Instagram has launched a robust video editor called “Edits”. The app has been specifically designed to fill the gap left by the removal of ByteDance’s CapCut from the App Store earlier this year. From what I can tell, the video editor has got everything covered to make Reels creation faster, smarter, and more intuitive. Whether you’re a content creator, influencer, or just someone who loves sharing creative videos, the Edits app is packed with powerful tools that make editing on the go incredibly easy.
From auto-syncing clips to music to adding transitions and effects with just a few taps, this app gives you access to features previously reserved for advanced editing software. And the best part? It’s available on both iPhone and Android. Let’s dive into the 20 best tips to help you master the Instagram Edits app and create scroll-stopping Reels every time.
Best Tips to Use the Instagram Edits App on iPhone & Android
What I love the most about Edits is its pretty simple interface and easy-to-use editing tools. That means you don’t have to go through an extensive learning curve to master this all-new app.
1. Start with Reels Templates
Instagram Edits comes with a wide range of pre-designed Reels templates that include synced audio and recommended clip durations. This is especially helpful if you’re unsure how to structure your video or want to ride the wave of trending content. Just replace the placeholder clips with your own, and you’re good to go.
2. Trim and Split Clips Like a Pro
Trimming and splitting clips in Edits is pretty simple.
- Just, tap any clip in your timeline to reveal trim and split options.
- Trimming helps remove unwanted portions, while splitting allows you to cut a single clip into multiple parts — ideal for matching transitions to the beat or cutting between different perspectives.
3. Enable Auto Captions for Accessibility
Auto captions are just a tap away. The app can automatically transcribe speech in your video, helping viewers who watch without sound or rely on subtitles. It’s also a great way to boost engagement and make your content more inclusive.
4. Use Beat Matching for Audio Sync
Edits intelligently detects beats in the music track and allows you to sync video transitions accordingly. This removes the need for manual audio waveform scrubbing — perfect for music-driven Reels.
5. Add Smooth Transitions Between Clips
You can choose from a library of transitions like fade, swipe, zoom, and more to stitch clips together seamlessly. Transitions make your edits feel fluid and keep the audience engaged.
6. Layer Videos and Photos with Overlays
Use the multi-layer timeline to add overlays such as images, text, or even videos. You can stack multiple elements on top of each other for a rich, dynamic edit — a feature often found in pro video tools.
7. Use Instagram Stickers, Emojis & GIFs
Instagram Edits includes full access to Instagram’s massive sticker, emoji, and GIF libraries. Add personality, humor, or emotion to your clips with these interactive visuals.
8. Speed Up or Slow Down Your Clips
Notably, you can adjust the playback speed of any clip — slow down for dramatic moments, or speed up for timelapses or action scenes. The speed control slider makes this super intuitive.
9. Enhance Clips with Brightness & Color Tools
Make your video pop by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, and more. These basic color grading tools let you customize the vibe of each clip without needing third-party apps.
10. Use Filters and Effects from Instagram Reels
Apply your favorite Instagram effects directly in the Edits app. Whether it’s a nostalgic VHS filter or a sparkling glow, the app lets you preview and apply them instantly.
11. Make Use of the Undo Button
Creative experimentation is key — and the undo button is your safety net. Any change you make can be reversed instantly without affecting the rest of your project.
12. Use Grid View for Clip Alignment
Activate grid lines in the timeline to precisely align your clips, stickers, and text. This is perfect for symmetrical or rhythm-based edits where timing and placement are critical.
13. Add Multiple Audio Tracks
Edits lets you add more than one audio track, such as background music, voiceovers, and sound effects. You can balance the volumes and mix them for a richer audio experience.
14. Use Zoom and Pan on Still Images
Animate static photos using pan and zoom (also known as the Ken Burns effect). This creates motion in otherwise still frames, adding visual interest to photo-based Reels.
15. Save Your Work as Drafts
Need to take a break or plan multiple uploads? The Drafts feature allows you to save your edits and return later without losing any progress.
16. Build Around Your Strongest Clip
Pick your most engaging or visually strong clip and build your video around it. This gives your edit a strong anchor and helps guide your story or message.
17. Try the Sound Sync Feature
This automatic tool analyzes your chosen song and places your clips in sync with the rhythm. It’s one of the fastest ways to create catchy, music-synced content.
18. Preview Before You Post
Watch your video in full before exporting. The real-time preview lets you spot and fix mistakes like abrupt cuts, missed transitions, or misaligned stickers.
19. Export in High Resolution
Before exporting, ensure your quality settings are set to the highest resolution supported. This keeps your video sharp and polished on Instagram.
Once you’re done editing, you can publish directly to Reels or Stories without even opening the main Instagram app. This seamless integration makes content posting incredibly fast and efficient.
My Final Thoughts: Make Instagram Edits Your Creative Playground
There you have it, folks! Instagram’s Edits app is a game-changer for mobile content creators. With tools previously found only in complex editing software, it brings pro-level editing to your fingertips. Whether you’re posting a quick daily vlog, showcasing your product, or riding a viral trend, the Edits app helps you do it all without ever leaving your phone. So go ahead — experiment, create, and most importantly, have fun with it. If you found these tips helpful, feel free to bookmark this guide or share it with your fellow creators!
