Microsoft increases free plan for video editor Clipchamp to include 1080p exports

Clipchamp Lede
Clipchamp Lede (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The free plan for Microsoft's Clipchamp now supports exporting videos with a resolution of 1080p.
  • Previously, Clipchamp users had to pay $19 per month to be able to export 1080p videos.
  • Many were critical of Clipchamp's previous pricing model.

Microsoft purchased the video editor Clipchamp back in September 2021. Since then, the company has made Clipchamp the video editor on Windows 11's recent Insider builds. Microsoft may have big plans for its web-based video editor, but many have been unable to look past Clipchamp's pricing.

When Microsoft purchased Clipchamp, and even when the video editor was built into Windows 11's video editing app, the maximum resolution of free exports was 480p. That drew quite a bit of criticism, including harsh words from our senior editor Jez Corden:

Clipchamp thinks that 1080p exports are "business-grade" at $19 per month, which is absolutely laughable — I'd go as far to call it offensive. A clown businessman thought that $9 per month is good value for 720p exports. Remember 720p TVs? Me neither. Clipchamp sure does though, and Microsoft thinks you're dumb enough to pay for these features which were, previously, free as part of the Windows 10 and 11 Photos app. For free, with Clipchamp, you get badass "unlimited" 480p exports. Gee, how generous. I'll just fire up TikTok on my cathode-ray tube monitor and have a blast.

Microsoft has since made a significant change, increasing the resolution of exports through the free basic plan to 1080p. This brings Clipchamp in line with some other free video editors and should quiet critics.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The pricing page for Clipchamp now lists 1080p (full HD) exports under the free basic plan. Upgrading to the creator plan gets users access to cloud storage and stock audio. The business and business platinum plans provide other benefits, such as support for a brand kit and access to stock images.

It's unclear if Microsoft's change of plans was made in direct response to criticism of Clipchamp. It's worth noting that the increased resolution of the free plan occurred within weeks of some of the harshest criticism of the web-based video editor.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.