Instagram is tackling one of the most time-consuming aspects of Reels creation with a new feature designed to make the editing process faster and more accessible. On Tuesday, the company announced via a Threads post that it is rolling out “First Draft,” an automated editing tool that trims selected video clips, removes pauses, and compiles the best moments into an initial cut.
According to Instagram, First Draft can generate this first pass in under 10 seconds, potentially saving creators hours of manual editing while making video creation more approachable for novices. Instead of reviewing every clip frame by frame, users can start with an automatically assembled draft and refine it to their liking.
The feature is initially rolling out on iPhone, accessible directly from Instagram’s camera while recording or from the Reels gallery after selecting multiple clips. This integration aims to reduce friction, allowing creators to stay within the app rather than exporting footage to external tools.
First Draft is not groundbreaking in concept—similar automated editing features already exist in tools like Adobe Firefly’s Quick Cuts and CapCut’s Auto Cut. However, by embedding this capability natively into Instagram, the company is removing a key reason for creators to switch between apps, potentially keeping more workflow within its ecosystem.
This launch is part of a broader push by Instagram to enhance its creator toolkit. Earlier this year, the platform introduced a “Replace Audio” feature, allowing users to swap music on existing feed posts and carousels without re-uploading. Instagram is also developing an AI assistant for its standalone video-editing app, Edits, and has been testing “Series,” which groups related Reels for sequential viewing, helping creators turn single videos into structured content.
Notably, First Draft’s announcement coincided with Instagram head Adam Mosseri’s expected testimony in Meta’s high-profile legal proceedings, though the feature’s rollout appears to be part of a longer-term strategy to solidify Instagram’s position as a comprehensive creation platform.
via TechCrunch