Instagram launches First Draft, an auto-Reel feature for iPhone

The company said the feature handles the initial editing work: "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. Everything First draft does is reversible, you can adjust or reorder anything before moving on." Meta also shared an example of the process and the result in a Threads post. There is even an option to create a first draft edit immediately after filming.

Users can access the feature in two ways. They can open the Reels gallery, select one or more clips, tap the "First draft" button at the bottom of the screen, review the edit, and then proceed to the full editor or publish. Alternatively, they can open the camera in Instagram, film content, tap the "First draft" button, review the edit, and then proceed to the full editor to publish.

Some creators have questioned why the feature is in the main Instagram app rather than the separate Edits app. Meta responded that it could make the feature available in both apps if desired. Currently, First Draft is limited to the iPhone app, with an Android version likely to follow.