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LucyBrain Switzerland ○ AI Daily
CapCut AI Features 2026: Seedance 2.0, Seedream 5.0 & Complete AI Tools Guide
February 17, 2026
TL;DR: CapCut AI
What's new: Seedance 2.0 (AI video) + Seedream 5.0 (AI images) integrated into CapCut Launched: February 2026Access: CapCut mobile app + desktop (capcut.com) Cost: Free tier available, paid for unlimited Why it matters: 200M+ CapCut users now have pro-level AI built-in Reality: Most CapCut users don't know these features exist yet
You have CapCut. You edit videos in it.
But did you know ByteDance just added AI video generation, AI images, and multi-shot storytelling directly into CapCut?
Here's how to use features you already have access to.
What AI Features Just Got Added to CapCut
Seedance 2.0 (AI Video Generation)
What it does:
Generate videos from text descriptions
Animate static images into video
Create multi-shot narratives
Add realistic motion to photos
Access in CapCut:
Mobile: AI Tools → Video Generation → Seedance
Desktop: Media → AI Video → Seedance 2.0
Free tier: Limited daily generations Paid: More generations, priority queue
Seedream 5.0 (AI Image Creation)
What it does:
Generate images from text
2K and 4K output
Web search integration
Edit specific areas of images
Access in CapCut:
Mobile: AI Tools → Image → Seedream
Desktop: Media → AI Image → Seedream 5.0
Free tier: Limited daily creations Paid: Unlimited generations
AI Effects and Enhancements
Also added:
AI background removal
AI object removal
AI upscaling
AI color grading
Smart auto-captions
These work with your existing videos
How to Access AI Features in CapCut
Mobile App (iOS/Android)
Step 1: Update CapCut
Open App Store / Google Play
Search "CapCut"
Update to latest version (February 2026+)
Step 2: Find AI Tools
Open CapCut
Bottom menu: Look for "AI" tab or sparkle icon ✨
OR: Start new project → Media → AI options
Step 3: Select Feature
Seedance 2.0 (video generation)
Seedream 5.0 (image generation)
Other AI tools
Available: Global rollout February 15-20, 2026 (check your region)
Desktop Version (Windows/Mac)
Step 1: Download or Update
Visit capcut.com
Download desktop app
Or update existing installation
Step 2: Access AI Features
New Project
Media panel → AI section
OR: Effects → AI Effects
Step 3: Choose Tool
Video: Seedance options
Images: Seedream options
Editing: AI enhancement tools
Better for: Longer projects, precise editing
Creating AI Videos in CapCut (Seedance 2.0)
Mobile Workflow
Step 1: Open AI Video Tool
Step 2: Choose Input Method
Text-to-Video:
Image-to-Video:
Step 3: Preview and Use
Wait 60-120 seconds
Preview generated video
Tap "Add to Timeline" to use in your project
OR "Save" to camera roll
Step 4: Edit as Normal
Trim, add music, effects
Combine with other clips
Export final video
Desktop Workflow
More powerful for:
Longer projects
Multiple AI generations
Complex edits
Professional output
Process:
Generate AI video in CapCut desktop
Drops directly into timeline
Edit with full desktop tools
Export in high quality
Creating AI Images in CapCut (Seedream 5.0)
Mobile Image Generation
Quick process:
Use for:
Thumbnails
Graphics overlays
Background images
Title cards
Social media assets
Desktop Image Creation
Better for:
High-resolution needs (4K)
Multiple variations
Precise editing
Professional graphics
Workflow:
Generate in Seedream panel
Drag to timeline as overlay
Resize, position, animate
Use in final video
Complete CapCut AI Workflow
Example: Creating Social Media Video
Goal: 15-second product showcase for Instagram
Step 1: Generate Product Images (Seedream)
Step 2: Animate Images (Seedance)
Step 3: Edit in CapCut
Add AI clips to timeline
Use AI auto-captions
Apply AI color grading
Add music
Step 4: Export
9:16 vertical for Instagram
1080p or higher
Share directly to social
Time: 15 minutes vs 2+ hours traditional production
Free vs Paid CapCut AI Features
Free Tier
What you get:
Limited daily AI generations
~5-10 Seedance videos per day
~10-20 Seedream images per day
1080p output
Standard queue (slower)
Watermark on some AI content (check current terms)
Good for:
Testing features
Occasional use
Personal projects
Learning
CapCut Pro (Paid)
Expected pricing: ~$10-30/month (being finalized)
What you get:
Unlimited or greatly increased AI generations
2K/4K output
Priority queue (faster)
No watermarks
Commercial use rights
Advanced editing features
Worth it if:
Using AI regularly
Professional content creation
Need high resolution
Commercial projects
Mobile vs Desktop CapCut AI
Mobile Advantages
Better for:
Quick social content
On-the-go editing
Vertical video (9:16)
Immediate posting
Simple projects
AI features:
Full Seedance access
Full Seedream access
Touch-friendly interface
Direct social sharing
Desktop Advantages
Better for:
Complex projects
Higher resolution
Precise editing
Longer videos
Professional work
AI features:
Same AI access
Better preview quality
More screen space
Faster workflow for bulk
Better export options
Use both: Generate on mobile, fine-tune on desktop (projects sync)
AI Features Other Editors Don't Have
CapCut's Unique AI
Seedance multi-shot:
Create multiple scenes in one generation
Character stays consistent
NO other video editor has this built-in
Seedream web search:
Generate images based on current events
Real-time information
Unique to ByteDance AI
Integrated workflow:
Generate and edit in same app
No export/import between tools
Seamless timeline integration
vs Adobe Premiere: No built-in AI video generation
vs Final Cut Pro: No AI video generation at all
vs DaVinci Resolve: Some AI features but not video generation
CapCut AI vs Standalone Tools
CapCut Integrated AI
Pros:
Already in your editing app
No switching tools
Unified workflow
One subscription
Optimized for video editing use
Cons:
Tied to CapCut ecosystem
May have fewer options than standalone
Updates depend on CapCut releases
Standalone (Sora, Midjourney, etc)
Pros:
Specialized for AI only
More advanced features sometimes
Platform independent
Cons:
Separate subscription costs
Extra steps (generate → download → import)
Not optimized for editing workflow
Best approach: Use CapCut AI for most needs, standalone for specialty cases
Practical Use Cases
YouTube Content Creation
Opening shots:
B-roll:
TikTok/Instagram Reels
Full AI video:
Hybrid content:
Product Marketing
Showcase video:
Educational Content
Explainer videos:
Tips for Best Results
Combining AI with Traditional CapCut
Don't go 100% AI:
Use AI for what's hard to film
Film real content where possible
Mix creates most authentic result
Strategic AI use:
Establishing shots (hard to get)
B-roll (time-consuming to film)
Graphics (expensive to commission)
Backgrounds (green screen alternative)
Workflow Efficiency
Batch generation:
Generate multiple AI assets at once
Save to CapCut library
Use across multiple projects
Template approach:
Create CapCut template with AI elements
Reuse structure, swap specific AI content
Faster for series content
Quality Control
Always review:
AI generates in seconds, but review for quality
Regenerate if needed
Small edits beat settling for "good enough"
Human touch:
Add personal elements
Customize with your brand
AI + your creativity = best result
Common Questions
Finding AI Features
Q: Where is the AI tab in CapCut?
Mobile: Usually bottom menu (sparkle icon ✨) or Media → AI section Desktop: Media panel → AI section or Effects → AI
If missing: Update CapCut to latest version, check if rolled out in your region
Free Tier Limits
Q: How many free AI generations per day?
Varies by region and account type, typically:
~5-10 Seedance videos
~10-20 Seedream images
Resets daily
Exceeds limits: Option to upgrade or wait for next day
Commercial Use
Q: Can I use AI-generated content commercially?
Free tier: Usually personal use only Paid tier: Commercial rights typically included Always verify: Check current CapCut terms for your region
Quality Differences
Q: Is quality same as using Seedance/Seedream separately?
Yes: Same AI models whether accessed through CapCut or standalone platforms
Advantage in CapCut: Integrated editing workflow
Troubleshooting
AI Features Not Showing
Solutions:
Update CapCut to latest version
Check if available in your region yet
Restart app
Reinstall if persistent
Generation Fails
Solutions:
Simplify prompt (too complex can fail)
Check internet connection
Try at different time (server load)
Verify free tier limits not exceeded
Low Quality Output
Solutions:
Select higher resolution option
Be more specific in prompts
Try desktop version for better preview
Regenerate with refined prompt
Updates and Future Features
ByteDance shipping updates rapidly:
Expected soon:
Longer Seedance videos (30s+)
More Seedream editing tools
Additional AI effects
Better mobile/desktop sync
More control parameters
Check regularly: CapCut → Settings → What's New
Getting Started Checklist
Today:
[ ] Update CapCut to latest version
[ ] Locate AI features in app
[ ] Generate one test video (Seedance)
[ ] Generate one test image (Seedream)
This Week:
[ ] Create one project using AI + traditional editing
[ ] Test both mobile and desktop versions
[ ] Experiment with different prompts
[ ] Understand free tier limits
Ongoing:
[ ] Build library of AI assets
[ ] Develop prompts that work
[ ] Decide if paid tier worth it
[ ] Stay updated on new features
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate Seedance/Seedream accounts?
No, if using through CapCut, it's integrated. One CapCut account accesses all AI features.
Can I use AI features offline?
No, AI generation requires internet connection. But can edit previously generated AI content offline.
Does this work in CapCut for business/teams?
Check CapCut Business terms. AI features rolling out to consumer versions first, business plans may differ.
Are AI videos watermarked?
Depends on tier and region. Free tier may have watermarks. Paid tier typically no watermarks.
Can I edit AI-generated content?
Yes, full editing capability. Treat AI assets like any other media in CapCut.
How long until CapCut AI available everywhere?
Global rollout mid-February 2026. Check your specific region for availability.
Will this replace stock footage?
For many use cases, yes. AI-generated content can substitute for stock footage, often faster and more customized.
Can I export just AI content without editing?
Yes, save AI generations to camera roll/desktop without adding to project if you just want the raw AI content.
Related Reading
AI Tools:
Comparisons:
www.topfreeprompts.com
Access 80,000+ prompts including CapCut AI workflows, Seedance prompts optimized for CapCut, and complete video creation templates. Create better videos faster in CapCut.



