Instagram First Draft Automatically Trims Reels on iPhone

Instagram is rolling out Instagram First Draft, a new Reels editing feature that automatically trims selected video clips and removes pauses to create a starting cut. The feature is initially available on iPhone and is designed to get creators past the repetitive first stage of editing faster.

Instagram says the process can produce a starting point in seconds. The result is still a draft, so creators can continue editing, reorder clips, adjust the cut, or move into Instagram's full editor before publishing.

Instagram First Draft Handles the First Cut

Creators can select multiple clips from the Reels gallery and tap First Draft. Instagram then shortens the clips and removes pauses before assembling the remaining footage into a Reel. The company says the tool is intended for multi-clip montages, talking-head videos, and day-in-the-life content.

The feature can also be used immediately after recording through Instagram's camera. In either case, the automatic edit is reversible, so the creator can change or reorder the result instead of being locked into Instagram's first suggestion.

Instagram First Draft Is Not an AI Video Editor

Instagram has confirmed that First Draft does not use artificial intelligence. That separates it from some automated video-editing tools that use AI to identify moments or build edits. First Draft is focused on basic trimming and assembly inside Instagram.

Instagram is automating part of the editing workflow, but it has not presented First Draft as an AI video generator or an AI editor.

The Feature Keeps More Editing Inside Instagram

First Draft gives creators a quicker starting point without requiring them to move raw clips into another editor just to make an initial cut. Instagram has also been adding smaller editing controls, including a tool for replacing music on existing posts without losing engagement.

The update fits into Meta's broader push to give creators more ways to make content inside its apps. Meta has also introduced Muse for generating images for creators and Instagram Stories.

For creators with several clips in their camera roll, Instagram can now handle some of the initial cutting before they make the creative decisions that shape the final Reel.

Instagram First Draft Starts on iPhone

Instagram is rolling out First Draft on iPhone. Users can find it from the Reels gallery after selecting clips, or from Instagram's camera after recording. Android availability has not been confirmed in the announcement.

First Draft does not replace Instagram's full editor. It is a faster first pass that leaves creators in control of the final Reel.