Creating engaging video content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn? Then, understanding how to use the latest video editing app could be your next game-changer. Imagine a user-friendly tool that’s designed to make video editing a breeze. Enter Edits by Instagram. This recent addition has amazed me, exceeding my initial expectations with its impressive capabilities. Many content creators have experienced Instagram’s basic editing tools and might feel hesitant about trying something new. However, this app, intended to compete with top video editors like CapCut, is a must-try.
The Edits by Instagram app offers a combination of sleek design, advanced features, and the ease of use that can appeal to both seasoned video editors and beginners. This tool is particularly compelling for those who create content on their mobile devices. Moreover, you’ll be happy to know it’s completely free!
After thoroughly exploring Edits by Instagram, I’m ready to walk you through everything from setup to advanced tips and tricks.
Mastering Edits by Instagram: Getting Started
Let’s dive into the essentials. Before you explore the tips, here’s a succinct guide to getting started with this cutting-edge app.
Step 1: Download & Start Your Journey
Begin by heading to the App Store or Google Play. Search for “Instagram Edits”, download the app, and log in with your Instagram account. No need to create an additional profile.
Step 2: Create Your Unique Project
Once the app is open, you can either record up to 10 minutes of fresh footage or upload clips from your camera roll. This feature is perfect for both spontaneous editing and pre-planned batch shoots.
- Add media by tapping the ‘+’ button on the bottom-right corner.
- Capture footage using the app by tapping the ‘Record’ button in the main menu.
⚡️ Pro tip: If mixing fresh captures with existing clips, start by adding the latter. The editor allows for new footage recording as well.
Step 3: Master the Timeline Editor
In Edits, everything from trimming to rearranging clips is available. It’s vastly superior to Instagram’s native editing tools — enabling precise adjustments with its frame-accurate timeline.
- Zoom in by pinching your fingers together and zoom out by pulling them apart.
- Rearrange clips by holding the desired clip and moving it to a new position.
Explore timeline actions to enhance your clips:
- Split: Precise cutting at chosen points.
- Volume: Adjust or mute audio levels.
- Adjust: Modify brightness, contrast, etc.
- Speed: Control playback speed up to 10x.
- Apply Filters: Choose filters like ‘Paris’ or ‘Jakarta’.
- Integrate Effects: Make use of special effects, from zooms to strobe lights.
⚡️ Pro tip: Experiment with filters for subtle, enhancing effects.
Step 4: Enhance with Effects, Text, & Audio
Incorporating fun features like effects, text, and audio is simple with Instagram Edits. To access these features, ensure your timeline is clear from selections:


- Add Audio: Choose from Instagram’s saved sounds.
- Incorporate Text: Enhance videos with written content.
- Voiceover: Record narration.
- Auto-Captions: Generate subtitling automatically.
Step 5: Export & Share Universally
Finalize your video edits and export them in high-quality, watermark-free formats (up to 4K). Videos can be directly shared on Instagram or saved to your camera roll for posting across other platforms.
Advanced Tips for Influencers & Creators
Edits by Instagram offers more than Instagram’s basic editing. Explore these suggestions to elevate your content creation:
1. Capture Inspiration On-The-Go
Record spontaneous inspiration using Edits’ sticky notes function. Store these on the go by tapping the sticky note icon and creating notes.


⚡️ Pro tip: Save reels with audio you’d like to use in future projects. They appear in the app with a ‘Use audio’ button for easy access.
2. Explore Dynamic Font Options
Get creative with around 50 new fonts, each customizable with animations, styles, and backgrounds. With options organized into styles such as ‘Simple’ or ‘Bold’, discover new combinations to elevate your aesthetics effortlessly.
3. Leverage Green Screen Tools
To capture narrated videos with ease, take advantage of Edits’ green screen functionality. Add your background first, and tap the dedicated green screen button during recording.

Get enhanced visibility by aligning screen placement using pinch gestures.
4. Bring Creativity with Cutouts
Using Edits’ cutout feature, layer elements dynamically. Select a portion from an image or video to overlay creatively, with options for manual or automatic selections.

Note current capabilities exclude layering cutouts atop text; let’s hope an update to remedy this is on the way!
5. Amplify with Sound Effects
Using Edits app sound effects, categorize and place about 50 preloaded effects across your content. Enhance text appearances with clicks and transitions with swooshes for engagement.

6. Find Inspiration with Trending Edits
Navigate to Edits’ trend tab by tapping the video icon at the bottom left. This reels feed showcases trending formats and audios, allowing you to jumpstart new projects directly.
7. Use Insights to Guide Content Creation
The graph icon opens up a hub of Instagram reel insights, enabling invaluable analytics exploration. This includes metrics like skip rate and share rate, making adjustments easy by utilizing data-driven input.
Adopting Edits: A Creator’s Perspective
Edits by Instagram integrates ideation, filming, and editing into a streamlined space. Upcoming features range from keyframes to collaboration, enriching user experience further. Whether you’re an Instagram-forward creator or a burgeoning editor, this app brings accessible, powerful editing capabilities to your fingertips.
🎥 Available now on iOS and Android.
Wondering if this will replace your current editing arsenal? While compatible with short-form Instagram content, those relying on extended video length might gravitate elsewhere. However, Edits could be the break you’ve been waiting for.
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