On June 18, 2025, CapCut, the go-to mobile and desktop video editor, has quietly rolled out updated Terms of Service that could drastically alter how your content is used, potentially without your direct control or compensation.
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🔒 What Just Changed?
As of June 12, 2025, CapCut’s policy now includes sweeping language that grants:
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A worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, sub‑licensable, transferable license for CapCut (and its partners) to use your uploads, including videos, photos, audio, voice, edits, and likeness, for any purpose, commercial or otherwise, without requiring your permission or paying you.
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The ability to modify and create derivative works from your content and share or profit from it indefinitely, even if you later delete your account.
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A waiver from you of any moral rights, meaning CapCut can alter your content in ways that may distort or misrepresent it without recourse.
Users only started to become aware of the change when this video started to go viral on both Instagram and TikTok.
Why It Matters
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Loss of control, forever: Even private or draft clips, say, a voice-over or internal campaign footage, can now be used in ads, training videos, or sold to third parties.
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No permission, no pay: You’re giving CapCut full rights to monetize or distribute your content without any financial return.
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Legal risk simplified: By clicking "agree," you waive your ability to sue or contest CapCut’s use, even if your video is used in uncomfortable or unintended contexts.
Community Reactions
Reddit users have voiced strong alarm:
“You give CapCut a permanent license to use anything you upload… forever, for free.”
“CapCut’s Terms of Service: The Unfiltered User Translation… ‘We own your stuff now.’”
Even seasoned marketers have called the update “shiesty,” urging creators to read the fine print or seek safer alternatives.
📌 What Creators Should Do
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Audit your content – Treat CapCut uploads as permanently public. Avoid including sensitive footage, client work, or exclusive content.
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Explore better options – Consider editing tools with more transparent rights management, such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
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Back up and license smartly – Keep your own copies, and ensure any third-party music you use is properly cleared.
Final Thoughts
CapCut’s latest update isn’t just a minor tweak, it dramatically shifts control away from creators. If you’re using the platform, even casually, these changes affect your rights. Whether you stick with it or switch tools, know that your uploads now carry real legal weight.
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Next Steps
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Make sure anyone on your team understands the new terms.
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If flexible content ownership matters (client campaigns, brand assets, personal branding), strongly consider migrating to alternative editing platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does CapCut's new Terms of Service actually allow them to do with my content?
CapCut now has the right to use, modify, distribute, and profit from your content, forever, and without compensating or notifying you.
Does this apply to drafts or private projects I never published?
Yes, CapCut owns the rights to drafts and private projects you never published on the app. The new terms apply to any content you upload to the platform, even if you don’t post it publicly.
Can CapCut use my face or voice in ads or other media?
Yes, CapCut can now use your face and voice in ads and other media without further permission from you. By agreeing to the new terms, you’re granting CapCut the right to use your likeness, voice, and personal attributes in any context.
What happens if I delete my content or close my CapCut account?
If you delete your content or close your CapCut account, CapCut will still have the rights of ownership over any content you created on the app once the terms and conditions have been agreed upon - including all content created before the terms and conditions were put into place. The license you granted is irrevocable, CapCut retains the rights to your uploaded content even after deletion or deactivation.
What are some safer alternative to CapCut?
Creators looking for more content control can explore tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, VN Editor, or InShot (be sure to read their terms too).
