Edit video by editing its transcript, remove filler words in one click, and clean up audio. It makes long-form spoken content dramatically faster to edit.
Keep in mind: Less suited to effects-heavy or cinematic editing.
Guide · Updated
The best AI video editing tools
AI video editors remove the slow parts of editing: transcribing, cutting filler words, adding captions, and finding the best moments for short clips. Pick by your workflow: long-form talking videos, short-form social, or creative effects.
Quick picks
| Tool | Best for | Pricing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Descript | Talking-head videos and podcasts | Freemium | Visit |
| CapCut | Short-form social video | Freemium | Visit |
| OpusClip | Turning long videos into clips | Freemium | Visit |
| Runway | Creative AI effects and generation | Freemium | Visit |
| ElevenLabs | Adding voiceover or dubbing | Freemium | Visit |
How we pick: tools are chosen for fit to the task, based on each tool's official documentation and features — not on payment. Pricing labels are a guide; check official sites for current plans. Some links are affiliate links; disclosure.
The picks, in detail
CapCut combines a capable free editor with auto-captions, templates, and AI effects tuned for TikTok, Reels and Shorts, on mobile, desktop and web.
Keep in mind: Some features and exports are reserved for the paid plan; review the terms for commercial use.
OpusClip finds highlight moments in a long video, reframes them vertically and adds captions, so one podcast or webinar becomes many short clips.
Keep in mind: Automatic picks still need a human pass to choose the best moments.
Runway offers AI tools such as background removal, motion tracking and generative video alongside editing, aimed at creatives and filmmakers.
Keep in mind: Advanced generation uses credits that go quickly on longer projects.
5
ElevenLabs
Best for: Adding voiceover or dubbing
If your edit needs narration or a translated voice track, ElevenLabs generates realistic voiceovers and dubbing that you can drop into any editor.
Keep in mind: Voice only; you'll still need an editor for the video itself.
How to choose
- Long spoken content? Start with transcript-based editing.
- Social-first? Prioritize auto-captions, vertical reframing and templates.
- Test exports on the free tier: watermarks and resolution limits differ.
- Check where your files are processed and stored if content is sensitive.
FAQ
What is the best free AI video editor?
CapCut has one of the most capable free tiers for social video. Descript and OpusClip also offer free plans with limits on export length or features.
Can AI edit a video automatically?
AI can handle transcription, captions, filler-word removal, silence cutting and clip selection automatically, but a quick human review still produces noticeably better results.
Which AI tool turns long videos into shorts?
OpusClip is built specifically for turning long videos into short vertical clips with captions. Descript and CapCut can do it too, with more manual control.
