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Convert Long Form Videos into Short Form - CapCut

Howto & Style

Introduction

If you're looking to edit videos effortlessly, CapCut is a tool you should definitely consider. This guide will focus on the process of converting long form videos into short, engaging clips suitable for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. With the demand for short content rising, knowing how to effectively chop down longer videos will serve you well.

Why Use CapCut for This Task?

While there are various tools available, such as Opus Clips, which aim to simplify the process of turning long videos into shorts, many of them compromise on quality. When you upload a 4K video to these platforms, it often comes back blurry or at a reduced resolution. CapCut is a reliable alternative since you can maintain video quality throughout the editing process.

Steps to Convert Long Form Videos into Shorts

  1. Start a New Project: Begin by creating a new project in CapCut and drop in your long footage. Ensure you've already edited this video to remove any unnecessary segments.

  2. Add Auto Captions: Navigate to the Auto Caption feature, set the language, and generate captions. This step enhances the accessibility of your content.

  3. Utilize Templates: Go to the templates section and select a style for your captions that align with your branding.

  4. Draft Invisible Text: To give a structure for your titles, go to the text section, add default text, extend it to fill your scene, and make it invisible if needed.

  5. Making the Cuts: Slice your video into segments that will serve as your shorts. A good practice is to identify moments that are around 30 to 60 seconds long.

  6. Adjust the Aspect Ratio: Once your clips are ready, convert your video ratio to 9:16 for optimal viewing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

  7. Reposition Your Footage and Text: Highlight your footage and scale it (typically around 145%) and adjust the vertical position (Y position) to keep everything visually appealing.

  8. Export the Clips: After designing your short clips, export them individually. You can do this quickly: just hit export for each clip. Utilize the undo function to clear out the previous one and continue exporting the rest.

This straightforward method gives you much control over your content, ensuring that you produce high-quality clips tailored to each platform’s requirements without the hassle of using AI tools that may not always perform accurately.

Conclusion

Using CapCut to convert your videos not only saves time but also ensures you maintain high-quality output. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be well-equipped to take your long form content and create engaging shorts that attract audiences across various social media platforms.

Keywords

  • CapCut
  • Long Form Videos
  • Short Form Videos
  • Auto Captions
  • Video Editing
  • Aspect Ratio
  • TikTok
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Quality Preservation

FAQ

1. What is CapCut?
CapCut is a free video editing software that allows users to edit videos effortlessly for various platforms.

2. How can I maintain video quality when converting long videos to shorts?
You can maintain video quality by avoiding third-party tools that compromise resolution and using CapCut to edit and export your clips.

3. What aspect ratio should I use for TikTok and Instagram?
The recommended aspect ratio for TikTok and Instagram shorts is 9:16.

4. How do I add captions in CapCut?
You can add auto captions in CapCut by selecting the 'Auto Caption' feature, setting the right language, and generating captions automatically.

5. Can I edit long videos in CapCut before making shorts?
Yes, you should edit your long videos in CapCut before slicing them into shorts to ensure that only the best content is extracted.