How to Use the New Instagram Edits App (Step-by-Step)

Instagram just dropped its new dedicated video editing app, and it’s already turning heads. If you’re searching for a step-by-step guide on how to use the new Instagram Edits app, here’s a practical, no-nonsense run-through. This app isn’t just for Instagram videos—it’s packed with business tool features for fast, high-quality content creation on your phone.

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Below is an AI-assisted summary of the key points and ideas covered in the video. For more detail, make sure to check out the full time stamped video above!

Getting Started: Setup and Layout

  • Download the Instagram Edits app from the App Store or Google Play.
  • The interface is clean, mapping out the video creation process step-by-step, similar to DaVinci Resolve.
  • Core tabs at the bottom include Ideas, Inspiration, Projects, Camera, and Analytics.

Ideas and Inspiration Hubs

  • The Ideas page is perfect for jotting down stickies—quick notes or content ideas, similar to Apple Notes but built right in.
  • Save reels for reference, stash music or audio from other reels, and organize them into collections for easy access.
  • The Inspiration tab suggests reels based on Instagram activity and saved content to spark creativity.

Projects: Creating and Managing Videos

  • View all current and past projects in one place.
  • Long press on a project to duplicate it, making it simple to test edits without affecting your original.
  • Start a new project by importing footage from your phone or shooting fresh content inside the app.

Shooting Video: Camera Features

  • Capture video in up to 4K 60fps for super-smooth footage, a standout feature for mobile editors.
  • Switch between cameras, use zoom presets, toggle flash, and tweak settings on the fly.
  • Beauty mode is enabled by default but isn’t over-the-top. Turn it off any time if it doesn’t suit your needs.
  • The built-in teleprompter lets you add and move scripts or bullet points anywhere on the screen. Adjust size and scroll speed for comfort.
  • Control recording speed, from slow motion at 0.3x to fast-forward at 3x.
  • The green screen effect allows for background swaps with crisp cutouts, even when backgrounds aren’t solid colors.
  • Add music while recording or import copyright-safe tracks from sources like Epidemic Sound and Artlist.

Editing Workflow: Core Tools and Effects

  • The editing timeline is intuitive—drag, trim, split, and reorder clips easily, similar to VN Video Editor or CapCut.
  • Add new clips anytime from your gallery or record on the spot without leaving your project.
  • Text layers are fully customizable: select fonts, colors, sizes, and placement. Pinch to zoom and rotate for fine-tuning.
  • Voiceovers are simple to record straight into the app and can be layered as needed.
  • Auto-generate captions by hitting the CC button, then edit and style each individually.
  • Add overlays or B-roll by stacking photos or videos over your main footage. Adjust their duration, size, and position as needed.

Advanced Effects and AI Features

  • The cutout tool removes backgrounds from images or videos after recording, not just live—a unique feature for creators.
  • AI-powered restyle filters make it easy to transform appearances, adding fun overlays like cartoon llamas or creative characters.
  • Classic color adjustments and Instagram-style filters help dial in brightness, contrast, and mood.
  • Add effects like zoom, blur, and camera shake for extra flair, with instant previews to speed up the process.

Audio Enhancements

  • Voice enhancement reduces background noise, great for outdoor filming or basic microphones.
  • Adjust video speed, mirror or flip clips, and tweak quality settings while editing. Choose your preferred output resolution before exporting.

Exporting and Sharing

  • Export videos up to 4K 60fps directly from the app.
  • Share straight to Instagram or save the finished video to your phone for use on other platforms.

Key Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Free to use (at the time of review)
  • Easy, intuitive workflow for quick results
  • Pro-quality camera controls and recording options
  • Built-in teleprompter, green screen, and AI effects
  • Fast project duplication for testing different edits
  • Real-time captions, overlays, and voiceovers
  • Focused on solving pain points for creators

Cons

  • Some features may feel basic compared to desktop editors
  • AI filters and effects can take a minute or two to process
  • Green screen cutouts are good, but not perfect on challenging backgrounds

Take Your Mobile Video Creation to the Next Level

With the new Instagram Edits app, creating fast, professional-looking videos on mobile is easier than ever. Powerful recording options, smart AI tools, and a user-friendly workflow make this app a game changer—especially for anyone building a brand or running a business on social. Start experimenting and keep improving your content one step at a time!

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