
Instagram Announces New Video Editing App to Rival TikTok
By Movieguide® Contributor
Instagram announced a new video editing app, Edits, which will enable users to easily create short-form video content, mirroring many tools currently available through TikTok.
“Today we’re announcing a new app called ‘Edits’ for those of you who are passionate about making videos on your phone,” announced Instagram head Adam Mosseri. “There’s a lot going on right now, but no matter what happens, it’s our job to provide the best possible tools for creators.”
“Edits is more than a video editing app; it’s a full suite of creative tools. There will be a dedicated tab for inspiration, another for keeping track of early ideas, a much higher-quality camera…all the editing tools you’d expect, the ability to share drafts with friends and other creators, and – if you decide to share your videos on Instagram — powerful insights into how those videos perform,” Mosseri continued.
The features Mosseri highlighted reveal that the app will be very similar to TikTok’s CapCut tool which has enabled millions of creators to produce videos with nothing but their phones.
Currently, Edits is only available for free pre-order download on the Apple App Store. The Apple App Store expects it will be available on March 13, per USA TODAY.
Instagram’s development of this app comes as the future of TikTok hangs in the balance and other social media platforms fight to attract those leaving the app.
READ MORE: WHAT WILL UPCOMING TIKTOK BAN MEAN FOR AMERICAN USERS?
On Jan. 19, a ban on TikTok in the U.S. went into effect, preventing the App Store or Google Play Store from allowing new users to download the app or for TikTok to push out new updates. In protest, TikTok caused the app to go dark, not allowing any American users to access the platform.
However, less than 12 hours later, TikTok restored U.S. access after Donald Trump, who was officially sworn into office, offered the platform a lifeline, providing them with a 90-day extension and promising he would see if he could reach a deal to keep the app available to its 170 million U.S. users.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” TikTok said on X. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
Nonetheless, TikTok currently has no guarantee that its ban will be lifted in 90 days, leaving other social media platforms to continue trying to attract unsure users.
READ MORE: CREATORS SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS AS TIKTOK BAN LOOMS