Stepwise Guide to Make Reaction Videos with CapCut Desktop

With the ever-evolving nature of online video content, reaction videos have taken their place. Whether it's reacting to a music video, viral meme, or product launch, viewers love watching live, unscripted reactions. They're fun, relatable, and typically viral — especially if they're genuine and edited well.

If you’ve ever thought about making your reaction videos but felt overwhelmed by editing software, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: with CapCut Desktop, creating a high-quality reaction video is surprisingly simple — and best of all, it’s free. CapCut even supports features like text-to-speech, making it easier to add voiceovers without recording your own voice.

In this article, we're taking you through how to make reaction videos using CapCut Desktop in five easy steps of use with some practical hints to get the best out of your video.

Why Reaction Videos Work

A look at how reaction videos continue to perform strongly before we focus on the how-to:

1. Genuineness: They are raw and heartfelt, which causes a real response.

   
   

2. Engagement: Your viewers stick around to see your entire reaction, which increases watch time.

   
   

3. Community: People like watching someone else react to something they're passionate about.

   
   

4. Simplicity: You don't need elaborate sets or gear—just a camera, your screen, and yourself.

   
   

   With the right tools in their hands and some tweaking, even beginners can make interesting and professional-grade reaction videos.

To get started, you'll need a few basics

• Your reaction recording (usually a webcam video of you)

• The original content you’re reacting to (this could be a video, song, meme, etc.)

• CapCut Desktop (available for free on Mac and Windows)

• Optional: Background music, intro/outro, branded overlays, captions

Once you’ve recorded your reaction (either during or after watching the original content), you’re ready to jump into CapCut. CapCut Desktop is also a great AI video generator, allowing you to upgrade or automate aspects of your video, like transitions, subtitles, or overlays, in seconds.

Steps to Make Reaction Videos with CapCut

Step 1: Set Up Your Project in CapCut Desktop

First, open CapCut and select "New Project." This will bring you to an empty timeline and media space where you can proceed with editing. Then, decide on your video aspect ratio. If you're publishing on YouTube, 16:9 horizontal is best, while 9:16 vertical is best suited for TikTok or Instagram Reels. For the majority of reaction videos, 16:9 is the optimal option.

Once the aspect ratio is established, bring in your media files by choosing "Import." Include both your reaction clip (camera recording) and your video or content that you're reacting to. These files will then show up in your media bin to be added to the timeline.

Then, move your files onto the timeline: put your original material onto the primary video track and move your reaction material onto a video layer on top of it. This configuration creates the timeless "picture-in-picture" effect.

Step 2: Arrange Your Clips and Sync Reactions

After having your assets, it's now time to create the flow of the video. Start by syncing your reaction with the content. Play both videos side-by-side to ensure that your facial reactions or commentary align with what is happening on screen. Use the split tool (Ctrl + B) and the trim tools to get everything perfectly aligned.

This step is particularly crucial if you record your reaction independently and not live, since correct syncing prevents tampering with authenticity and viewer engagement.

Adjust the volumes next so that the sound from your reaction and the original video don't fight each other. Reduce the volume of the content by a notch and leave the audio of your reaction louder so that viewers can listen to you easily.

Step 3: Add Picture-in-Picture Effects

A reaction video would not be complete without the traditional layout, where your face is in a small window and the main content plays. To do this, use the resize and position tools. Click on your reaction clip and resize it by dragging the corner handles.

Then, position it to either the top-right or bottom-left corner, depending on which position best suits the content layout. CapCut also lets you resize, add borders, and even apply shadow effects to highlight your reaction window.

Step 4: Text, Subtitles, and Reactions

Now, let's spice things up a bit with some text and reactions. Begin by overlaying on-screen text to emphasize key moments or reactions. CapCut has automatic text templates available, or you can use your own. Make sure to use readable fonts and high-contrast colors to ensure visibility.

Also, if you're narrating often throughout the video, you might include captions or subtitles. To do so, tap on "Text," then select "Auto Captions." Pick your audio track and adjust the style and size to fit your video. Captions not only make your content more accessible, but they also enhance performance, particularly when audiences are watching with no sound.

CapCut also has entertaining extras such as a voice changer, whereby you can insert humorous effects or character voices for added entertainment value to your reaction.

Step 5: Final Polish and Export

At this point, your reaction video is coming along nicely — now it's time to prepare it for sharing.

Start by playing through the whole video to ensure there are no sync problems, clunky cuts, volume disparities, or text typos.

Then, export your video by clicking "Export" in the top-right corner. Select MP4 as the format, resolution as 1080p, and frame rate as 30fps. Make sure to give your file a clear name, like "Reacting to Taylor Swift's New Video," and save it to your desired folder. Lastly, upload your video to your preferred platform, be it YouTube, TikTok, or otherwise, ensuring to include suitable keywords within your title and description in order to make it accessible for more people to view.

Final Thoughts

Reaction videos can look easy on the surface, but good ones are built with precision editing, interesting visuals, and a strong foundation. With the five-step process in this tutorial, you'll be able to get reaction videos to feel like they're of the highest quality and professional, even if you have no experience. The best part? No expensive software or studio equipment needed — just a webcam, yourself, and a dash of imagination.