Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has officially released its standalone video editing application, "Edits," on April 22, 2025. Available for both iOS and Android, Edits aims to provide creators with a comprehensive and streamlined mobile video editing experience, directly competing with ByteDance's CapCut. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, initially announced the app in January 2025, with the launch strategically timed to coincide with potential concerns around TikTok's future in the US.
Edits is designed as a "full creative suite" for mobile video production, catering to "serious mobile creators" rather than casual users. The app distinguishes itself with several key features. Users can capture high-quality footage, up to 10 minutes in length, directly within the app, a significant upgrade from the 3-minute limit within Instagram itself. The multi-channel timeline allows for intricate editing, and projects can be easily managed via a dedicated "Projects" tab. The app also includes a "Notes" function for brainstorming and saving ideas, alongside a feed showcasing trending Reels and audio for inspiration.
Edits offers a range of editing tools, including single-frame precision editing, and camera settings for resolution, frame rate, and dynamic range. Advanced effects such as green screen replacement, AI-powered animation of still objects, and subject cutouts provide further creative possibilities. The app enhances audio by reducing background noise and includes automatically generated, customizable captions. A key advantage is the ability to export videos without watermarks, allowing creators to share content seamlessly across different platforms. Users can also access royalty-free music and view content analytics within the app.
The app is currently available for free, with Instagram head Adam Mosseri mentioning the potential for paid features in the future to support AI functionalities. While Edits is not positioned to replace professional-grade software like Adobe Premiere Pro, its user-friendliness, convenience, and integration with Instagram make it an attractive option for creators seeking quick and efficient on-the-go editing capabilities.
Looking ahead, Instagram plans to add more features to Edits, including keyframing for precise animation control, AI-powered modifications to alter video aesthetics, and enhanced collaboration tools for teamwork. New fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters, and sound effects are also in development, likely debuting on Edits before potentially being integrated into the main Instagram app.
