Instagram is rolling out a new Reels-editing feature called “First Draft” that automatically creates an initial video cut by trimming clips and removing pauses. The tool is designed to identify highlights and assemble them into a ready-to-use Reel, taking less than 10 seconds for the first draft.
The feature gives creators a starting point that they can further edit with other tools in Instagram’s iPhone app. Outlets describe it as reducing the most time-consuming parts of Reels production, such as manually selecting segments and trimming away quiet or idle sections. Instagram characterizes First Draft as an automatic edit that focuses on the best moments rather than a fully finalized video, with users able to refine the result.
Across coverage, the main differences are the emphasis: some outlets highlight speed and one-tap simplicity, while others focus on eliminating pauses and highlighting curation. All reports agree that First Draft is being introduced through Instagram’s iPhone app rollout and is intended to make Reel creation less tedious.
