How to Use Meta's Edits App: A Deep Dive into the CapCut Rival for Short-Form Video Editing

Meta has introduced a new video editing tool called Edits, positioned as a direct competitor to ByteDance's CapCut. With the shifting landscape of short-form video—especially with uncertainty around TikTok in the U.S.—Meta is strategically targeting creators seeking a fresh, integrated editing solution that leverages its own ecosystem.

Getting Started with Edits

The Edits app is available for both iOS and Android. After installation, users authenticate using their Instagram account. The interface is divided into five primary areas:

• Ideas: Jot down video concepts and save inspiring Reels for future reference.
• Inspiration: Discover trending audio and popular short-form content, helping creators stay aligned with what's hot.
• Projects: Store ongoing video projects and import clips from your device’s camera roll.
• Record: Capture new footage directly inside the app.
• Insights: View analytics like reach, views, and new followers, giving instant feedback on what's resonating.

Key Features and Editing Tools

Edits packs a range of powerful editing tools aimed at simplifying the creative process for short-form videos:

• Green screen: Replace video backgrounds instantly.
• Timeline: Precisely arrange video clips for smooth storytelling.
• Automatic captions: Generate multi-language subtitles for accessibility.
• Instagram audio library: Add music tracks easily.
• Object cutouts: Use AI to highlight and track specific subjects within your video.
• AI-powered animation: Transform still images into dynamic video content.
• Batch effects: Apply filters, transitions, and visual adjustments across all clips at once.
• Frame rate selection: Adjust to your preferred playback speed.
• Alignment guides: Ensure critical visuals remain visible across platforms.
• Beat markers: Sync visuals with music, aligning cuts or overlays to audio cues.
• Rich filter and transition library: Choose from 30+ options to give your video distinct style.
• Teleprompter: Script support for on-camera narration.
• Restyle: Use AI presets to rapidly change the video’s look.
• Keyframes: Animate elements—move, scale, or rotate clips for custom effects.

Comparing Edits vs. CapCut

While Edits and CapCut both cater to short-form video creators, notable differences exist. CapCut currently offers more advanced features—including AI tools—and a more extensive music and effects library. However, many of CapCut’s top options are paywalled, while Edits is presently free. This could change as Meta expands Edits, potentially introducing paid features as indicated by Instagram’s leadership.

CapCut also provides a web-based editor, whereas Edits is, for now, limited to mobile devices. As Meta continues development, feature parity may rise, and web access may be introduced. For more on the competitive landscape in content creation tools, see our article on best productivity apps for creators.

DeepFounder Analysis

Why it matters

The launch of Edits underlines a pivotal strategic move: platforms are seeking tighter integration between content creation and distribution. For startups in the creator economy, this indicates the lines between tool providers and social platforms are blurring. Owning the creation workflow deepens user lock-in and offers richer data—and if TikTok or third-party tools become less accessible in certain regions, platform-native tools can quickly capture that demand.

Risks & opportunities

Opportunity lies in building tools that plug critical gaps—be it AI-powered editing for specific niches (education, fitness, product demos) or analytics that go deeper than native apps. Risk surfaces if platforms like Meta wall off features or restrict data portability, as creators may feel locked-in or lose ability to repurpose content. Historical parallels: YouTube’s native editing suite (2010s) initially lagged third-party apps, but eventually shaped content trends by dictating the easiest workflows.

Startup idea or application

Inspired by Edits’ launch, a startup could offer an AI plugin marketplace for creator apps: imagine extensible modules that add specialized effects or auto-branding elements, usable across any editing platform (not just one host app). Alternatively, consider launching cross-platform video analytics tools that aggregate metrics from Edits, CapCut, YouTube Shorts, and more—giving creators true multi-channel intelligence.

Video Editing Meta CapCut Creator Economy AI Tools

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