Instagram Edits has a new feature rolling out and it could make creating carousels much quicker

If creating content for Instagram sometimes feels like it involves approximately 47 different apps, this update is for you.

Instagram’s Edits app has just become a whole lot more useful. Originally launched primarily as a video editing app, Edits has been steadily adding more tools to help creators plan, make and edit their content in one place.

And now there’s a big new addition rolling out: the ability to create and design static images and carousels as well as Reels.

For small business owners, freelancers and creatives who are already juggling all the things, this will hopefully save time and overwhelm.

You can update up to 20 carousel photos or videos.

What can you do in Edits?

Until now, you might have used Edits for your Reels, another design tool like Canva for your carousels and graphics, your camera roll for photos, Instagram itself for finishing touches… and possibly another app somewhere along the way.

The new functionality means you can create much more of your Instagram content within Edits itself. You can bring in your images, create individual posts or multi-slide carousels, add text and design elements, and work on your Reels within the same creative space.

Why I think this matters for small businesses

Most small business owners aren't full-time content creators. You're running a shop, meeting clients, making products, organising events, managing staff… and somewhere in amongst all of that, you're expected to keep Instagram ticking over too.

So I'm always interested in tools that don't necessarily help us create more content, but help us create good content more efficiently.

That's where I think Edits is becoming really useful.

Meta has been quite clear about its ambition to make Edits a more complete creative workspace, bringing together inspiration, ideas, editing and insights rather than forcing creators to continually jump between different apps. For those of us creating our own marketing content, that's a very welcome direction.

If you haven't explored Edits yet, now's the time

And don't be put off if video editing isn't your thing. That's exactly why this update is interesting. Edits is becoming much less about simply making Reels and much more about supporting your wider Instagram content creation.

Have a play. Import some photos. Try creating a carousel. Add your text and experiment with the tools. You may need to UPDATE your app if you can't see the carousel feature within Edits, turn the Carousel Editor function on in Labs feature in you Instagram settings or wait until it's fully rolled out!

Want me to show you?

I hope to run my Instagram Edits Workshop again soon, so if you'd be interesting in coming, please drop me a message (sarah@thecreativeduck.co.uk) and I'll add you to the list.