If you’ve been creating video content for your business lately, you’ll know that short-form video is where it’s at. Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts – video consistently outperforms static posts for reach, engagement and brand awareness.
But once you’ve filmed your clips, the big question is: where should you edit them?
Two of the most talked-about tools are Instagram Edits, a new companion app designed to connect directly with your Instagram account, and CapCut, the popular free editor from the makers of TikTok. Both enable you to transform your footage, but there are some key differences in how they handle your content, and those differences really matter for small business owners.
Why use Instagram Edits?
Simple and built for Reels
The Instagram Edits app is the tool I personally use and would recommend to anyone creating content. It connects directly to your Instagram account, so your videos, music and audio trends all stay in sync with what’s happening on the platform.
Within the app you can:
- Trim and reorder clips
- Add text, captions, filters, transitions, voiceovers and stickers
- Access Instagram’s trending audio library so your Reels use sounds that are relevant.
- Preview exactly how your video will look before posting
- And perhaps the biggest win for content creators… it currently allows you to download your edited videos to your phone with music and without a watermark.
Because it links straight to Instagram, if this is your core platform it can make the editing to posting process smoother and faster. If you’re posting your video straight away, there is no exporting or re-uploading, which saves you from endless app-hopping.
It’s ideal if you want to:
– Create videos efficiently and post them straight to Instagram
– Keep your workflow simple and connected
– Tap into trending sounds for better reach
For content creators though – it also has the huge bonus of being able to download your video up to 4K quality so you can schedule it on other platforms – Hallelujah!
Why use CapCut?
CapCut is powerful, but not without controversy
CapCut is a well-known editing app with lots of flashy effects, beginner friendly templates and cool transitions. But it’s also owned by ByteDance, the same company behind TikTok and it has definitely had some red flags raised about it recently.
In June 2025, CapCut updated their terms of service which give them broad rights over the content you upload, including permission to use, modify, or distribute it. In practice, this means your branded or client content could, in theory, be reused, analysed, or used to train algorithms.
There are also continuing concerns around: How user data is stored and share, the lack of clarity on privacy protections and the use of uploaded content for AI or recommendation-system training.
For personal creators that might not be a big deal, but for small businesses and brands who want to protect their assets and customer trust, it’s definitely worth thinking twice about.
Instagram Edits is the smarter, safer option
If you want a privacy-conscious, time-efficient way to create high-quality Reels that align with the latest trends, Instagram Edits is the clear winner.
It keeps your creative process connected directly to the platform, gives you access to licensed, royalty free and trending music and helps you maintain full control over your content.
In short it’s faster if Instagram is your core channel, safer and designed for growth on Instagram.
Want to get confident creating short form video content for social media?
Join my upcoming Short-Form Video Workshop, where I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan, film and edit with the Instagram Edits app – plus share practical strategies to make your videos stand out and drive real results for your business.
Book your spot and start creating confident, scroll-stopping Reels today!
