How to Use Keyframes in CapCut: A Beginner’s Guide

CapCut is a powerful and user-friendly video editing app that lets you create stunning animations and smooth transitions using keyframes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, understanding keyframes will elevate your video editing skills and give your content a professional touch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use keyframes in CapCut, including step-by-step instructions and practical applications.

🎬 What Are Keyframes?

Keyframes are markers in your video timeline that set the start and end points for animations or transitions. By adjusting keyframes, you can create smooth movements for elements such as:

✅ Text animations (fade-in, pop-up, slide effects)
✅ Object movements (shifting elements across the screen)
✅ Zoom and pan effects (cinematic Ken Burns effects)
✅ Rotation and scaling (spinning, enlarging, or shrinking elements)

Think of keyframes like checkpoints—CapCut will smoothly animate between them to create dynamic movement.

🛠 How to Use Keyframes in CapCut

Step 1: Open CapCut and Import Your Clip

• Launch CapCut and create a new project.
• Import your video or image files into the timeline.

Step 2: Select an Element to Animate

• Tap on the video, text, or image you want to animate.
• This will bring up the editing menu at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Add Your First Keyframe

• Move the playhead (white vertical line) to the position where you want your animation to start.
• Tap the diamond-shaped keyframe icon (⚪) to add a keyframe.

Step 4: Move to the Second Position and Add Another Keyframe

• Drag the playhead forward in the timeline.
• Adjust the position, scale, rotation, or opacity of the selected element.
• Tap the keyframe icon again to add a second keyframe.

CapCut will now automatically create a smooth transition between the two keyframes! 🎥✨

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Animation

• You can add multiple keyframes to create complex movements.
• Adjust the timing between keyframes to control the speed of the animation.

Step 6: Play and Adjust

• Press Play to preview the animation.
• If needed, move keyframes closer together for a faster effect or farther apart for a slower transition.

🔥 Creative Uses of Keyframes

📌 Smooth Zoom-In/Out: Gradually zoom into a subject for a cinematic effect.
📌 Text Animation: Make text appear from different angles or fade in smoothly.
📌 Object Movement: Move images or stickers dynamically across the screen.
📌 Shaky Camera Effect: Add multiple keyframes with small position shifts for a realistic handheld camera effect.
📌 Glitch Effect: Use rapid keyframes to create a glitchy, fast-motion effect.

🎥 Video Tutorial: Watch & Learn

For a step-by-step video demonstration, check out this YouTube tutorial:

This tutorial will show you exactly how to use keyframes in CapCut with real examples!

🚀 Final Thoughts

Keyframes in CapCut are an essential tool for making your videos more dynamic and engaging. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create professional-level animations and smooth transitions effortlessly.

🎬 Now it’s your turn! Try using keyframes in your next CapCut project and let us know how it goes! Drop a comment below if you have any questions. 🚀