CapCut subscription plans and their monthly cost
CapCut is a video editing app owned by ByteDance. The free version lets you edit videos with basic tools, but the paid subscription unlocks advanced features like removing the CapCut watermark, accessing premium effects and filters, and using cloud storage. CapCut offers a monthly subscription and an annual subscription, with the annual plan costing less per month if you pay upfront.
The monthly subscription costs around $4.99 per month in the United States, though this price varies by country and can change. The annual subscription costs around $39.99 per year, which breaks down to roughly $3.33 per month. Both plans renew automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date. CapCut also offers a free trial period on some subscription tiers, typically lasting three to seven days depending on your region and device.
Pricing may differ on iOS, Android, and the web version of CapCut. Always check the subscription screen within the app itself to see the exact price in your location and currency before you purchase.
Key Takeaways
- CapCut's monthly subscription costs around $4.99 per month, while the annual plan costs around $39.99 per year.
- The main benefit of a paid subscription is removing the CapCut watermark from exported videos, plus access to premium effects, filters, and cloud storage.
- Both subscription plans renew automatically, so you must cancel before the renewal date to stop being charged.
- Prices vary by country, device type, and app store, so check the subscription screen in your app for your exact cost.
What features you get with a paid subscription
The paid subscription removes the CapCut watermark that appears on videos you export with the free version. This is the feature most users pay for, since the watermark is visible to anyone who watches your video. Without the subscription, every video you create will have a small CapCut logo in the corner of the final file.
Beyond watermark removal, the subscription includes access to a larger library of effects, transitions, filters, and music tracks. The free version has a limited selection; the paid version unlocks premium content that changes regularly. You also get cloud storage through CapCut's servers, which lets you save projects and access them from different devices. The subscription also removes ads that appear in the free version.
Some features like basic editing, text overlays, and the ability to trim and cut video are free regardless of subscription status. The subscription is mainly about removing restrictions and unlocking the premium content library.
How to subscribe and manage your plan
To subscribe, open CapCut and tap the profile icon or settings menu. Look for "Subscription," "Premium," or "Upgrade" — the exact wording depends on your device and app version. Tap the subscription option and choose between monthly and annual plans. You will be directed to your device's app store (Apple App Store on iOS, Google Play on Android) to complete the purchase. Enter your payment method and confirm the transaction.
Your subscription begins immediately after purchase. You can start using premium features right away. To cancel, go back to the subscription screen and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Subscription." On iOS, you can also manage subscriptions through Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. On Android, go to Google Play > Account > Subscriptions. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you will keep access until that date passes.
If you cancel during a free trial, you will not be charged. If you cancel after the trial ends, you will be charged for the current month or year, but no future charges will occur after your current period ends.
Free trial periods and how they work
CapCut sometimes offers a free trial lasting three to seven days before charging you. The trial period varies by region and device. During the trial, you have full access to all paid features at no cost. You can test the subscription and decide whether to keep it before any money is charged to your account.
To use the free trial, you still need to enter a payment method when you start it. If you do not cancel before the trial ends, your payment method will be charged for the first subscription period. Set a reminder on your phone a day or two before the trial expires so you do not forget to cancel if you decide not to continue.
Comparing CapCut subscription to other video editing apps
Other video editing apps charge differently. Adobe Premiere Rush costs around $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year and includes cloud storage and collaboration tools. iMovie is free on Apple devices with no subscription option. DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with advanced features and a paid Studio version at a one-time cost of around $295. Filmora charges around $4.99 per month or $47.99 per year, similar to CapCut's pricing.
CapCut's main advantage is its low cost and ease of use for beginners. The main disadvantage compared to professional software is fewer advanced editing tools. If you only need to remove the watermark and access more effects, CapCut's subscription is one of the cheapest options. If you need professional-grade editing, you may need to look at other software.
What happens if you do not subscribe
The free version of CapCut remains fully functional without a subscription. You can edit videos, add effects, trim clips, add text, and export your final video. The main restrictions are the CapCut watermark on every export, a smaller library of effects and filters, and ads that appear while you use the app. You can use CapCut indefinitely without paying anything.
The watermark is the biggest practical limitation for most users. If you are creating videos for social media, a portfolio, or any public use, the watermark will be visible. If you are editing videos just for personal use or sharing with friends, the free version works fine. The choice to subscribe depends on whether the watermark bothers you and whether you want access to the premium effects library.
Refunds and subscription issues
Refund policies depend on your app store and your location. On iOS, Apple allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you request them through the App Store. On Android, Google Play allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase. To request a refund, go to your app store's purchase history, find the CapCut subscription charge, and select "Report a Problem" or "Request a Refund."
If you were charged twice or charged after canceling, contact your app store's support team with your receipt and the dates of the charges. Keep screenshots of your subscription settings showing that you canceled, as this helps prove your case. CapCut itself does not process refunds directly; your app store handles all payment disputes and refund requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CapCut without paying for a subscription?
Yes. The free version includes all basic editing tools, effects, and filters. The only restrictions are the watermark on exported videos, a smaller effects library, and ads in the app. You can edit and export videos forever without paying.
Does the annual subscription save money compared to monthly?
Yes. The annual plan costs around $39.99 per year, which is roughly $3.33 per month. The monthly plan costs around $4.99 per month. Paying annually saves you about $20 per year compared to paying monthly.
What if I cancel my subscription mid-month?
You keep access to premium features until your current billing period ends. If you paid for a month, you have access for the full month. If you paid for a year, you have access for the full year. Cancellation only stops future charges.
Can I get my money back if I change my mind?
Refund policies depend on your app store. Apple allows refunds within 14 days; Google Play allows refunds within 48 hours. Contact your app store's support team with your receipt and explain why you want a refund. CapCut does not process refunds directly.
Is CapCut subscription worth the cost?
That depends on your needs. If you create videos for social media or public use, removing the watermark is usually worth $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year. If you only edit videos for personal use, the free version is sufficient. Try the free trial if available to decide whether the premium features matter to you.