CapCut’s Terms Say You Can’t Really Sue Them (Well, Maybe for $50)

Top music attorney Miss Krystle is sounding the alarm on CapCut’s newly updated terms of service. In a recent video, the Arizona-based intellectual property and business law expert walked her audience through the fine print, explaining in plain language what users are actually agreeing to when they use the popular video editing app.

“CapCut is owned by ByteDance Limited, and by accepting their terms, you are signing a binding contract,” Miss Krystle explained. “They can update these terms any time, so it’s important to check back regularly.”

One of the biggest concerns? Any content a user uploads to CapCut is deemed “non-confidential,” meaning creators must fully own the rights to all elements of their material—or risk violating the contract. That could trip up artists who edit videos featuring music or clips they don’t entirely control.

“You also grant them—and their partners—a worldwide, royalty-free license to use your username, image, and likeness,” Miss Krystle said. “That includes allowing third parties to use your face and content in promotional material, even for sponsored content.”

The updated terms also include sweeping waivers of privacy and publicity rights. Users waive the right to approve how their content is used and agree not to assert “moral rights” related to their work—a legal protection that typically preserves the integrity of an artist’s creation.

“If something embarrassing or sensitive gets used without your permission, the most you could sue CapCut for is $50,” Miss Krystle warned. “You’re even agreeing to cover their legal fees if something goes wrong.” With so much at stake, she left viewers with one question: will you keep using CapCut?