Meta has recently launched a groundbreaking video editing app called Edits, specifically tailored for content creators. This new application aims to rival ByteDance’s CapCut, a widely used short-form video editing tool among creators. The inception of Edits was first announced by Meta in January, coinciding with the temporary removal of CapCut from U.S. app stores during the initial stages of a potential TikTok ban. Although CapCut has since returned to app stores, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S. gives Meta a strategic opportunity to position Edits as a viable alternative.
Edits is now available for download on both iOS and Android devices. After downloading the app, users are prompted to log in using their Instagram account. The app features five primary tabs: Ideas, Inspiration, Projects, Record, and Insights. Each tab serves a unique purpose that enhances the content creation process.
The Ideas tab allows creators to brainstorm and save video concepts while the Inspiration tab serves as a resource for discovering trending audio and popular reels. In the Projects tab, users can manage and revisit videos they are currently working on, as well as upload footage from their device’s camera roll. The Record tab enables creators to film video content directly within Edits, and the Insights tab provides valuable metrics such as views, reach, and follower counts to assess content performance.
Edits comes packed with a variety of features designed to enhance the video editing experience:
Green Screen: Effortlessly replace and edit backgrounds with a single tap. Timeline: Precisely arrange and adjust clips for optimal flow. Captions: Automatically generate captions in multiple languages for accessibility. Audio Library: Incorporate music from Instagram’s extensive library. Cutouts: Isolate specific objects using advanced precision tracking. Animate: Transform static images into dynamic videos with AI capabilities. Apply All: Uniformly apply filters, effects, and adjustments across all clips. Timeline Frame Rate Selector: Adjust the frame rate for enhanced playback smoothness. Alignment Guides: Ensure important elements are visible and properly positioned in your videos. Beat Markers: Automatically detect beats to align clips, text, and overlays with audio. Filters: Choose from 30 unique filter options to customize the look of your videos. Transitions: Seamlessly connect clips with 30 different transition effects.While both Edits and CapCut are excellent choices for editing short-form videos, there are notable differences between the two applications. CapCut currently offers more advanced editing options, including sophisticated AI features that Edits has yet to implement, a difference attributable to Edits being a newer app. As Meta continues to develop Edits, users can anticipate the introduction of more advanced functionalities in the future.
Another key distinction is the music library; CapCut boasts a more extensive selection compared to Edits. Additionally, Edits currently operates without a subscription model, unlike CapCut, which offers a free version alongside a paid subscription that unlocks advanced tools. While Edits is completely free for now, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has hinted that future versions may include paid features.
Furthermore, CapCut is accessible on both mobile and web platforms, whereas Edits remains mobile-only at this time. However, this limitation may change as Meta looks to expand the app's accessibility.
Meta's Edits app presents a promising new option for video creators, designed to compete directly with CapCut amidst an evolving digital landscape. With its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, Edits is poised to become a favored tool for content creation, especially for those who are already active on Instagram. As Meta continues to innovate and enhance Edits, users can look forward to an increasingly powerful video editing experience.
