Photo Credit: Instagram
Instagram launches “First Draft” for Reels, enabling users to generate a new video by automatically picking out the best parts from existing clips.
This week, Instagram unveiled its new First Draft feature for Reels, an option that allows users to generate a new video by automatically picking out the best parts from their existing clips. As demonstrated in example footage, First Draft will put together a first attempt at a new Reel based on multiple video clips by picking out the best parts of each and arranging them into a single video.
“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,” Instagram explains.
Creators can then edit and customize their draft as they like, making it easier to get started on a Reels project.
“Everything First Draft does is reversible; you can adjust or reorder anything before moving on,” said Instagram. “It handles the early video trimming so you can focus less on technical production and get to the creative part sooner.”
Instagram believes the feature will simplify the creation process by providing its key creation tools in a single place. Combined with Instagram’s increasingly expanded editing tool offerings available in the Edits app, there are even more ways for creators to streamline their process.
“This is a massive tie-saver for talking-head videos,” expressed one user on Threads. “Cutting silences manually takes forever!”
At the very least, it offers a potentially valuable starting point by eliminating initial second-guessing and generating the framework for new content using a creator’s existing material. It’s especially valuable given that Reels consumption now accounts for approximately 50% of all time spent on Instagram—meaning it’s more important than ever to incorporate Reels content into your creator workflow.
Currently rolling out for iOS users, First Draft will likely be available on Android soon. Users can access First Draft in the Reels gallery or in the Instagram camera. Some users have also expressed a desire for access to it in the Instagram Edits app, so that addition could be forthcoming.