Instagram’s new standalone editing app, Instagram Edits, has seen a remarkable launch, topping 7 million downloads within its first week, according to data from market intelligence firm Appfigures. This debut even outpaced the performance of CapCut, the popular video editing app by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance.
Instagram Edits offers a range of quick video editing tools, making it easier for users to produce polished short-form content without needing professional software. This strategic move highlights Instagram’s focus on empowering creators and competing more aggressively in the short video space.
“7 million downloads in a week is massive — it’s bigger than we expected,” said a spokesperson for Instagram. The company did not release its own internal figures but confirmed the app’s strong early momentum.
CapCut, by comparison, took longer to hit similar numbers during its rollout. However, CapCut remains a major player with over 500 million active users globally today.
The success of Instagram Edits underscores a larger trend: social platforms are increasingly building standalone apps to support creators and keep them within their ecosystems. Analysts suggest that the simplicity and strong branding of Instagram Edits have contributed significantly to its early traction.
While it’s too early to predict long-term retention, early data suggests Instagram Edits could become a core tool for influencers and casual creators alike.
