Facebook Launches New Video Editing App
On Tuesday (April 22), Facebook and Parent Mate unveiled “Edits”, a new video creation app that is seen as a potential rival to the popular BYTEDANCE editor amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States.
This application is now available on both iOS and Android devices. It serves as a video editing tool as TikTok faces increased scrutiny from US regulators. It appears Meta is positioning Edits as an alternative should TikTok and its associated editing app, Kapkut, be banned from the US market.
Features and Future Plans
“If you are passionate about creating videos, Edits provides the necessary tools to support your creative process, all in one place,” Meta stated in a blog post, emphasizing that Edits supports video creation not only for Meta‘s platforms but also for “any platform out there.”
Meta originally showcased the video editor in January, shortly after TikTok was temporarily removed from American app stores during a brief ban. “Currently, a lot is happening, but regardless of the circumstances, our goal is to provide the best possible tools for creators,” Instagram Head Adam Moseri said in January. He noted that Edits “is more than just a video editing application; it is a comprehensive set of creative tools.”
Features include a highlighted tab for inspiration, tracking early ideas, an improved camera for recording videos, comprehensive editing tools, and the ability to share projects with friends and other creators. If users choose to share their videos on Instagram, they will receive insights on how these videos perform.
Before the app’s launch, Moseri indicated that while all features would initially be free, future updates may introduce paid premium features.
“Over time, we might have some paid features to cover costs, especially for significant AI functions. However, our main goal is to offer as many free features as possible, as broader access allows more people to create, ultimately benefiting Instagram and everyone involved,” Moseri explained.
META also mentioned ongoing efforts to expand musical options available in the app, including royalty-free options. In October 2022, Meta began offering music without royalty fees for use in advertisements.
The company has partnered with Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group to enable them to receive a share of revenue generated from the use of licensed music in creator posts.
According to META, Edits was developed in close collaboration with creators since last year, and their feedback has been integral to the development process. An early access program allowed select creators to test the app and provide input before its public launch.
“This is just the first step in creating an application that will assist you in making your best videos, and we plan to continue refining and enhancing it based on your feedback,” META stated.
The tech company hinted at more advanced features already in development for Edits, including keyframe animations that allow creators to “precisely adjust timing, movement, and effects” in their videos, as well as AI modification tools to help quickly alter the appearance of videos.
Additionally, the company is working on collaborative features that enable users to share drafts with other creators or brands.
