Instagram’s new editing tool ‘First Draft’ turns your clips into a Reel in seconds

Instagram's new editing tool, 'First Draft', transforms raw video clips into a ready-made Reel in mere seconds. This handy one-tap feature addresses the common issue of staring at unedited footage and deciding to abandon the post altogether. Currently, First Draft is exclusively available for iOS users, with no word on when Android users might get access.

The process mirrors that of creating any other Reel - select your clips from the camera roll, then tap the new First Draft button. Alternatively, you can activate it while recording through Instagram's camera interface. Instagram's model then proceeds through three visible steps - analyzing your clips, pinpointing the best highlights, and automatically trimming everything down.

In a demonstration, the tool transformed nearly five minutes of rollerblading footage into a compelling 17-second Reel. The tool remains fully reversible, allowing you to reorder clips, adjust the cut, or add music prior to posting. Instagram asserts that First Draft removes the tedious, frustrating initial editing step, and it can be particularly beneficial for creators with accessibility needs.

The feature seamlessly integrates within Instagram's existing Reels flow, so there's no need to switch to a separate app. Unlike Instagram's standalone video editor 'Edits', which offers advanced editing capabilities like frame-accurate timelines and AI-powered effects, First Draft is more of a smart automated tool. Instagram's progress on creator-focused features includes the introduction of Replace Audio and Series in 2026.

While the tool relies on automated technology rather than explicit AI, Instagram hasn't officially confirmed this. The rollout of First Draft falls in line with Instagram's recent trend of prioritizing creator-friendly features. WhatsApp is adding more security enhancements, including stronger two-step verification and support for passkeys, which over a billion users have already adopted.

Meanwhile, Threads is testing a feature that will display transcripts over podcast audio clips, enabling users to read along without turning up the sound. Meta is also testing Pocket, an experimental app for transforming simple ideas into shareable, playable experiences, originally tested in Brazil and soon to be available across the U.S.