No. CRE[AI]TE 2026 is free to enter.

CRE[AI]TE 2026 is open to creators worldwide. Participants must meet the eligibility requirements listed in the official rules.

Not at all. It's open to independent creators, directors, filmmakers, students, artists, studios, and teams. Seasoned pros and first-timers are equally welcome.

Yes. Enter as many works as you like, as long as each one is unique and meets the rules of its category.

Yes. Teams are welcome. One person should submit on behalf of the team and list all contributors in the entry form.

Yes. Students may enter the four categories. Eligible student submissions may also be considered for the Student Vision Award.

Yes, if the work was created on or after April 1, 2026 and meets all other eligibility and submission requirements.

Yes. Your work must be created with CapCut Video Studio. To access it, sign in at www.capcut.com/ai-creator-home, then open AI Studio → Video Studio. Other tools are fine alongside it; just disclose what you used.

Yes. Use any AI tools you like in your process, as long as CapCut Video Studio plays a primary role in the creation of your submitted work and the entry follows the official rules.

AI should be central to the work, not a finishing touch. We're looking for meaningful use of AI, not a surface effect.

No. Entries are judged on the completed work, not the amount of AI used. Story, craft, originality, visual taste, sound, and overall execution matter more than the number of tools or prompts used.

You may be asked to describe your creative process and list the tools used in your submission. Behind-the-scenes materials are encouraged and will be considered for additional Behind-the-Scenes rewards.

Yes, as long as it's original, follows the rules, and shows real creative direction from the creator or team. We judge the finished work, not the prompt alone.

CRE[AI]TE 2026 includes four categories: Film, Series, Creative, and Commercial.

Choose the one that fits your format and intent. Film is for original films where story leads. Series is for episodic storytelling across two or more episodes. Creative is for social-first, experimental, or visually distinctive work. Commercial is for spec ads and brand films for fictional or self-created brands.

No. Each work goes into one category, so pick the one that fits it best. Animated music videos, visual experiments, stylized shorts, and other hybrid or visual-led works usually fit the Creative track. If your work tells a complete narrative, choose Film; if it unfolds across multiple episodes, choose Series; if it is created for a fictional or self-created brand, product, or campaign, choose Commercial.

Yes. Short-form and social-first work can be submitted to the Creative category, but it should go beyond everyday social content. We're looking for original pieces with a clear creative idea, strong visual direction, and meaningful use of AI. Creative submissions should be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes.

No, using existing brand names or images is not permitted. The brand has to be of your own invention.

Yes. Series submissions must include at least two episodes. Each episode must be at least 40 seconds, and the series should show continuity in character, world, style, or story.

If your work isn't in English, include English subtitles. Burned-in or separate subtitle files both work.

Only if you have the rights and permissions. We recommend original, licensed, or cleared music. Released commercial songs aren't allowed unless you have permission to use them.

Only if you have the rights or permissions to use them, and only where allowed by the official rules. Your submission can't infringe anyone else's rights, including copyright, trademark, music, footage, voice, or likeness. CRE[AI]TE may request proof of permission before confirming selection, screening, promotion, or awards.

Only ones you have the right to use. No unauthorized deepfakes, celebrity likenesses, private individuals, or voice clones without permission. CRE[AI]TE may request proof of permission before confirming selection, screening, promotion, or awards.

You do. By entering, you give CapCut permission to showcase and promote your submission as part of CRE[AI]TE 2026, subject to the official rules.

CapCut may showcase, promote, or feature eligible submissions as part of CRE[AI]TE 2026, including on official channels, festival pages, social platforms, and related programming.

Eligible creators can claim 1 month of CapCut Pro on the CRE[AI]TE festival page during the submission period. Pro Access will be released in 6 batches of 200 claims, with 1,200 claims available in total. Each batch opens at 00:00 UTC on June 10, June 20, June 30, July 10, July 20, and July 30, 2026, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Pro Access will be issued within 10 working days after each batch has been fully claimed.

Behind-the-Scenes Rewards go to eligible creators who share a behind-the-scenes look at how they made their work with CapCut. To receive Behind-the-Scenes credits, creators must submit their Behind-the-Scenes content by August 10, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. The Behind-the-Scenes content should be published as a public social post with #CapCutCREAITE, clearly connect to the final work, and offer practical reference for other creators by showing the process, workflow, or how CapCut Video Studio was used. After the submission deadline, all Behind-the-Scenes submissions will be reviewed together. Approved creators may receive 4,000 CapCut AI credits as a Behind-the-Scenes bonus, issued within 30 working days after August 10, 2026.

Eligible creators may be able to receive more than one type of Starter Pack offer, subject to the official credit rules, eligibility, availability, and anti-abuse requirements.

No. Starter Pack benefits do not affect judging. Entries are evaluated based on the work on screen and the human direction behind it.

Submissions are judged on human vision and intent, story or concept, craft with AI, originality and imagination, taste, sound, and overall execution. Each category may weigh these criteria differently.

Submissions will be reviewed by the CRE[AI]TE Selection Committee and an international jury of filmmakers, producers, creative leaders, and AI storytelling practitioners.

Valid submissions first go through a preliminary review by the CRE[AI]TE Selection Committee for eligibility, category fit, and baseline quality. Eligible works may then be considered for cash awards, Spotlight Selections, and broader Recognition Opportunities based on the festival's judging criteria, category needs, programming fit, and availability.

CRE[AI]TE includes 10 cash awards in the main competition: one Grand Prix, four Category Winners, four Category Honorees, and one Student Vision Award.

CRE[AI]TE will also recognize 20 standout works as CRE[AI]TE Spotlight Selections, a non-cash honor for additional standout submissions.

CRE[AI]TE Spotlight Selections are non-cash honors for 20 standout submissions. Spotlight works receive official festival recognition and may receive CapCut creator support, such as platform insights, data-informed guidance, visibility support, or creation resources.

Selected Spotlight works are planned to be showcased through CRE[AI]TE programming, CapCut channels, and related creator moments later this year.

No. Cash awards are monetary prizes in the main competition. Spotlight Selections are non-cash honors that recognize additional standout works and may include official recognition, creator support, global showcase placement, or related creator opportunities.

No. Recognition Opportunities are broader than Spotlight. Cash award winners, Spotlight Selections, and other eligible CRE[AI]TE entrants may all be considered for recognition opportunities, including global creator event invitations or passes, CapCut features, creator programs, partner showcases, industry connections, credits or Pro access.

Each creator or team may receive one main cash award. If an entry qualifies for multiple cash awards, the highest-tier cash award applies. Spotlight Selections and broader Recognition Opportunities are separate non-cash recognition and opportunity tracks.

Spotlight Selections are chosen through the festival review process based on the judging criteria, including human vision, craft with AI, originality, taste, and execution. Selection balance may vary by category, region, and the submissions received.

From the top works across the main categories. It goes to the strongest overall work in the festival, regardless of category.

One per category: Film, Series, Creative, and Commercial. Each represents the strongest work in its category.

One per category. Honorees recognize standout work that shows exceptional vision, craft, or use of the medium.

Eligible student submissions across all four categories may be considered for the Student Vision Award. Students may also compete in the main competition categories.

Submissions open on June 10, 2026.

The submission deadline is August 10, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.

Submit your work through the official CRE[AI]TE entry form. You will need to provide your final video file or a public link to your work, title, creator or team information, country/region, category selection, short description, tool usage details, and any required subtitles or supporting materials.

No. Posting publicly is optional. If you do share your work, add #CapCutCREAITE so the CRE[AI]TE team can find and celebrate it. To enter the festival, submit through the official entry form — that's the only step every entry needs.

You will need your final video file or a public link to your work, title, creator or team information, country/region, category selection, short description, tool usage details, and English subtitles if your work is not in English. Additional materials may be requested depending on the category or program.

Submission edits may be limited after the form is submitted. Please review your materials carefully before submitting. Any update policy will be listed in the official submission guidelines.

You will receive a confirmation email after completing the official entry form.

Cash award winners are expected to be announced in September 2026. Spotlight Selection updates may be shared through CRE[AI]TE communications and CapCut's official channels as programming is finalized.

Cash award winners and Spotlight Selections may be showcased across CapCut's official channels, festival pages, social platforms, CRE[AI]TE showcases, partner screenings, global showcase events, or related creator activities.

To be considered for the main competition and cash awards, submit your work by August 10, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. Additional global showcase or creator event opportunities, if available, will be shared through official CRE[AI]TE and CapCut channels.

Yes. Submissions must follow the official rules and community guidelines. Works must not include unlawful, hateful, discriminatory, exploitative, defamatory, obscene, or rights-infringing content.

Mature themes may be allowed if handled with artistic intent and care. Submissions should not include gratuitous, exploitative, or harmful content. CRE[AI]TE may reject work that violates platform, community, or legal standards.

Sensitive topics should be handled with respect, accuracy, and care. Submissions that promote hatred, discrimination, violence, harassment, or harm toward protected groups or individuals will not be accepted.

Only if you have the rights and permissions required to use them, and only where allowed by the official rules. Submissions must not include unauthorized deepfakes, celebrity likenesses, private individuals, or voice clones without permission. CRE[AI]TE may request proof of permission before confirming selection, screening, promotion, or awards.