Instagram has introduced a new video editing app called Edits, coinciding with TikTok’s temporary blackout following a federal ban. On the same day, X (formerly Twitter) announced a new video tab in its mobile app, signaling a growing competition in the video content space.
Instagram and X Raise Their Weapons to Get TikTok’s Market Share
The Edits app, created by Meta Platforms Inc., will launch in February. Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the app will offer “a full set of creative tools.” Users can save video drafts, edit clips, and improve videos with features like green screens, overlays, and transitions, according to a Meta spokesperson.
Instagram, owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, announced the new app just hours after TikTok temporarily went offline in the U.S. because of a new national security law. This law also affected other ByteDance apps, like CapCut.
TikTok is back online after President-elect Donald Trump paused the ban. Still, its future is unclear since the law requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations. Trump said he plans to support a deal where U.S.-based owners would get 50% of the company.
At the same time, Elon Musk’s X, previously called Twitter, is expanding into more online content like live streaming, video podcasts, and long interviews. Starting Sunday, X began introducing “a new home for videos” for U.S. users.
Instagram Would Be the Great Winner If TikTok Gets Banned in the U.S
Instagram might gain the most from TikTok’s troubles. Its short video feature, Reels, is already popular in the U.S. and big markets like India. The launch of Edits could bring in creators looking for better tools to make and share videos.
When TikTok was briefly removed, Instagram ran ads in Apple’s App Store. People searching for “TikTok” saw Instagram promotions instead, making it clear as an option for video creators during this uncertain time.
