How to Use Overlays in CapCut: A Complete Guide

Want to make your videos more creative without complicated editing? CapCut overlays let you place an image, video, or other visual layer over your main footage. You can use them to create picture-in-picture videos, add visual textures, show a second camera angle, or highlight something important on screen.

Whether you’re editing TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, tutorials, or personal vlogs, learning how to use overlays gives you more control over your final edit. In this guide, you’ll learn what overlays are, how to add them in CapCut on mobile and desktop, how to adjust their timing, and how to make them look natural.

What Is an Overlay in CapCut?

An overlay is a visual layer placed over your main video. Instead of replacing the original footage, it appears above it, allowing both layers to be visible at the same time when their timing overlaps.

For example, you could place a small video of yourself in the corner while showing a screen recording, add a photo over a travel clip, or use a light-leak video to create a cinematic look.

Common overlay uses include:

• Picture-in-picture: Show a second video in a smaller frame.
• Photo overlays: Place images, screenshots, or graphics over your footage.
• Texture overlays: Add film grain, light leaks, dust, or other visual details.
• Logo overlays: Display your own logo or branding.
• Green-screen footage: Layer a subject over another background after removing the original background.
• Decorative elements: Add stickers, captions, or graphics using their relevant editing tools.

Remember that overlays are not the same as transitions. An overlay adds another layer to your video, while a transition controls how one clip changes into another.

What Are the Benefits of Using Overlays?

Overlays can improve a video when they add information, context, or visual interest.

1. Tell a Clearer Story

You can show supporting footage while explaining something. For example, a cooking tutorial might display a close-up of a particular step while the main video shows the full preparation process.

2. Create Picture-in-Picture Videos

Place a reaction video, webcam recording, or commentary clip in a corner while the main footage continues in the background.

3. Develop a Consistent Visual Style

Use your own logo, graphics, or carefully chosen textures to give your videos a recognizable appearance.

4. Add Creative Effects

Layering images or videos can create double-exposure looks, light-leak effects, film textures, and other visual styles. The result depends on the overlay itself and the adjustment tools available in your version of CapCut.

The key is to use overlays with a purpose. Too many layers can make a video crowded and distract viewers from the main subject.

How to Add an Overlay in CapCut on Mobile

You can add a photo or video overlay in the CapCut mobile app by following these steps.

Step 1: Open CapCut and Create a Project

Open CapCut on your phone and tap New project. Select the main video you want to edit from your gallery, then tap Add.

This first clip will serve as the background or base footage.

Step 2: Add Your Main Video

Check that your main video appears on the timeline. Move the playhead to the point where you want the overlay to begin.

If you are creating a picture-in-picture video, choose footage that leaves enough space for the second layer without hiding important details.

Step 3: Open the Overlay Tool

Look along the editing toolbar at the bottom of the screen and tap Overlay. Then select Add overlay.

Choose the image or video you want to place over your main footage and confirm your selection. The new layer should appear above the main video in the timeline.

If your version displays the tool in a slightly different location, check the editing toolbar or CapCut’s current help instructions.

Step 4: Resize and Position the Overlay

Select the overlay in the preview window.

• Drag it to move it around the screen.
• Pinch with two fingers to make it larger or smaller.
• Adjust its position so it does not cover important text or the main subject.
• Check the edges to make sure the overlay fits within the frame.

For a picture-in-picture effect, place the secondary video in a corner and leave enough space for viewers to see both clips.

For a full-screen texture, you may want the overlay to cover the entire frame instead.

Step 5: Adjust the Overlay’s Timing

Your overlay does not need to appear throughout the entire video. Select its clip on the timeline and adjust its start and end points.

Drag the overlay track to change when it begins. Drag its edges to shorten or extend its duration where supported.

Play the section where the overlay appears to confirm that it starts and disappears at the right moments. If necessary, split the overlay or delete sections that you do not need.

Step 6: Preview and Export Your Video

Play the edited video from beginning to end. Check the overlay’s size, position, timing, and visual quality.

When everything looks right, tap the Export icon and select from the available output settings. Save the finished video to your device.

If your overlay is another video with its own audio, check the volume of both clips. Lower or mute the secondary audio if it competes with your main soundtrack.

How to Add an Overlay in CapCut on PC

CapCut Desktop uses a timeline with multiple tracks, so the process is slightly different from the mobile workflow.

1. Open CapCut Desktop and create a new project or open an existing one.
2. Click Import and select your main video.
3. Place the main video on the timeline.
4. Import the image or video you want to use as an overlay.
5. Drag the overlay onto a track above the main video.
6. Select the overlay and adjust its position and size in the preview window.
7. Trim or move the overlay clip on the timeline to control when it appears.
8. Preview the result and adjust the audio if necessary.
9. Click Export and choose your available output settings.

If you want to create a picture-in-picture video, keep the main footage on the lower track and position the secondary footage in a smaller frame above it.

Desktop controls and track arrangements can vary between versions. For a visual walkthrough, see CapCut’s official guide to adding overlays.

How to Make an Overlay Transparent in CapCut

Sometimes you want the overlay to remain visible without completely covering the background video. For example, you might want a light texture, subtle graphic, or double-exposure effect.

Depending on the overlay and your version of CapCut, you may be able to use opacity or blending controls.

1. Add your main video and overlay.
2. Select the overlay layer.
3. Look for Opacity, Blend, or similar adjustment controls.
4. Reduce the opacity if you want the overlay to become more see-through.
5. Experiment with available blending modes if you want the colors or light from both layers to combine.
6. Preview the result and adjust until the background remains clear.

Not every overlay needs transparency. A picture-in-picture video, for instance, is usually easier to see when it remains fully opaque.

If the overlay contains a solid green background, opacity alone will not remove that color cleanly. Use a suitable background-removal or chroma-key tool instead. You can follow our guide on how to use green screen in CapCut.

How to Add Text and Stickers Over a Video

Text and stickers can also appear above your footage, but CapCut may provide them through separate tools rather than the main Overlay menu.

Add text

1. Open your project and move the playhead to the desired position.
2. Select Text, then choose the option to add text.
3. Enter your words and customize the font, color, size, or animation.
4. Adjust the text layer’s position and duration.
5. Preview the result to check readability.

For more detailed instructions, see our guide on how to add text in CapCut.

Add stickers

1. Open the relevant project.
2. Find the Stickers tool, where available.
3. Choose a sticker or graphic.
4. Position it on the video and adjust its timing.
5. Preview the clip to ensure that the sticker supports the content instead of covering something important.

Menu names and the available options can vary by device and app version.

Creative Overlay Ideas to Try

Here are a few ways to put overlays into practice.

Picture-in-picture commentary

Place your face-camera recording over a screen recording, gameplay clip, or tutorial. Keep the smaller frame out of the way of important on-screen information.

Travel and lifestyle edits

Layer photos over travel footage to show a location from different angles or highlight memorable moments. Keep the timing short enough to maintain the video’s pace.

Cinematic textures

Try a subtle film-grain or light-leak overlay to create a particular mood. Reduce the intensity if the effect makes the footage difficult to see.

Product demonstrations

Place a close-up image or a second video angle over the main shot so viewers can see a product detail while you explain it.

Educational videos

Show a screenshot, diagram, or short supporting clip while explaining a concept. This can make complicated instructions easier to follow.

Use images and video assets you own or have permission to use, particularly when creating branded or commercial content.

Common Overlay Problems and How to Fix Them

The overlay covers the entire video

The overlay may be larger than the frame or positioned over the main subject. Select it and resize or reposition it. If you intend to create picture-in-picture, reduce the overlay’s size.

The overlay appears at the wrong time

Select the overlay clip on the timeline and move it to the correct position. Adjust its start and end points to control its duration.

The background video disappears

Check whether the overlay is covering the entire frame. Resize it, adjust its opacity if appropriate, or use a suitable blending option.

The overlay looks blurry

Check the quality of the original image or video. A low-resolution source may look blurry when enlarged. Use a higher-quality asset when possible and avoid unnecessary scaling.

Both video soundtracks play at once

Select the overlay video and adjust its volume or mute its audio if you only need the main video’s sound.

The Overlay option is missing

Make sure you are in the editing interface with a project open. Check the toolbar and look for the relevant media-layer controls. If the menu differs from these instructions, consult CapCut’s official documentation for your platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Overlay mean in CapCut?

An overlay is an additional visual layer placed over your main video. It can be a photo, another video, or a graphic that appears at the same time as the underlying footage.

Can I overlay a picture on a video in CapCut?

Yes. Add your main video, choose Overlay → Add overlay on mobile, and select the picture you want to use. Resize it, position it, and adjust its duration on the timeline.

Can I put one video on top of another in CapCut?

Yes. On mobile, use the Overlay tool to add the second video. On desktop, place the second clip on a track above the main footage, then adjust its size, position, and timing.

How do I make an overlay last only a few seconds?

Select the overlay clip on the timeline and adjust its start and end points. You can also split the clip if you need it to appear in separate sections.

Are overlays available in CapCut for PC?

Yes. CapCut Desktop supports layered editing. You can import media and place the overlay on a track above the main video. The interface differs from the mobile app.

Final Thoughts

Overlays are a useful way to add another layer of information or creativity to your videos. From picture-in-picture commentary to photo layers, textures, and supporting footage, they give you more flexibility without replacing your original clip. Start with a simple overlay, adjust its position and timing, and preview the result. Once you are comfortable with the basics, experiment with transparency, blending, and different visual combinations to develop your own editing style.