Instagram's Edits vs. TikTok's CapCut?
The short video format originated primarily on TikTok as "TikToks." Of course, it was then picked up by Instagram ("Reels"), YouTube ("Shorts"), and later other platforms began to embrace this trend of short, vertical videos (LinkedIn, X).
For these purposes, TikTok created a mobile video editing app and later a desktop version, CapCut. (2019)
And guess what... π
Instagram is planning to launch its version (expected on the 31st of March, 2025) called Edits.
Do you think that Instagram's product will overachieve CapCut?
I need to say that CC got pretty far and for me, it outperformed DaVinci Resolve, which I used for editing. They implemented many features, and effects and applied a subscription I recently paid for.
I am especially asking because it may happen that TikTok will be banned together with other ByteDance apps in the US (including CapCut).
Replies
Certainly something to keep an eye on! Another app from Meta :-| I agree with @mzkvisuals desktop is better for editing in any case. We're due for a new kind of social media.
@mzkvisualsΒ @kenny_hawkinsΒ That's sure thing. I cannot imagine to edit videos on my smartphone. I did it a few years ago and it was hell. Small space for orienting myself in effects, transitions, time stamp... all bad :D
@kenny_hawkinsΒ The best kind of social media will be if there is a way to make people accountable for the things they say! That would a social media I would glady participate
Couldn't agree more! What are your thoughts on something like https://theinternetpress.com/code
I just found out CapCut made exporting audio part of their paid plan and I'm not ready to upgrade. Any aternatives for desktop?
Unfortuantely, I was forced to pay it. The alternative is DaVinci Resolve but can be a difficult to manage it at first, as it is a professional "studio".
@busmark_w_nikaΒ Will give it a try
@mzkvisualsΒ If you need any complicated tutorial, I have many :D
@busmark_w_nikaΒ I've actually opened a screenshot of Davinci Resolve to see how different it is and I think I'll just not add audio to my CapCut edits from now on :D
@mzkvisualsΒ So next time :DDDD
CapCut replaced FinalCut for me as well, pretty powerful. If Edits has a desktop version I might consider it as well. If it's just mobile they have to innovate some really smart way to edit videos, otherwise I keep to desktop editing
@mzkvisualsΒ It is a kind of sad that software dedicated solely to editing is behind something that was intended only for social media.
hard to tell before they launch tbh. but an interesting development to watch, that's for sure @busmark_w_nika
Update since this post: Edits launched in April 2025 and it's genuinely good β especially if Instagram is your main platform. Watermark-free exports, clean interface, built-in analytics.
But CapCut still wins on depth. Multi-track editing, AI tools, cross-platform flexibility β it's closer to a mobile Premiere Pro.
The ironic twist: CapCut updated its ToS in June 2025 giving ByteDance broad rights over uploaded content. For personal creators, not a big deal. For brands or businesses β worth thinking twice about.
So it's less "which is better" and more "which ecosystem do you live in."
@oana_clopotelΒ CapCut is still ahead, they started first and keep improving. + in China's culture, they work a lot and hard.