CapCut

CapCut is a full-featured video editor for mobile and desktop, popular for its trendy effects, templates, and easy social sharing.

About

CapCut

CapCut is TikTok’s editing sidekick, packed with free tools and viral-ready features. It works on both mobile and desktop, offering trendy effects, a massive music and sound library, and AI tools like auto-cutting, background noise removal, and those bold animated captions you see all over your feed. It’s fast, intuitive, and built to keep pace with the rhythm of social media.

But let’s be real—it’s made for short-form content. You won’t find deep color grading, multi-cam editing, or timeline finesse you'd expect in something like Premiere. And since it’s backed by ByteDance, folks with privacy concerns might raise an eyebrow. Some features also rely on a live internet connection, which can slow things down. That said, for quick-turn clips, reels, and TikToks, it delivers exactly what today’s creators need—fast, fun, and optimized for scroll-stopping content.

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CapCut

Descript

Descript is a video editor for podcasters and YouTubers that allows editing video like text, with features like Overdub and Studio Sound.

About

Descript

Descript flipped video editing on its head—edit video like you edit text. Delete a word in the transcript? That part vanishes from the video. Rearrange sentences? The video rearranges too. It's mind-blowing for podcast and talking-head content. Plus, features like overdub (fixing mistakes with AI voice cloning) and studio sound make it feel like magic.

The text-based approach is revolutionary for speech-driven content, but it's less intuitive for visual storytelling. While they're adding more traditional features, it still feels most natural when your narrative follows a transcript. Complex visual effects and color grading? Not really Descript's strong suit. So what drives your content: the spoken word or the visual story? For comprehensive video editing with text-based features, explore tools that offer MP4 to text conversion alongside full AI video editing capabilities.

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Descript

Submagic is a better alternative

Submagic is the better alternative to CapCut & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to CapCut & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Google Global Review : 4.9/5Trustpilot Global Review : 4.8/5G2 Global Review : 4.9/5

Trusted by 100+ Top Creators

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Overview of CapCut Vs Descript : Transforming Long Videos into Viral Shorts with AI

CapCut

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

  • Free with powerful AI features
  • Beginner-friendly mobile/desktop versions
  • Extensive stock library and templates
  • Desktop version less featured than mobile
  • Pro subscription for premium assets
  • 15-minute cap and single track limitations

CapCut

Pricing plans

Plan

Cost

Free
$0
Pro
$9.99

CapCut

Reviews

Enayet Hussain

I'm not sure why people don't like it, but it's a very good editing app that isn't a "scam." You may need to pay for a subscription for some features, but I think it's worth it for the price. For example, I pay 50 dollars a year for it, and it's awesome.

David Greenlee

Revised! I just went ahead and purchased Pro. So far big improvement. I really detest the way I got here. But I have to say working cross platform so far seems ok. I will revisit UX once I have used for a bit. I am improving rating to 4 stars. Saved me a fair amount of time.

Stef Caisutti

I finally paid, as you could almost do nothing, as everything was on Pro, NOW I am battling to get an invoice from them, useless after sales service, Still after emails and bot chat!!!!!!! NO INVOICE

Descript

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

  • Revolutionary text-based editing
  • Overdub voice cloning, Studio Sound
  • Good free plan
  • Not ideal for traditional editors
  • Resource-intensive
  • Export quality concerns

Descript

Pricing plans

Plan

Cost

Free
$0
Creator
$12/mo
Business
$24/mo

Descript

Reviews

Tom

Disappointing AI Voice Generation and Poor Value for Money! [Note: This was the most positive review available - Descript has predominantly negative reviews]

Sally

The transcript accuracy is a step up from something I was using several years ago [Mixed review with significant issues noted]

Tanya Hopper

Worst video editing software. Descript has ruined a number of video projects for me and lost me money - lagging audio, glitchy play back and poor customer service.

Submagic is a better alternative

Submagic is the better alternative to CapCut & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Submagic is the better alternative to CapCut & Descript. Video editing done in 3 clicks, saves you time. Edit 3 videos for free.

Google Global Review : 4.9/5Trustpilot Global Review : 4.8/5G2 Global Review : 4.9/5

Trusted by 100+ Top Creators

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Frequently asked questions

How does an AI clip maker work?

An AI clip maker scans long-form videos or podcasts using artificial intelligence to automatically identify the most engaging moments, then slices them into short clips with captions, animations, and transitions. It's a powerful way to repurpose content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

One thing to note is that an AI clip generator is not necessarily an AI video generator.

Can AI-generated videos be monetized on YouTube?

Yes, as long as your AI-generated videos follow YouTube's monetization guidelines and add original value—like commentary, visuals, or voiceovers—you can absolutely monetize them. AI tools help you create faster, but your creativity is still the magic ingredient.

How do I add a text-to-speech voiceover?

Most AI video editors have a text-to-speech option built in—just type your script, choose your AI voice, and click generate. It’s an easy way to add professional voiceovers to explainer videos, product demos, or tutorials without recording anything yourself.

How does text-to-video AI work?

Text-to-video AI turns written text prompts into fully edited video content—complete with visuals, animations, subtitles, and voiceovers. It automates video production so creators can go from script to video clips in minutes instead of hours.

How to switch the AI Avatar’s voice category?

Most AI avatar tools have voice categories based on tone or language—you just head to the voice settings and pick a different category (like professional, energetic, or friendly). It’s like casting the perfect voice actor, but instantly.

What are the top AI tools for generating video clips?

Top AI tools like Submagic, Pictory, and Descript make it incredibly easy to generate short clips from long-form content. They handle captions, visuals, templates, and even AI voiceovers—ideal for creators repurposing webinars, podcasts, or YouTube content into snackable, engaging videos for social media platforms.

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