Instagram’s Edits App: A step-by-step guide to creating Reels and Short Videos

New Delhi: Meta has launched Edits, a new video editing app designed to simplify content creation for Instagram Reels and short-form videos. Aimed at creators, businesses, and social media enthusiasts, Edits offers a suite of professional-grade tools to streamline video production directly from your smartphone. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use the Edits app to craft engaging, high-quality videos.

What is the Edits App?

Edits is a free, standalone mobile video editing app developed by Instagram, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as of April 2025. Launched to rival popular editing apps like CapCut, Edits integrates seamlessly with Instagram, offering tools like AI-powered effects, green screen overlays, and performance insights to help creators produce polished content without switching between multiple apps. The app’s intuitive interface and robust features make it ideal for beginners and seasoned editors alike.

Getting started with edits

• Download and Sign In

• Download Edits from the Apple App Store (iOS 15.1 or later) or Google Play Store. Android availability may lag slightly, as Meta has prioritised ios initially.

• Open the app and sign in with your Instagram account. If the Instagram app is installed on your device, select “Continue with Instagram” for a login.

• Grant necessary permissions, such as camera and microphone access, to unlock recording and editing features.

• Navigating the Interface
  The app features five main tabs at the bottom of the screen, each serving a distinct purpose:

• Ideas: A digital scrapbook to jot down notes, brainstorm video concepts, and save Instagram videos for inspiration.

• Inspiration: A feed of trending Reels with popular audio tracks. Tap to use a trending song in your own video.

• Projects: View and manage all recorded or uploaded videos, including drafts and in-progress edits.

• Recording: Capture videos up to 10 minutes long directly in the app with customisable settings.

• Insights: Analyse engagement data for videos shared on Instagram, such as views and interactions.

How to create and edit a video

• Recording a Video

• Navigate to the Recording tab to shoot footage directly in Edits.

• Adjust camera settings like resolution, frame rate, focal length, and recording speed for creative control.

• Use advanced features like upgraded flash, zoom controls, or background changes for dynamic effects. For example, the green screen tool lets you place yourself in virtual scenes, perfect for tutorials or storytelling.

• Record clips up to 10 minutes long, ideal for longer Reels or cross-platform content.

• Uploading existing footage

• Go to the Projects tab and select “Upload” to import videos from your phone’s camera roll.

• Organise drafts and clips in one place for easy access during editing.

• Editing your video

• In the Projects tab, select a video to open the editing interface, which features a familiar timeline for clip-level precision.

• Trim and arrange clips: Use the timeline to trim, split, or reorder clips with single-frame accuracy.

• Add effects: Apply built-in effects like film grain, flicker, hue shift, or AI-powered Cutout, which automatically tracks and isolates objects for overlays, simplifying complex edits like masking.

• Audio enhancements: Add music from Instagram’s library, record voiceovers, or extract and edit audio clips. Use voice effects like helium, monstrous, or dreamy echo for creative flair.

• AI animation: Transform still images into animated sequences to add visual interest.

• Captions and text: Generate animated captions or add text with customisable fonts and animations to boost engagement.

• Speed and volume: Adjust clip speed for slow-motion or time-lapse effects and fine-tune audio levels.

• Inspiration and trends

• Visit the Inspiration tab to discover trending audio and effects. Incorporate these into your video to align with current Instagram trends and increase visibility.

• Use AI-driven suggestions for filters, captions, or edits based on trending content to streamline production.

• Sharing and exporting

• Once editing is complete, tap Export in the top right corner to save your video as a 4K MP4 file without a watermark.

• Share directly to Instagram Reels, Facebook, or other platforms, or save to your device for cross-platform posting.

• Use the Insights tab to track performance metrics like views and engagement if shared on Instagram.

Standout features

• AI-Powered Tools: The Cutout feature simplifies professional techniques, while AI animation brings static images to life.

• Green Screen and Overlays: Easily add virtual backgrounds or overlay objects for creative storytelling.

• Draft Collaboration: Share drafts with friends or collaborators for feedback, enhancing team projects.

• Seamless Instagram Integration: Direct sharing and performance insights keep creators within the Instagram ecosystem.

• No Subscription Required: Unlike some competitors, Edits offers all features for free, with no paywalls or watermarks.

Tips for success

• Start Simple: Beginners can use drag-and-drop templates or preset filters for quick, polished results.

• Leverage Trends: Regularly check the Inspiration tab to stay updated on trending sounds and effects.

• Experiment with AI: Try the Cutout and animation tools to create unique effects that stand out.

• Optimise for Reels: Use vertical layouts and engaging text animations to maximise engagement on Instagram.

• Monitor Insights: Use the Insights tab to refine your content strategy based on audience engagement.