Meta Launches Edits: A Fresh Video Editing App for Creators
Meta has just unveiled Edits, its new video editing app designed to give creators a powerful tool to craft stunning short-form videos. Positioned as a competitor to ByteDance’s CapCut, which many social media creators rely on, Edits aims to carve out its own space in the crowded video editing landscape.
The journey to Edits began earlier this year when Meta announced the project in January, amid uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s presence in the U.S. After CapCut was temporarily removed from U.S. app stores during the TikTok ban, Meta saw an opportunity to step in. While CapCut has since returned to the app stores, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. This has motivated Meta to develop Edits as a go-to option for creators seeking reliable editing tools.
Getting Started with Edits
Available now on both iOS and Android devices, Edits offers a seamless onboarding process. After downloading and opening the app, you’ll log in using your Instagram account, making it easy to connect your social profiles and start creating.
The app’s interface features five main tabs:
– **Ideas:** Jot down new video ideas and save reels for inspiration.
– **Inspiration:** Discover trending sounds and popular reels to spark your creativity.
– **Projects:** Store and manage your ongoing video projects; upload clips directly from your phone.
– **Record:** Capture video content right within Edits.
– **Insights:** Track your content’s performance with metrics like views, reach, and follower growth.
Powerful Editing Features
Edits packs a punch with an array of features designed for both beginners and advanced creators:
– **Green Screen:** Easily replace backgrounds with a tap.
– **Timeline:** Precise editing and arrangement of clips.
– **Captions:** Automatic multi-language captioning.
– **Audio Library:** Access Instagram’s music library to add soundtrack flair.
– **Cutouts:** Isolate objects with high-precision tracking.
– **Animate:** Bring static images to life using AI.
– **Apply All:** Effortlessly add filters, effects, transitions, and adjustments across clips.
– **Frame Rate Selector:** Optimize playback by choosing the desired frame rate.
– **Alignment Guides:** Position text and elements accurately for professional results.
– **Beat Markers:** Sync clips and overlays with auto-detected beats.
– **Filters & Transitions:** Choose from 30 filters and transitions to enhance your videos.
– **Teleprompter:** Follow scripts seamlessly during recording.
– **Restyle:** Use AI to change the style and look of your videos with preset options.
– **Keyframes:** Animate position, rotation, and scale for dynamic effects.
How Edits Stacks Up Against CapCut
While Edits is still new, there are some notable differences compared to CapCut. CapCut offers more advanced editing features and a larger music library, reflecting its longer development history. It also provides a free tier with optional paid subscriptions for access to premium tools, whereas Edits is currently free to use.
However, Edits is mobile-only for now, while CapCut is available on the web, offering more flexibility. Meta is expected to update Edits over time, adding new features and possibly expanding to web platforms in the future.
With Instagram head Adam Mosseri hinting at future paid features, Edits may evolve into a more comprehensive editing solution. For now, it’s a promising new option for creators looking to produce engaging videos with ease.
Stay tuned as Meta continues to develop Edits and enhance its capabilities, making it a compelling tool in the world of short-form video content.
