On Friday, January 17 the US Supreme Court cleared the way for a federal ban of TikTok. Could CapCut, the popular video editing app owned by ByteDance, the same China-based company that owns TikTok, be next on the chopping block? Who knows! But if you’re a creator who relies on CapCut to make videos—at work, or for your personal account—you should be thinking ahead. 

Let's break down what's happening and what you can do about it—including a look at some CapCut alternatives that can help you keep the content flowing whatever happens. 

The situation

Following TikTok's years-long battles with U.S. regulators, attention has turned to other ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut. The free editing app has become a go-to tool for millions of creators, particularly those producing content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Like TikTok, CapCut faces scrutiny over data privacy concerns and its connections to China.

But Congress passed a bill last year that could force ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a ban. While CapCut isn't explicitly named in any of the legislation, many experts believe it could be included in future restrictions, given its shared ownership and similar data collection practices.

How to prepare for a CapCut ban

Don't wait until the last minute. Here's what you should do now to protect your workflow:

1. Back up your projects

First things first: save everything. Like, yesterday. Download all your CapCut projects, templates, and assets locally to your computer. Don't assume you'll have time to do this later if a ban is announced. Pay special attention to:

• Custom templates you've created
• Saved transitions and effects
• Project files for videos you might want to update later
• Any premium effects or elements you've purchased

2. Document your workflow

Take screenshots or record yourself using your favorite CapCut features. Write down the specific settings, transitions, and effects you use most often. That will make it easier to recreate your style in other apps. Include details like:

• Your go-to filters and their specific settings
• Transition timing and effects
• Text animation preferences
• Music and sound effect combinations

3. Research and test alternatives

Start experimenting with other editing apps now, while you still have CapCut as a backup. Some good alternatives:

• Descript (easy to use, loaded with useful AI, good for cross-platform video; free to try)
• Adobe Premiere Rush (also good for cross-platform editing)
• InShot (similar interface to CapCut)
• VN Video Editor (straightforward mobile editing)
• Filmora (user-friendly with plenty of effects)

Don't just download these apps—actually try editing a few videos with them. Focus on recreating your signature style and identifying any features you'll need to work around.

4. Export your assets

Save your frequently used assets separately from CapCut:

• Sound effects library
• Transition presets
• Favorite fonts
• Stock footage and images
• Music tracks you've purchased or downloaded

5. Build a resource library

Start collecting resources that can replace CapCut's built-in offerings:

• Free stock video sites
• Royalty-free music platforms
• Font websites
• Transition pack downloads
• Effect templates for other editing software

But also, note that if you start editing in Descript, you can get all of that for free with your subscription.

If there's a CapCut ban

If CapCut becomes unavailable, you'll need to pivot quickly to alternative editing tools. Here's a comprehensive guide to your options:

Top alternatives to CapCut

Descript: Best all-in-one replacement

Descript stands out as the most powerful alternative for creators who need to maintain high output without sacrificing quality. It also allows you to create for multiple platforms—you can use it to make video for YouTube or Instagram, or to make a podcast—a good way to guard against platform dependence.

Some of Descript's key advantages:

• Text-based video editing (edit your video by editing a transcript)
• AI-powered tools for removing filler words and awkward pauses
• Studio-quality AI audio enhancement
• AI social-media clip creation
• Built-in screen recording
• Automated layouts and transitions
• Massive stock media library with millions of videos, photos, and other images, plus music and sound effects

Other options

For mobile editing:

• InShot: Closest to CapCut's interface and feature set
• VN Video Editor: Strong automation features and effects
• Splice: Simple but powerful, especially for quick edits

For desktop editing:

• DaVinci Resolve: Professional-grade, free version available
• Adobe Premiere Rush: Great for cross-platform workflow
• Filmora: User-friendly with extensive effects library
• OpenShot: Open-source option with basic features

For specific content types:

• Canva Video: Best for social media marketing content
• Adobe Express: Excellent for branded content
• Clipchamp: Good for quick YouTube edits
• iMovie: Simple but effective for Apple users

Making the transition

1. Learning resources

• YouTube tutorials for your chosen software
• Official documentation and help centers
• Reddit communities (r/videoediting, r/editors)
• LinkedIn Learning courses
• Discord communities for specific editing tools

2. Workflow tips

• Start with simple projects while learning new tools
• Use templates to maintain consistency
• Build a new preset library for your common edits
• Keep your raw footage organized
• Back up your projects regularly

3. Essential features to look for

• Automatic captions
• Stock media libraries
• Automated transitions
• Aspect ratio switching for different platforms
• Green screen/chroma key
• Audio enhancement tools

Looking ahead

While a CapCut ban would certainly cause short-term headaches for content creators, it's not the end of the world. The creator economy has weathered similar disruptions before, and there are plenty of capable alternatives available. The key is to start preparing now, stay flexible, and focus on what really matters – creating great content for your audience.

Remember, your success as a creator isn't tied to any single app or platform. It's about your creativity, your connection with your audience, and your ability to adapt to change. By taking steps to prepare now, you'll be ready to handle whatever changes come your way while keeping your content flowing smoothly.

The creator landscape will continue to evolve, and those who prepare and adapt will be best positioned to thrive, regardless of which tools are available. Start taking action now, and you'll thank yourself later if a ban does materialize.