# Introduction to video clipping
Overview of Mux's video clipping features, comparing instant clipping and asset-based clipping, with guidance on when to use each.
## Clipping video with Mux

Mux provides two approaches for creating clips from your video content: **Instant Clipping** and **Asset-Based Clipping**. Each method is designed for different use cases, offering flexibility depending on your needs for speed, accuracy, and workflow.

### Instant Clipping

[Instant Clipping](/docs/guides/create-instant-clips) allows you to create clips instantly by specifying start and end times directly in the playback URL (using query parameters or JWT claims). This approach does not require re-encoding or creating a new asset, so clips are available immediately and at no extra encoding cost. Instant clipping operates at the segment level, so clips may start or end a few seconds outside your requested range, depending on the stream's segment duration.

#### Key features:

* No additional encoding or asset creation required
* Clips are available instantly
* No extra cost for encoding or storage
* Segment-level accuracy (not frame-accurate)
* Ideal for live streams and quick highlight creation

**Learn more:** [Create instant clips](/docs/guides/create-instant-clips)

### Asset-Based Clipping

[Asset-Based Clipping](/docs/guides/create-clips-from-your-videos) creates a new, standalone asset from a portion of an existing video or live stream recording. This method involves a re-encoding process, resulting in a new asset with its own playback ID, and supports frame-accurate clipping. Asset-based clips incur encoding and storage costs and may take some time to process before they are ready for playback.

#### Key features:

* Creates a new asset with its own playback ID
* Frame-accurate clipping
* Supports additional features like watermarks and text tracks
* Incurs encoding and storage costs
* Suitable for polished, distributable clips or downloadable MP4s

**Learn more:** [Create asset-based clips](/docs/guides/create-clips-from-your-videos)

## Which clipping approach should you use?

Choose **Instant Clipping** if:

* You need clips to be available immediately
* You want to avoid extra encoding costs
* Segment-level accuracy is sufficient for your use case (e.g., live highlights, quick previews)
* You want to limit playback to a specific range without creating a new asset

Choose **Asset-Based Clipping** if:

* You require frame-accurate clips
* You need a new asset for distribution, download, or further processing
* You want to add watermarks or preserve text tracks in the clip
* You are willing to wait for processing and incur encoding/storage costs

| Feature | Instant Clipping | Asset-Based Clipping |
|---------|-----------------|---------------------|
| Availability | ✅ Immediate | ⏳ Requires processing |
| Frame Accuracy | ❌ Segment-level only | ✅ Frame-accurate |
| Additional Encoding Cost | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Additional Storage Cost | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Watermark Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Text Track Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Downloadable MP4s | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Live Stream Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (recordings) |
| Unique Playback ID | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |

For a deeper dive into each approach, see the individual guides:

* [Create instant clips](/docs/guides/create-instant-clips)
* [Create asset-based clips](/docs/guides/create-clips-from-your-videos)