Instagram Edits App Launched: Here’s How to Use It

Instagram just launched a new app called “Edits,” and it’s a big deal for anyone who makes Reels or Stories. It dropped today on both Android and iOS, and it’s free to download. The whole idea is simple. Instagram wants to keep creators inside its own ecosystem instead of sending them to apps like CapCut for editing. So they’ve made a proper, standalone editing app with all the pro features people usually go looking for elsewhere.

Instagram ‘Edits’ Features and How to Use It

You can record directly inside the app in up to 4K at 60 fps, and it actually supports multiple lenses, at least on the OnePlus 13 that I tried. So if your phone has ultrawide, telephoto, or even 3X zoom, the app lets you switch between all of them while recording. 

The app also includes green screen functionality, which lets you remove or replace the background while shooting, without a physical green screen. Plus, there’s support for a ton of text styles and fonts, and even the ability to auto-generate captions, which is something creators have been asking for.

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What really sets Edits apart though is that it’s made specifically for Instagram. It’s not just a general-purpose video editor. Everything you do in the app is automatically optimized for Instagram’s formats and algorithm. So when you export your video, it’s already in the right resolution, bitrate, and aspect ratio.

You also get analytics baked right in. So after you post a Reel, you can track how it’s performing directly inside the app. That includes views, retention, interaction, and all the other nerdy data points that you care about.

How It’s Different From CapCut

CapCut is a heavyweight but Edits has one thing going for it: Instagram DNA. The AI tools are tuned for Reels, and the app recommends edits and filters that work best for Instagram’s algorithm. Plus, CapCut still adds watermarks in the free version. Edits doesn’t.

Meta is clearly trying to pull the same move they did when they launched Reels during TikTok’s India ban and this time, it’s about giving creators a homegrown editing app tied directly to the Reels engine.

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How To Use Edits (Quick Guide)

1. Download “Edits by Instagram” from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
2. Log in using your Instagram account to unlock Reels-specific tools and sync your content.
3. Key tabs include Projects (drafts), Inspiration (trending Reels), and Ideas (saved content/notes).
4. The editor itself has a clean timeline and tools like filters, AI, text, and more.
5. Use the built-in camera (with full controls), or upload clips from your phone gallery.
6. Trim, split, or rearrange clips using the timeline.
7. Add transitions, filters, and AI effects like green screen or animated text.
8. Insert audio, voiceovers, or pull music from the built-in library.
9. You can also generate captions and customize them to your liking.
10. Save in up to 4K without a watermark.
11. Directly post to Instagram Reels or Stories, or save the file for TikTok or YouTube Shorts.

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Some Tips for Getting the Most Out of Edits

1. Use the Inspiration tab to find trending formats and sounds.
2. Test AI tools like background cutouts or still image animation to stand out in the feed.
3. Stick to 7 to 15 seconds for Reels.
4. Tap into performance data to see what’s working and what isn’t.

Privacy Heads-Up

This is a Meta product. So yes, the app collects your data. That includes things like location, contacts, and usage patterns. If that bothers you, check the privacy settings and tweak them to your comfort level.

Why Edits?

And since Reels are huge right now, Instagram saw over 40% growth in Reels engagement in 2024 alone, it makes sense that they’d want to give creators better tools. CapCut still has a massive user base, like 200 million+ users, but this new app being so tightly integrated with Instagram gives it a real edge. Instagram is also planning future updates for Edits, like AI editing tools and collaborative project features, too.

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Should You Use Edits?

Yes, if you’re someone who creates content regularly or even occasionally, this might replace a bunch of other tools you’re using right now, unless you are professional. You get full creative control, access to multiple lenses, better editing, high-res output, analytics, and most importantly, everything works smoothly with Reels. No more exporting from one app and hoping Instagram doesn’t ruin the quality. 

It’s still early days, but Edits is looking really promising. If Instagram plays it right and keeps adding new features, this could easily become the go-to app for Reels creators. Download it, try it out, and let us know your thoughts on the app.

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