What Is Instagram Edits? Features, Tips, and How It Compares to CapCut
Instagram Edits hit 7 million downloads in its first week and reached #1 in 25 countries. Meta's free standalone video editor gives creators a full editing suite — multi-track timeline, 4K export, built-in analytics, and direct Reels publishing — without paying a cent or dealing with watermarks.
Whether you're a creator editing Reels daily or a business producing social content, Edits is designed to keep your entire workflow inside the Instagram ecosystem. This guide covers every feature, how to use the app step by step, how it compares to CapCut, and what the 2026 updates have added.
TL;DR
- Instagram Edits is a free, standalone video editing app from Meta — no watermarks, no premium tier
- Features include a multi-track timeline, 4K HDR export, teleprompter, auto-captions, built-in analytics, and direct Reels publishing
- Launched April 22, 2025 for iOS and Android after being announced during the TikTok/CapCut US ban
- Edits vs CapCut: Edits wins on price (free, no watermark), Instagram integration, and built-in analytics. CapCut wins on advanced features, template library, and desktop support
- The app is mobile only — no desktop or web version
- 2026 updates added keyframes, interactive links, 400+ sound effects, expanded templates, and more
Quick Jump Links
- What Is Instagram Edits?
- Key Features
- How to Use Instagram Edits (Step by Step)
- Instagram Edits vs CapCut
- Edits vs the In-App Reels Editor
- New Features Added in 2026
- Tips and Best Practices
- Limitations and Known Issues
- How Edits Fits Into Your Reels Workflow
- FAQ
What Is Instagram Edits?
Instagram Edits is a free video creation and editing app built by Meta. It's a standalone app — separate from the main Instagram app — designed to give creators professional-level editing tools for Reels, Stories, and feed posts.
Adam Mosseri announced Edits on January 19, 2025, just hours after TikTok and CapCut were temporarily removed from US app stores. The app officially launched on April 22, 2025 for both iOS and Android simultaneously.
Key facts:
| Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (no subscriptions, no premium tier) |
| Platforms | iOS 16.3+ and Android 9.0+ |
| App size | ~115 MB |
| Video length | Up to 10 minutes |
| Export quality | Up to 4K HDR |
| Watermark | None |
| Account required | Instagram account |
The strategic timing wasn't subtle. Meta positioned Edits as a direct CapCut alternative, and the market responded — over 7 million downloads in the first week with a 4.58/5 App Store rating and 4.42/5 on Google Play.
Key Features
Recording and Camera
Edits includes a full camera with slow motion, green screen (replace your background with any photo or video), and a built-in teleprompter that displays scripts on-screen during recording with adjustable scroll speed and text size. You can record up to 10 minutes of footage and access the camera directly from iOS lock screen widgets.
Timeline and Core Editing
The frame-accurate multi-track timeline is the app's centerpiece. Unlike the basic in-app Reels editor, Edits gives you:
- Multi-layer editing — video, audio, text, and overlays all visible at once as stacked tracks
- Cut, trim, split, rearrange, and merge clips
- Apply filters and adjustments to all clips at once
- Copy/paste fonts and clips across projects
- Convert clips between the main track and overlay
Transitions and Effects
A library of transitions including fades, swipes, zooms, spins, 3D rotations, and newer options like Zoom Ripple and Vertical Stretch. The app includes 25+ video effects (bounce, fisheye, blackout), AI-powered green screen with automatic subject isolation, and AI Animate for turning static images into animated videos.
Keyframe animation — added in 2025 — lets you control text, stickers, cutouts, overlays, and opacity on a frame-by-frame basis.
Audio
Access Instagram's full licensed music library, search by mood, genre, or trending tracks. The app now has 400+ sound effects (up from ~50 at launch), a royalty-free music category, and support for importing your own audio files. Audio-specific tools include voice effects, audio ducking (automatically lowers music when you speak), voice enhancement for noise removal, volume boost up to 150%, and auto-detected beat markers for syncing cuts to music.
Auto-Captions and Text
Auto-caption generation in multiple languages with customizable font, size, color, and placement. Around 50 fonts organized into categories (Simple, Bold, Handwritten), trending stickers, and the Cut Silences feature that automatically detects and removes silent segments from recordings.
Storyboard and Ideas Tab
The Storyboard feature lets you plan videos using sticky notes as placeholders before editing. Attach clips to notes, compare multiple takes, and map out your project structure. The Ideas Tab delivers 10 personalized content suggestions weekly based on your previous Reels, saving ideas as audio clips or sticky notes.
Built-In Analytics
This is a major differentiator from CapCut and other editors. Edits includes real-time Reel analytics — skip rate, like rate, share rate, and a retention chart showing exactly when viewers drop off. View performance for the last 7-60 days without switching to the main Instagram app.
Export and Publishing
Export up to 4K HDR with no watermark — even on the free tier (there is no paid tier). Publish directly to Instagram Reels, Stories, or Feed, cross-post to Facebook, or save videos locally for uploading to YouTube Shorts, TikTok, LinkedIn, or any other platform.
Note: Instagram itself caps uploaded video at 1080x1920 resolution, so 4K exports are most useful when uploading to other platforms that support higher resolution.
Want to schedule your Edits creations across every platform? PostEverywhere lets you schedule Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts, and more from one dashboard. Try it free for 7 days.
How to Use Instagram Edits (Step by Step)
Step 1: Download and Log In
Download "Edits" from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your existing Instagram account — no separate account needed. Note: deleting your Instagram account will also delete your Edits data.
Step 2: Start a New Project
Tap the + icon to import videos and photos from your camera roll, or tap the recording icon to capture footage directly (up to 10 minutes). Use green screen, slow motion, or the teleprompter during recording.
Step 3: Edit on the Timeline
Arrange clips on the multi-track timeline. Trim, split, rearrange, and merge clips. Add multiple tracks for overlays, text, audio, and stickers. Apply filters and adjust visual settings like saturation, sharpness, and brightness.
Step 4: Add Audio
Search Instagram's music library or import your own audio files. Layer multiple audio tracks, use audio ducking to balance voice and music, and add sound effects. Enable voice enhancement for cleaner dialogue and use beat markers to sync transitions to the music.
Step 5: Add Text, Captions, and Effects
Add text from ~50 fonts with animations and styles. Enable auto-captions for accessibility (important — 85% of social video is watched without sound). Apply transitions between clips and use keyframe animation for precise control over element movement.
Step 6: Plan with the Storyboard
Use the storyboard to map out your video structure with sticky notes. Attach clips to notes, compare multiple takes side by side, and organize your project before diving into detailed editing.
Step 7: Export or Publish
Export locally at up to 4K HDR (no watermark) or publish directly to Instagram Reels, Stories, Feed, or Facebook. Share drafts via messages for team approval before publishing.
Instagram Edits vs CapCut
This is the comparison most creators want to know about. Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | Instagram Edits | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Completely free | Free with watermark; Pro ~$10/month |
| Watermark | None | Yes (free tier) |
| Instagram integration | Direct publish to Reels/Stories/Feed | Export and upload separately |
| Built-in analytics | Yes (skip rate, retention, shares) | No |
| Desktop version | No (mobile only) | Yes |
| Template library | Growing but smaller | Extensive |
| Audio library | Instagram's full catalog | TikTok's full catalog |
| Multi-account support | No | Yes |
| Export quality | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 4K |
| Teleprompter | Built-in | Not available |
| Learning curve | Lower | Moderate |
Where Edits Wins
- No watermark on any export — CapCut's free version adds one
- Seamless Instagram integration — publish directly without leaving the app
- Built-in analytics — no other mobile editor shows skip rate and retention charts
- Completely free with no premium upsell
- Teleprompter for talking-head content
- Cleaner, simpler interface with stacked tracks always visible
Where CapCut Wins
- Larger template library — more trending templates and effects
- Desktop version — edit on your computer
- More advanced features — granular multi-track editing, more effect options
- Superior audio control — better beat detection and sound library
- Multi-account switching — essential for social media managers
- More mature — has had more time for feature iterations
Who Should Use Which
Choose Edits if you're an Instagram-focused creator who wants a free, simple workflow with no watermarks and direct publishing. Especially good for beginners and solo creators.
Choose CapCut if you're a power user editing across platforms (especially TikTok), need a desktop editor, or rely heavily on templates and advanced effects.
Why choose when you can schedule content from both? Edit in whatever app you prefer, then use PostEverywhere to schedule and publish across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more. Start your free trial.
Edits vs the In-App Reels Editor
Instagram's main app still has a basic Reels editor. Here's when to use each:
Use the in-app Reels editor when:
- Making quick, simple edits (trim, one music track, text overlay)
- You want fast turnaround on casual content
- Using AI-powered effects like background changes and style restyling
Use Edits when:
- You need multi-track/multi-layer editing
- You want frame-accurate precision
- You're recording with teleprompter or green screen
- You need auto-captions or cut silences
- You want to check analytics without switching apps
- You need 4K HDR export for cross-platform content
The in-app editor is for quick 30-second clips. Edits is for anything requiring real creative control.
New Features Added in 2026
Instagram has been shipping updates aggressively. Here's what's been added since launch:
January 2026 Update
- Interactive links — add clickable links within video clips to Instagram accounts or Reels
- 25 new video effects (bounce, fisheye, blackout)
- Content prompts — 10 personalized clip ideas per week
- Multiple takes in storyboard for comparison
Ongoing 2026 Updates
- Keyframes for text, stickers, overlays, cutouts, and opacity
- Voice enhancement (noise removal, clarity boost)
- Volume boost up to 150%
- 400 new sound effects (expanded from ~50)
- Royalty-free music category
- AI Tag effect — Meta AI auto-identifies persons in video clips
- Expanded templates aligned with trending music
- Improved storyboard with sticky notes and better organization
- New transitions (Zoom Ripple, Vertical Stretch)
- Auto-detected beat markers
- Copy/paste fonts and clips across projects
- Lock screen widgets (iOS) for camera and content ideas
Tips and Best Practices
1. Use the Ideas Tab as a content calendar. Check weekly for 10 personalized content suggestions. Save the best ones as sticky notes for future projects.
2. Batch-create content. Use the project system to set up multiple projects, film in batches, and edit later. Projects persist even after publishing (unlike Instagram drafts which disappear).
3. Use the teleprompter for talking-head content. Reduces retakes significantly — adjust scroll speed and text size to match your speaking pace.
4. Enable auto-captions. Most social video is watched without sound. Customize caption appearance to match your brand.
5. Leverage beat markers. Auto-detected beat markers help sync transitions and cuts to music for more engaging content.
6. Use Cut Silences. Automatically remove dead air from talking-head videos instead of manually trimming every pause.
7. Export at highest quality. Export in 4K HDR for maximum flexibility — even though Instagram downscales to 1080p, other platforms like YouTube benefit from the higher resolution.
8. Check analytics within the app. Review skip rate and retention charts to understand what hooks work and where viewers drop off. Use this data to improve your next video.
9. Plan with the storyboard first. Map out your video structure before diving into editing, especially for complex multi-clip projects.
10. Use green screen creatively. Replace backgrounds with trending visuals, branded backdrops, or location footage to add production value without a studio.
Want help generating content ideas and captions for your Reels? PostEverywhere's AI content generator creates engaging captions, hashtags, and post ideas tailored to your brand.
Limitations and Known Issues
Feature Limitations
- Mobile only — no desktop or web version
- 10-minute video cap for both recording and editing
- No multi-account switching — social media managers can't toggle between client accounts
- Template library still smaller than CapCut's
- Projects are per-device — no cloud sync across devices
- Cannot co-edit projects with team members (only collaborative stickies)
Technical Issues Reported by Users
- In-app camera quality reportedly lower than native phone camera
- Auto-captions can be difficult to edit and time properly
- AI Animate results can be blurry and low-resolution
- Some users report occasional crashes, lag, and slow or failed exports
- Audio sync issues in some cases
Platform Limitations
- Instagram caps uploads at 1080x1920, so 4K exports only benefit other platforms
- Instagram converts HDR to SDR when posting, so HDR videos may look washed out on Instagram itself
How Edits Fits Into Your Reels Workflow
The app creates a seamless loop from ideation to analysis:
- Ideas Tab generates 10 personalized content suggestions weekly
- Storyboard lets you plan your video structure with sticky notes
- Record footage in-app (or import from camera roll)
- Edit with the full timeline, effects, transitions, audio, and text
- Publish directly to Instagram Reels, Stories, Feed, or Facebook
- Review analytics in Edits (skip rate, retention, engagement)
- Iterate based on what the data tells you
For cross-platform publishing, export your video at 4K and use a social media scheduler to distribute it across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn, and other platforms from one dashboard. This lets you edit in Edits for the Instagram-optimized version while still reaching every other audience.
Schedule your Edits content everywhere. PostEverywhere publishes to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Threads, and Pinterest — all from one calendar. See all integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instagram Edits free?
Yes, completely free. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no premium tier. Every feature — including 4K HDR export without watermarks — is available at no cost.
Do you need an Instagram account to use Edits?
Yes. You must log in with your Instagram account. Deleting your Instagram account will also delete your Edits data and projects.
Can you use Instagram Edits on desktop?
No. Edits is mobile-only (iOS and Android). There is no official desktop or web version. If you need desktop editing, CapCut or DaVinci Resolve are alternatives.
Does Instagram Edits add a watermark?
No. Unlike CapCut's free version, Edits exports videos with no watermark on any export, at any resolution.
Can you export videos from Edits to use on TikTok or YouTube?
Yes. Export videos locally in up to 4K HDR and upload them to any platform. Use PostEverywhere to schedule and publish across all your platforms from one place.
What's the maximum video length in Instagram Edits?
10 minutes for both recording and editing.
Is Instagram Edits better than CapCut?
It depends on your workflow. Edits is better for Instagram-focused creators who want free, watermark-free exports and seamless Instagram integration with built-in analytics. CapCut is better for power users who need advanced features, a larger template library, desktop editing, and cross-platform focus (especially TikTok).
Can you use Instagram Edits for team collaboration?
Limited. You can send drafts via messages for approval and use collaborative stickies, but you cannot co-edit a project with teammates. Projects are stored per-device, not synced across devices or accounts.
Does Edits work with Instagram Stories?
Yes. You can publish directly to Instagram Stories from within Edits, in addition to Reels and feed posts.
What are the system requirements?
iOS 16.3 or later, or Android 9.0 or higher. The app is approximately 115 MB.
Related Reading
If you're building out your Instagram content strategy, these guides cover the other pieces of the puzzle:
- How the Instagram Algorithm Works — understand what gets your Reels seen
- How to Schedule Instagram Reels — auto-publish Reels at the right time
- Instagram Carousel Best Practices — the highest-engagement format on Instagram
- What Are Instagram Trial Reels? — A/B test content before going live
- Best Time to Post on Instagram — data-backed posting windows
- How to Go Viral on Instagram — strategies for explosive reach
- 100 Instagram Content Ideas — never run out of ideas
- 35 Best AI Tools for Instagram — tools to speed up your workflow
- Instagram Scheduler — schedule Reels, carousels, and Stories from one dashboard
- Engagement Rate Calculator — benchmark your Instagram performance
Sources: Meta Newsroom, Instagram Creators, Social Media Today, Buffer, NapoleonCat, ASO World, Planoly, Kiosk Agency
Jamie Partridge
Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere
Jamie Partridge is the Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere. He writes about social media strategy, publishing workflows, and analytics that help brands grow faster with less effort.