Instagram Launches 10-Second Reel Editor on iPhone as Meta Faces Addiction Trial

3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Aug 25

Instagram said its new “First Draft” tool can assemble an initial Reel cut in under 10 seconds by trimming selected clips and removing pauses automatically.
The feature is rolling out first on iPhone and can be opened from Instagram’s camera during recording or from the Reels gallery after users select multiple clips.
By building auto-editing directly into Instagram, the company gives creators less reason to move footage into separate apps such as CapCut or Adobe Firefly’s Quick Cuts.
First Draft extends a broader creator push that already includes Replace Audio, tests of Series for grouped Reels, and an AI assistant in Instagram’s Edits app.
The launch came the same day Instagram chief Adam Mosseri was expected to testify in Meta’s social media addiction trial over claims its platforms encouraged compulsive use by children.