Imagine this: You’ve just recorded an amazing podcast episode, a brilliant interview, or a viral-worthy YouTube video. But now comes the dreaded part: editing.
Trimming clips, adding captions, and making sure it’s optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts can be a time-consuming nightmare. Studies show that 46% of creators' work time is dedicated to content creation. What if you could cut that down to just minutes?
Submagic may be the solution. It's an AI video editing tool that takes your long-form content and effortlessly transforms it into short-form clips primed for social media. With automatic captions, seamless trims, and smart B-roll suggestions, Submagic does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what truly matters: creating engaging content.
In this Submagic review, I'll discuss the pros and cons, what it is, who it's best for, and its key features. Then, I'll show you how I used Submagic to automatically clip and caption an interview with Anne Hathaway:
It took minutes to generate and caption 19 viral-worthy clips from a 10-minute video!
I'll finish the article by comparing Submagic with my top three alternatives (Capcut, VEED.IO, and Pictory). By the end, you'll know if Submagic is right for you!
Verdict
Submagic is a budget-friendly AI-video editing platform that takes your long-form videos into viral, short-form clips in minutes. It automates captions, trims, and B-roll suggestions. It’s perfect if you want to focus more on creating and less on editing.
Pros and Cons
- Automatically generates accurate captions, trims videos, and suggests B-roll footage. Streamlines the video editing process to free up time for content creation. Offers a budget-friendly starter plan, which makes it accessible for beginners. The basic plan offers watermark-free videos. Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and experts. Generates and translates subtitles in multiple languages.
- The starter plan restricts videos to 2 minutes. Lower-tier plans don't offer 4K export options. Advanced features like premium B-roll and AI clean audio are only available in higher-tier plans. Fewer options for templates and captions, especially in lower plans. The starter plan allows only up to 15 videos per month.
What is Submagic?
Submagic is an AI video-editing platform that creates short-form videos from longer-form content. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze your long-form videos, identify the most engaging moments, and automatically turn them into bite-sized clips that work perfectly for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
Submagic recently introduced Submagic 2.0: it's the fastest and most advanced version yet! You'll get lightning-fast uploads, smoother exports, and better previews in a sleek interface.
Who is Submagic Best For?
Submagic is best for anyone involved in social media marketing. It's particularly beneficial if you need to create engaging captions and videos for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Content creators can use Submagic to boost their social media presence with captivating captions and videos.Influencers can use Submagic to maintain a consistent and engaging presence across multiple platforms.Business owners can use Submagic to create compelling content for marketing campaigns.Podcasters can use Submagic to repurpose podcast episodes into engaging video clips.Social media marketers can use Submagic for efficient content creation and optimization.Marketing teams can use Submagic to maintain a consistent presence across multiple platforms without hiring additional editors.Agencies can use Submagic to manage content for multiple clients.
Submagic Key Features
Submagic offers several key features to streamline content creation:
- AI Clip Maker: Automatically detects and extracts the best parts of long videos to create engaging short clips.Auto-Framing: Optimizes videos for vertical formats like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.AI Remove Filler Words: Eliminates filler words like “um” and “uh” to enhance professionalism.Remove Bad Takes: Easily remove unwanted parts of your videoAuto Subtitles: Generates accurate captions in over 50 languages with options for animated emojis, colors, and GIFs.SRT File Export: Download captions in SRT format to use in various video players and editing software.4K Export and 60 FPS: High-quality video output options are available on the higher-tier plans.Auto B-Roll: Adds royalty-free B-roll footage or allows the import of custom media.Auto Transitions: Creates smooth transitions between clips.Auto Zoom: Automatically add zoom transitions between clips.Music Background: Choose from the library of background music offered by Submagic, or upload your own.
How to Use Submagic
Here's how I used Submagic to automatically create 19 clips from a long-form video:
- Create a Submagic AccountCreate Magic ClipsAdd a VideoGenerate & View ClipsTrim the VideoAutomatically Remove SilencesCustomize the CaptionsAdd B-RollAdd Zoom EffectsApply Branding ElementsExport Your Video
Step 1: Create a Submagic Account
I started by going to submagic.co and hitting “Try for Free.”
Step 2: Create Magic Clips
After creating an account, I was taken to my dashboard. The dashboard was clean and simple, presenting me with two options: generate captions or create “magic clips” (short clips from longer videos). I selected the “magic clips” option.
Step 3: Add a Video
From here, there were three options to choose from:
- Paste a YouTube URLUpload a video (MP4 or MOV)Try the sample video that's 47 minutes long
I pasted a YouTube interview with Anne Hathaway, and Submagic let me choose the language and duration: <30 seconds, 30-59 seconds, and 60-89 seconds.
I kept everything on “Auto” and hit “Get viral clips.”
Step 4: Generate & View Clips
Immediately, Submagic placed my video in my projects and started generating clips! It was estimated to take about 10-15 minutes to generate.
A few minutes later, my project was ready! I hovered over it and selected the pen icon to view my clips.
Submagic generated 19 clips from the ten-minute video I gave it. All of them had animated captions and emojis as well as virality scores. I previewed the videos by hitting the play button.
Hovering over the videos were two icons: scissors and a pen.
Step 5: Trim the Video
Selecting the scissors allowed me to trim my video.
At the top of the transcript was a chapter bar where I could quickly jump to different video parts. If there were specific parts of the video I wanted to find, I could type in keywords to find it by selecting the magnifying glass and searching for it.
Hovering over the transcript, I could add parts of the transcript to the selection by hitting the “+” icon.
Step 6: Automatically Remove Silences
To automatically remove silences from my clip, I clicked “Remove Silences” (available on the Pro and Business plans).
Step 7: Customize the Captions
Selecting “Captions” at the top allowed me to customize my caption styles. Changing the font, color, and size was incredibly easy!
Step 8: Add B-Roll
Selecting “B-roll” allowed me to add b-roll and zooms to my clip. I could manually add them by finding the part of the transcript I wanted to add it to and hitting the “+.”
Submagic automatically suggests videos that fit with the context of what was being said!
In this example, I selected part of the transcript where Anne Hathaway talks about rain. Submagic automatically suggested videos with rain in them to add as b-roll to my clip!
Step 9: Add Zoom Effects
The magnifying glass gave me different zoom effects I could apply to different parts of my clip.
Alternatively (if you're on the Pro or Business plans), you can get AI to automatically add b-roll and zooms by hitting the “Magic b-rolls” and “Magic Zoom” buttons at the top.
I applied both of the magic b-rolls and zooms. While the zooms worked well, the b-roll clips that it added didn't quite fit with what was being said.
Step 10: Apply Branding Elements
In the preview window on the right were a couple more options. I could add branding text and images, music, and change the video ratio.
Submagic comes with a library of images and music you can choose from, or you can add your own.
Step 11: Export Your Video
Once I was happy with everything, I could save and export the video (1080p, 2K, or 4K, depending on the plan) by selecting those options on the top right. Alternatively, I could select “More” (the three dots) to download the SRT file, only export the subtitles, copy the subtitles, or add keywords to the dictionary.
I exported my video to 4K. Here's how it came out:
The quality is excellent, and the captions are engaging and accurate. However, I noticed it was lacking emojis.
Overall, Submagic made generating and editing clips from long-form videos fast and simple. It's a powerful tool for quickly turning content into polished, shareable highlights!
Top 3 Submagic Alternatives
Here are the best Submagic alternatives I'd recommend.
Capcut
The first Submagic alternative I'd recommend is Capcut. Capcut is a versatile and comprehensive video editing platform that makes it easy to produce engaging content for various social media platforms.
Both Submagic and Capcut are powerful tools for creating short-form videos. They're excellent choices for content creators and social media marketers.
However, Capcut stands out with its extensive range of features and customization options. It offers a wide variety of templates, effects, and transitions, along with advanced editing tools like green screen functionality and voice recording. Capcut also provides a large library of free music, sound effects, and stock videos.
Meanwhile, Submagic excels in AI-powered features. It offers quick and efficient video editing with automated captions, B-roll integration, and social media optimization.
For AI editing, fast caption generation, and streamlined short-form video creation, choose Submagic. For more detailed editing capabilities, a wider range of templates, and advanced features like green screen effects, choose Capcut!
VEED.IO
The next Submagic alternative I'd recommend is VEED.IO. It's a comprehensive online video-editing platform that simplifies video creation with AI tools.
Both platforms offer AI video editing tools. However, VEED.IO stands out with its more extensive editing features and stock library. It allows for advanced video editing, including multi-track editing and green screen effects, and provides access to over 2 million royalty-free video and audio assets.
Meanwhile, Submagic offers specialized features for short-form content with its AI caption generation, B-roll integration, and social media optimization.
For AI-powered short-form video creation, automatic captioning, and social media optimization, choose Submagic. For comprehensive video editing capabilities, a vast stock library, and more advanced features like AI avatars and custom branding tools, choose VEED.IO!
Pictory
The final Submagic alternative I'd recommend is Pictory. It's an AI video editing and production platform that converts existing content into short-form videos for social media and marketing.
Both platforms offer AI-driven video editing tools. They're excellent for content creators and marketers looking to streamline their video production process.
However, Submagic stands out with its focus on short-form video creation and its user-friendly interface. It quickly generates captions, transitions, and B-roll footage.
Meanwhile, Pictory offers a broader range of functionalities. For example, you can convert long-form content like articles and scripts into videos. It has features such as script-to-video, article-to-video, and edit video using text.
For quick and easy short-form video creation with AI-generated captions and transitions, choose Submagic. For versatile content repurposing and long-form to short-form video conversion, choose Pictory!
Submagic Review: The Right Tool For You?
Submagic is a powerful and efficient AI editing tool that significantly reduces the time spent on video editing. The automation features (like captioning and clip selection) make it easier than ever to create engaging, high-quality content with minimal effort.
For content creators who prioritize speed and simplicity, Submagic is a great investment. However, if you need more customization, templates, or advanced effects, you might want to consider these alternatives:
- Capcut is best for creators needing advanced editing tools with a green screen and multi-layer features.
- VEED.IO is best for professionals seeking a browser-based editor with AI and branding tools.
- Pictory is best for marketers automating video creation from text or blog content.
Thanks for reading my Submagic review! I hope you found it helpful.
Submagic offers an affordable Starter plan that allows up to 15 videos per month with a maximum duration of 2 minutes per video. You'll also get features such as no watermark, AI auto captions, free b-rolls and audio, text-based trimming, and 1080p export at 30 FPS.
Try Submagic for yourself and see how you like it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Submagic work?
Submagic works by using AI to automate video editing tasks, such as generating accurate captions, adding B-roll footage, and creating smooth transitions. You can upload videos, apply AI features like auto-zooms, and export your edited videos in a few clicks. Submagic makes it easy to create engaging short-form content for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
What is the alternative to Submagic?
An alternative to Submagic is Pictory. It's an AI video-editing platform that converts long-form content into short-form videos for social media. Both platforms use AI tools, making them suitable for content creators and marketers looking to streamline their video production processes.
What is the difference between Submagic and Descript?
Submagic specializes in short-form video editing with AI-generated captions and social media optimization. It focuses on creating engaging content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram with features like Magic B-Rolls and AI-generated captions. Meanwhile, Descript offers more advanced AI features like voice cloning and eye-contact correction. It provides a broader range of editing tools for longer-form content and more polished presentations.
Is Submagic free?
Submagic isn’t free, but it offers a free trial that lets you create up to three videos. To unlock full access to its features, a paid subscription is required.
Who is the CEO of Submagic?
The CEO of Submagic is David Zitoun, who co-founded the company and is actively involved in its growth and development. David Zitoun is an entrepreneur, and he is passionate about empowering content creators through Submagic's innovative AI tools.
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