Instagram has recently released its competition to TikTok’s CapCut, a video editing tool called Edits. As someone who has used what feels like every free video editing tool under the sun, I have been intrigued to see the difference between the two, and see if I would potentially have a new go-to social content editing app.

*Updated 22/05/2025 – CapCut has until now added an across-video watermark. This means that unless you pay for the premium subscription, you are left with a large (and unremovable) CapCut logo across your screen. To see more CapCut alternatives, view our CapCut Alternatives article here

Edits vs CapCut: Edits

On initial inspection, Edits’ interface is very similar to CapCut and the in app editing features you get in Instagram. I do admit it is nice to be able to edit your Instagram videos in a separate app and still use trending audios. (Rather than having to guess where your ideal cuts are, or edit with a song in mind). It also lets you export the video with the audio in the background and export directly to Instagram and Facebook. 

 

The interface is nice and simple, easy to use, and the tools are all easy to find. Because it’s linked directly to your Instagram account, it doesn’t seem to have some of the music library issues CapCut does with their TikTok sounds category (some users cannot see any of their favourite songs due to copyright issues), and all the songs you can access on Instagram are accessible from the app. It also allows you to choose in-app what quality you would like to shoot in, something which (as far as I know) CapCut does not allow you to do. However, this is only important for people who prefer to shoot in app – something I would not recommend. 

It also has a ‘Reels inspo’ tab, allowing you to scroll through and find Reels templates/inspiration for videos. However, I felt that despite spending quite a bit of time on reels and creating my own within the Instagram app, the template suggestions were completely unrelated to the type of content I typically like to create. Unlike the bangers you find on CapCut that regularly trend. Remember the boat one? So random.

 

 

It’s also important to note that it’s a very new app, so I’m sure there are lots of updates in the future. It is also currently only mobile available so there is no desktop version just yet (unlike CapCut).

Key Features: 

• In-app shooting camera quality choice
• Music from the Instagram app
• Instant export to Instagram/Facebook
• ‘Stickies’ is a place to jot down ideas and notes for future Reels
• Clear account overviews and analytics
• Invite others to contribute to in-progress creations
• Store different drafts within the app
• Select moving objects and make cutouts
• A new ‘made with edits’ label will be added to all clips

Meta has also announced it will soon be adding:

• Keyframes: Pinpoint exact moments for adjustments to your video’s timing, motion and effects.
• Modification: Quickly change the look and feel of your videos with AI effects.
• Collaboration: Easily share drafts with friends, other creators or brands for feedback and creative builds.

Creativity: More fonts, text animations, transitions, voice effects, filters and music options, including royalty-free.

 

Edits vs CapCut: CapCut

I have used CapCut mobile and desktop versions for almost two years now, so I know it like the back of my hand. Now I am editing on it more frequently, I have been getting a little frustrated with the play/pause button due to it being slightly jumpy, making the music laggy and making it harder to edit precise short sharp cuts. Creating a less seamless editing experience, however, it is great for social media videos, vlogs, and I know many professional social media influencers who use CapCut exclusively to edit their videos.

Capcut offers both a Desktop and Mobile app, allowing users to edit their videos seamlessly across the two platforms. 

Key features:

 

• Trending effects: Especially popular ones synced with TikTok trends.
• Filters and LUTs: Adjust colour tone for cinematic or stylised looks.
• 3D zoom and motion effects: Common in viral content.
• Body & face effects: Beautify or modify facial/body features.
• One-tap templates: Choose a template and drop your clips in.
• Auto-edit: Let CapCut assemble clips to music.
• Beat sync: Automatically syncs transitions or clips to the beat of the music.
• Prebuilt transitions: Smooth cuts, glitch effects, cinematic fades, etc.

My personal thoughts:

I think for the future I will stick with CapCut, but for no real reason other than I know it well, and I prefer to post videos on TikTok rather than Reels. However, I’m going to keep my eye on edits and if I ever decide to post a video just on reels, I will choose edits over CapCut due to its music features and ease of movement between the apps. It will also be interesting to see how Edits develops, whether it will implement ads, watermarks, etc and if Instagram will start to penalise those who use other editing platforms.