If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably heard about the new creative tool called Edits. But the big question is, Is Edits an Instagram app free? In this guide, we explore everything from its pricing structure to what it actually offers, especially for Kenyan content creators who are always looking for efficient tools to improve their posts.
What Is Edits and How Does It Work?
Edits is a new feature rolled out within the Instagram ecosystem, designed to help users make advanced adjustments to their photos and videos. Instead of downloading third-party apps like VSCO or Snapseed, Instagram now allows users to fine-tune elements like brightness, contrast, saturation, and even add creative effects—all within the app.
This move aligns with Instagram’s strategy to become a one-stop platform for content creation, much like how platforms such as TikTok and YouTube have expanded their in-app editing tools.
For a full feature breakdown, check out our in-depth article: Edits: An Instagram App – Everything You Need to Know
Is Edits on Instagram Really Free?
Yes, the Edits feature on Instagram is completely free—for now. You don’t need to pay extra to access it. Instagram included this tool in its latest update to improve user experience without asking for subscriptions or one-time purchases.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Feature | Included in Edits (Free) | Requires Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Photo Adjustments | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Advanced Video Filters | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Custom Presets | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Ads-Free Editing Experience | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Cloud Sync (Instagram-based) | ✔️ | ❌ |
As seen in the table above, every core feature of Edits is available at no cost. However, keep in mind that this could change in the future. Instagram may decide to introduce premium editing bundles or exclusive filters through Meta’s subscription services like Meta Verified.
Why Instagram Made Edits Free
Instagram’s decision to offer Edits for free is no accident. The app is competing fiercely with other platforms, and providing built-in, no-cost editing tools encourages users to stay longer within the app. Additionally, it lowers the barrier for content creation—especially in regions like Kenya, where creators often use budget smartphones like the Redmi A5.
By offering a free tool, Instagram reduces creators’ dependence on external apps. This makes the overall process of publishing high-quality content much easier and faster.
How Does Edits Compare to Other Editing Apps?
To give you more clarity, here’s how Edits compares to a few popular editing apps:
| Feature/Tool | Instagram Edits | Snapseed | VSCO | Lightroom Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Freemium | Freemium |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
| Integrated with Social Media | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Requires Download | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Clearly, the key advantage of Edits is its integration within Instagram, removing the need to download multiple apps or transfer files back and forth.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the question Is Edits an Instagram app free?—yes, it absolutely is. You can access all its features without paying a shilling. For Kenyan creators and influencers, this is a major win. It saves time, reduces mobile storage stress, and streamlines the content creation workflow.
As Instagram continues to compete with other platforms, features like Edits are likely just the beginning. If you’re a creator who already uses budget-friendly smartphones like the Redmi A5, this tool helps you achieve high-quality results without needing to invest in expensive editing apps or software.
To learn more about how Instagram is changing content creation, check out our companion guide: Edits: An Instagram App – Everything You Need to Know
You can also explore Instagram’s evolution by reading more about photo editing and mobile app development on Wikipedia.
