Hot on the heels of CapCut's ban (albeit short-lived), Instagram is preparing to launch a brand-new editing tool called Instagram Edits.

The app is specifically designed for video and image editing, serving as a direct competitor to the popular TikTok editing tool — essentially, it's Instagram's take on CapCut.

For influencers, social media managers, or general creators who rely heavily on Instagram, Edits could prove to be a game-changer.

Here's everything you need to know about Instagram Edits, including how to sign up for early access and the best way to edit short-form content in the meantime.

Table of Contents

• What is Instagram Edits?
• Is Instagram Edits Free?
• Instagram Edits Release Date
• Is Instagram Edits Available on iPhone?
• Is Instagram Edits Available on Android?
• How to Sign Up for the Instagram Edits Pre-Order
• Instagram Edits Features
• How to Use Kapwing with Instagram Edits

What is Instagram Edits?

Edits is the latest tool from Meta, designed to simplify the editing process for both video and image creators on Instagram. Think of it as a companion to Instagram’s existing suite of creative tools, like Instagram Insights.

At its core, Instagram Edits will be built for speed and ease of use, allowing creators to seamlessly edit their content and publish directly to Instagram. While full details remain under wraps, the app is expected to offer editing options tailored for Reels, Posts, and Stories.

Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, explained in a video post that the new tool is specifically designed for mobile:

"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 images for not just Instagram, but for platforms out there as we can.

"And Edits is hoping to do just that. It's hoping not just to be an editing tool, but an entire full suite of creative tools for those of you who are passionate about making images on your phone. So not for people who are using desktop apps. It's not for people who are looking for templates, it's for people who use their phone to make short-form content."

The app’s key selling point is unlikely to lie in advanced video or image editing features, but in the convenience it offers for Instagram users.

Adam Mosseri on Instagram: “Today we’re announcing a new app called “Edits” for those of you who are passionate about making videos on your phone. There’s a lot going on right now, but no matter what happens, it’s our job to provide the best possible tools for creators. Edits is more than a video editing app; it’s a full suite of creative tools. There will be a dedicated tab for inspiration, another for keeping track of early ideas, a much higher-quality camera (which I used to record this video), all the editing tools you’d expect, the ability to share drafts with friends and other creators, and — if you decide to share your videos on Instagram — powerful insights into how those videos perform. You can preorder the app today in the iOS App Store, and it’s coming to Android soon. The app won’t be available to download until next month, and in the meantime, we’re going to work with a handful of video creators to get their feedback and improve the experience. DM this to a friend who might be interested. 🙏🏼”

80K likes, 4,841 comments - mosseri on January 19, 2025: “Today we’re announcing a new app called “Edits” for those of you who are passionate about making videos on your phone. There’s a lot going on right now, but no matter what happens, it’s our job to provide the best possible tools for creators. Edits is more than a video editing app; it’s a full suite of creative tools. There will be a dedicated tab for inspiration, another for keeping track of early ideas, a much higher-quality camera (which I used to record this video), all the editing tools you’d expect, the ability to share drafts with friends and other creators, and — if you decide to share your videos on Instagram — powerful insights into how those videos perform. You can preorder the app today in the iOS App Store, and it’s coming to Android soon. The app won’t be available to download until next month, and in the meantime, we’re going to work with a handful of video creators to get their feedback and improve the experience. DM this to a friend who might be interested. 🙏🏼”.

Instagram

Is Instagram Edits Free?

Yes, Instagram Edits is expected to be free to use, much like other apps in the Meta ecosystem. However, some advanced features or premium tools may eventually require a subscription or additional fees, depending on Meta's pricing model.

Instagram Edits Release Date

Instagram Edits is expected to be between February and March 2025. While Mosseri said the tool would be launched in "February", the app stores state "March 13th" as an official date.

Likewise, Mosseri added that the app is going to be "incomplete" upon launch.

Is Instagram Edits Available on iPhone?

Yes!

Instagram Edits will be available for iPhone users. You can pre-order Instagram edits from the Apple Store already.

Is Instagram Edits Available on Android?

Instagram Edits will be available on Android, but it is not yet available for pre-order. Currently, there is no listing on the Google Play Store, although Mosseri said pre-orders would be available before March.

How to Sign Up for the Instagram Edits Pre-Order

Since Instagram Edits hasn’t officially launched yet, the first step to securing early access is through pre-order. Follow these simple steps to pre-order and be among the first to try it out:

Step 1) Go to Apple's Instagram Edits page

If you're already in the App Store, note that the official title is "Edits, an Instagram app" and it's categorized under iPhone and iPad Apps, not Mac Apps.

Step 2) Click on "GET"

Select the blue "GET" button alongside "Coming soon".

Step 3) Wait for the Launch

You won't be able to download or interact with the app until it's available. But by pressing "GET", you should receive a notification on your phone once it is.

Pro Tip: If you’re not seeing any announcements about Instagram Edits in the app or on Meta’s website, check Instagram’s blog or official social media accounts for the most up-to-date information.

Instagram Edits Features

Instagram Edits essentially feel like a CapCut clone. So, if you have any experience with CapCut, you'll find the tools available on Instagram Edits familiar.

All of these features are officially lusted on the Apple App Store:

Video and image editing features include:

• Export your videos with no watermark and share them with any platform.
• Keep track of all your videos and drafts in one place.
• Capture high-quality clips up to 10 minutes long and up to 1080p.
• Adjust camera settings for resolution, framerate, and dynamic range.
• Bring images to life with AI animation.
• Change up backgrounds with green screens or video overlays.
• Choose from a variety of fonts, sound effects, video filters, and stickers.
• Enhance audio to make voices clearer and remove background noise.
• Generate captions automatically and customize how they appear.

Additionally, for businesses and influencers:

• Track how reels are performing with a live insights dashboard.
• Get a breakdown of engagement for followers and non-followers.
• Identify key metrics, such as "skip rate," that could affect video performance.

Adding to this, Mosseri said:

"All of the video editing tools you would expect, the ability to share drafts with friends and other creators, and then if you decide to share the video on Instagram as a reel, really powerful insights about how those reels are doing."

Can't Wait? Edit Videos with Kapwing Today

Since Instagram Edits isn’t available yet, you can still create incredible content using Kapwing’s suite of tools.

Better yet, Kapwing is available in your browser. You don't need to download a thing!

Instagram Video Editor

The Instagram Video Editor comes with everything you need to create engaging video content, tailored to Instagram.

Features include: auto-subtitles, photo enhancing, audio enhancing, background removal, meme templates, green screen templates, royalty-free music, and aspect ratio templates built for Instagram.

Whether you're exploring CapCut alternatives, unsure about Edits, or simply looking for a new tool to give your social content a more unique look for free, Kapwing offers everything you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Best of all, you can start creating today, without a pre-order.

Final Thoughts

Instagram Edits will likely have some interesting tools for creators, as it mixes on-the-fly video and image editing with performance metrics.

By signing up for early access, you'll be one of the first notified when the platform releases. But you may still find yourself in need of a more robust set of tools.

Pair the metrics of Instagram Edits with Kapwing's full video editing suite, and you'll have everything you need to create stunning content for 2025 and beyond.