Instagram has officially launched Edits, a new video editing app positioned to rival TikTok’s companion app, CapCut. Available now for free on both iOS and Android, Edits is tailored specifically for content creators, offering a suite of advanced features designed to elevate video production directly from mobile devices.
Initially announced in January, Edits includes project management tools, idea tracking, and performance analytics, making it more than just a basic editor. It distinguishes itself from the standard Instagram app by integrating features like AI-generated animations from static images, green screen effects, and subject cutout capabilities — features that mirror the functionality of CapCut.
The release of Edits comes at a strategic time, following the temporary removal of both TikTok and CapCut from U.S. app stores. This timing underscores Meta’s positioning of Edits as a direct competitor to CapCut. Instagram head Adam Mosseri acknowledged the similarities but stated that Edits targets “creators more than casual video makers,” suggesting a more professional approach with a potentially smaller, yet more focused user base.
Mosseri also hinted that the app will diverge from CapCut’s format, promising a “broader range of creative tools.” Looking ahead, Instagram is teasing new features for Edits, including support for keyframes, enhanced AI editing options, and collaborative video editing — indicating that Meta plans to evolve the app into a comprehensive platform for creators.
With Edits, Meta aims to strengthen its foothold in the creator economy and challenge TikTok’s dominance not just through social features but by matching—and eventually surpassing — its creative tools.
