What It Does
BeatEdit analyzes music tracks and identifies beats using an academic-grade detection algorithm. It translates those beats into After Effects workflows: markers for visualization, automated property animations, keyframe repetition, and layer staggering. Instead of manually tapping out beats or using basic peak detection, you get accurate rhythmic sync for music-driven motion graphics.
Key Features
Beat Detection. Developed by universities in Porto and Victoria, the algorithm combines multiple methods to identify beats accurately, even in tracks where rhythm isn’t obvious. It goes beyond simple peak detection to handle complex music.
Beat Markers. Visualizes detected beats as composition markers. You can copy, paste, or move these markers to refine timing or use them as reference points for other animations.
Beat Wiggle. Animates sliders, 2D or 3D layers, or applies time-remapping based on detected beats. Includes presets and supports beat patterns, so animations can vary between beats (e.g., bounce on beat one, rotate on beat two).
Repeat Keyframes. Loops keyframed animations in sync with music. Continuous mode offsets each repetition so it starts where the previous one ended, useful for cumulative effects like progressive text reveals.
Stagger Layers & Keyframes. Triggers layers or keyframes sequentially on each beat. Common for text reveals where each word or line appears with the rhythm.
Beat Selection. Controls which beats trigger actions. Select every fourth beat, choose randomly, subdivide beats for faster rhythms, or include extra rhythmic points for variation.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on music videos, lyric videos, or any project where animation needs to lock to a soundtrack. Also useful for editors syncing b-roll cuts or title animations to music in a motion graphics workflow. Works with After Effects CC 2015.3 or later.
Pricing
$149.99 for a perpetual license. A free trial is available. Existing users may qualify for upgrade pricing (login required). The developer also offers a bundle with BeatEdit for Premiere Pro and Audition at $199.97 (saves $150 over individual purchases).