Instagram has just launched Edits, a powerful new video editing app designed to revolutionize how creators produce short-form videos.

With TikTok’s future uncertain and competitors like CapCut dominating the mobile editing space, Instagram’s Edits steps in as a seamless, creator-focused tool tailored for Reels and beyond.

In this post, we’ll explore what Edits is, its standout features, how it compares to other video editors, and why it’s a must-have for content creators in 2025.

Table of Contents

• What is Instagram’s Edits App?

• Key Features of Instagram Edits

• How to Use Instagram Edits: A Quick Guide

• Edits vs. CapCut: How Does It Compare?

• Why Creators Should Try Edits in 2025

• Tips for Maximizing Edits for Instagram Reels

• The Future of Edits: What’s Next?

• Conclusion: Is Instagram Edits Worth It?

What is Instagram’s Edits App?

Launched on April 22, 2025, Edits is Instagram’s standalone video creation and editing app, available for free on both iOS and Android. Described as a “full suite of creative tools” by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, Edits is designed to simplify the video-making process, offering everything creators need to capture, edit, and share high-quality videos directly from their phones.

Unlike Instagram’s in-app editor, which is limited to basic trimming and filters, Edits provides advanced features like AI-powered animations, green screen effects, and precise timeline editing. It’s positioned as a direct competitor to CapCut, TikTok’s popular editing app, and aims to capture creators looking for a robust, Instagram-integrated solution.

Key Features of Instagram Edits

Edits is packed with tools to streamline the creative process and help creators produce professional-grade videos. Here’s a breakdown of its standout features:

1. High-Quality Video Capture

• Record clips up to 10 minutes long in HD, 2K, or 4K resolution.

• Advanced camera settings allow customization of frame rate, dynamic range, flash, and zoom for polished raw footage.

2. Powerful Editing Tools

• Frame-accurate timeline: Edit with single-frame precision for seamless cuts and transitions.

• Green screen and cutout effects: Replace backgrounds or isolate subjects to create dynamic visuals.

• AI animation: Transform still images into engaging video content with AI-powered motion.

3. Simplified Workflow

• Project management: Organize drafts, ideas, and videos in a dedicated “Projects” tab.

• No watermarks: Export videos in 4K and share them on any platform without branding.

4. Instagram Integration

• Share videos directly to Instagram Reels or Facebook with high-quality playback.

• Access trending audio and Reels via the “Inspiration” tab to stay ahead of trends.

5. Analytics and Insights

• Track Reels performance with real-time metrics like views, reach, and skip rate.

• Gain insights into follower and non-follower engagement to optimize future content.

6. Creative Enhancements

• Add fonts, sound effects, voiceovers, stickers, and filters to personalize your videos.

• Generate automatic captions with customizable styles for accessibility.

How to Use Instagram Edits: A Quick Guide

Getting started with Edits is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your first video:

• Download and Log In: Install Edits from the Apple App Store or Google Play and sign in with your Instagram account.
   

• Explore the Interface: Navigate five tabs at the bottom:

  • Ideas: Brainstorm and save notes for future videos.

  • Inspiration: Discover trending Reels and audio.

  • Projects: Manage ongoing video projects.

  • Recording: Shoot new footage directly in the app.

  • Insights: Analyze Reels performance.

   

• Record or Upload: Capture a new clip (up to 10 minutes) or upload existing footage from your camera roll.
   

• Edit Your Video: Use the timeline editor to trim clips, add effects, apply filters, or animate images with AI tools.
   

• Enhance with Audio and Text: Sync music, add voiceovers, or generate captions automatically.
   

• Export or Share: Save your video to your camera roll without a watermark or share it directly to Instagram or other platforms.

Edits vs. CapCut: How Does It Compare?

With CapCut facing uncertainty due to TikTok’s U.S. ban saga, Edits is strategically positioned to fill the gap. Here’s how the two stack up:

Pros of Edits:

• Deep Instagram integration for Reels creators.

• No watermarks on exports.

• Real-time performance insights.

Cons of Edits:

• Lacks keyframe animation, a feature CapCut users love.

• Some AI features may incur costs in the future.

• Currently missing advanced transitions and effects compared to CapCut.

While Edits is polished and intuitive, some users note it feels “minimal” compared to CapCut’s robust feature set. However, Instagram has promised ongoing updates to bridge these gaps.

Why Creators Should Try Edits in 2025

Edits is more than just a CapCut clone—it’s a creator-centric app built to streamline the video-making process for Instagram’s 2 billion monthly users. Here’s why you should give it a try:

• Tailored for Instagram Reels: With direct sharing and trend insights, Edits is perfect for creators focused on growing their Instagram presence.

• Free and Accessible: No watermarks and a free base version make it budget-friendly for amateurs and pros alike.

• Future-Proof Features: Instagram is developing advanced collaboration tools, new fonts, text animations, and more, which will likely debut in Edits first.

• Strategic Timing: With TikTok and CapCut’s U.S. availability in flux, Edits offers a reliable alternative for creators navigating the shifting social media landscape.

Tips for Maximizing Edits for Instagram Reels

To make the most of Edits, follow these tips to boost engagement:

• Leverage Trending Audio: Use the Inspiration tab to find viral audio tracks that align with your content.

• Optimize for Accessibility: Add auto-generated captions to make your videos inclusive and improve discoverability.

• Keep It Short: While Edits supports 10-minute videos, aim for 26–60 seconds for maximum engagement on Reels.

• Experiment with AI: Use AI animation to turn static images into eye-catching videos for Stories or Reels.

• Track Performance: Use the Insights tab to analyze skip rates and refine your content strategy.

The Future of Edits: What’s Next?

Instagram has big plans for Edits. According to Mosseri, the app will evolve with creator feedback, with upcoming features like:

• Advanced collaboration tools for team projects.

• New transitions, filters, and voice effects to rival CapCut’s offerings.

• Expanded AI capabilities, though some may require a paid subscription.

As Instagram continues to prioritize video content, Edits is poised to become a cornerstone of its creator ecosystem, potentially integrating with Meta’s broader AI and analytics tools.

Conclusion: Is Instagram Edits Worth It?

Instagram’s Edits app is a promising addition to the mobile video editing landscape, offering a creator-friendly alternative to CapCut with deep Instagram integration. While it may lack some advanced features like keyframe animation, its free access, watermark-free exports, and Reels-specific analytics make it a compelling choice for 2025. Whether you’re an amateur creator or a seasoned influencer, Edits is worth downloading to level up your Instagram Reels game.

Ready to try it? Download Edits from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start creating today