Babe wake up: Edits, the new Meta copycat is out.
The much awaited 'Edits' app dropped towards the end of last month, sending social platform updaters and marketing professionals everywhere into a... very mild, not-that-bothered frenzy.
Cue 'not another one'.
But is it actually any good? I know no one asked (besides Sophie, because I am one of her blog columnists), but here is my quirky two pence.
Three features I love in Edits
The Ideas tab: When I opened the Edits app for the first time, I landed on the Ideas tab straight away. I'm not sure if that's the default, if it's a bug or if I'm misremembering. BUT, even though the 'Stickies' feature has nothing to do with filming or editing a video, it's a feature that I don't think CapCut has yet. And if it does, I've not found it.
While this feature might be completely irrelevant for some, I think it's cute. Whether or not I will actually, proactively use it or not (not just the feature, but the entire Edits app), is to be told. However, I enjoy the novelty of it. Not only can you write multiple stickies to note down ideas, whether they be original or based around a trend you've seen, you can colour-code them. If you've seen my colour-coordinated calendar, you'll know this floats my boat.
The feature is very reminiscent of the Stickies app on MacBooks. Again, it isn't a feature that is essential to the day-to-day use of a MacBook. BUT, it can come in handy every now and then. I've used Stickies in the past to hold anything from brand mission or values, quick and easy tips to better my productivity, to pieces of feedback that really resonated with me.
Even though this feature might be for funsies, I still think it's worth a mention.
The UI design: I do have to say, I prefer the aesthetics of Edits, over CapCut. Outside of projects, it's clean, minimal and simple. It opts for a familiar monochrome look throughout the app, before inverting when heading into the app's editing area.
But for me, I like the chunky icons (this is very Motomoto coded, IYKYK). I know that's a very niche, unique preference: it feels elevated. Even more... premium? It's almost as if it feels more capable.
I've never been able to get on with CapCut's homepage. The way all the tools are listed at the top, before showing a list of all projects urks me. When I first used it, I remember feeling so overwhelmed and confused that it was off-putting. With Edits, it seems pretty self-explanatory.
It's another feature that doesn't necessarily impact the purpose of the app (which either says a lot about it, or my current angle). But if the prospect of editing a tonne of footage isn't already overwhelming enough, a simple interface definitely helps.
The cross-app integrations: if you walked into my flat, you'd laugh in my face if I told you I love being organised. This is why I enjoy the seamless connection between my Instagram saved reels, my profile's reels (and insights) and the Edits app.
Throughout my career, I've saved tonnes of inspiration. Whether it be from Instagram or TikTok, I'd attempt making batch planners and idea banks. From fully fledged documents in Google workspace to dedicated Slack channels with lists of links. But if your priority channel is Instagram, I can see this feature being really useful.
Remember the Stickies feature I mentioned earlier? When heading into your 'Saved' reels, it turns out you can use this feature here as well. This is a great tool for building out your niche. Why? Because when you take a look at your competitors or brands that inspire you, you can save their content and ideate directly onto the content with your brand's own version. Not only that, but this feature could also be useful for outbound comment management.
Outbound comment management is equally as important as inbound comment management. It's another tactic for increasing your brand awareness. With these stickies, you could create a folder titled 'to comment on' (because there's no way to track what posts you've commented on), and then slap on a sticky with a comment you might want to share.
Genuinely though. Protect this lil' grumpy fella at all costs.
Three features I love in CapCut
The desktop app: I'm not sure whether this makes me a boomer or not (I was born in 1996, be gentle)... but I have a confession. Phone editing is... not for me. Give me a good ol' desktop app any day of the week.
The precision. The keyboard shortcuts. The aggressive slap of the Space Bar.
I find it a lot easier, faster and more efficient to do my video edits on my Macbook. You might be thinking: 'Won't that impact the video performance?' I haven't noticed any discrimination, but that is my own personal experience. I have had success with both mobile and desktop edits, across platforms.
So when I say I have experience in CapCut. It's with the desktop app. I have the mobile app. And I will use it. But I much prefer desktop. And I'm sure Edits will eventually make it's way to desktop (although we're only just getting an Instagram app for iPad). But for now, this is a huge plus for the TikTok sister-app.
The CapCut templates: if you follow me on LinkedIn, firstly thank you. Secondly, I'm sorry. Thirdly, you'll know I fancy myself a Meme Queen.
I was hired as Flo Health's first dedicated social media role. During this time, I had to introduce and set the strategy to grow our TikTok (with results of 72k followers to 400k+ in under 2 years!). One element of the strategy was to make the content less cringe, and more relatable. One easy way I accomplished this, was by introducing CapCut templates.
The benefit of CapCut templates are that they're free, quick and easy to use. If you're resource-strapped, from budget to talent, this can be a lifesaver. Instagram does have templates too, but not to the meme-quality level of CapCut. They are more focused around the pacing of clips and the format.
Something to bare in mind is to be careful and consider the risks that come with using CapCut templates. Many of them utilise characters or celebrities from pop culture. While I believe this falls under Fair Use, and have not known anyone to be sued for using them, it's still something to consider.
The variety of tools: I know I previously mentioned the landing page of CapCut's mobile app seems cluttered. That doesn't mean it's not cluttered with greatness (sounds like my flat I mentioned earlier too).
There are a tonne of handy features that you can use to create masterpieces. And they're not limited to video, either. From background removers (everyone's favourite feature), to teleprompters, and even AI avatars and AI Models.
CapCut is definitely a swiss army knife and goes beyond the classic split, speed and trim tools. Edits, in it's current state, is more of a table knife. That said, in Avril Lavinge style, why make everything so complicated? You're not going to pick a swiss army knife to eat your dinner with. Because that's not what it is made for.
The verdict
Edits has been around for days. Whereas CapCut has been around for years. While they fundamentally do the same thing, maybe it's not fair to compare them at all.
However, maybe this benefits Edits. Because of it's simplicity, it's definitely more beginner friendly. CapCut also has a lot of AI features. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but depending on how you feel about AI, it could be a deciding factor.
CapCut also features ads, which is annoying. For ad-free editing you have to subscribe. Turns out, Instagram also might be rolling out a subscription service for Edits (shoutout to our queen Annie-Mai for the source). This isn't surprising considering Meta LOVES to copy homework. There's not much information on what to expect. But if I were to place a bet, I imagine it'll include AI video generation.
In conclusion, I can definitely get on board with the novel Stickies feature, the simple and chunky aesthetic of the Edits app, as well as the cross-app integrations. BUT, being as I do all my editing via desktop, let it be known until further notice: I am #TeamCapCut.
Head of Social @ Lounge, Previously Gymshark, Flo Health
