Edits is the free CapCut rival by Instagram

Instagram has officially launched its free video editing app Edits for Android users, offering a robust alternative to CapCut, which has recently moved several key features behind a paywall. First announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri in January, the app was expected in the following weeks, but it has now made a surprise debut on the Google Play Store.

Branded as “Edits, an Instagram app,” the tool caters primarily to vertical video creators, enabling seamless production and publishing of content — particularly for Instagram Reels. While its full name may reference its parent platform, users are already referring to it simply as Edits.

The app comes packed with an array of professional-grade editing features — all available completely free of charge. Unlike CapCut’s recent shift toward monetized features, Edits ensures no paywalls or subscriptions stand between users and the tools they need to create. Creators can take advantage of options such as:

• In-app video recording and basic trimming
• Text and caption overlays, with customizable fonts and placement
• Resolution and framerate controls
• AI animation tools to bring static images to life
• Basic greenscreen effects
• Auto-captioning powered by AI with fine-tuning options
• Trending and licensed audio integration, similar to what is already available within the main Instagram app

One of the standout features of Edits is its Live Insight Dashboard, which offers real-time performance analytics for Instagram Reels. Creators can view metrics like engagement rates, clickthroughs, and average view duration — data that is typically difficult to access directly through the main Instagram platform. This makes Edits a compelling tool for influencers, marketers, and content strategists seeking deeper insight into their audience interaction.

Another major selling point is that exported videos are watermark-free and can be saved at resolutions up to 4K, making it easy to reuse content across platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and more without platform-specific branding.

The launch of Edits comes at a strategic moment. As CapCut — a product from ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok — begins to gate popular features behind subscriptions, Meta (Instagram's parent company) is seizing the opportunity to attract creators with a powerful and cost-free alternative. With short-form content continuing to dominate social media, Edits positions itself as a go-to solution for aspiring and professional content creators alike.

The app is now available for download on the Google Play Store, with an iOS version expected to follow soon. As Meta continues to expand its creator-focused ecosystem, Edits could play a central role in shaping the future of mobile video editing.

Edits - [App Store Link]

Edits - [Google Play Store Link]