Edits offers an editing interface very similar to CapCut’s, but it also includes spaces for trends and insights. The app is free and available now.
Initially scheduled for March 13, Instagram’s new video editing app, called Edits, was finally launched this Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Designed to facilitate the creation of videos for Reels format, the solution aims to simplify mobile editing for content creators.
With Edits, Instagram is stepping into the shoes of CapCut, the app developed by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, which is widely used by creators. Here’s how it looks.
With Edits, Instagram responds to TikTok
Ease of use is undoubtedly one of CapCut’s main strengths. This is precisely where Edits intends to challenge its rival. The application aims to consolidate the entire creative process into a single interface: from capture—with a built-in “high-quality camera,” whatever that means—to editing, including AI-assisted effects and animations. In addition, a dedicated Reel statistics panel will help you understand which elements are performing best.
Additionally, Edits aims to foster new trends. It does this by offering a dedicated idea tracking space, which allows users to centralize inspiration and record notes and current projects. The app also includes a Reels feed “containing popular audio and performance signals that show you what’s working .” Users can thus view Reels directly from Edits. It remains to be seen whether this feed is the first step towards a full Reels app, a project Instagram has reportedly been considering for several years.
How to create an account on Edits
Edits is currently only available on mobile. To access it, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and open it. You’ll need an Instagram account to log in. When Threads launched, this connection to Instagram ran afoul of European regulations, forcing Meta to offer a login without an Instagram account. Clearly, the same rule doesn’t apply here, as no other form of login is offered.
Before using it, the platform also specifies: “The Edits application is part of the Instagram platform. We will use your Edits and Instagram information to personalize ads and other experiences on Edits and Instagram.”
How to edit a video on Edits
To edit in Edits, open the app and go to the Projects area (3rd icon in the bottom menu), then tap + . You will then have the option to import videos from your device’s library. These will appear in a timeline similar to what can be offered on CapCut. You can then:
- Choose the order of the shots by long-pressing on the timeline,
- Reduce or lengthen the duration of shots by making a short press,
- Make cuts,
- Change the speed,
- Add filters, effects and sounds.
Once your video is created, you can tap Export in the top right corner. You can also share it directly to Facebook or Instagram. If you’re used to CapCut, the interface will be very familiar. Edits is built on the same model as its competitor, both in terms of features and the layout of its various elements. However, Edits has two significant advantages: the application is 100% free (there are no exclusive options) and exported videos do not have a watermark.
