Meta has announced a new video editing app, Edits, designed to rival ByteDance’s CapCut, which was recently removed from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store following the TikTok ban. The app aims to fill a gap in the market by providing creators with innovative tools for producing high-quality videos.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared the news on Threads on Sunday, revealing that Edits will launch next month on iOS, with an Android version to follow. The app is currently in development, with Meta collaborating with select creators to refine its features.
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A powerful toolkit for creators
Mosseri explained that Edits is explicitly designed for creators passionate about producing professional-quality videos on their phones. He stated, “A lot is going on right now, but no matter what happens, it’s our job to provide the best possible tools for creators.”
The app will include various creative tools to streamline the video-making process. Key features will include:
- A dedicated inspiration tab to help spark new ideas.
- A space for organising and tracking video concepts.
- A high-quality camera for superior footage.
- Options for sharing draft creations with friends or collaborators.
In addition, Edits will allow creators to monitor how their videos perform on Instagram once published, offering valuable insights into audience engagement and reach.
Mosseri emphasised that Edits is designed more for professional creators than for casual video makers, though the exact distinction remains somewhat subjective.
Meta’s strategy to fill market gaps
This move aligns with Meta’s history of quickly adapting to market opportunities. In 2020, following the TikTok ban in India, Meta launched Instagram Reels just weeks later to meet the demand for short-form video content. Similarly, in 2023, the company introduced Threads as a competitor to text-based platforms like X.
The timing of Edits’ announcement suggests Meta is looking to capitalise on the current uncertainty surrounding CapCut. Even if CapCut is reinstated, its temporary removal has left many creators searching for alternative tools, positioning Edits as a potential go-to option.
Other companies have also seized this moment to compete in the video editing space. Earlier this month, Captions, a video editing app backed by a16z, shifted to a freemium model to attract more users and rival CapCut.
As Meta prepares to roll out Edits, it’s clear the company is doubling down on its commitment to empowering creators with robust video production tools.
