Our take on Instagram's 'Edits' app

A Game-Changer for Small Business Video Content

If you’re a small business owner trying to keep up with the ever-changing world of social media, you’ve probably felt the pressure to create more video content. But let’s be honest, between running your business and managing your time, sitting down to master a complex editing tool like Final Cut Pro or even CapCut Pro can feel like a full-time job in itself.

That’s why this week’s release of Instagram’s new standalone editing app, Edits, is such a breath of fresh air. Tailored specifically for creators and businesses who want to produce quality reels without the technical learning curve, Edits brings simplicity, functionality and that all-important Instagram integration into one easy-to-use platform.

The team at Eastop-Scopes Virtual Assistants have been testing Edits since it’s launch and honestly- we’re impressed, and we think you will be too!

What is Instagram Edits?

Edits is Instagram’s answer to the ever-growing demand for mobile-first video editing. It’s a lightweight, intuitive app designed to help you create polished, on-brand content without needing a media degree or hours of fiddling with layers and effects.

Think of it as the perfect companion for creating reels, stories or short-form video updates, especially if you’re recording face-to-camera content, sharing customer testimonials or posting behind-the-scenes footage.

Here are the key features we love:

• Simplified Timeline Editing

  No clutter, no confusion. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to trim clips, reorder segments or add new ones without starting over. Perfect for busy entrepreneurs who want to shoot, edit and post all from their phone.

• Lovely Transitions

  Whether you’re transitioning between clips or switching up your scenery, Edits offers a clean range of transitions. The “Reveal” transition in particular is one of our faves for transformations. Think newly designed space, ideas to reality and from then to now posts.

• Image Overlays and Audio Recording

  Want to pop your logo over your video or record a quick voiceover? Both are quick to add and beautifully integrated into the editing workflow.

• Trending Audio Integration

  One of the standout features is the seamless integration with Instagram’s trending audio. No more switching between apps or hunting for that perfect sound, Edits lets you preview, add, and time audio without ever leaving the app.

• Integrated Analytics

  For small business owners, data matters. Edits offers built-in analytics directly linked to your Instagram account, so you can track reel performance, watch completion rates and make data-driven content decisions.

• Creative Additions

  We're loving the addition of Stickies (save ideas that appear as sticky notes in the app) to help brainstorm ideas, and the inspiration tab showing other reels that can inspire you as you are editing/ recording.

But how does it compare to the video editing giants?

Let’s be real, CapCut Pro is a powerhouse. It’s fast, versatile and packed with features. But the pro version also comes with a price tag of around £120 per year, and a learning curve that can overwhelm the average business owner who just wants to create quick, authentic content.

Compared to CapCut:

Feature	Edits (Instagram)	CapCut Pro
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Price	Free	£120/year
Features	Basic but useful	Advanced, Pro-grade
Analytics	Integrated with Instagram	Not directly linked to IG
Best For	Face-to-camera, brand storytelling	High-production content
Audio Integration	Native access to trending audio	Requires syncing/exporting audio

So, while Edits isn’t quite as powerful as CapCut Pro, in our team it wins on accessibility, usability and practicality; making it perfect for businesses that want to stay agile without compromising on content quality.

Tips for using Edits effectively

If you’re ready to give it a go, here are a few pro tips from our team at Eastop-Scopes:

• Start with face-to-camera: Authenticity is key on Instagram. Use Edits to record quick updates, product launches or tips. These perform well and feel more personal.

• Use transitions sparingly: While the “Reveal” effect is lovely (yes, it’s our current fave!), use transitions to enhance, not distract, from your message.

• Overlay your branding: Add your logo as a PNG overlay on every video for brand consistency.

• Match with trending audio: Choose from in-app trending sounds to boost your reach, especially helpful for reels.

• Don’t forget your analytics: Monitor what’s working and what’s not, and don’t be afraid to tweak your approach.

Sophie's final thoughts

The key concern from the small businesses I work with is that they want something easy to learn and not too time-consuming. Edits offers a simple, easy-to-navigate solution to video editing for small business owners. It’s a fantastic tool for creating quick, engaging, authentic content without the overwhelm.

Yes, it’s a little slower than pro-grade tools, and yes, it lacks the range of visual effects some creators crave, but personally, for the average small business owner trying to show up consistently online, it’s a great tool.

And best of all? It’s free, fully integrated with Instagram and made with everyday creators in mind, and that fits perfectly with our ethos as Eastop-Scopes Virtual Assistants. We love showcasing software that doesn’t break the bank and helps to empower digital skill development.

Need help figuring out how to integrate video into your brand’s content strategy? That’s where we come in. At Eastop-Scopes Virtual Assistants, we can help you manage everything from content planning to video editing and engagement, so you can focus on what you do best: running your business!

Get in touch today to see how we can support your marketing journey.