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.

Important: When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!

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!

Related Tools and Resources

Share this...

Save this post for later?

Hit the button below and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Table of Contents
Stuck on something?

Ask JustinAI✨

Trained on all our latest tutorials, workflows, and the full Accelerator archive. Get the answer in seconds, not hours.

Save this post for later?

Hit the button and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Hit the button below and we’ll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!


More from Primal Video...

FiLMiC Pro Tutorial (UPDATED) - Best Camera App for Android & iPhone!

FiLMiC Pro Tutorial (UPDATED) – Best Camera App for Android & iPhone!

FiLMiC Pro is our #1 pick when it comes to best iPhone camera app AND best Android camera app. It’s ...
View →
Best Webcam 2022? Elgato Facecam Review

Best Webcam 2022? Elgato Facecam Review

The Elgato Facecam has some great features & awesome software. But how does it stack up against current market leaders ...
View →
How to do a LIVE Interview on YouTube

How to do a LIVE Interview on YouTube (YouTube Live with 2+ People!)

Learn how to do a LIVE interview on YouTube and add guests to your live streams… (The best ways to ...
View →
How We Make $1M+ From YouTube - Passive Income Ideas That ACTUALLY Work

How We Make $1M+ From YouTube – Passive Income Ideas That ACTUALLY Work

A lot of people question whether you can really make money online. They wonder if it’s worth it. And if ...
View →
Editing Online Interviews: How to Edit Skype Interview Footage - Camera lens

Editing Online Interviews: How to Edit Skype Interview Footage

Video Interviews are a great way to generate awesome content for your viewers. Once you’ve got your interview recorded, here’s ...
View →

YouTube’s FREE AI Video Generator JUST Got a HUGE Update!

YouTube’s FREE AI Video Generator just got a massive update, making it easier and faster to create YouTube Shorts. The ...
View →
YT Thumbnail Best Camera Settings for VIDEO (Dynamic & Sharp Videos!)

Best Camera Settings for VIDEO (Dynamic & Sharp Videos!)

The BEST Camera Settings for VIDEO! Here are the key DSLR settings and mirrorless camera settings for high quality video ...
View →
5 Final Cut Pro Editing Tips to Edit Videos FASTER! - Laptop

5 Final Cut Pro Editing Tips to Edit Videos FASTER!

Here’s my top 5 Final Cut Pro Editing Tips to edit videos FASTER!
View →
Don't miss a thing!

Become a Primal Video Insider to stay in the loop.

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe.
Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!