Instagram has introduced a new feature called ‘First Draft’ that automatically trims clips and removes pauses during Reels editing. The aim is to make video creation easier for users, particularly those who may not have experience with video editing software.

This new tool can produce an initial cut in under 10 seconds, saving creators significant time. Users can access it directly from the Instagram camera while recording or from the Reels gallery after selecting multiple clips. The feature is initially rolling out on iPhone and will likely see expansion to other platforms soon.

While not revolutionary, this tool could be a game-changer for content creation. Similar automated editing tools already exist in products such as Adobe Firefly’s Quick Cuts and CapCut’s Auto Cut. However, Instagram's decision to build the functionality directly into its own app means creators won’t have to move footage into a separate editor.

The company has introduced several other creator tools this year, like a ‘Replace Audio’ tool that lets users swap music on existing feed posts without deleting and re-uploading them. The company is also working on launching an AI assistant in its video-editing app Edits and has been testing the ability to group related Reels together.

Despite these advancements, First Draft was announced just as Instagram head Adam Mosseri is expected to testify in Meta’s high-profile social media addiction trial. The lawsuit accuses Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook in ways that encouraged children to use the platforms compulsively while failing to address potential harms. Meta has rejected these allegations.