Instagram launches new video editing app Edits amidst TikTok ban

Instagram has introduced a new video editing app "Edits" that closely resembles CapCut, owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance. The new app was launched on the same day TikTok briefly went down in the US amid a looming ban.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said in a statement that "Edits" is designed for individuals passionate about making videos on their phones.

“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, 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,” Mosseri said.

Users can now preorder “Edits” in the iOS App Store, with an Android version coming soon. The app won't be available for download until next month, and in the meantime, Instagram will collaborate with various video creators to gather feedback and improve the experience.

“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,” Mosseri said.

A check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw that the iOS App Store describes "Edits" as a free video editor designed to help creators easily transform their ideas into videos on their phones. It offers various features, such as exporting videos without a watermark, sharing to Instagram in 1080p, using AI animation to bring images to life, and tracking reel performance with a live insights dashboard. All these functions aim to simplify the creative process for users and guide their future creative choices.

The launch of “Edits” has seen mixed reactions from netizens globally. Media intelligence firm CARMA also saw a total of 25.1K mentions about it since its announcement two days ago. Sentiments of conversations about "Edits" after the announcement are 28.7% positive & 18.3% negative.

According to a spokesperson from CARMA, some netizens speculated about the timing of "Edits"' announcement, suggesting that Meta may have been developing it prior to the CapCut ban. Others commented on the originality of the app, wondering if it would be a “copycat” of CapCut. 

Mosseri said Meta has been developing the app for several months, emphasising that it will differ significantly from CapCut, according to The Verge. He added that "Edits" will offer a wider variety of creative tools but may appeal to a smaller audience.

Don’t miss: TikTok is back online: All you need to know about its US ban rollercoaster

The launch of the new app was said to have been Meta's strategic move in response to TikTok's temporary blackout last Saturday, with some netizens saying it's a missed opportunity for Meta to onboard a large number of TikTok refugees.

TikTok was back online on Sunday and it said that it is in the process of restoring service. The platform also thanked Donald Trump "for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over seven million small businesses to thrive." 

"It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with president Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States," TikTok added in its statement. 

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