Instagram Launches ‘Edits’ Video Editing App

Instagram Launches “Edits,” a CapCut Rival for Reels Creation

After months of previews and testing, Instagram has officially launched its standalone video editing app, Edits—a powerful all-in-one platform designed to simplify Reels creation and compete directly with TikTok’s popular editing tool, CapCut.

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. still uncertain due to ongoing legislative scrutiny, Instagram is positioning Edits as a full-featured alternative for creators who may soon need a new go-to video editor.

“The process of making videos can be challenging, often requiring multiple apps and complicated workflows,” Instagram said in its announcement. “With Edits, you now have a dedicated space with powerful capabilities for video creation.”

Key Features of Instagram’s Edits App

• Multi-Channel Editing: Users get a timeline editor with multiple video streams, allowing for layered edits and more creative control.

• Project Management: A built-in “Projects” tab enables users to manage several video projects at once—ideal for content creators juggling multiple ideas.

• Creative Notes: A dedicated space to jot down ideas for future videos or add notes to saved Reels, keeping your inspiration organized.

• Reels Trends Search: Built-in discovery tools to help you browse trending Reels and audio tracks, giving creators insight into what’s hot.

• Longer Video Capture: You can record clips up to 10 minutes long within the app—an upgrade over the 3-minute limit in Instagram’s main app (though longer clips can be uploaded separately).

• Advanced Video Effects: Includes access to Instagram’s green screen, cutouts, and AI animation features that bring static elements to life.

• Export Without Watermark: Edits lets you publish directly to Instagram or export your videos for use on other platforms—with no watermark.

• Built-In Music, Captions & Analytics: Add royalty-free music, auto-generate captions, and view in-app performance metrics to optimize your content.

Instagram Launches “Edits”: A Powerful New App for Reels Creation, Packed with Free Tools (For Now)

Instagram has officially rolled out Edits, its new standalone video editing app designed to streamline the Reels creation process and compete directly with tools like CapCut. Built for speed, flexibility, and creativity, Edits packages a robust set of features into a single app—making it easier for creators to produce polished, platform-ready content.

 What’s Included at Launch?

The initial release of Edits includes an impressive list of features:

• Multi-channel timelines for layered video editing

• Project management tools to handle multiple videos at once

• Creative notes for brainstorming and tagging Reels

• Trend discovery to surface popular Reels and sounds

• Long-form capture (up to 10 minutes per clip)

• AI-powered visual effects, including cutouts, animations, and green screen

• Direct upload or export without watermark

• Royalty-free music, auto-captions, and performance analytics

It’s an ambitious launch—and Instagram has even more on the way.

What’s Coming Next?

Instagram is already working on new creative tools that will likely debut in Edits before being added to the main app:

• Keyframes: For fine-tuned control over specific clip elements

• Generative AI features: To instantly change the background or setting of a video

• Collaboration tools: Enabling real-time co-editing with others

• New visual tools: Fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters, and sound effects

These features will further empower creators to build standout content without needing to rely on third-party apps.

Will It Stay Free?

The app is free to download and use for now, and users can sign in using their Instagram credentials. However, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri recently suggested that some AI-powered features may eventually require payment, due to the high compute costs involved. While the company hasn’t confirmed pricing or limits, Mosseri emphasized that the goal is to keep as many features free as possible.

Available Now

Edits is now available globally on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Whether you’re a casual Reels creator or a full-time content producer, it’s absolutely worth trying out.