How to Edit Viral Reels With Masking Cutouts in CapCut 

Creators use the capcut template and masking cutout style because it delivers clean edges, fast transitions, and strong retention on Instagram Reels. This guide shows you how to build the viral look step by step with the exact workflow trending on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

How Do You Use a CapCut Template for Masking Cutouts?

You use a capcut template to skip manual masking. CapCut builds the edges and motion for you.
Steps:

1. Open CapCut.
   
2. Search “Masking Cutout.”
   
3. Pick a template with clean timing.
   
4. Replace the placeholder with your clip.
   
5. Adjust scale and alignment.
   
6. Export at 1080×1920, 30fps.
   

How Do You Do Custom Masking Cutouts Without a Template?

You animate the mask by hand.
Steps:

1. Import the video.
   
2. Pick a mask shape.
   
3. Add keyframes.
   
4. Move the mask along your subject.
   
5. Add blur.
   
6. Add a light zoom-in on the beat.
   

CapCut Desktop gives better precision.

Which Masking Styles Are Trending on Reels Right Now?

These styles are driving most views:

• Spider-Man Cutout Edit
• White Minimal Mask Cutout
• Camera-Move 1-Pic Lyrical Edit
• Split-Frame Punch Mask
• Zoom-Shake Masking

They trend because they create constant motion.

Which CapCut Masking Tools Give the Cleanest Edges?

Use these:

• Custom Mask
• Feather 1–5
• Motion Blur 40–60
• Speed Graph Editing
• Keyframe Lock (Desktop)

These deliver tight edges and stable motion.

Which Editing Apps Work Best With Masking Cutouts?

Creators mix apps depending on the look:

• CapCut Mobile for speed
• CapCut Desktop for accuracy
• Premiere Pro for fine masking
• After Effects for path animation
• Alight Motion for shape edits
• DaVinci Resolve for color

Which CapCut Template Style Should You Pick? 

Pick the template that fits your content.

Best CapCut Template Types

How Do You Sync Masking Cutouts With Audio Trends?

Place keyframes on beats.
Steps:

1. Add audio.
   
2. Use beat markers.
   
3. Move the mask across the first beats.
   
4. Add zoom on beat drop.
   

This matches viral Reel timing.

How Do You Color Grade Masking Cutout Reels?

Use this simple grade:

• Exposure +5
• Contrast +10
• Sharpen 15–20
• Temperature shift warm or cool
• Remove green and blue
• Add small grain

What Export Settings Work Best for Reels?

Use:

• 1080×1920
• 30fps
• 20–30 Mbps
• H.264
• AAC audio

Higher bitrate gives cleaner uploads.

Why Masking Cutout Reels Perform Better Than Normal Reels

Masking cutouts perform better because:

• Motion holds attention
• Clean edges highlight the subject
• Transitions match audio trends
• Viewers rewatch
• It fits the current editing style on Instagram.

Template vs Custom Masking 

Conclusion

Masking cutouts remain one of the strongest Reels styles because viewers stay locked in from the first second. CapCut templates make the trend simple, but manual masking gives sharper results. When you match your cutout style to audio trends and use clean edges, transitions, and color, your Reels stand out across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions