Instagram unveils edits: A new AI-powered video editing app for creators

New Delhi: Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, has officially launched Edits, a standalone video editing app designed to empower content creators with advanced, AI-driven tools. 

Available globally for free on iOS and Android, Edits aims to streamline video production and compete directly with ByteDance’s popular CapCut editor.

First teased in January 2025 by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, Edits arrives after a two-month delay from its initial February target. The app’s launch coincides with an uncertain future for TikTok and CapCut in the US, prompting speculation that Meta is seizing the opportunity to capture market share in the creator economy.

Edits is as a comprehensive video creation platform, offering features that go beyond Instagram’s built-in editing tools. Creators can capture videos up to 10 minutes long, adjust camera settings like resolution, frame rate, and dynamic range, and utilise a suite of creative tools, including:

• AI-powered editing: Features like AI Image Animation, which transforms still images into dynamic videos, and automatic captioning to enhance accessibility.
• Green screen and cutouts: One-tap background replacement and precise subject isolation for professional-grade effects.
• Advanced editing tools: Keyframing for precise animation control, clip-level trimming, and a timeline interface for detailed edits.
• Inspiration and analytics: An “Inspiration” tab showcases trending Reels and audio, while a live insights dashboard provides metrics like engagement and skip rate to optimise content performance.

Unlike third-party apps, Edits allows watermark-free exports and seamless sharing to Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms. Users can also access Meta’s extensive music library and manage projects with tools for brainstorming and tracking ideas.

Edits supports features like green screen overlays and AI effects that mirror those of ByteDance’s editor, prompting comparisons. Mosseri addressed this on Threads, stating that Edits targets “creators rather than casual video makers” and offers a “broader range of creative tools” for a more niche audience.

The timing of the launch is notable. In January, when TikTok and CapCut were briefly unavailable in US app stores, Meta announced Edits, signaling its intent to challenge ByteDance’s dominance in short-form video editing.

Meta is already teasing updates for Edits, including enhanced keyframing, more AI-driven editing options, and collaborative features for multi-user video projects. However, Mosseri hinted that some advanced features might eventually be locked behind a paywall, with a potential subscription model called “Asteria” rumored to unlock generative AI capabilities.

Edits is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users must sign in with their Instagram credentials to access the app, which integrates with Meta’s ecosystem while supporting cross-platform sharing.

Meta emphasised that Edits is not just for Instagram or Facebook but for creators across all platforms, including competitors like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. “Our goal is to build creative tools to help creators express themselves freely,” Meta stated, underscoring its commitment to supporting the creator community.