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Instagram's 'First Draft' feature streamlines Reels editing

Instagram announced Tuesday the rollout of 'First Draft,' a new editing feature designed to automatically trim video clips and remove pauses, creating an initial cut of Reels.

25 August 2026
Instagram's 'First Draft' feature streamlines Reels editing
Image is an AI-generated illustration

Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, has introduced a new feature called 'First Draft' aimed at simplifying the editing process for its Reels short-form videos. Announced via a Threads post on Tuesday, the tool is intended to reduce the time and effort creators spend on editing.

The 'First Draft' feature utilizes automatic trimming and pause removal. It analyzes selected video clips and compiles an initial version of the video by stringing together the most engaging moments. The goal is to provide users with a foundational edit that can then be further refined.

This feature is part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to enhance its creator tools and make content production more efficient. Reels have seen significant growth in popularity, intensifying competition in the short-form video space. Such tools can aid Instagram in attracting and retaining creators on its platform.

Technically, 'First Draft' employs artificial intelligence to identify and automatically eliminate unnecessary segments within videos. This capability can substantially accelerate the video preparation workflow, especially when dealing with extensive raw footage. The feature is being progressively rolled out to users.

Original source: techcrunch.com