solutions, can help you keep that creativity flowing, ban or no ban.
And, of course, if you want to generate relevant music for your videos, you MUST try Beatoven.ai.
FAQs
Is there an app similar to CapCut?
Yes! Several alternatives offer similar features: Veed for browser-based editing, InShot for mobile users, and Canva Video for template-based editing. Each provides comparable tools for creating social media content.
Is CapCut banned from India?
Yes, India banned CapCut in 2020, along with TikTok and other ByteDance apps, due to security concerns and geopolitical tensions with China.
Why is CapCut getting banned?
CapCut’s current situation stems from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act of 2024, which targets ByteDance-owned apps over national security concerns regarding data privacy.
Is CapCut harmful?
No, CapCut itself isn’t harmful. The concerns are about data collection practices and potential security risks associated with ByteDance’s ownership, not the app’s functionality.
Sreyashi Chatterjee is a SaaS content marketing consultant. When she is not writing or thinking about writing, she is watching Netflix or reading a thriller novel while sipping coffee.