Long video to shorts

Hi,

The "Couldn't convert" error is a common one in CapCut and can be due to several factors. When CapCut’s “Long Video to Shorts” converts fail and show “Couldn’t convert”, it usually means something on your side or sometimes a server-side hiccup.

Here's a breakdown of things you can check on your side to troubleshoot:

Common Reasons for "Couldn't Convert" and Solutions:

1. File format, resolution, or codec issues
   • CapCut likes MP4 in 9:16 (vertical) format, ideally 720p–1080p 
   • If your video was a cinematic 4K clip or in another codec (like AVI, MKV), it might not convert. Try re-exporting it as MP4 with a standard codec (e.g., H.264).
2. Corrupted or complex video
   • Even minor corruption or unusual timecodes can break conversion
   • Re-encode the file using a converter (e.g., HandBrake) or export it again from your editing software.

3. Outdated CapCut App:

   • Reason: This is one of the most frequent causes. Old app versions can have bugs or compatibility issues with new features or operating systems.

   • Solution: Make sure your CapCut app is updated to the absolute latest version available on your app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS, or the official CapCut website for desktop). Sometimes, even if it says it's updated, uninstalling and reinstalling can resolve persistent update loops or corrupted files.

4. Insufficient Storage Space/Memory:

   • Reason: Converting long videos, especially with AI processing, can be resource-intensive. If your device is low on storage or RAM, CapCut might struggle to process and save the new shorts.

   • Solution:

     • Free up storage: Delete unnecessary files, apps, or clear cache on your device.

     • Close background apps: Ensure you don't have too many other demanding apps running in the background while using CapCut.

     • Check RAM: While harder to directly manage, being mindful of overall device performance can help.

5. Video File Issues:

   • Reason:

     • Unsupported format: While CapCut supports many formats, there might be an obscure format or codec it has trouble with. MP4 is generally the most compatible.

     • Corrupted file: The original video file itself might be corrupted.

     • Very high resolution/bitrate: Extremely large or high-quality video files can be difficult for CapCut to process, especially on mobile devices.

     • Very long videos: Some users have reported issues with videos over a certain length (e.g., over an hour).

   • Solution:

     • Convert format: If your video isn't MP4, try converting it to MP4 using another video converter tool before importing it into CapCut.

     • Compress video: If your video is very large (high resolution/bitrate), try compressing it or reducing its resolution slightly using a different video compression tool before attempting the conversion in CapCut.

     • Test with a shorter/simpler video: Try converting a much shorter and simpler video (e.g., a 1-minute video recorded on your phone) to see if the feature works at all. This can help isolate if the issue is with your specific long video.

6. Internet Connection Issues:

   • Reason: The "Long video to shorts" feature often utilizes cloud-based AI processing. A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt this process.

   • Solution:

     • Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection.

     • Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if one works better.

7. App Cache Corruption:

   • Reason: Over time, app cache can become corrupted, leading to various functional issues.

   • Solution:

     • Clear CapCut cache: Go to your device's app settings, find CapCut, and clear its cache. On Android, this is usually under "Storage & cache." On iOS, you might need to offload the app (which keeps data) or completely delete and reinstall (which clears all data).

8. Temporary Glitches/Server Issues:

   • Reason: Sometimes, the issue isn't on your end but a temporary glitch with CapCut's servers or the feature itself.

   • Solution:

     • Wait a few hours or a day and try again.

     • CapCut’s AI conversion servers sometimes experience delays or region-based rollouts. Waiting 12–24 hours often solves it.

9. Unsupported Features (for "Long Video to Shorts"):

   • Reason: While less common for the basic conversion, sometimes specific elements within your video (e.g., certain effects, transitions, or copyrighted audio) might interfere with the AI's ability to process and convert.

   • Solution: Try a very "clean" video with minimal edits to see if that works. If it does, you can then try adding elements back in one by one to identify the culprit.

Steps to Take:

1. Re-encode your video as MP4, 9:16, 720–1080p

2. Update CapCut: This is always the first and most important step.

3. Clear Cache: If updating doesn't work, clear the app's cache.

4. Restart Device: A simple restart can resolve many temporary software glitches.

5. Check Storage: Free up storage & close background apps

6. Try a Test Video: Use a small, simple video to see if the feature works at all.

7. Check Internet Connection: Make sure it's strong and stable.

8. Wait a day – sometimes it’s a server delay

9. Consider Video Properties: If your video is extremely long, high-resolution, or an unusual format, try pre-processing it (converting/compressing) outside of CapCut.

10. Try the desktop version if mobile fails

11. Reinstall CapCut (as a last resort): If none of the above work, completely uninstall and reinstall the app. Remember to back up any existing projects if possible, though this feature often creates new projects.

If you've tried all this and it's still stuck on “Couldn’t convert,” it might be a regional bug or server issue. You can:

• Wait another 24 hours.

• Switch regions (via VPN) and try again.

• Contact CapCut support, including details: file format, size, device, and exact error.

By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue preventing CapCut's "Long video to shorts" feature from working for you. Good luck!