In January, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, announced the upcoming launch of its stand-alone video editing app, aptly named Edits. After a series of delays in its release, users across the globe can now download this eagerly awaited application and dive into video creation.

This new tool is distinctly tailored for crafting engaging Reels, with features clearly drawing inspiration from the immense success of ByteDance's CapCut app, which has become a favorite among TikTok users. Edits offers a suite of streamlined tools specifically designed for editing vertical video clips, catering to the growing demand for quick and appealing video content. Its worth noting that Instagram's Reels feature, which showcases a feed of algorithmically curated video snippets, was launched five years ago as a direct response to TikTok's surging popularity. Meta has consistently shown a willingness to adapt and emulate successful features from competing platforms, and the introduction of Edits is no exception. This creator-focused tool is designed to simplify the video production process, enabling users to produce content rapidly in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For those interested in getting started with Edits, Ive been exploring the app since its debut earlier this week. Heres an overview of Instagram's new video-editing tool, how it facilitates the creation of Reels, and how it compares to CapCut.

How to Use Edits, Instagrams Video Creation App

The Edits app is now available for download on both Apple and Android devices. Upon opening the app for the first time, users are prompted to log in using their Instagram account, a requirement that may frustrate some yet aligns with Metas strategy of integrating its various platforms. The primary goal of Edits is not just to encourage video creation in a vacuum but to provide a dedicated tool that assists users in generating content specifically for Instagram Reels.

Within the Edits app, users can capture videos of up to 10 minutes directly. The app features a Projects tab where all recorded videos are accessible, alongside the option to upload clips from the devices camera roll. Once logged in, you will navigate through five distinct tabs along the bottom of the app's interface. The leftmost tab is the Ideas tab, allowing users to jot down notes and brainstorm concepts for future Reels while also reviewing saved videos from Instagram.

The second tab, labeled Inspiration, offers a scrollable feed showcasing videos that utilize trending audio tracks. This tab includes a convenient feature for users to easily select popular songs to incorporate into their own creations. The central tab houses all ongoing video Projects, providing a space to upload existing clips for transformation into Reels. Next is the Recording tab, where users can shoot videos directly within Edits. Finally, the far right tab is Insights, which displays engagement statistics to help users analyze their past Reels' performance.

The Inspiration tab is particularly engaging, featuring Reels that leverage trending songs while giving a quick avenue for users to create their own videos with popular audio. The Ideas tab serves as a digital scrapbook for potential future Reels. Meanwhile, the Insights tab is where users can monitor their video stats and engagement levels.

Even those who have not previously used TikToks CapCut will find Edits intuitive and easy to navigate. Those familiar with other vertical video editing tools will recognize the user interface: a central timeline of clips paired with a variety of editing tools along the bottom. Users can enhance their videos by adding music through the Audio feature or recording voice-overs via the Voice option. Additional features include the ability to add text, stickers, and image overlays. For users looking to edit clip lengths, a simple short tap on the timeline allows them to crop their videos. To rearrange clips, they can long-press and drag the desired clip to a new position.

Once users have completed their edits and are ready to share their creations, tapping the Export button in the top right corner will allow them to save the video to their phone. The app provides options to share the video directly on Instagram or Facebook; however, since the video is saved to the device, users are free to share it on any platform they choose.

How Is Edits Different From CapCut?

While the core functionalities of Edits and CapCut are remarkably similar, several key differences distinguish Metas Edits app for Instagram from ByteDances CapCut for TikTok. Notably, Edits boasts a more streamlined design that currently feels less cluttered compared to CapCut. Unlike CapCut, which offers a subscription model to access advanced features, Edits does not have any subscription tiers at present, although there is potential for such features to be introduced by Meta in the future.

While Edits is easier for newcomers to navigate, more experienced creators might prefer CapCuts extensive options for video editing, allowing for a higher level of customization and control over the final output. Additionally, users seeking to edit videos on a computer will need to stick with CapCut, as Edits is exclusively available on mobile devices at this time.