A simple first video is closer than you think — start with one small step.
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Edit your first video

6 Quick Steps to Edit Your First Video in Edits

Learn the basics of mobile video editing in a few minutes — using only your phone and the free Edits app.

No previous editing experience or professional equipment needed.

Start the quick guide
6 short videos · approximately 7 minutes

Your outcome

A finished vertical video

Add your clips, remove what you do not need, arrange the timeline, adjust the sound and export the result.

Start here

You do not need complicated software to make your first video.

Follow six short Steps in Edits. Pause whenever you want to try something on your phone. The goal is not perfection — it is learning the basic workflow.

01Install and open EditsGet the app ready0:30 02Create a projectAdd clips from your gallery1:00 03Split and removeCut unwanted moments1:30 04Move clipsChange the story order0:45 05Work with audioAdjust sound, music and voice2:30 06Export your videoSave the finished file0:30

Before you start

A few small things will make this easier.

  • Install the free Edits app on your phone.
  • Choose a few video clips from your camera roll.
  • Keep your phone nearby while you follow along.
  • Choose clips you do not mind editing or deleting.

What you will learn

  • How to create a project and add clips.
  • How to split and delete unwanted parts.
  • How to move clips on the timeline.
  • How to adjust volume, add audio and record your voice.
  • How to export your finished video.
Step 1 of 6
01

Step 1 of 6

Install and Open Edits

Video length: approximately 30 seconds

In this Step

You will install Edits and open the app for the first time.

Follow along

  1. Open the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Search for Edits.
  3. Install the app and open it.
  4. Sign in with your Instagram account details if the app asks you to log in.

Edits uses an account connected to Instagram, so choose the account you want to use for your video projects.

Try it now

Open Edits and make sure you can see the app’s main screen.

You are ready for the next Step when…

Edits is installed, open and connected to the Instagram account you want to use.

Next Step →
02

Step 2 of 6

Create a Project and Add Your Videos

Video length: approximately 1 minute

In this Step

You will create your first project and add video clips from your gallery.

Follow along

  1. Open the Projects tab.
  2. Tap the + button.
  3. Choose the option to create a video from your gallery.
  4. Allow access to your photos and videos when prompted.
  5. Choose all photos or only selected items.
  6. Select the clips you want to use and tap OK or the closest matching confirmation button.

Your clips will appear in the project timeline, one after another.

Try it now

Add at least two clips to your project.

You are ready for the next Step when…

You can see your clips inside one project and on the timeline.

← PreviousNext Step →
03

Step 3 of 6

Split and Remove Unwanted Parts

Video length: approximately 1 minute 30 seconds

In this Step

You will cut a clip into smaller parts and delete the section you do not need.

First, select the right editing level

Tap the project area for project-level controls. Tap a clip when you want to edit only that clip.

Follow along

  1. Tap the clip you want to edit.
  2. Move the playhead to the point where you want to make a cut.
  3. Tap Split.
  4. Tap the new section you do not want to keep.
  5. Tap Delete.
  6. Play the video to check the cut.
Try it now

Remove one unwanted moment from one of your clips. Play from a few seconds before the cut.

You are ready for the next Step when…

You can split a clip and remove a section without deleting the parts you want to keep.

← PreviousNext Step →
04

Step 4 of 6

Move Clips on the Timeline

Video length: approximately 45 seconds

In this Step

You will change the order of your clips.

Follow along

  1. Press and hold the clip you want to move.
  2. Drag it left or right on the timeline.
  3. Release it in the new position.
  4. Play the video and check the new order.

Try placing the clip you want people to see first at the beginning of the timeline.

Try it now

Move one clip to a different position and decide whether the new opening is clearer.

You are ready for the next Step when…

Your clips appear in the order you want people to watch them.

← PreviousNext Step →
05

Step 5 of 6

Adjust Volume, Add Music and Record Your Voice

Video length: approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds

In this Step

You will work with the audio in your video. Keep the voice or important original sound easy to hear.

Adjust the original clip volume

For the whole video, use the project-level volume control. For one clip, tap the clip, tap Volume and choose the level you want. If your version includes an option to apply the same volume to all clips, use it after choosing the level you want.

Add music or record your voice

  1. Tap Audio, then choose Music.
  2. Select a track and lower it if it covers the original sound or your voice.
  3. Use the audio controls for a gradual fade in or fade out when helpful.
  4. To record your voice, tap the microphone, tap Record and speak clearly.
Try it now

Keep the original sound, add quiet music or record a short voice-over. Listen in a quiet room or with headphones.

You are ready for the next Step when…

Your audio is clear and music supports the video instead of covering it.

← PreviousNext Step →
06

Step 6 of 6

Export Your Video

Video length: approximately 30 seconds

In this Step

You will save your finished video so you can watch it, share it or publish it.

Follow along

  1. Tap the Export button.
  2. Choose HD if the option is available.
  3. Choose 30 fps for the frame rate.
  4. Turn HDR off.
  5. Tap Next.
  6. Save the video to your phone or continue to Instagram if that option is available.

Export options can look different on different phones and app versions. Choose the closest matching options on your screen.

Try it now

Export your video and watch it once from beginning to end before you publish it.

You are ready when…

Your finished video is saved on your phone and plays the way you expected.

← PreviousFinish the guide ✓

Before you share

Your quick export checklist

Check each item before you publish or send your video to someone else.

You made it

You just edited your first video.

You now know the basic workflow: add clips, cut, rearrange, adjust the audio and export. Your next video does not need to be perfect — it just needs to be made.

Join the waitlist →
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About OStory

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We show you how to approach social media practically and humanely, with small steps and ideas you can actually use.

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Questions

FAQ

Is this guide for complete beginners?

Yes. The guide assumes that you can use a phone but have little or no video-editing experience.

Do I need professional equipment?

No. You need a phone, a few clips and the free Edits app.

Will Edits look exactly the same on my phone?

Controls and labels can vary between phones and app versions. When a label may vary, choose the closest matching option on your screen.

Do I have to add music?

No. You can keep the original sound, mute it, add quiet music or record a voice-over.

Where can I learn more?

Join the waitlist for the upcoming OStory English course to learn more about creating videos, Reels and content with simple tools.