If you are a CapCut user, you have probably heard about the June 2025 terms and conditions update that has left content creators, editors and marketers clutching their pearls.
Content creators are warning each other not to accept the new data and privacy policies, fearing that they will essentially grant CapCut permission to use and distribute their content as they see fit, including the potential sale of the content to third parties.
At Blaze, we make it our job to stay informed about the latest developments in the world of content creation. Before UK content creators start to push women and children towards the CapCut lifeboats, it’s essential to note that this update appears to be currently only applicable to the US.
So, anyone who has been in a state of panic over the last week can finally breathe, for now.
Although these updates are not currently applicable to UK users, it is still important to understand the latest policies, as they may still have an impact on how everyone uses CapCut.
Keep reading to find out more about the latest CapCut copyright shakeup.
Why UK Creators Need to Pay Attention to CapCut’s Latest Update
If you are a content creator, marketer or video editor based in the UK, you likely frequently use CapCut. Even at Blaze Media, we utilise the software to edit a significant portion of the high-quality content we create for our clients.
CapCut has swiftly ascended to the throne of editing tools for UK content creators, charming them with its cost-free appeal, user-friendly interface, and an abundance of templates. It’s like having a magic wand that turns raw footage into polished content in a matter of minutes, so it’s no wonder that it is so popular.
The recent update to CapCut’s copyright and licensing policy is only being communicated to US editors. Because of this, content creators in the UK believe these changes won’t affect them, which is far from the truth.
The reason the updates are due to affect the UK is not because of how you use the platform itself, but because of the platforms where you share the content you create on CapCut.
Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Meta are international platforms, and these platforms will enforce CapCut’s new rules, regardless of your location. This means that even Liverpool content creators will likely be held to the same standards as creators located in the US.
CapCut – The Editing Nepo Baby
CapCut, which is also under the wing of ByteDance (the guys behind TikTok), has rolled out a new Terms of Service. They’ve snagged themselves some hefty, never-ending rights to all that user-generated content, which means they can use, tweak, and dish out your work for commercial gain.
With the latest updates, ByteDance retains the right to utilise your content on their platforms. If your content includes copyrighted materials, you may face repercussions.
We’re not saying that all people in the UK should just stop using the platform, but they should at least review how they are using the platform to avoid any possible consequences, especially when creating commercial content.
We know it might be a scary time for content creators, but don’t fret, if you work with an expert marketing agency, such as Blaze Media, you can get industry guidance on how to keep your content compliant.
What’s Actually Changed: The June 2025 Copyright Policy Breakdown
There is a lot of speculation about the changes that have been made to CapCut’s policy, with discourse surrounding whether, by agreeing to the new updates, you give CapCut the right to steal all of your content, take your money and also name your firstborn child.
Before the world devolves into panic, it’s essential to sit down and actually understand these changes. Recent updates include:
Stricter Licensing Around Music
CapCut has changed how music can be used in projects, and you shouldn’t assume that the music that can be found on the app is free to use anymore.
Unless you’re using CapCut Pro (shocker), which has a clear commercial license, a lot of the tracks that people have used for years may be restricted to personal/non-commercial use only.
If you are an influencer and you use CapCut’s built-in music for paid promotion or on a monetised channel, even in the UK, you might be violating copyright terms. If you are wondering, ‘Is CapCut music copyright-free?’, unfortunately, there is still a lot of ambiguity around this, with some music being perfectly safe to use. On the other hand, some might bring along a copyright, but with time, the answer may just become a little less cloudy.
More Limitations Around Content Use
The new restrictions extend beyond music copyright; CapCut has implemented additional limitations on the use of templates, stock footage, filters, effects, and stickers for content creation, with many of these assets designated for personal use only.
This means that if you are a content creator, you might have to forego some of the tips and tricks that you have been taught for creating engaging content and revisit the way that you make content, shifting away from templates or viral sounds you may have turned to in the past.
Commercial Use Permissions
The major change is that CapCut no longer permits commercial use of its features without obtaining explicit permission or a Pro licence. Commercial use includes brand collaborations, paid promotions, affiliate links, ads, or anything tied to a business or profit.
Is there anything left in the world that we don’t have to pay for to enjoy?
CapCut Pro users might think they’ve hit the jackpot with expanded licensing rights, but hold your horses. Just because you’ve upgraded doesn’t mean every asset is ready for commercial use.
For UK businesses and influencers, this spells a new minefield: what was once a ‘golden ticket’ to content creation may now be a cautionary tale, with previously ‘safe’ materials potentially getting flagged or restricted.
AI Detection
If you’re amongst the masses of people generally displeased with AI’s integration into every part of our lives, you might want to take a seat.
CapCut and its associated platforms are now utilising AI copyright detection systems to scan videos for unauthorised music, templates, and effects, flagging this content regardless of where users are located.
If your video contains anything that could lead to a violation, it may be muted, demonetised or taken down. Because AI takes a very black and white look at content, more content than you may expect may be taken down.
Not Enforced in England” Doesn’t Mean “Safe to Ignore”
While it might seem that CapCut’s June 2025 update is taking a leisurely stroll in the UK for now, don’t be fooled. Since the platforms where your content lives implement these rules worldwide, you could still find yourself affected.
You may not notice the effects right away, but global platforms are increasingly adopting consistent copyright enforcement, particularly with AI’s assistance. The recent update from CapCut in June is a sign of what’s on the horizon across the industry.
What to Watch Out For With Your CapCut Content
Going forward, ensure that your content is compliant with the new policies. Make sure that you watch out for the following:
Music
The latest update fails to clearly differentiate between personal and commercial music use, leading many to think that songs available on CapCut are probably copyright-free. If you’re creating content intended for monetisation or for a brand, it’s best to assume that the music you choose requires full licensing to ensure safety.
If you’re wondering how to get songs on CapCut that are licensed, we would begrudgingly recommend getting a Pro Membership to be safe.
Be cautious with any built-in CapCut music, effects, or templates, and always assume commercial use isn’t allowed.
Templates
Though the CapCut templates might be a timesaver, they might actually cause demonetisation and copyright issues if you continue to use them. You have no way to know if they have been designed by third-party creators, and they might even have fonts or visual effects that haven’t been cleared for use.
Always check if your templates include commercial-use licensing; if you’re worried, consider foregoing templates entirely. We understand that if you have little experience with videography or editing, it might be intimidating, and you may be tempted to avoid it entirely.
Videos and photography are crucial if you want an online presence, so it is essential that you continue to publish this content. Still, you may have to consider avoiding templates or working with a content expert who can help you use CapCut without facing demonetisation or copyright strikes.
Stock Assets
One of the reasons CapCut is so popular is that it has a huge library of stock footage, overlays, and stickers that can be used to transform videos. However, this library may now have limited usage.
With some features only being licensed for non-commercial or internal use, users must remember to check how they can use stock assets.
AI Detection
While it’s true that CapCut hasn’t put on its detective hat to monitor UK creators just yet, many platforms are donning their Sherlock Holmes outfits, wielding AI copyright scanners that scrutinise your video the moment you hit that upload button.
With tools introduced to detect unlicensed audio, reused templates and unauthorised stock, some of your old content might be at serious risk of being taken down or demonetised.
Currently, some systems can automatically mute, restrict reach, demonetise, or block your videos, all without human review. Though AI can be a fantastic asset in content marketing, in this instance, it can prove to be incredibly problematic for content creators.
Check out our guide on using AI in content marketing for a more detailed look at when you should and shouldn’t take advantage.
How UK Creators Can Stay on the Right Side of Copyright
Though reading the latest updates may feel scary, recent changes do not mean that you have to abandon CapCut entirely. If you go forward with the right practice, you can still make the most of the app and continue to edit content.
To stay on the right side of Copyright with CapCut, you need to consider:
Double-Check Licensing Before Posting or Boosting Content
CapCut’s June update has rolled out some clearer signs on how you can use assets like music, templates, stickers, and stock clips. But when it comes to the final decision, that’s all on you – no pressure.
Before you upload any content, it is important to make sure that the content is cleared for commercial use and is not part of the ‘personal use only’ library. Taking the time to check your content might save you from a copyright disaster.
Use External Royalty-Free Audio Libraries
If CapCut’s in-app music and effects leave you scratching your head, why not dive into third-party audio libraries instead? This way, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of your usage rights and be better prepared to scale, monetise, or repurpose your content without missing a beat.
Look for audio providers that offer commercial licensing as standard and provide searchable filters to help you avoid copyright infringement; your content should be safe.
Consider Upgrading to CapCut Pro
If you really depend on a lot of the features that CapCut offers and you feel as though you may not be able to produce quality content without them, you should consider upgrading to CapCut Pro.
CapCut Pro gives you access to music, templates and stock footage that all include commercial-use rights, so you don’t have to worry about your content getting a copyright strike. CapCut Pro also has a higher export quality, so you can really get the most out of the content you make.
If you are not sure whether or not you need to make this upgrade, feel free to contact our team and we can run through exactly why high quality video content marketing is important, especially for businesses trying to develop a social media presence and whether or not CapCut Pro can help you stay on track to achieve this presence.
Keep up With Changes – Platforms Evolve Quickly
If the latest update hadn’t sparked huge controversy, the reality of the situation is that most people wouldn’t have known it was happening.
Be honest, do you ever really check an app’s recent updates when agreeing to the terms and conditions? Probably not. With major platforms constantly tweaking their content moderation systems, you must stay up to date.
Check all of your app updates and most importantly- read those release notes!
Stay Creative and Covered With Blaze
At Blaze, we are passionate about creative content marketing not being stifled or compromised by constantly changing policy, which is why we make it our job to stay informed on all the industry updates so that our clients are too.
If you want to make sure that you’re always up to date, always performing well and dominating industry trends, you need to work with the Blaze team. Whether you’re looking to craft content in Liverpool, keep your socials looking sleek, or just need industry advice, get in touch with the team today.