A guide to using Edits, Meta’s CapCut rival for short-form video editing

Meta has launched a new video editing application named Edits, aimed at creators looking for a competitive alternative to CapCut, the widely-used editing tool from ByteDance. This development comes after CapCut faced removal from U.S. app stores during the initial TikTok ban, prompting Meta to seize the opportunity to introduce its own solution. The Edits app, which is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, requires users to log in using their Instagram accounts upon opening. Users will find five primary tabs: Ideas, Inspiration, Projects, Record, and Insights. The Ideas tab allows creators to brainstorm and save video concepts, while the Inspiration tab serves as a hub for discovering trending audio and popular video content. In the Projects tab, creators can manage their ongoing video endeavors and upload footage directly from their device’s camera roll. The Record tab enables users to film content within Edits itself, and the Insights tab provides valuable analytics on content performance, including metrics like views and follower counts. Among the standout features of Edits are its green screen capabilities for background replacement, a precise timeline for clip arrangement, and automatic captioning in multiple languages. Creators can also access an extensive audio library from Instagram, isolate objects with cutouts, and utilize AI to animate static images. While Edits and CapCut both offer solid options for short-form video editing, CapCut currently boasts a more extensive suite of features, particularly in terms of advanced AI capabilities. However, as Edits is a newly launched app, Meta is expected to enhance its functionalities over time. Notably, Edits is free to use without any subscription model at present, contrasting with CapCut's tiered subscription services. This could change in the future as Meta explores monetization options. Currently, Edits is mobile-exclusive, a departure from CapCut's availability on the web, but future updates may broaden its accessibility. As Meta continues to develop Edits, users can anticipate new features and improvements that may enhance their video editing experience.