Meta AI introduces video editing tools to compete with rivals

Meta has taken another significant step in expanding the capabilities of its artificial intelligence tools, this time turning its focus to video content. The company announced on Wednesday that it is introducing new video editing features to Meta AI, allowing users to modify short videos using preset prompts powered by artificial intelligence. The move signals Meta’s growing ambitions in the generative video space and positions it directly against competitors like Google and AI-driven platforms such as Captions.

These new editing tools are being integrated into the Meta AI app, the Meta.ai website, and Edits — Meta’s video editing app that rivals platforms like CapCut. Initially available in the United States, these features allow users to transform videos by applying creative changes, including altering clothing, adjusting environments, or adopting specific visual styles. For example, users can shift the scene to a rainy day, apply a vintage comic book aesthetic, or dress a subject in a space-themed outfit, all through simple AI prompts.

Although Meta attributes the inspiration for these tools to its Movie Gen AI models, it has not clarified whether those specific models are directly powering the new editing capabilities. What is clear, however, is the company’s commitment to leveraging feedback from creators to shape the functionality and presets available in Edits.

At launch, users can work with 50 preset options to edit videos up to 10 seconds in length. While this might seem limited, Meta describes it as a foundational rollout, with plans to expand both the number of presets and customization options in the near future. The idea, according to the company, is to provide users with a creative playground where they can easily experiment and share engaging video content with friends, family, and social media audiences.

“We built this so that everyone can experiment creatively and make fun, interesting videos to share with their friends, family, and followers,” Meta said in an official blog post. “Whether you’re reimagining a favorite family memory or finding new ways to entertain your audience, our video editing tools can help.”

Edited videos can be shared directly to Facebook and Instagram, reinforcing Meta’s strategy of keeping users within its ecosystem. The seamless integration between content creation and sharing gives the company an edge as it competes for user engagement in a rapidly growing and highly competitive space.

With platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts dominating short-form video, Meta’s push into AI-powered video editing represents an effort to empower creators with new tools and keep them producing content on Meta’s platforms. This also follows broader trends in generative AI, where major tech firms are racing to offer innovative capabilities in image, text, and video creation.

Meta AI already includes robust image generation tools across its services, and with the addition of video editing, it is increasingly positioning itself as a one-stop solution for digital creativity. Rather than relying on third-party apps, Meta hopes users will turn to its own suite of tools, strengthening engagement across its apps and services.

The company’s strategy also reflects a broader shift in the creator economy. With audiences demanding increasingly polished and imaginative content, and creators often working with limited resources, tools like these can bridge the gap. By offering AI-powered editing features that are both powerful and user-friendly, Meta is betting on increased adoption from casual users and professionals alike.

The move comes at a time when generative AI tools are rapidly becoming mainstream. Google has already introduced video generation features in several of its products, and a host of smaller startups are innovating in the space with platforms designed to automate and streamline the video editing process. Meta’s entry into this field, particularly with its scale and user base, could significantly shape the direction and accessibility of video editing in the coming years.

In the near future, Meta plans to introduce more customization features, enabling users to go beyond the current preset system and create more personalized content. This could include the ability to fine-tune visual effects, edit longer clips, or even train AI models on individual preferences or past content styles.

Ultimately, Meta’s latest update demonstrates its ongoing investment in making AI tools more accessible and practical for everyday users. Whether you're a casual user wanting to enhance a short video or a content creator looking to produce distinctive clips, Meta AI’s new features aim to simplify the process while expanding creative possibilities.

As generative AI continues to redefine how digital content is made and shared, Meta is making it clear that it intends to remain at the forefront of that transformation.