Remember those timeless classic videos? Retro hues, golden glows, and film effects? They inspire an instant nostalgia that transports your audience. But you’re filming videos and editing them on your smartphone. But thanks to CapCut, you can get the same effect in just a few taps.
In this quick tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make retro videos in CapCut. CapCut is a free mobile video editing app with loads of amazing features. One key element is the ability to add retro effects to any video in a matter of seconds. It takes your viewers back in time, even with modern footage! Let's learn how.
Why create retro videos in CapCut?
As you’ll soon see, CapCut is the easiest way to create a retro video from any footage that you’ve recorded. But what are the benefits? Why should you consider making a retro video, and how can it help your work stand out?
In fact, you’ll enjoy key advantages with CapCut’s retro effects. With them, you can:
- Capture a feeling of nostalgia. Retro videos let you capture a nostalgic sense of days gone by. The ability to bring viewers back to bygone days is one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever wield as a filmmaker.
- Make your videos more unique. Retro effects are vividly styled and instantly recognizable. They’re a great way to make sure that your videos always stand out among others - especially if you post on social media.
- Develop a distinctive look for your productions. Use retro effects often, and you’ll make them part of your personal brand. This gives your videos a recognizable style that audiences will catch sight of as they choose what they want to watch.
- Capitalize on current retro-driven trends. Retro videos are in style these days. Don’t miss out! Join the crowd of retro-inspired content and create throwback videos of your own.
These are but a few good reasons to explore CapCut’s retro effects. Let’s learn how to use them, step by step.
How to quickly make retro videos in CapCut (step by step)
CapCut is both a mobile and desktop app. For this tutorial, I’ll work on an Apple iPhone. If you’re an Android user, jump over to the Google Play Store and download CapCut from there. And if you’d rather edit videos on your computer, CapCut has you covered there, too. Versions are available for both Mac and Windows.
You’ll see stock footage in use to learn retro effects in CapCut. Click here if you’d like to download the video clip and follow along.
1. Launch the effects panel
With CapCut open, you’ll see your video clip previewed in the center of your screen. This is a dynamic image: in other words, edits and effects that you add will preview in real time! Below the video preview is the Timeline. It’s here that you can navigate through video clips, frame by frame. Later, we’ll use the Timeline to position our retro effects.
At the bottom of your CapCut screen is the toolbar menu. The toolbar groups all of CapCut’s editing features in one place. It’s where you’ll go to apply visual effects, including retro designs.
On the toolbar, you’ll see options labeled Edit, Audio, Text, Effects, and more. The Effects button is the one you need. Tap it to launch CapCut’s Effects panel.
2. Browse retro designs with ease
The Effects toolbar options now appear at the bottom of your screen. On the left, choose Video effects. When you do, you’ll be taken to CapCut’s main Effects panel. It works like a gallery. Here, you can browse categories of visual effects. Each one is shown with its own preview thumbnail. It shows what the effect will do.
To add retro effects, scroll across the category tabs on the top of the Effects panel. You’ll come to the Retro tab. Click it, and all of CapCut’s retro effects will appear.
Browse through your options by scrolling through them. Designs labeled Pro are part of CapCut’s premium tier. But keep going and you’ll find a wide array of free options. See one you like? Tap it to choose it. Then, hit the Checkmark icon on the right to apply the retro effect to your video.
3. Edit retro effects for ultra-cool videos
When you add a retro effect, you’ll be taken back to CapCut’s main Edit view. You can see the effect on your Timeline. It’ll show as a purple box below the video itself.
Want to change when the video starts? Need to adjust the duration to cover your full video? Easy. Simply pull on the handles at either end of the clip. This gives you precise timing control. You can make the effect last longer, adjust when it begins, and more.
Learn more tips and tricks for CapCut today
Retro effects are one of many edits that CapCut makes available to you. The possibilities are really limited only by your imagination! Ready to learn more CapCut skills to improve your next video? Here are more top tutorials from the Envato Tuts+ library. These will help you work faster and better in CapCut:
How to quickly apply blur effects to videos in CapCut
CapCut: How to Quickly Use Green Screen (Chroma Key)
How to Quickly Use CapCut for Video Editing (Tutorial, 2024)
How to Quickly Remove a CapCut Watermark
How safe is it to use CapCut? Is CapCut safe for kids?
Use a retro effect in CapCut now
In this tutorial, you just learned how to make retro videos in CapCut quickly. It’s a breeze, courtesy of CapCut’s vast library of included effects. Find a retro-themed design on the Effects panel. Then, tap to apply it to your video.
What retro videos will you create? Step in the time machine and use modern scenes with classic styles. Test it out today!
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