Instagram has expanded its video editing platform Edits beyond smartphones with the launch of a desktop version for macOS. The new app brings a wider range of editing tools to Mac users, including a multi-track timeline, keyframe controls, colour grading features and support for custom fonts and audio.
The launch gives creators more flexibility when working on detailed video projects, while allowing them to publish directly to Instagram without switching between applications. Videos can also be exported in resolutions of up to 4K without watermarks.
The announcement comes as Edits crosses 50 million users, just over a year after its debut on mobile devices, according to Meta.
What does Instagram Edits for Mac offer?
The desktop version is designed to make video editing easier for creators working on complex projects. According to Brett Westervelt, product lead for Edits, the larger screen, along with keyboard and mouse support, addresses some of the limitations of editing videos on smartphones.
Its multi-track timeline allows users to work with multiple clips, while keyframe controls offer greater precision when adjusting transitions. Visual audio waveforms help creators synchronise video edits with music beats.
The app also includes advanced colour grading options such as colour wheels, log conversions, tone curves and support for imported Look-Up Tables (LUTs). Users can customise keyboard shortcuts or import familiar settings from other editing applications.
Creators also get access to Instagram's licensed and royalty-free audio libraries. They can import custom fonts, generate automated captions in multiple languages and access assets and text styles previously saved in the mobile app.
Direct Instagram publishing and AI support
Edits for Mac supports connecting AI agents through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing them to assist with editing workflows.
The app also offers direct publishing to Instagram, with options to add account tags and location details. Creators can publish Trial Reels directly from the editor.
For those sharing content across platforms, the software supports both vertical and horizontal video formats, with exports of up to 4K resolution without watermarks.
Availability and system requirements
Instagram Edits for Mac is available as a free download through the Edits website. However, the app is currently limited to macOS and requires an Apple silicon-powered Mac, starting with the M1 chip.
There is no Windows version at launch. Users must also sign in with an Instagram account to sync projects and publish videos directly to the platform.