Instagram Edits Launched – A Dedicated App for Video Creation

Software News

by Alexandra ThompsonApril 25^th, 2025

Instagram has officially launched Edits, a standalone video editing app designed to streamline the content creation process for Reels and other short-form videos. Edits offers a suite of tools for creators who want more control and flexibility than what’s available in the standard Instagram app.​ Most importantly, it aims to keep all the tools in one basket, eliminating the need to jump from one app to another. Let’s dive in!

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has stated that Edits is aimed more at creators who need greater control than casual video makers, emphasizing its advanced creative tools. That said, I found the app very intuitive and easy to use. The learning curve couldn’t have been any shorter.

For those familiar with CapCut, that app offers a wider range of features across mobile and desktop, while Edits, by contrast, focuses on simplicity and is mobile-only, which might suit creators who want to keep things straightforward.

Camera access in the app

The app has direct access to your phone’s camera, so you can shoot video without leaving the interface. It supports clips up to 10 minutes long, with adjustable resolution (up to 4K), frame rates (24, 30, or 60 fps), and dynamic range (SDR or HDR). Videos are exported without a watermark, can be saved directly to your device, and posted on any social media platform.

Advanced editing tools

At the core of Edits is a frame-accurate timeline that offers precise control during editing. You can animate still images with AI, add music, text, or dialogue, apply cutouts or green screen effects, and adjust position, rotation, and scale. A keyframe tool for fine-tuning these elements is currently being developed.

In addition, users can use a variety of fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters, stickers, and music options to personalize their content.​

Project management – Ideas & Insights

The app includes a section for storing ideas, making it easier to keep notes and project materials together. You can add a sticky note under the Ideas tab as needed, and everything stays in one place for when you’re ready to continue working.

The Insights section gives users a quick overview of key stats – Reel views, Reach, Net followers, Likes, Comments, and more. I was surprised that a few videos I made last year had been added, complete with all the data I needed: Like rate, Average watch time, Share rate, and more. Retention was also tracked, with a chart showing what percentage of viewers stayed with the video at each point.

Price and availability

Edits is free to download on your mobile device from both the iOS App Store and the Android App Store. According to Instagram, future updates should add features like keyframe animations, additional AI tools, and collaborative editing capabilities.​

Have you tried Edits yet? If so, how does it compare to the tools you’re already using? Let us know in the comments!