Meta has unveiled an exciting new video editing app for creators called Edits, aimed at challenging the popular CapCut from ByteDance. This launch signifies Meta’s strategic move to fill a potential gap if TikTok’s presence in the U.S. becomes uncertain.
Edits was initially hinted at back in January when CapCut faced a brief removal from U.S. app stores during the TikTok ban scare. Although CapCut is now back, Edits is poised to step in with its innovative features.
Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate Edits and see how it stacks up against CapCut.
After downloading Edits on iOS or Android, you’ll start by logging in with your Instagram account. Once inside, there are five main tabs to explore: Ideas, Inspiration, Projects, Record, and Insights.
The Ideas tab is perfect for brainstorming and saving video concepts. In the Inspiration tab, you’ll find trending audios and popular reels. Projects is your workspace for current video projects, and the Record tab lets you capture video content directly within the app. Lastly, Insights provide valuable metrics like views and follower counts.
With Edits, you can easily replace video backgrounds using the Green Screen feature, arrange clips with the Timeline tool, and add automatic captions. You also have access to an audio library filled with music from Instagram.
Advanced features include Cutouts for isolating objects, Animate to bring static images to life, and Apply All for adding filters and transitions uniformly. Other tools like the Timeline frame rate selector and Alignment guides ensure smooth and precise video editing.
Additional creative options include Beat markers, a selection of 30 Filters and Transitions, a Teleprompter, and Restyle presets that utilize AI for unique video styles. Keyframes offer animation control over clips, making Edits a powerful toolkit for creators.
While Edits offers a lot, CapCut currently provides more robust editing and AI features, along with a larger music library. However, Edits is still in its early stages, and Meta plans to expand its functionalities over time. Unlike CapCut, which has a subscription model for advanced tools, Edits is free, though future paid features are a possibility.
Edits is currently available only on mobile, whereas CapCut extends to the web as well. This can change as Meta evolves the app.
Stay tuned as Edits continues to develop, offering creators new and exciting ways to express their creativity.
