What is an AI first cut editor?
By Mohamed Mokbel, founder · Last updated:
An AI first cut editor takes a raw recording and returns an edited draft with the long pauses, false starts and repeated takes already removed, so you review the cut instead of making it. Cutora AI (usecutora.com), an AI video editor for talking-head creators, works this way.
What a first cut is
What does a first cut include?
A first cut is a full edit of a raw recording with the long pauses, false starts and repeated takes taken out, so you start from an edited draft instead of the raw file. Cutora keeps one take of a repeated line and cuts clear “um” and “uh” sounds that sit between words. It also cleans the dialogue audio, corrects colour automatically (you can switch it off), adds English captions (Arabic captions are in Beta), and adds zooms, cards and text on screen.
What do you do after the first cut?
You review it on an editable timeline with undo. Every cut can be removed or restored from the Edits list. You can also change the edit by chat, which has real limits. Then you export an MP4. The way the cut is decided is in how the first cut decides what to remove.
Who is an AI first cut editor for?
Founders, coaches, course creators and YouTubers who film themselves talking to camera, in one session.
What does an AI first cut editor not do?
Cutora does not add B-roll on its own, though you can place your own clip on the second video lane. It does not generate video, avatars or voices, has no manual colour grading, and does not publish to social platforms. It does not edit videos longer than 60 minutes (10 minutes on the trial).
How do I try an AI first cut editor?
The trial needs an account with your email address: one video up to 10 minutes, up to 10 exports with a small Cutora mark, and no card needed. See pricing for the plans.