CapCut’s Updated Terms of Service: What Every Content Creator Needs to Know ⚖

If you are a small business owner, or content creator, using CapCut for video editing, it is time to take a closer look at the platform’s updated Terms of Service (as of June 12, 2025). These new terms raise serious concerns around content ownership, intellectual property, and privacy rights; and they apply the moment you upload a file.

1. Your Content Is No Longer Private

CapCut defines all uploads as "user content", and explicitly states that this content is non-confidential. That means anything you upload, including unfinished drafts, personal footage, or sensitive materials, is treated as fair game under their policies.

You must own all rights to everything you upload, including music. If you use a TikTok song or a commercial track you do not own, you are likely in breach of CapCut’s terms.

2. CapCut Claims a Worldwide, Royalty-Free License

Once you upload to CapCut, you grant the company and its affiliates an irrevocable, royalty-free, sublicensable, worldwide license to:

• Use your username, image, and likeness

• Modify and distribute your content

• Use your content in sponsored material or advertising

  
  

Even more concerning: they can pass these rights along to third-party companies. That means someone else may legally use your video, or even your face, without your approval, compensation, or recourse.

3. Waiver of Privacy, Publicity, and Moral Rights

CapCut requires users to waive all rights to privacy and publicity. This includes the right to review or approve how your image or content is used. Additionally, they require a waiver of moral rights, such as being credited for your work or objecting to alterations that harm your brand.

4. No Accountability and You Pay Their Legal Fees

CapCut also limits their liability across the board. If your content is misused or causes harm (personal, professional, or financial), the most you can recover is $50 or what you paid them in the previous year, whichever is less.

Worse, if a legal issue arises, you agree to pay CapCut’s legal fees if the dispute involves your content.

5. Final Thoughts

CapCut’s updated terms make one thing clear: the platform is designed to benefit the company, not the content creator.

By simply using the service, you hand over substantial rights to your work, your likeness, and even your legal protections. For entrepreneurs and creatives who rely on brand integrity, content control, and privacy, these terms are a serious red flag.

Think before you upload. Free software is never really free, and in this case, it may cost you much more than you think.

If you want to understand terms of service before using any platform, book a consultation with one of our attorneys today!

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