Instagram launches automated Reels editing tool

Instagram has launched a new tool called First Draft, designed to simplify the creation of Reels by automatically editing raw video clips into a preliminary cut. The feature, announced on August 25, 2026, is initially available on iOS devices and aims to reduce the time creators spend on basic editing tasks like trimming and removing pauses. First Draft is integrated directly into Instagram's Reels creation flow. Users can access it from the camera while recording or from their gallery after selecting multiple clips. Instead of manually editing each video, they can tap the new First Draft button.