Instagram recently rolled out its own dedicated video editing app, and it's actually pretty powerful. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to use the new Instagram Edits app to create better videos faster.
It's called Edits, a completely separate (free) app built purely for planning, creating, and analyzing Reels. Instagram is already rewarding people who use it with better reach and higher-quality uploads.
If you have been struggling to keep up with trending audio, hooks, transitions, or just finding fresh ideas… This app solves all of that in one place.
Table of Contents
First: What Actually Is Edits?
Standalone App
Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Simply search "Edits: Reels Video & Ideas"
Made by Instagram
Everything you create uploads straight to Instagram at the highest possible quality
No Watermark
No watermark, no extra steps, no reach penalty
Think CapCut
Think CapCut but owned by Instagram, so they love when you use it
Why Instagram Wants You to Switch to Edits (Yes, It Affects Reach)
Right now:
- Creating Reels outside of Instagram → no penalty
- Creating Reels INSIDE Instagram or Edits → Instagram pushes them harder because they see you're using their native tools
Early testers are already reporting 20–50% higher reach when posting directly from Edits vs third-party editors.
How to Use Edits: Full Walkthrough
Download & Set Up (30 seconds)
- Search "Edits" in your app store (icon is a little film strip with a pink-orange gradient)
- Log in with your Instagram account
- You are in!
Brainstorm Tab — Never Run Out of Ideas Again
- Pulls every Reel you've ever saved + all your collections
- Lets you write sticky-note style ideas right inside the app
- No more "I saw a great Reel but can't find it" — everything lives here forever
Inspiration Tab — Your Personal Trending Page
- Shows only high-performing Reels with trending audio, strong hooks, and viral formats
- You can add your own notes to any Reel ("love this transition at 00:07")
- Save the audio or the exact Reel with one tap
Create Tab — This Is Where the Magic Happens
Two ways to start:
Option A: Projects
- Import clips from your camera roll
- Record new ones straight in Edits
- Full timeline editing (way smoother than in-app)
Option B: Camera Tab
- Record directly inside Edits
- Instant access to trending audio, speed controls, timers, and filters
- Use the timeline to adjust and arrange your video
- Pull trending audios directly from Instagram
- Add text now. There are about 125 fonts to choose from, and add animations to bring your words to life
- Add voiceovers, captions and overlays
- You can also add video effects, transitions between video clips, use voice effects on your voiceovers and even turn static images into animated videos using AI
Analyze Tab — Insights Instagram Doesn't Show You In-App
- Average watch time
- Like rate, comment rate, share rate, save rate
- Reel views breakdown
- You can literally see which hook kept people watching longest and double down on what works
Edits vs CapCut vs In-App Editing — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Edits | CapCut | Instagram In-App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owned by Instagram | Yes | No | Yes |
| No reach penalty | Yes (actually rewarded) | Possible penalty | Yes |
| Trending audio access | Instant | Sometimes blocked | Yes |
| Advanced insights | Yes | No | Limited |
| 125+ fonts & animations | Yes | Yes | Very limited |
| AI photo-to-video | Yes | Yes | No |
| Direct post to IG | Yes (highest quality) | Yes | Yes |
My Exact Workflow Now (Takes Me 12 Minutes Per Reel)
12-Minute Workflow:
- Open Inspiration tab → find trending audio + hook idea
- Jot idea in Brainstorm sticky note
- Record 3–5 clips in Camera tab
- Edit in Projects (add text, transitions, voiceover)
- Check timing with timeline
- Post straight from Edits
- Check Analyze tab next day → repeat what worked
Final Verdict: Should You Switch?
If you are serious about Reels in 2026 then yes, download Edits today.
You don't have to abandon CapCut completely if you are obsessed with certain templates… but for 80% of your content, Edits is faster, cleaner and Instagram is quietly pushing it hard.
Try creating just one Reel in Edits this week and watch what happens to your views.
Want to Create Viral Reels?
Use our Instagram story viewer to study what successful creators are doing and apply their strategies with Edits.