Instagram Launches 'Edits' App: An Honest Review

Did you hear about the new update? Instagram has just entered the realm of stand alone video editing, through the recent launch of its very own easy to use edits application as a social media platform. This has been an ambitious move by the firm to reclaim its position amongst one of the top content creators. But having tested it first hand, we are left wondering does it actually live up to its expectations or is it a late move?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the new Instagram Edits app, how it compares to TikTok’s dominant AI driven CapCut, and what it means for creators and marketers.

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The ongoing struggle to keep up with TikTok

Over the last two years, we have seen Instagram find itself in a very similar position to TikTok. Instagram, once upon a time, did lead the charge in social media dynamic content, though, TikTok quite quickly was able to surpass them with their innovative approach to short form content.

One of their biggest advantages was their strategic partnership with Cap Cut through which they were able to let users use their free video editor to seamlessly integrate trending effects, transitions, and even AI animations and enhancements in minutes.

This led to, many influencers using Cap Cut to edit videos that ended up on multiple platforms—including Instagram.

The problem? These videos often carried the TikTok watermark, which led to reduced visibility in Instagram’s algorithm.

To counter this, Instagram needed its own native editing solution. And as a result, Instagram has launched its own video creation app.

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What is the Edits app?

Launched on April 22, Edits is Instagram app’s new standalone editing app designed to support video content influencers. It aims to be a more professional, comprehensive alternative to Instagram app’s limited in-app Reels editor.

According to Instagram, Edits is meant to help with:

• Manage video projects
• Add special effects and filters
• Create reels with trending formats
• Advanced video editing
• Export and post directly to Instagram and other socials

With this new tool, Meta is clearly aiming to track down and provide brands and influencers with a dedicated space for planning and editing their content—something that TikTok users have enjoyed through Cap Cut for years.

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Why use Edits, and core features

So, what can Edits actually do? Let’s break it down.

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Basic tools

The app provides a suite of essential editing functions:

• Trimming and cropping
• Speed adjustment
• Filters and effects
• Music integration
• Voiceover support
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Automatic multilingual subtitles

A standout feature in Edits is automatic subtitle generation in multiple languages, a useful addition for creators targeting international audiences. It’s a smart move from Instagram and adds a touch of accessibility and professionalism to content.

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Reels Integration

Edits is directly linked to your Instagram account. That means your drafted Instagram Reels and saved reels appear directly in the app. You can edit, finalize, and publish your content straight to Instagram or Facebook without jumping between tools.

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The “Idea” Tab: Planning and Inspiration

This is where Edits shines for professional creators. The app includes an Idea tab, a project management space where users can:

• Bookmark inspiring videos
• Add notes
• Plan video projects
• Organize multiple media pieces at once

This is a big plus for media teams or individual creators managing complex posting schedules.

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How Does Edit Compare to CapCut?

The comparison is with advanced editing tool, CapCut, and unfortunately for Instagram, Edits still lags behind in some key areas.

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No video templates (Yet)

One of the key features of its long-lasting competitors is that it has an extensive library of pre-built video templates, which let users easily replicate trending formats. Edits doesn’t offer any templates—at least for now.

That makes it less beginner-friendly. While Edits appears to target serious creators who want control over their editing process, the absence of templates is a missed opportunity to attract a broader base.

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Better Integration with Instagram

That said, Edits has an advantage when it comes to Instagram-native publishing. Being able to edit and publish within the Instagram ecosystem can streamline workflows, especially for creators who prioritize Instagram and Facebook.

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Are Edits worth using for creators?

Now, if you are a creator that is already using Instagram as well as Facebook extensively in the Edits, it is definitely worth a shot. It has a fairly clean interface, in-house publishing tools and an effective planning feature that offers you with an easy o use and professional all in one mobile solution.

Although, if you're producing videos across multiple platforms and rely heavily on templates or advanced features, CapCut remains the more robust option for now.

That said, Edits is still young—and Instagram has a track record of rapidly iterating when it feels the competitive heat.

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Final Thoughts: Which video editing app to use

With the introduction of Edits, into the competitive landscape of video editing apps, this underscores a strong effort of Instagram to close the content creation gap between its competitors. Now we understand that the new app is not perfect, though, it does offer a strong foundation towards future innovation while offering creators and brands like yourself a unique and new tool to manage and publish content effectively.

The question that remains, is whether the social platform will invest more time and resources, with the goal of evolving and upgrading its editing tools and features into a true CapCut competitor—or if it will work as a niche tool for Instagram loyalists.

For now, it is important to note that content creators should save both apps in their toolbox, but watch this space closely. The race for creator loyalty is heating up, and Edits could play a big role in working towards their comeback.

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