Instagram Edits: How to Use the New Editing App + Top Alternatives

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the countless video editing apps out there, you’re not alone. That’s why you should check out Instagram Edits—the new built-in editor from Instagram designed to make creating Reels and videos easier than ever. In this article, I’ll walk you through its key features and show you how it can help you level up your content with zero hassle.

Looking for an alternative to Instagram Edits? Try PowerDirector and start editing your Instagram videos with ease!

• What Is Instagram Edits, the New Video Editing App?
• What Can You Do with Instagram Edits?
• Best Instagram Edits Alternatives
• FAQs About Instagram Edits

What Is Instagram Edits, the New Video Editing App?

Instagram Edits is Instagram’s new built-in video editor—a free mobile app launched in April 2025 that lets you create Reels up to 10 minutes long using advanced yet user-friendly tools. It features options like green screen effects, AI-powered animations, subject cropping, automatic subtitles, and audio enhancements. The interface is organized into tabs such as Ideas, Inspiration, Projects, Recording, and Statistics, making it easy to plan, edit, and analyze your video performance.

Designed with content creators in mind, this Instagram editor allows precise, frame-by-frame editing, project management, and even collaboration with other users. You can export videos watermark-free and share them directly to Instagram or Facebook. With Edits, you can turn your ideas into polished, professional content—no need for external tools, all from your phone.

What Can You Do with Instagram Edits?

Instagram Edits is Instagram’s response to CapCut—ByteDance’s popular video editor for TikTok. With a clean interface and powerful features, Instagram Edits simplifies the video creation process for Reels. Below, I’ll walk you through how to edit a video step by step, and give you a quick overview of each section of the app.

How to Edit a Video Step by Step with Instagram Edits

1. Download Instagram Edits from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
2. In the Projects tab, tap the + to start a new project.
3. Upload clips from your gallery or record new footage via the Recording tab.
4. Trim, rearrange, and adjust your clips as needed.
5. Add music, voiceovers, text, stickers, green screen effects, or AI animations.
6. Automatically generate subtitles and customize their style and placement.
7. Export and share your video directly to Instagram or Facebook.

Explore the Instagram Edits Interface

Instagram Edits is designed with simplicity in mind. The app is organized into five intuitive tabs:

Ideas:

Save posts that inspire you and jot down ideas for future Reels.

Inspiration:

Browse a feed of trending Reels, audios, and effects, and reuse them easily.

Projects:

Manage and organize your ongoing video projects.

Recording:

Capture new footage using advanced in-app camera controls.

Statistics:

View performance metrics like views, engagement, and watch time.

Best Instagram Edits Alternatives

While Instagram Edits is a great option for quick and intuitive video creation, it may not meet every creator's needs—especially if you're looking for more advanced tools or creative flexibility. If you're ready to take your videos beyond Reels, here are three top alternative apps that offer professional-level features for editing content on social media, YouTube, and more.

1. PowerDirector
2. CapCut
3. Vivid Glam

1. PowerDirector

Available on:

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Effects:

Includes tools like automatic subtitles, anime-style animations, and motion-tracked body effects.

• Multi-Layer Editing:

Seamlessly combine videos, images, text, and audio on an intuitive timeline.

• Chroma Key (Green Screen):

Easily replace backgrounds to create dynamic, professional-looking scenes.

• Extensive Media Library:

Access millions of royalty-free videos, images, and music tracks.

• High-Resolution Export:

Export your videos in up to 4K quality—perfect for creating polished, high-end content.

If you're looking for a more powerful and flexible Instagram editor than Instagram Edits, PowerDirector for iOS and Android is an excellent choice. It offers advanced tools like multi-layer editing, AI effects, automatic subtitles, and 4K export. Standout features include image-to-video conversion, talking avatars, AI music generation, and text-to-image creation. While some features require a subscription, PowerDirector gives creators greater creative control and versatility—making it a top alternative for taking your content to the next level.

Explore PowerDirector’s standout AI features designed to elevate your video content:

• Image to Video:

Transform still photos into dynamic videos with smooth camera movements, zooms, and automatic transitions.

• Talking Avatar:

Generate animated avatars that lip-sync to recorded voice or text-to-speech. Use your own photo or choose from templates—perfect for presentations or explainer videos.


• AI Music Generator:

Create original, royalty-free music by selecting your preferred genre, mood, tempo, and duration.



• AI Video Enhancer:

Instantly enhance your video’s resolution and quality with a single tap—quick, easy, and hassle-free.

2. Capcut

Available on: Android / iOS / Windows / Mac / Web Browser

Key Features:

• AI Video Tools
• Multi-Layer Editing Timeline
• Pre-Made Templates
• Rich Effects & Filters Library
• Cross-Platform Access

CapCut remains one of the most powerful and versatile video editors available, offering advanced tools, AI effects, and support for both mobile and desktop editing. While Instagram Edits was launched as Meta’s streamlined alternative to rival CapCut, it focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Unlike Edits, CapCut provides a broader range of creative options—perfect for users who want more control over their content.

CapCut’s broader range of effects, transitions, and pro-level customization appeals to creators looking for more depth. If you're after fine-tuned editing or want to work on a larger screen, CapCut stands out as a powerful, all-in-one alternative to Instagram Edits.

3. Vivid Glam

Available on:

Key Features:

• AI-powered facial editing & body reshape tools
• Retouch & beautification tools
• Video enhancer tools including Stabilizer & AI Color features

If you're looking for an Instagram Edits alternative that blends simple video editing with powerful beauty enhancements, Vivid Glam is a top choice. Designed for effortless Reel creation, it allows you to trim, crop, and fine-tune your footage with ease—no experience required. Whether you're a casual user or an experienced editor, Vivid Glam offers pro-level results with drag-and-scale editing tools, making it easy to polish your content before posting.

What sets Vivid Glam apart is its suite of advanced AI beautification tools. From facial adjustments like slimming your face or defining your jawline to full-body reshaping and leg lengthening, the app gives you complete control over your on-camera appearance. You can also smooth skin, enhance facial features, and brighten your overall look automatically. If you're aiming to stand out in the sea of Reels with visually striking, polished videos, Vivid Glam is a must-try.