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The Ultimate Free Video Editor for Social Media

Craft viral TikToks, Reels, and Shorts – no subscriptions, no watermarks, unlimited exports.

Why CutScene Rules Social Media Editing

In the fast-paced world of social video, every second counts – and so does your editor. CutScene's free video editor is built for creators who need speed, flexibility, and zero barriers. No watermarks marring your masterpiece, no export caps cramping your style, and unlimited projects to fuel your content machine.

What sets CutScene apart? It's browser-based (edit anywhere), packed with platform presets, and ready for AI boosts when you want cinematic flair. From solo influencers to marketing teams, creators love how it turns rough ideas into polished, platform-ready posts.

Platform-Optimized Editing: Tailor for Every Feed

CutScene understands social isn't one-size-fits-all. Start with the right canvas, and let pro tools handle the rest.

TikTok & Instagram Reels: Vertical Virality (9:16)

Specs That Slay:

  • Resolution: 1080x1920
  • Duration: 15-60s (hook in 3s!)
  • Frame Rate: 30fps
  • Codec: H.264 MP4
  • Size: <200MB

Editing Hacks for Hooks:

  • Pacing Punch: Cut every 1-3s – keep energy high, attention locked.
  • Text Overlays: Bold, 48pt+ fonts with pop animations. 60% watch muted – captions are king.
  • Trending Audio: Import from library or upload; sync beats with cuts.
  • Safe Zones: Center key action – avoid edge crops.
  • Transitions: Quick zooms, slides, or whip pans for seamless flow.

Template Flow:

  1. New Project → 9:16 TikTok Template
  2. Add trending sound
  3. Layer footage/AI clips (generate "energetic dance move")
  4. Text hooks + emojis
  5. Subtle transitions
  6. Export 1080p MP4

YouTube Shorts & Long-Form: Mix It Up

Shorts (9:16):

  • 1080x1920, <60s, 30fps
  • Hook in 5s, end with subscribe text.

Standard Videos (16:9):

  • 1920x1080, 10min+, 30/60fps
  • Chapters via text, pattern interrupts every 3-5s.

Universal Tips:

  • Tease value upfront
  • Cards/CTAs for engagement
  • Consistent intros (2-3s brand stamp)
  • End screens: subscribe prompts

Advanced: Animate custom intros with CutScene keyframes – boost recognition 2x.

Instagram Feed & Stories: Square & Landscape Magic

Feed (1:1 or 16:9):

  • 1080x1080 square or 1080x608 landscape
  • 15-60s, <100MB, 30fps

Stories (9:16):

  • Repurpose Reels clips

Feed Formulas:

  • Captions mandatory (muted autoplay)
  • Brand colors/fonts/transitions
  • Compelling first frame (1s decision)
  • Edge-safe text

LinkedIn: Professional Polish (Landscape)

  • 1200x628 or 1920x1080, 30s-2min
  • Slower pacing (5s+ clips)
  • Subtitles + logo
  • Face-to-camera for connection
  • CTA: "Connect for more"

The Multi-Format Workflow: One Edit, Everywhere

Efficiency hack: Master once, adapt fast.

  1. Edit Master (16:9 Landscape): Full story, 1920x1080.
  2. Duplicate Project: Branch for platforms.
  3. Adapt:
    • Crop to 9:16 for vertical (TikTok/Reels/Shorts)
    • Pad/crop for 1:1 Instagram
    • Trim to 30s clips
  4. Resize Text: Bigger for mobile.
  5. Batch Export: All formats at once.

Engaging Content Blueprint: Tools & Techniques

Text & Captions: Readability Wins

  • Colors: High contrast (white on dark, vice versa)
  • Timing: 2-3s min per screen
  • Fonts: Consistent series style + emojis
  • Animations: Pop-on for emphasis – subtle sells.

Transitions That Pop (Not Distract)

  • Cuts: Clean, pro vibe
  • Fades: Topic shifts
  • Zooms: Highlight reveals
  • Slides: Lower thirds
  • Whip Pans: Energy bursts

Rule: Less is more – flashiness fades, professionalism endures.

Color Consistency: Brand Without Trying

  1. Palette Lock: 2-3 colors + neutrals
  2. Grading Uniform: Apply LUT across series
  3. Mobile Test: Preview on phone – 80% views there
  4. Quick Fix: CutScene's one-click presets

Audio Arsenal: Sound Hooks Viewers

  • Music Layer: -12dB under voice
  • SFX: Text pops, impacts
  • Trends: Platform sounds via import
  • Pauses: 1-2s for visual breath
  • Automation: Fade ins/outs smooth

Pre-Publish Checklist: Launch-Ready Videos

Before hitting upload:

  • Framing: Platform-cropped correctly?
  • Text: Mobile-readable?
  • Hook: Grabs in 3s?
  • Audio: Balanced, no spikes?
  • Size: Meets limits?
  • Watermark-Free: Clean export
  • Colors: Vibrant on small screens
  • Device Preview: Phone test essential
  • Format: MP4 universal
  • SEO Meta: Keywords in title/desc

Miss one? Views tank. Nail all? Virality awaits.

Post-Launch Analytics: Iterate to Dominate

24 hours post-upload:

  1. Screenshot Metrics: Peak engagement window
  2. Pattern Hunt: Best length/style/topic?
  3. Success Scale: Double down on winners
  4. Audio Audit: High skips? Swap tracks
  5. Timing Tweak: Match watch patterns

Data-driven creators 2x faster growth.

Power-Ups: Tools to Amplify CutScene

  • Captions Auto: CutScene text or CapCut free add-on
  • Thumbnails: Canva free for YouTube eye-candy
  • Trends: Platform libraries → CutScene import
  • Schedule: Buffer/Meta Suite free tiers

Social Platform Quick Guide

PlatformFormatLengthPacingAudio Musts
TikTok9:1615-60sFast (1-3s cuts)Trending sounds
IG Reels9:1615-90sFastMusic + captions
YT Shorts9:16<60sFastMusic + VO
YouTube16:910m+Medium (5-10s)Pro mix
IG Feed1:1/Landscape15-60sMediumCaptions essential
LinkedIn16:930s-2mSlowSubtitles + CTA

Jump In: Your First Social Edit

  1. Free Signup: No card – instant access
  2. Platform Pick: TikTok? 9:16 project
  3. Content Load: Upload or AI-generate
  4. Edit Free: Cuts, transitions, grade
  5. Export & Post: Direct to glory

Unlimited, watermark-free, pro-ready. Fuel your social empire today – the algorithm waits for no one!