Instagram’s ‘First Draft’ feature aims to make editing Reels less tedious

Instagram says its First Draft feature can generate an initial version of a Reel in under 10 seconds. The tool is designed to reduce editing time for creators and make short-form video production more accessible to users with limited editing experience.

Automated rough-cut editing reflects a broader push to lower the barrier to content creation as platforms compete for creator engagement. If effective, tools like this could shift more creators toward faster, iterative workflows and increase the volume of short-form video posted on Instagram.