What Did CapCut Change in Its 2025 Terms of Service?

CapCut, a popular video editing platform owned by ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), just rolled out a major Terms of Service (TOS) update on June 12, 2025. If you're a content creator using CapCut, you need to pay close attention.

The update has significant implications for ownership, licensing, and how your content may be used by CapCut and its affiliates. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for creators. The Terms of Service update gives the company and its affiliates broad rights over your content including the ability to use, edit, monetize, and distribute it without paying you or crediting you. Below is a breakdown of the changes and what it means for creators:

Quick Summary: CapCut TOS Update (June 2025)

As of June 12, 2025, when you use CapCut:

• You still own your content, but...

• CapCut gets a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license

• They can modify, publish, monetize, and resell your work

• You waive personal rights like approval or credit

• The license is irrevocable and sublicensable

• Applies to public and private videos, even drafts

What Rights Does CapCut Claim Over My Content?

CapCut’s updated Terms of Service allow them to:

• Use, modify, and distribute your media

• Create and publish derivative works

• Monetize your content without notifying or paying you

• Sublicense your content to third parties (like ad platforms)

Does CapCut Own My Videos?

No, you retain copyright ownership of your videos. However, by uploading or editing in CapCut, you automatically grant them a perpetual license to use it however they want — worldwide and royalty-free.

Can CapCut Sell My Content Without Telling Me?

Yes. CapCut and its affiliates (e.g., ByteDance) can:

• Use your content in ads, promos, or sponsored posts

• Sell or republish your media on third-party platforms

• Do all this without notifying, crediting, or compensating you

How Long Does CapCut’s License Last?

The license is:

• Forever (perpetual)

• Global (applies in all countries)

• Sublicensable (CapCut can give these rights to others)

Do I Waive Any Personal Rights?

Yes. By using CapCut, you:

• Waive the right to review or approve how your content is used

• Allow use of your name, image, and likeness

• Can be identified as the creator without being paid

Other Platforms With Similar Terms

CapCut isn't alone. Platforms like:

• TikTok

• YouTube

• Instagram

• Canva

...all include similar licensing terms in their TOS. Most offer global, royalty-free licenses that allow them to use, promote, or monetize your content for company benefit.

What Should Creators Do Next?

Tips for Smart Creators:

• Want full control? Export your final cut and publish outside CapCut.

• Still using CapCut? Assume they may use your finished work elsewhere.

• Prefer safer terms? Try DIY editors with creator-first TOS (like DaVinci Resolve, VN, or CapCut alternatives).

Final Takeaway

CapCut’s 2025 update highlights a growing trend in digital platforms: convenience in exchange for content rights. If you value creative control, licensing terms matter — read before you upload.

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