Instagram’s new First Draft tool automates Reels editing
Meta’s latest Instagram feature trims silences and pauses from short-form video clips, offering a streamlined workflow for creators on iOS.
Meta has introduced a new editing tool for Instagram called First Draft, designed to automate the initial stages of producing short-form video content for Reels. The feature specifically targets the removal of silences and pauses from clips, allowing creators to focus on creative decisions rather than the tedious task of cleaning up footage.
To utilise First Draft, users can select clips from their existing Reels Gallery or apply the tool immediately after shooting new footage. The system analyses the selected clips, trims them appropriately, and arranges them on a timeline for playback. From this pre-assembled cut, creators can choose to make further edits within the app or post the content directly to their feed or Story.
While Meta has previously rolled out various artificial intelligence experiments on the platform, including Meta AI in messages and prompt-based Story editing, the company’s announcement of First Draft notably omits any reference to AI. According to reports from The Verge, this distinction is deliberate, as Meta technically classifies the technology behind First Draft as machine learning rather than artificial intelligence.
This approach marks a shift in how the company labels its editing capabilities, particularly following the launch of Edits, a standalone video editing app with AI-powered features, in April 2025. The absence of AI terminology in this release suggests a more specific technical classification for the new tool, even as it serves a similar purpose of streamlining video production.
The feature is currently available on iOS devices. Meta has not yet confirmed a release date for Android users, leaving the timeline for broader platform availability uncertain.
For many users, First Draft addresses a common pain point in social media content creation by handling the "busywork" of video assembly. By providing a functional first pass, the tool aims to reduce the friction between capturing footage and publishing a polished Reel.
