Instagram announces “Edits” – a video editing app

Amid the ongoing battle over TikTok's availability in the U.S., Instagram is working to position itself as the new home for TikTok users by introducing longer Reels, a profile grid more reminiscent of TikTok, and other enhancements. Now, the platform has announced Edits, an app designed to be a real alternative to CapCut. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming changes in Meta’s popular app.

Changes in the Instagram ecosystem


Instagram aims to offer an alternative to CapCut, the popular Chinese mobile video editing app. CapCut, owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is also caught up in the ongoing debate over whether TikTok should be banned or not.

"Edits", Instagram’s new mobile video editing tool, promises to provide a "full suite of creative tools", according to IG head Adam Mosseri. The app is set to launch in March 2025 and is expected to offer a range of creative tools and inspiring resources. But what exactly will users be able to do with it?

  • Record videos up to 10 minutes long and store drafts in one place for easier project management.
  • A timeline editor that allows for more precise video editing, including clip-level adjustments, auto-enhancement features, and effects such as green screen, overlays, and transitions.
  • A dedicated inspiration tab featuring trending soundtracks and real-time previews of popular content within the app.
  • Higher-quality recording options, including HDR and 1080p.
  • Access to analytics to evaluate content performance.


    • Edits will also enable collaboration and watermark-free exports. Edits will allow users to share drafts with friends and other creators directly from the app, as well as export clips without a watermark for use on other platforms.

    Essentially, this is CapCut — but Instagram’s version, providing a more comprehensive suite of mobile editing tools for Reels and Instagram clips.

    Additionally (and unsurprisingly), Meta is also exploring AI-powered tools for the app, including the ability to animate static images and insert custom visual effects.

    And while this is clearly an attempt to capture CapCut users and create a space for TikTok’s audience, Edits could become a valuable addition to any social media management toolkit, offering a more streamlined way to edit and publish Reels on Instagram with an expanded set of features.

    So, regardless of how we feel about Meta's replication strategy, in the end, the real winners are the users, who get more options for enhanced editing and customization, as well as an alternative in case CapCut faces the same fate as TikTok — which, for now, doesn’t seem to be happening, as Donald Trump has assured that TikTok will be saved. On the other hand, how things will unfold remains to be seen.

    Edits could be a valuable and helpful addition, another useful tool in the content creation process.

    In summary…


    1. Instagram is launching "Edits" – a new video editing app designed to compete with CapCut and attract TikTok users.
    2. A rich set of features – "Edits" will offer a wide range of tools, including clip editing, special effects, high-quality recording, and access to analytics.
    3. Seamless Instagram integration – the app will make it easier to create and publish Reels directly on Instagram.
    4. A CapCut alternative – "Edits" could become a popular choice, especially if CapCut disappears from the U.S. market.
    5. User benefits – more video editing tools and the ability to create more engaging content.

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    Jan Wojciechowski

    Content Marketing Specialist

    Content Marketing Specialist with several years of experience. Studied Marketing and Management on the University of Warsaw. In his work he tries to combine his writing skills, content knowledge and passion for new technologies. Privately he likes to do sports, read books and illustrate them.
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