Instagram Launches AI Tool to Speed Up Reel Creation on iPhone

Instagram is rolling out First Draft, an automation feature designed to streamline the video creation process for iPhone users. The tool leverages artificial intelligence to assemble preliminary reels by automatically selecting clips, trimming excess footage, and eliminating silent pauses—tasks that traditionally consume significant time during video editing.

The feature operates as an intermediary step in the content creation workflow. After users select their desired video clips, First Draft generates a rough version that serves as a foundation for further editing. This initial assembly allows creators to focus their efforts on refinement rather than basic structural tasks.

Once the automated rough cut is generated, iPhone users retain full control over the final product. The platform enables editing and modification of the automatically-created reel before publication, ensuring creators can maintain their creative vision while benefiting from automation for time-consuming preliminary work.

The introduction of First Draft reflects Instagram's broader push to lower barriers to reel creation amid intensifying competition from short-form video platforms. By reducing the technical and time-intensive aspects of video assembly, Meta aims to encourage greater participation in reel production among its user base, particularly those who may find the editing process daunting.