Instagram has added a new iPhone-only tool that generates Reels automatically. Users simply choose their video clips and the app produces an edited version with a single tap.
Nevertheless, Meta is taking great care not to suggest that this feature can replace the editorial expertise of professional creators …
This caution also influenced how the feature was named — dubbed First Draft, indicating it serves merely as a starting point for artistic choices.
Presenting First Draft, a fresh method for creating Reels directly within Instagram. Pick your clips, tap once, and the tool removes dead space and shortens clips to give you a quick foundation to expand upon. Every action taken by First Draft can be undone, allowing you to tweak or rearrange segments at any time before continuing. It manages the initial trimming process so you spend less time on technical tasks and more time on creativity.
Introducing First draft, a new way to create a Reel within the Instagram app. Simply select your clips, and with one tap, it cuts the pauses and trims down your clips, so you have a starting point to build from in seconds. Everything First draft does is reversible, you can adjust or reorder anything before moving on. It handles the early video trimming so you can focus less on technical production, and get to the creative part sooner.
The company demonstrated the workflow and outcome via a Threads post.
Users can also generate a First Draft edit right after recording.
Two methods exist for accessing this feature:
There are 2 ways to access this feature:1. Open Reels gallery → Select 1+ clips → Tap the “First draft” button at the bottom of your screen → Review edit → Proceed to full editor or publish.2. Open camera in Instagram → Film your content → Tap the “First draft’ button + Review edit + Proceed to full editor to publish
- Open the Reels gallery → Choose one or more clips → Press the “First draft” button at the bottom of the screen → Examine the edit → Move to the full editor or publish.
- Launch the Instagram camera → Capture your content → Hit the “First draft” button → Review the edit → Continue to the full editor to publish.
Some creators have asked why this isn’t located in the separate Edits app, and Meta replied that it might bring the feature there too if needed. At present, only the iPhone version includes this capability, though an Android rollout is expected soon.
