If you’ve ever spent time manually editing clips together for an Instagram Reel, you know how quickly a simple video edit can take up your day. However, all that is about to change with the introduction of Meta’s new Reel editing tool, First Draft.
How does First Draft work?
First Draft is designed to speed up short-form video content creation. Rather than starting from scratch and building a sequence frame by frame, the new tool automatically creates a ready-to-edit draft from the unedited clips you upload. Once you select your unedited footage, Instagram scans the files, identifies the highlights, removes the extra background noise such as awkward silences, and stitches the clips together.
According to TechCrunch, the result is a video draft produced within 10 seconds. This means you no longer need to spend time manually editing your clips together; instead, you get a clean draft ready for you to add text overlays, captions, and other creative elements.
Importantly, you retain total control over the final cut. First Draft uses basic motion and audio cues, rather than generative AI, so it simply organises your footage, rather than making permanent changes, such as deleting the trimmed video. This means you’re in complete control, and can tweak timings, reorder clips, or undo edits without affecting your original files.
Why has Meta introduced First Draft?
Automated editing features aren’t new; tools such as CapCut’s Auto Cut and Adobe Firefly’s Quick Cuts already do something similar. What sets First Draft apart is its direct integration into Instagram, which eliminates the need for creators to use third-party apps to edit and re-upload. Essentially, this new Instagram feature is designed to keep creators within the app, allowing them to record, edit, and publish in one place. This is a game-changer as Instagram’s algorithm favours Reels that are created directly within the app, rather than uploads from other sites, such as TikTok.
What to consider when creating content with First Draft
Short-form video content is becoming more important for brands trying to build an authentic presence online. According to recent data, 63% of Australians watch short-form videos every week, with formats like Reels producing some of the highest engagement and buying-intent rates in the market.
However, high engagement numbers don’t automatically mean short-form video is the right fit for every social media plan. Short-form video can be demanding to produce consistently, and tools like First Draft are designed to speed up the editing process, not make the creative decisions for you.
If short-form videos do make sense for your business, First Cut can help you create content quicker. However, it’s important to keep in mind that good Reel content uses the following:
- Lead With The Hook: People scroll through short-form content quickly. If you want to capture your audience, get to the point quickly, before they scroll away.
- One Point Per Video: Keep each video focused on one simple concept. You don’t have long to get your point across, so focus on one simple tip or quick update.
- Don’t Skip the Captions: Even though you’ll likely have sound in your Reel, many people watch short-form videos with the sound off. Adding on-screen text ensures your point actually gets across.
If you want to talk strategy for your paid social, get in touch with the team at LEP Digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access First Draft?
Instagram’s new First Draft tool is only located within the main Instagram app, not in the Edits feature. If you’re unfamiliar with Edits, it’s essentially Instagram’s standalone editing app that’s similar to CapCut.
Will First Draft replace Instagram’s Edits feature?
First Draft isn’t a replacement for Edits; they’re both designed for different jobs. First Draft is built for speed and for creators who don’t want to start from a blank timeline. Edits is designed for those who want detailed control over timelines, transitions and effects. However, both features can complement each other. You can use First Draft to create a quick first cut, which you can then refine within the Edits app.
Will First Draft ever be available in the Edits feature?
Instagram has said it’s open to bringing First Draft into Edits eventually, but for now the tools remain separate.
Is First Draft available on iPhone?
First Draft is currently only available on iPhone, with no confirmed Android timeline.
