# What is beat sync in video editing?

> Beat sync times your cuts to the beat of the music. See the maths with a worked 120 BPM example and which tools find the beats for you.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-09
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-glossary/beat-sync

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Beat sync means timing your cuts, text or effects to the beat of the music. At 120 beats per minute, a beat lands every 0.5 seconds.

## The formula

Seconds per beat = 60 / BPM

## A worked example

Say your track is 120 BPM (beats per minute) and your ad runs 16 seconds.

60 / 120 = **0.5 seconds per beat**

| Cut every | Seconds per shot | Shots in 16 seconds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 beat | 0.5 | 32 |
| 2 beats | 1.0 | 16 |
| 4 beats | 2.0 | 8 |

Cutting on every beat is very fast. Try 2 or 4 beats, and keep single beats for short bursts.

## Tools that find the beat

| Tool | Feature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CapCut | Auto Cut, with a Beat Sync mode | Desktop and mobile, not CapCut Online |
| Final Cut Pro | Beat Detection | Listed on Apple's India page |

CapCut is not officially available in India: it is not on the Indian App Store, and its pricing page shows no plans to visitors from India (checked 3 Nov 2026). Features are from the makers' pages (checked 3 Nov 2026).

Marxx's [AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) detects beat and tempo, so you can cut on the beat. Beat sync sits on the Match plan, $29 a month at launch prices (checked 3 Nov 2026). We make Marxx.

For more apps, see [the best beat sync video apps](/best/best-beat-sync-video-apps).

## Tips

1. Pick the track first, then cut to it.
2. Cut on the beat, not after it.
3. Match shot length to the music. A calm part wants longer shots.
4. Pair a [speed ramp](/glossary/speed-ramp) with a drum hit for impact.

## FAQ

### What is BPM?

Beats per minute: how fast the music's pulse is. Higher BPM means shorter gaps between beats.

### Can I use any track in a Reels ad?

Meta's Reels ad spec page lists licensed music among the things not allowed (checked 3 Nov 2026). Use music you have the rights to.

### Do I need to cut on every beat?

No. Cutting every 2 or 4 beats gives each shot 1 or 2 seconds at 120 BPM, which is easier to follow.

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