Instagram adds AI-like tool that auto-cuts Reels clips to highlight moments

Instagram announced the launch of First Draft, a new editing aid for Reels that automatically cuts down lengthy video clips to their most engaging parts. Available on the iPhone app, the feature works when users pick several clips and press the First Draft button, prompting the platform to scan each segment—typically longer than a minute—and excise pauses. The resulting snippets are then combined into a single Reel that can be further refined before sharing.

Instagram describes the tool as suitable for multi-clip montages, talking-head formats, and day-in-the-life footage. While similar to Adobe’s AI-driven Quick Cut, Instagram has not disclosed if First Draft relies on artificial intelligence. The company did not respond to a request for additional details.