TikTok was completely suspended on Sunday in the U.S., bringing considerable disruption to the lives of its users. Meanwhile, Instagram announced a new app called Edits, which promises to help creators edit and share videos. The announcement came on the same day CapCut, another popular video editing app, joined other banned apps of US origin after being linked with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
When will Edits be Available?
As of now, Edits is available for free pre-order on the Apple App Store. Instagram Head Adam Mosseri shared that the app’s first version should launch in February. However, the Apple App Store lists March 13 as the expected release date. Mosseri also mentioned that Edits will eventually be available on the Google Play Store for Android users.
What Features Will Edits Offer?
Edits target short video creators. The application accommodates upward of 10-minute 1080p videos. It will feature tools like AI animations, generative captions, text overlays, sound effects, filters and stickers. There will also be a way of tracking Instagram reels analytics on the app.
In his announcement, Mosseri clarified that Edits is not for advanced creators who use desktop software or pre-made templates. Instead, it’s for everyday creators who want quick and easy tools to enhance their videos.
Read more: Trump Becomes the TikTok Saviour
Is Edits Similar to CapCut?
No, Edits and CapCut aren’t the same. Meta owns Edits through Instagram, and CapCut is owned by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. Following the federal ban imposed on platforms owned by ByteDance, CapCut does not exist anymore in the U.S.
Why Was CapCut Banned in the U.S.?
The U.S. government has banned TikTok and CapCut on national security grounds. Officials fear that ByteDance could relay user data to the Chinese government. Authorities signed the measure into law in October 2022, compelling the parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platforms by January 19, 2025. The fact that they were unable to comply prompted the U.S. to ban app stores and hosting services from distributing these platforms.
Can TikTok be Saved?
On Sunday, TikTok announced it was working to restore service in the U.S. The platform credited President-elect Donald Trump for his support. Trump, set to take office on Monday, has said he’d sell the platforms by January 19, 2025. The fact that they were unable to comply prompted the U.S. to ban app stores and hosting services from distributing these platforms. However, Trump has issued plans to pause the ban on TikTok.
In a statement, TikTok’s Policy X account thanked Trump for ensuring service providers won’t face penalties for supporting TikTok. However, other ByteDance apps like CapCut and Lemon8 remain banned, with no clear plans for their return.
Trump’s recent change of heart has sparked hope for TikTok’s future in the U.S. However, he hasn’t shared any plans to bring back ByteDance’s other apps, leaving creators searching for alternatives like Instagram’s Edits.
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