AI Video Editing with ChatCut and Codex: A Practical Guide

What ChatCut Does

ChatCut is an AI-powered video editor that responds to plain-language commands. Instead of manually dragging clips on a timeline, you describe what you want—like “remove filler words, compress to 10 minutes, add subtitles, and insert animated charts”—and the AI handles the edits. It works best for rough cuts, talking-head videos, and short-form content, offering:

• Conversational editing: Describe edits in natural language.
• Text-based trimming: Delete sentences in the transcript to remove corresponding video segments.
• Multi-track timeline: Supports layers for video, graphics, music, and voiceovers.
• Auto subtitles: Multiple styling options.
• Talking-head cleanup: Removes filler words, repeats, and long pauses.
• Motion graphics: Titles, charts, infographics, and logo animations.
• AI asset generation: Short video clips (15s max), images, voiceovers, and royalty-free music.

It’s not ideal for frame-perfect precision (use DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro for that) or fully automated film production. ChatCut works as a web app (1080p export), desktop client (4K export), or Codex plugin. Pricing varies—check the official page for tiers and credit usage rules.

Setting Up ChatCut in Codex

Prerequisites:

• ChatGPT desktop app (web/mobile won’t work).
• Paid ChatGPT subscription with Codex access.
• ChatCut account for plugin authorization.

Installation Steps:

1. Open a new Codex task in the desktop app.
2. Send: “Read chatcut.io/chatgpt, install the ChatCut plugin, and create a new task.”
   • Codex will use its CLI to install the plugin, open a browser for login, and verify the plugin.
3. Confirm setup with: “List available capabilities without generating paid assets.”

Troubleshooting:

• If downloads timeout, ask Codex to set HTTP_PROXY/HTTPS_PROXY to your local proxy port (e.g., 7890).
• If tools are missing, start a fresh task or restart the app.
• On Windows, ensure Node REPL and MCP services are registered.

Editing a Talking-Head Video

Follow three passes: structure, cleanup, and packaging.

1. Import and Transcribe:

   • Upload your video.
   • Add: “Transcribe and separate speakers. Stop and confirm before editing.”

2. Plan the Cut:

   • Ask Codex to split the video by topic, summarize sections, and flag low-value parts.

3. Trim and Compress:

   • Specify a target length (e.g., “Cut rambling to 5 minutes. Show the plan first.”).

4. Clean Up Audio:

   • Remove filler words, repeats, and pauses over 1 second.

5. Add Polish:

   • Insert subtitles, chapter cards, and background music (“Light, ducked under speech”).

6. Review and Export:

   • Check deletions, subtitle accuracy, and music levels. Export at 1080p.

Creating Motion Graphics

Ideal for explaining processes (e.g., “How sleep deprivation affects the body”):

1. Break Down the Topic:

   • Have the AI outline key modules (e.g., circadian disruption, immune effects).

2. Design a Visual Metaphor:

   • Example: “Show the body as a city with nighttime repair crews.”

3. Generate Animations:

   • Start with one module to confirm the style, then batch the rest.

4. Add Voiceover and Music:

   • Write the script, approve it, then generate narration. Use subtle background music.

5. Ensure Consistency:

   • Check colors, fonts, and pacing across modules before exporting.

Producing a Product Promo

Steps:

1. Define the audience, platform, length, and style (branded vs. UGC).
2. Paste the product link. Let the AI draft a plan and asset list.
3. Review the structure (hook, proof points, call-to-action) and visual layout.
4. Verify accuracy: Ensure narration matches visuals and official product details.
5. Create variants (e.g., swap the first 3 seconds for different hooks).
6. Export horizontal (16:9) and vertical (9:16) versions.

Advanced: Storyboards and Skills

• Storyboarding: Use a spreadsheet to plan shots (#, description, visual reference, asset type).
• Skills: Automate repetitive workflows (e.g., talking-head edits) by encapsulating steps like A-Roll cleanup → B-Roll insertion → music sync.
• Example: For a product launch video, feed a shot list to Codex + ChatCut, then refine in CapCut for subtitle styling.

(Figures and case details in this article are as reported in the source material and have not been independently verified.)

Series: AI Practice