Edits is a free, standalone video-editing app from Instagram made to help creators make short, polished videos (especially Reels) quickly on their phones. It aims to compete with apps like CapCut by offering easy tools, project management, direct posting to Instagram, and in-app performance insights. (Instagram Creators)
1. What is Edits?
Edits is a mobile app built by Instagram that focuses on simple, fast video creation and editing. Think of it as a lightweight studio on your phone: you can record, trim, combine clips, add effects and text, and then export or post directly to Instagram. The app is free and designed for creators who want solid results without learning complex desktop software. (Instagram Creators)
2. Why Instagram made Edits
Instagram wants creators to make better Reels and share them on its platform. By offering a dedicated editor, Instagram reduces the need for third-party tools and keeps the creation → posting flow smooth. The timing also looks strategic: with shifts in the short-video market, Instagram is trying to give creators tools that match what competing apps offer. Wired and The Verge both note Instagram’s push to attract video creators and build features that rival CapCut. (WIRED)
3. Key features (what you actually get)
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Project-based workflow: You can start a project, save drafts, and return to them later. Good for planning multiple Reels. (Instagram Creators)
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Simple timeline editing: Trim, split, rearrange clips with touch gestures — nothing too technical, just quick edits. (Medium)
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Effects, filters and text: Preset filters, stickers, transitions, and text overlays tailored for short-form content. (vidjet.com)
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Camera & recording tools: Record directly inside the app with framing guides and basic camera controls. (Instagram Creators)
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Direct posting & insights: Export to your phone or post straight to Instagram. The app can show performance insights so creators can see how content does after posting. (WIRED)
4. What Edits does better (pros)
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Made for creators: The UI is clean and focused on short-form content — no overwhelm. Review sites praise its simple, minimal interface. (planoly.com)
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Free + no watermark: At launch Edits was free to use and didn’t force a watermark on exports, which is attractive for creators. (WIRED)
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Instagram integration: Smooth share-to-Instagram flow saves time and removes extra upload steps. (Instagram Creators)
5. Where it falls short (cons)
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Not for pro editing: If you need advanced tools like keyframing, multi-track audio mixing, or pro color grading, Edits is limited. Many reviewers and users point out it’s meant for quick mobile workflows, not professional post-production. (App Store)
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Bugs & performance: Some users reported stability issues — jerky playback, occasional crashes, or export hiccups. As with many new apps, frequent updates are expected to fix these problems. (Google Play)
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Feature gap vs established rivals: CapCut and other apps still lead in advanced AI tools and deep customization. Edits is improving fast, but it began more limited. (The Verge)
6. Who should use Edits?
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Social creators & beginners: If you make Reels, short promos, or Stories and want a fast, clean app, Edits is ideal.
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People who value speed: The app is for those who prefer making and posting quickly rather than doing long editing sessions.
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Not for editors who need pro features: Skip it if you require desktop-level control or advanced motion graphics.
7. Quick how-to (simple steps to make a Reel)
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Download Edits from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your Instagram account. (App Store)
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Tap “+” to start a new project. Import clips or record inside the app. (Medium)
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Trim and reorder clips on the timeline. Add text, filters, and transitions. (vidjet.com)
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Save as draft or export. To post on Instagram, use the direct share option or save the video and upload manually. (Instagram Creators)
8. Tips to get the most from Edits
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Plan first: Use the project/draft feature to sketch your idea so you won’t lose structure when editing. (Instagram Creators)
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Keep clips short: Short clips are easier to arrange and match the pace viewers expect on Reels.
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Watch for updates: Instagram is actively updating Edits; new features (volume control, teleprompter, filters) were announced as priorities. Keep the app updated. (WIRED)
9. Final verdict (simple take)
Edits is a smart move by Instagram: it gives creators a focused, free tool to make short-form videos quickly and share them to Instagram. It is not a replacement for advanced editors, but for most social creators it lowers the friction between idea and published Reel. If Instagram continues to add features and fix bugs, Edits could become a top choice for mobile-first creators. (planoly.com)
Sources & further reading
Official Edits page (Instagram creators), Play Store / App Store listings, reviews from Wired, The Verge, Planoly, and several how-to and review posts used to build this guide. Key references: Instagram creators (Edits), Wired, The Verge, Planoly, Play Store listing. (Instagram Creators)