Meta just announced a video editing app called “EDITS” to rival CapCut! 

Meta has announced the launch of a new video editing app called ‘Edits’, a direct competitor to ByteDance’s popular app CapCut. The announcement comes shortly after CapCut and TikTok were removed from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store in certain regions due to ongoing regulatory challenges.

A New Tool for Creators

Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared details about the app on Threads, emphasizing its focus on video creators rather than casual users. “‘Edits’ is designed for those passionate about creating videos on their phones. 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,” he wrote.

The app will debut on iOS next month, with an Android version to follow. Mosseri revealed that select creators are currently testing the app to provide feedback before its official launch.

Features of ‘Edits’

‘Edits’ offers a comprehensive suite of creative tools, setting it apart as more than just a standard video editor:

1. Inspiration Tab: A dedicated space to browse trends, tutorials, and creative ideas.

2. Idea Tracker: A feature for users to organize and revisit their creative concepts.

3. High-Quality Camera: Advanced settings for resolution, framerate, dynamic range, flash, and zoom.

4. AI-Powered Tools: Capabilities like AI animations, green screen effects, and video overlays to enhance creativity.

5. Collaboration Features: Users can share draft versions with friends or collaborators for feedback.

6. Performance Insights: A live dashboard offers metrics on video performance, such as viewer engagement and skip rates, particularly for videos shared on Instagram Reels.

Meta’s history of filling gaps in the market is well-documented. When TikTok was banned in India in 2020, Meta quickly launched Instagram Reels as an alternative. Similarly, the introduction of Threads in 2023 aimed to rival text-based platforms like X. With CapCut’s removal creating a void, Meta sees an opportunity to capture creators looking for reliable video editing solutions.

Even if CapCut returns to the app stores, the uncertainty surrounding its availability gives Meta a chance to solidify its position with ‘Edits.’ Moreover, competition in this space is heating up, with apps like Captions, supported by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, recently switching to a freemium model to attract users.

Advanced Editing Capabilities

‘Edits’ brings a professional-grade editing experience to mobile creators:

Vertical-Style Videos: Optimized for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.AI Animations: A feature to bring static images to life using artificial intelligence.

Text-to-Video Tools: Caption generation and voiceovers for accessibility and engagement.

Customizable Settings: Fine-tuned options for video resolution and framerate adjustments.

Focus on Creator Insights

Mosseri highlighted the app’s integration with Instagram Reels, offering creators unique insights into their videos’ performance. These include engagement metrics, breakdowns of follower and non-follower interactions, and analysis of video skips. Such detailed analytics are expected to help creators optimize their content strategy.

Meta’s push for ‘Edits’ reflects its ambition to dominate the creator economy. The app aims to simplify video production while offering advanced tools typically reserved for desktop software. Its seamless integration with Instagram Reels ensures that creators can produce, edit, and distribute content within Meta’s ecosystem.

Instagram’s ‘Edits’ marks a significant step in Meta’s evolution as a leader in digital content creation. By addressing the needs of creators and filling the gap left by CapCut’s removal, ‘Edits’ has the potential to become a go-to platform for video editing. As competition in the creator tool market intensifies, Meta’s commitment to innovation and user-friendly design may give it the edge needed to win over creators worldwide.