Meta Launches Edits: A Powerful Video Creation App to Rival TikTok's CapCut

Meta releases its CapCut rival Edits globally | TechCrunch

Meta announced on Tuesday that it's officially launching Edits, its CapCut-like video creation app. Releasing globally, Edits will allow creators to do things like keep track of video ideas, get inspiration for new content, and create videos with effects and AI tools. The app is available on iOS and Android. All of the app's features will be accessible for free at launch. However, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said earlier this month that later versions of Edits may include paid features. The company first shared that it was working on Edits back in January after ByteDance-owned CapCut was removed from U.S. app stores when the TikTok ban momentarily went into effect. Although the app has since come back online and is available to download, TikTok's future in the U.S. remains uncertain, so Meta is ready to capitalize on CapCut's possible absence in the future. The launch of the new app also allows Meta and Instagram to push creators of all kinds to use Edits as opposed to CapCut for all of their short-form content. In its announcement post, Instagram notes that Edits is designed to help creators make videos not just for Instagram or Facebook, but for "any platform," which is likely a reference to competitors like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. It's worth noting that one major difference between Edits and CapCut is the fact that Edits lets you export videos watermark-free. In comparison, you need to pay for CapCut Pro to export a video without a watermark. As for the features themselves, the app's "Ideas" tool allows you to jot down ideas for new videos, while the "Projects" feature helps you organize and manage different creations in one place. The "Inspirations" tool lets you browse through trending audio to create videos with audio you discover. Edits' "Green screen" feature lets you replace the background of your videos. Plus, the "Timeline" feature helps you arrange and adjust clips. You can also add automatic captions to your videos, along with music from Instagram's library. In addition, you can turn static images into videos using AI thanks to the app's "Animate" feature. The app's "Cutouts" feature allows you to isolate specific objects with precision tracking. Once you're happy with your video, you can share it directly to Instagram or Facebook from within the app. Or, you can choose to export the video to post it on other platforms. Edits also features insights that can help you learn about your content strategy and factors that could impact your reach and distribution. Meta has teased a few new features that will be available on Edits in the future, including a "Modify" tool that will allow creators to use AI to alter the "look and feel" of their videos. Additionally, a "Keyframes" feature lets users pick specific moments to change the position, rotation, or size of their clips. Plus, creators will soon be able to collaborate with other creators or brands to get feedback on their drafts. Meta also plans to release more fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters, sound effects, and music options in the future.

Instagram launches its CapCut clone, Edits

Dominic Preston is a news editor with over a decade's experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor. Instagram has launched Edits, a video editing app that's intended to rival the TikTok-linked equivalent CapCut. First announced in January, Edits is available for free from today on iOS and Android. Edits is described as a "video creation app designed for creators," and includes tools for project management, tracking notes and ideas, and data on video performance. There are also advanced editing tools not found in the regular Instagram app, like AI animations created from static images, green screen replacement, and subject cutouts. The editing features are remarkably similar to those in CapCut, a standalone video editing tool from TikTok owner ByteDance. Edits was first announced while TikTok and CapCut were both briefly unavailable on US app stores, adding to the sense that Instagram owner Meta sees CapCut as a direct competitor. When Edits was first teased, Instagram head Adam Mosseri acknowledged the similarities between the two apps but claimed on Threads that Edits will be "more for creators than casual video makers." In another reply he told The Verge's Chris Welch that it will "end up pretty different than CapCut," with "a much broader range of creative tools and probably a smaller addressable audience." Instagram is already teasing future features coming to Edits, which include keyframes, more AI editing features, and the ability to collaborate on videos with other users.

Instagram launches Edits video editor to rival TikTok's CapCut

Also: How Instagram is using AI to uncover teen accounts lying about their age Released on Tuesday, Edits is designed to guide users through the entire process -- from tracking ideas to publishing the final cut. While the app is intended for Instagram, users can share their videos on any platform, and without watermarks. To get started, download and install Edits from Apple's App Store or Google Play. Right from the start, the app offers a way to track ideas for new videos. For inspiration, users can view and save trending videos or use any of them as a starting point for their own projects. Your videos can be as long as 10 minutes, with a resolution of up to 1080p. When editing, users can access a variety of tools. A "Touch Up" feature can improve the overall appearance of the video. A green screen lets users replace the background with a different image. Access to Instagram's audio library allows users to choose the perfect music for their video. Also: How to get ChatGPT to roast your Instagram feed Next, users can add automatic captions to their videos in several languages. Using the "Cutouts" tool, they can isolate people or objects in their videos to help them stand out. Static images can also be added to the video, and AI can animate them. There is also a dedicated timeline through which users can add, remove, and adjust clips. As users create more videos, Edits provides a way to organize all their projects, enabling them to view specific ones and pick up where they left off. After fine-tuning the video, users can share it directly to Instagram or Facebook from Edits. Want to reach a different audience? Videos can be exported to any platform without watermarks. To assess how well a video performs, the app provides various stats and metrics on engagement. Instagram has promised additional features for Edits soon. Also: How to delete Facebook, Messenger, or Instagram - if you want Meta out of your life With keyframes, users will be able to modify specific moments of their videos, not just entire clips. Using AI, they can change the look and feel of their videos. Another upcoming tool will allow users to share early versions of their videos to receive feedback from friends and other creators. Additionally, expect more fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, sound effects, music, and filters -- all of which can be applied royalty-free. First announced in January, Edits competes with TikTok's CapCut, which is available not only as a mobile app but also as a desktop program and website. CapCut and other mobile apps from China-based ByteDance were briefly banned in the US last year. However, the apps received a reprieve in late January, making CapCut easily available once again. Now, it will face competition from Edits. "It's been months, and I think it'll end up being quite different from CapCut," Mosseri said. "Edits will have a much broader range of creative tools and probably a smaller addressable audience. Think of it as a place to track all your ideas, rather than just relying on templates. Think AI video editing tools for individual clips or the entire video. Think new insights on why your videos are succeeding or struggling." Also: The best lights for streaming: Expert tested Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

Instagram launches Edits app for video, rivaling TikTok

The new app allows creators to organize project ideas, shoot and edit video, and access insights about content. Edits includes background replacement, automatic captioning and artificial intelligence tools that can turn images into video. "There's a lot going on in the world right now and no matter what happens, we think it's our job to create the most compelling creative tools for those of you who make videos for not just Instagram but for platforms out there," said Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, in a Reel posted in January announcing the app. Edits appears to be Meta's answer to CapCut, TikTok's sister app that is also owned by China-based parent company ByteDance, which allows users to create and edit video on their phone or computer.

Instagram is rolling out Edits, its CapCut competitor

Earlier this year, right as TikTok and other ByteDance apps were temporarily pulled from Apple and Google's app stores, Meta announced that it was working on a new video editing app tailored to Instagram creators. That app, called Edits, is now finally rolling out as Meta continues to try to leverage the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future to draw more creators to its apps. As in its earlier app store listings, Edits promises much more advanced editing tools than what's been available in Meta's apps. The in-app camera allows creators to capture up to 10 minutes of video and publish to Instagram in "enhanced quality." It also features popular editing effects like green screen and Instagram's extensive music catalog. In keeping with Meta's current focus on AI, Edits comes with a couple AI-powered features as well. The "animate" feature allows users to create a video from a static image, while "cutouts" enables video makers to "isolate specific people or objects with precision tracking." And unlike ByteDance's popular editor CapCut, Edits doesn't export videos with a watermark of any kind (Instagram videos with visible watermarks). While Edits is launching months after CapCut came back online in the US, Meta is adding some Instagram-specific features to lure Reels creators. This includes in-app post analytics, as well as the ability to import audio tracks they've previously saved in the app. And it sounds like Instagram creators can look forward to more specialized features in the future. In a blog post, the company notes that the current version of the app is merely "the first step" for Edits, and that it plans to collaborate with creators on more functionality going forward.

CapCut rival 'Edits' by Instagram now officially available on Android

With CapCut moving certain functions behind a paywall in recent months, Edits, the free video editor from Instagram, is now officially available on Android. After being announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri in mid-January, the app launch timeframe was only slated in the coming weeks. However, it has officially launched today and brings a suite of free editing features to Android for your vertical video content. Although officially called "Edits, an Instagram app" it'll no doubt be known as "Edits" and offers a wide array of common features like text and caption addition, content capture within the application, resolution and framerate controls, plus AI animation tools if you wish to take video edits to the next level. You can even utilize trending and licensed audio, as you can in the Instagram application. The auto-caption function has all the usual tools, including font selection and fine-tuning options for the AI-powered audio feature. Regular timeline tools and some AI addition and subtraction options are also available with basic greenscreen effects possible within the Edits app. One of the biggest enticing features here is that Edits lets you see real-time data on your Instagram Reels content, including engagement, clickthrough, and average view duration. This is ordinarily hard to find within the Instagram app, but is made easier here via the Live Insight Dashboard. You can export your video creations without watermarks to be shared across any other social platforms at up to 4K resolution. All of this is available completely free and no feature is hidden behind a paywall or subscription. You can download Edits from the Google Play Store here.

I can't wait to try Edits, Instagram's answer to CapCut, and it's out now as a free download

Edits also features some AI-powered tools like Cutouts and Animate Instagram's answer to CapCut is finally here. Edits was first teased by Adam Mosseri, the Meta-owned social media giant's head, in mid-January, as TikTok was facing its first ban in the US. It was originally supposed to launch in February, then March, but here we are in April, and today's the day. As initially promised, Instagram Edits is available for free on Android and iOS. It lands as a familiar timeline-based editor offering deep integration with Instagram, meaning you can view your metrics, watch other Reels, browse through all the available sounds and audio clips, and even apply popular effects. Unlike CapCut, which is owned by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, or other video-editing apps for mobile, Instagram is billing Edits as a one-stop shop. As you can see from the screenshots below, there's a lot of focus on creation and ideation. Beyond importing video, making cuts, adding text, and implementing effects, you can use sticky notes of sorts to create lists of ideas or manage various projects. As noted above, you can watch other Reels and browse for them without leaving the app. Plus, you'll have the ability to save notes associated with them - maybe it's one you want to remix or just an excellent custom audio you want to use in your next video. The big appeal, though, for the Instagram faithful is a promised high-quality camera for "enhanced video recording." This way, you can capture and edit right in the app, versus shooting in another app and then moving it into Instagram. Again, as a trend for Meta, the goal is to own the whole process. Now, whether you shoot in the app or import, there are plenty of editing tools available. Mosseri initially teased that Edits would have all the tools you'd expect, and those are here. Instagram is tossing in some more unique ones, though, including the ability to pull from popular effects like a green screen. More advanced effects, like Cutouts, which allows you to isolate a person or object on screen with tracking, or Antimate, which likely utilizes a Meta LLM, can turn images into video for engaging moments, are also included. Both seem pretty handy, and are located at the very bottom of the interface as a row of tools. Above it, you'll have a classic timeline that harkens back to iMovie and looks quite reminiscent of CapCut. You'll have your main video track with audio below it, as well as room for on-screen elements like text or overlays. While I haven't tried Edits yet, the core functions seem to be on a par with those of other video editors, and it should be easy enough to quickly create an edit with drag-and-drop, cuts, splits, and more. Edits also has a Captions tool, as well as options to record a voiceover and add other elements. Instagram is also promising to listen to feedback, and already has a list of features that are set to arrive in the next few updates to Edits, including the ability to use AI to modify videos, likely with a prompt; keyframes, collaboration features, and an expansion to built-in elements like fonts, filters, and voice effects, among other things. The platform also promises to listen to feedback on Edits and use it to inform the development roadmap. I'm curious to see how Edits stacks up, given that CapCut, which I use quite a bit, disappeared for a while TikTok was banned. You can edit up to 10 minutes of video, and Instagram promises watermark-free exports to its own platform as well as general saves to the device. Additionally, while the AI features aren't make or break, they could let creators spice up content, and I like the promised functionality of Cutouts. So, yes, while the design does resemble CapCut, that platform didn't necessarily reinvent the wheel of video editing on the fly. If anything, Instagram launching Edits as a free video editor on iOS and Android should inspire some new features for competing apps to help level the playing field. If you're interested in trying Edits, it's rolling out now for Android and iOS.

Instagram's CapCut Competitor, Edits, Is Now Available

Instagram officially launched Edits today, its new free video creation app designed to rival consumer video editing kingpin CapCut. Instagram head Adam Mosseri initially announced Edits in January when TikTok and its companion editing app, CapCut, went briefly online in the United States. Edits fills the same role as CapCut, promising users an intuitive and straightforward approach to video editing for creators of any skill level streamlining the ability to capture, publish, and export video. Users will gain access to Instagram's Music and Sound Library, including trending audio. Edits' features include filters, transitions, voiceover effects, touch-ups, green screens, timers, countdowns, autosave, automatic captioning in multiple languages, and dynamic text animations with various colors and fonts similar to Instagram Stories. Meta described, "Today, we're launching Edits, a new video creation app that helps you make great videos directly on your phone. If you're passionate about making videos, Edits has the tools you need to support your creation process, all in one place. "This is just the first step in making an app that helps you create your best videos, and we plan to keep evolving and improving Edits based on your feedback," Meta continues. Some of these features are common in competitors' apps. However, Edits embraces even more artificial intelligence, adding the ability to turn static images into "engaging" videos using AI. Projects created in edits can be shared directly to Instagram or Facebook or exported and posted anywhere without added watermarks. Edits is aimed at creators to keep users within the Meta ecosphere by creating in Edits, then posting to Instagram Reels or Facebook. Meta teased in its announcement that users can unlock actionable insights from videos exported to its apps with the insights tab shown in the announcement appearing similar to how Instagram already displays data for Reels users in the Professional Dashboard. "Your feedback plays a key role in how we'll continue to improve Edits. And we're already working on adding more features in areas, including: Keyframes: Pinpoint exact moments for adjustments to your video's timing, motion and effects. Modification: Quickly change the look and feel of your videos with AI effects. Collaboration: Easily share drafts with friends, other creators or brands for feedback and creative builds. Creativity: More fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters and music options, including royalty-free."

Instagram Just Launched Its Version of CapCut

Instagram is officially launching Edits, the company's take on mobile video editors. The launch comes three months after Instagram announced the app, and two months after Edits' original launch date in February. It makes sense for Instagram to have a video editor of its own for many reasons. The company is no longer just the app you open to check out the photos and videos people and companies post on their page: Instagram reels are a huge part of the experience now. Short-form videos have taken off everywhere (even LinkedIn has them), and Instagram is no exception. There's a good chance it's your platform of choice for these bite-size clips, especially if you live in the United States -- even if TikTok users scoff at the idea of using Reels at all. But it's not just the friendly competition that is fueling this push for Edits to take off. You might recall that back in January, TikTok and its associated apps went dark. Not only did Americans lose access to the most popular short form video app in the world, but also other popular apps like CapCut. While TikTok and many of its apps returned, the situation is ongoing, and these apps' future in the U.S. is anything but guaranteed. There's a real opportunity for Meta to solidify Instagram as the one-stop shop for both consumers and creators of short form videos, both to compete with TikTok and to take its crown should the apps be banned again. Instagram itself has an editing tool you can use when creating a reel, but the Edits app appears to be a more complete experience. I haven't had a chance to try out Edits yet, but from Meta's promotional materials, the app seems like a standard mobile video editor. You can import video files, or shoot directly within the app (up to 10 minutes), and edit on a non-linear timeline. Like other apps, you can access various editing tools, like a chrome key tool for green screening, a caption editor, and a cutout feature to isolate subjects and objects. You can check out reels with trending audio, and use a track if you find one you like, or access a greater audio library to add music and sounds to your video. While there's a general project manager, there's also an "Ideas" section. Here, you can write down concepts for future videos; it looks to be more than a glorified notes app, as it seems you can create vision board-like stickers for these ideas. You can also keep tabs on how any video performs from an "Insights" tab. Of course, it's 2025, so Instagram is incorporating AI into Edits. That manifests as the Animate feature, which lets you animate static images with generative AI. It sounds similar to features offered by other companies, like Google's Veo 2 video model, but we'll have to see how it performs before passing judgment. Meta says there's also a "Modify" feature that changes the "look and feel" of your videos using AI, but hasn't specified much about how that really works. Again, we'll need to test out the app to see what that's all about. You can download Edits starting today from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. You'll need to log in with your Instagram account to use it, which makes sense: Meta wants you to use this for Instagram reels. However, as long as you have an Instagram account, you can use Edits to make videos for any platform. The company says all exports come without watermarks, so you can, in theory, use Edits to post videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, not just Instagram. Again, the big question is how the app performs when compared to established mobile video editor apps. If you use Instagram already, it might makes sense to use Edits, too. But if you're used to another mobile video editor, especially one that isn't at risk of being banned, will Edits be enticing enough to make the switch? Only time (and edits) will tell.

Meta Wants You to Ditch CapCut and Use Its New Video Creation App

Meta is looking to take a bite out of CapCut with its latest app. The video-editing app Edits is now available worldwide for Android and iOS devices. Edits Is a Free App With Some Compelling Features The free Edits app offers a surprisingly robust set of features. You can capture videos of up to 10 minutes and start editing immediately. The app also allows you to keep track of all the drafts and videos in a single location, making it easier to juggle multiple projects. When done, you can share the results to Instagram and other social networks at 1080p. As a nice touch, there is no watermark on any video. During the editing process, you can edit with single-frame precision. There are a number of settings for resolution, frame rate, dynamic range, and upgraded flash and zoom controls. As no surprise, the app features AI to help bring images to life. There is also a green screen option or a video overlay. To better customize a video, you can choose from fonts, sound effects, video filters, stickers, and more. You can also enhance audio and remove background noises. Captions will be generated automatically and can also be customized. Other features include a live insights dashboard, a breakdown of engagement of followers and non-followers, and better understanding of what factors affect engagement. Overall, the app looks well-polished and should provide another great option for content creators and everyday fans who enjoy making videos. Meta says it's planning to add additional features in the future. Some of those include keyframes, collaboration with others, and additional customization options. An Interesting Shot at ByteDance and CapCut Edits was first announced back in January 2025 in what seems like ages ago, at least in the world of technology. Just a few days before the announcement of the app, CapCut, along with the hugely popular social network TikTok, were removed from the App Store for just a few hours. But the long-term future of both still remains in doubt as ByteDance still needs an American buyer. Even though that situation has changed somewhat, it still makes sense for Meta to launch Edits. While providing a nice way for Instagram fans to quickly edit and upload video while looking at results, it could easily help draw TikTok and YouTube Shorts fans looking for another way to edit videos. And if somehow ByteDance doesn't find a way out of its situation, Meta will be happy to reap the rewards of new users. One big advantage of Edits is that all video is exported without a watermark. You'll need a $9.99 monthly subscription to do that on CapCut. And if you're looking for something that's not Edits or CapCut, take a look at these great video editing apps.

Meta Unveils its CapCut Rival, "Edits" - Phandroid

The continued popularity of short-form video content over the past decade has proven to be a highly-lucrative field especially in a world that functions greatly via the internet, and it's no surprise that social media platforms have continuously discovered ways to capitalize on this trend. READ: ByteDance reportedly working on AI smart glasses to rival Meta With that in mind, Meta recently announced the launch of Edits, a mobile-first video creation app designed to compete with the likes of ByteDance's CapCut mobile editor. It's feature packed with functions including extended camera capture (up to 10 minutes), support for a frame-accurate timeline, auto-enhancements, green screen effects, and even transitions. Meta adds that Edits also offers data-driven insights on factors affecting distribution, and supports direct sharing to platforms including Instagram and Facebook, with watermark-free exporting to other platforms. Additionally, Meta plans to add updates which will include keyframes, AI-powered modifications, collaboration tools, and expanded creative assets. Part of the company's announcement reads: Today, we're launching Edits, a new video creation app that helps you make great videos directly on your phone. If you're passionate about making videos, Edits has the tools you need to support your creation process, all in one place. This is just the first step in making an app that helps you create your best videos, and we plan to keep evolving and improving Edits based on your feedback.

Meta launches Edits, a video app aimed at creators By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) has officially launched Edits, a standalone mobile video creation app designed to help creators produce high-quality content, including Instagram Reels, directly from their phones. The free app offers long-form capture, clip-level editing, real-time insights, and seamless integration with Instagram and Facebook. Edits enters a crowded market led by TikTok's CapCut, Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) Premiere Rush, and InShot, but aims to stand out through platform integration and advanced features. Videos posted with Edits will include a "Made with Edits" tag on Reels, nudging viewers to download the app and reinforcing Instagram's ecosystem. "Edits supports your entire creation process," Meta said, featuring green screen effects, a frame-accurate timeline, customizable transitions, and a 10-minute recording limit tailored for short-form video formats. Unlike many competitors, Edits allows creators to export content without watermarks for use on any platform. The app addresses a growing demand for simplified creation tools as short-video formats dominate social media. "Our goal is to build the most compelling creative tools... not just on Instagram and Facebook, but on any platform out there," Meta said. Planned updates include AI-powered effects, motion keyframes, and creative collaboration tools, aligning with Meta's broader push into artificial intelligence and creator monetization. "This is just the first step... and we plan to keep improving Edits based on your feedback," the company added. Meta is positioning Edits as a response to market competition and shifting platform risks, particularly with TikTok facing potential bans in the U.S. Edits could operate as a TikTok alternative that offers creators continuity without switching ecosystems. Internally, Edits also serves to show regulators innovation over acquisition during ongoing antitrust scrutiny. Developing new, original apps like Edits may allow Meta to argue it's competing on product innovation rather than market consolidation. Unlike tools like Adobe Premiere Rush, many of which require subscriptions, Edits is fully free to use, broadening its user base from full-time creators to casual influencers. The app's frictionless sharing and real-time analytics reflect a growing emphasis on performance insights in content creation. Meta says the app was built closely with creator input over the past year, leveraging early-access feedback to tune features and UX. "We've collaborated with creators and incorporated their feedback along the way," Meta noted. With its combination of editing muscle, AI enhancements, and platform-native reach, Edits is Meta's latest move to cement its relevance among creators at a time when ease, speed, and distribution power define success in social video.