The app 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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The app 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.
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.
CJ Darnieder
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:
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.
CJ Darnieder
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.
| Feature | Instagram Edits | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Integration | Directly integrated with Instagram and Facebook; requires Instagram login. | Directly integrated with TikTok; templates optimized for TikTok trends. |
| Target Audience | Geared toward creators serious about Instagram content. | Caters to casual users and creators alike with broad accessibility. |
| Editing Features | Multi-track editing, background cutout, AI animations (more features coming soon). | Advanced editing, keyframes, voice effects, beat sync, 4K support. |
| Templates & Effects | Minimal templates; encourages custom creation with native IG tools. | Heavy use of pre-built templates for quick, TikTok-style videos. |
| Audio/Music | Uses Meta’s licensed music library for Instagram-friendly content. | Vast TikTok music library, but limited outside TikTok. |
| Analytics/Insights | Built-in tips, skip rate feedback, and creative suggestions. | No insights; relies on TikTok analytics after publishing. |
| Availability | Mobile only (iOS and Android); launched globally in April 2025. | Available on mobile, desktop, and web. Over 200 million users. |
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.
