INSTAGRAM EDITS TAKES A SWING AT TIKTOK & CAPCUT
Following US government legislation against TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, both the globally recognised TikTok and popular video editing software CapCut were temporarily banned in the US. Whilst TikTok was quickly restored, as of writing (January 25th 2025) CapCut remains unavailable in North America. In its absence, Instagram has unveiled its own brand new video editor, simply called Instagram Edits. But what is Edits, when will it launch, and what features will it have? Here’s what we know!
When Will Edits Go Live?
We’ll get a big question out of the way first. At the time of writing Instagram Edits is due to go live on March 15th and will be optimized specifically for mobile and offer integration with Instagram, much like CapCut’s integration with TikTok. Edits will be packed with many of the same features which those familiar with CapCut will recognise, with the aim of simplifying the creation of short video content for its users.
This release date is – for the time being – only in reference to the Apple version of the app. Those on Android will have to wait a little longer. According to Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, Edits will be ‘coming to Android soon’ though no date has been given.
What Features Will Be Available At Launch?
According to the Apple’s App Store, Edits will launch with plenty of competitive features to put it a step ahead of CapCup and will utilise AI for a better user experience and enhanced customization.
Powerful tools for users will include:
- Single-frame precision editing
- HDR and 1080p video upload resolution
- Feature to turn images into animations with AI
- Automatic caption generation
- A broad range of customisation including sound effects, audio, filters, stickers, video overlays and more
Image via https://mashable.com
Edits will also provide extensive user insights to help creators with easily-accessible data such as Reel performance insights in a dedicated dashboard, engagement breakdowns and tools to help users establish why their content has – or has not been – successful. More than that, Edits will allow users to harness their insights to plan and create future videos to better engage with their audience.
A CapCut Clone?
There has been significant chatter in the media about the striking similarities between CapCut and Instagram Edits. Current Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri took to Threads to launch Edits on 19th January 2025 where he made direct comparisons to ByteDance’s video editing platform, describing the new app as:
‘CapCut, but more for creators than casual video makers. Not just video editing, but an inspiration tab, idea tracking, and insights built in.’
Meta however appears to be distancing itself from CapCut by assuming superiority over the platform which – prior to US legislation – boasted a truly titanic 500 million monthly users, according to insights from Creatosaurus. To separate themselves, Mosseri states that ‘Edits is more than a video editing app, it’s a full suite of creative tools’ but time will tell if the gap between CapCut and Edits is a canyon, or if convergent competitive technologies will make the differences between these two video editors paper thin.
We’ll be trialling this new app when it drops in March and will be giving our verdict upon launch, so keep an eye out for that as it drops in the Spring!
