Meta launching video editing app similar to TikTok's Capcut

Meta's launching a video editing app named 'Edits' | Photo: Reuters

Meta is set to launch a new video editing app, Edits, inspired by TikTok's popular CapCut app. Adam Mosseri, CEO of Meta-owned Instagram, announced that Edits will serve as a comprehensive creative tool for content creators and will be compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. 

In a video message, Mosseri emphasized that Edits is more than a simple video editing app. It will feature multiple tabs for users to jot down ideas and create detailed content plans. The app will also offer advanced camera features and an option to share edited videos during the initial stages of editing.

Edits is expected to launch in April, initially available for iPhone users running iOS. Pre-orders are now open on the Apple App Store, with plans to release the app on the Google Play Store for Android users shortly after.

This announcement comes at a critical time, as TikTok faced a temporary ban in the United States on Monday. While TikTok has since resumed operations, it must meet specific conditions within the next two and a half months to continue functioning. Analysts suggest that Meta's move to introduce Edits during this period is a calculated effort to capitalize on TikTok's vulnerabilities.

Meta's approach of leveraging competitor weaknesses is not unprecedented. The company launched Instagram Reels a feature mimicking TikTok's format just a month after TikTok was banned in India in 2020. The introduction of Edits signals Meta's ongoing commitment to challenging its rivals and expanding its influence in the creative content space.