Instagram’s New “Edits” Video Editing App: Features, Benefits, and How It Stacks Up Against CapCut

Instagram has officially launched Edits, a standalone video editing app designed to help creators make polished videos right from their phones. This new app, released in April 2025, is Instagram’s answer to popular editing tools like TikTok’s CapCut, aiming to streamline the content creation process for Reels and other short videos.

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Key Features and Benefits of Instagram Edits

Edits is built as an all-in-one mobile studio for video creators. Instagram developed Edits in close collaboration with content creators to ensure it meets their needs. Here are some of the standout features and benefits that make Edits an exciting new tool:

• All-in-One Video Creation: Edits supports your entire creation process from filming to publishing, so you don’t have to juggle multiple apps. You can record footage up to 10 minutes long, manage projects, and edit clips all in one place.
• Powerful Editing Tools: Includes a frame-accurate timeline editor, green screen effects, background cutouts, and even AI-powered features like image animation.
• No Watermarks, High-Quality Exports: You can export your videos without any added logos or watermarks.
• Built-In Music and Audio Library: Access Meta’s extensive licensed music catalog, ideal for syncing to trends.
• Real-Time Insights and Tips: Includes performance insights like skip rates and audience engagement cues.
• Creative Organization: Tools for saving ideas, notes, and inspiration directly inside the app.

More updates are already in development, including keyframe animations and co-editing features. Instagram’s official announcement highlights the app’s roadmap for the months ahead.

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How Edits Differs from CapCut and Other Video Editing Apps

CapCut, owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, is widely used for making short-form videos. While Edits and CapCut offer overlapping features, their focus and integration differ significantly. Instagram has positioned Edits as a creator-first tool rather than a template-driven editor.

What You Should Know Before Trying Edits

• It’s Free and Live Now: You can download Edits from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store at no cost.
• You’ll Need an Instagram Account: Edits requires an Instagram login. This ties the app’s insights and publishing features directly to your IG profile.
• Built for Instagram Publishing: Expect seamless Reels and Stories sharing, with performance tips tailored to the platform.
• Designed With Creators in Mind: The interface includes a space to save ideas, voiceover recording, and layered timeline editing that goes far beyond what Instagram’s default tools offer.
• Still Growing: While robust already, Instagram says more is coming, including collaborative editing and expanded AI tools. You can track feature updates and news directly via Meta’s newsroom.

Edits makes it easier than ever to produce high-quality, engaging Instagram video content without needing a laptop or third-party apps. While CapCut remains a popular option for TikTok creators, Edits is likely to become the go-to tool for Reels and Stories thanks to its integration, export quality, and creator-first design.

As Instagram leans further into supporting creators, Edits represents a strategic move to keep video talent inside its ecosystem—and give them the tools to thrive.