Quick answer: CapCut is a free video editor for phone and computer. Import your clips, cut the boring parts, add auto captions, music and simple transitions, then export in 1080p at 30 fps. Keep videos short and start with the most interesting second, because viewers decide in the first 2–3 seconds.
Step by Step: Edit Your First Video
- Install CapCut and tap New project.
- Select your clips in order and tap Add.
- Tap a clip, then Split to cut pauses and mistakes; delete the parts you do not need.
- Tap Text → Auto captions to add subtitles; fix any wrong words.
- Add music or sound from Audio; keep your voice louder than the music.
- Add a simple transition between clips (or none; fast cuts work well).
- Tap the resolution button and choose 1080p, 30 fps, then Export.
Essential CapCut Tools
| Tool | What it does | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Split | Cuts a clip | Remove pauses and mistakes |
| Speed | Faster or slower | Speed up boring parts |
| Auto captions | Subtitles from speech | Always: many people watch on mute |
| Templates | Ready-made edits | Quick trends |
| Remove background | Cuts out a person | Green-screen style videos |
| Keyframes | Zoom and movement | Add motion to photos |
Editing Tips That Keep Viewers Watching
- Start with the result or the question, not "Hi guys".
- Cut every pause longer than half a second.
- Change the shot every few seconds (zoom, angle, B-roll).
- Use captions with big, readable text in the middle of the screen.
- End with one clear call to action.
Export Settings
For TikTok, Reels and Shorts use 9:16, 1080p, 30 fps. For YouTube long videos use 16:9. Higher resolutions make large files that are slow to upload on mobile data.
Turn Your Edits Into Income
Good editors are in demand. Offer short-video editing to creators, churches, schools and businesses, or post your own videos on Stay Home Network and set paid tiers for exclusive content. See also our guide to the best phone for content (below).
Example: Editing a 30-Second Product Video
A seller films 2 minutes of raw clips of a new bag. In CapCut she cuts it to 30 seconds: 2 seconds showing the bag on a model (the hook), close-ups of the zip and pockets, the price on screen, and "Order on WhatsApp" at the end, with auto captions and quiet background music. The edited video gets far more watch time than the raw clip.
Quick Checklist
- Hook in the first 2 seconds
- Pauses cut
- Captions checked
- Exported 1080p 9:16
- Clear call to action
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: edit one short video a day using only split, captions and music.
- Week 2: learn speed, keyframes and background removal.
- Week 3: recreate 3 popular video styles in your niche.
- Week 4: offer to edit for 3 local businesses or creators and collect testimonials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Long intros.
- Music louder than your voice.
- Copyrighted music on monetised content.
- Exporting in low resolution.
- Too many effects that distract from the message.
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CapCut free?
Yes. CapCut has a free version; a Pro subscription adds extra effects and tools.
How do I add captions in CapCut?
Tap Text, then Auto captions, choose the language and fix any wrong words.
What is the best export setting in CapCut?
1080p at 30 fps in 9:16 for TikTok, Reels and Shorts.
Can I use CapCut on a computer?
Yes, there is a desktop and web version.
Can I make money editing videos in Kenya?
Yes, by editing short videos for creators, businesses, churches and events.
Cover photo: Editing a video on a laptop. Photo: Video editing. by MIKI Yoshihito. (#mikiyoshihito), CC BY 2.0.
