Following TikTok's brief shutdown over the weekend, Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the upcoming launch of a new app called "Edits," designed to be an alternative to CapCut on iOS and Android. CapCut, another app from ByteDance, remains banned in the U.S. "Edits" is a video editing app set to debut next month, offering creators advanced tools to edit videos directly from their phones. The app will also provide better insights into video performance on Instagram if the edited content is posted there. Additionally, creators will be able to save drafts and share them with others, as Mosseri shared in a video on Threads.
The app is already available for pre-order on iOS via the Apple App Store, and Mosseri indicated that the Android version will follow soon, with a likely February release. However, the exact timing for the Android launch remains uncertain.
This announcement follows the continued ban on CapCut and other ByteDance apps like Marvel Snap in the U.S., despite TikTok resuming service shortly after its shutdown. The ban leaves a gap that "Edits" aims to fill, particularly as CapCut remains unavailable on the Play Store for U.S. users.
In addition to "Edits," Meta is reportedly working on an AI-based search engine to lessen its dependence on Google and Microsoft's Bing.
As short-form video continues to dominate social media, Meta's introduction of "Edits" positions it as a competitor to CapCut, especially amid CapCut's availability issues. By integrating "Edits" into its ecosystem, Meta aims to attract creators looking for an alternative editing tool compatible with their social media activities.
Scheduled for release on March 13, 2025, "Edits" will initially launch on iOS, targeting content creators, influencers, and everyday users seeking a comprehensive video editing and sharing solution.
This launch not only expands Meta's service offerings but also enhances user engagement across its platforms. With a focus on innovation and seamless integration, "Edits" could become a valuable tool for creators, particularly in markets where short-form video content thrives.
Meta's investment in AI-powered editing tools underscores its commitment to remaining competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. "Edits" has the potential to streamline workflows for creators while leveraging the capabilities of AI and Meta's extensive ecosystem.
