Instagram’s Edits video-editing app is expanding beyond mobile, with a new desktop version now available for Mac. The update brings a more advanced editing workspace, additional creative controls and AI integration, giving users more flexibility when producing videos for Instagram and other platforms.

Originally launched in January 2025, Edits was designed to give creators an alternative to popular mobile editing apps such as CapCut. The new Mac version takes things further, offering a more traditional desktop editing experience while retaining many of the features that made the original app appealing.

Instagram Edits gets a desktop upgrade

The biggest change is the introduction of a full multi-track timeline, making it easier to work with multiple video clips and audio layers in a single project.

Users can split, cut and trim footage with greater precision, while keyframes allow for more dynamic transitions. There are also detailed audio waveforms for accurate cuts, alongside advanced colour grading controls, including colour wheels, curves and log conversions.

The desktop app supports both horizontal and vertical aspect ratios, with watermark-free exports in resolutions up to 4K. This means finished videos can be shared across different platforms without being restricted to Instagram’s usual formats.

There are several other additions, too. Users can import their own fonts and Look-up Tables (LUTs), customise keyboard shortcuts and access Instagram’s licensed and royalty-free audio libraries. Hundreds of sound and video effects are included, alongside automatic captions in multiple languages.

Saved audio and text styles from the mobile app will also be available when users open Edits on Mac. However, the ability to move between mobile and desktop while working on the same project isn’t available just yet.

Instagram says it plans to release weekly updates to the desktop app as it continues developing the experience.

AI assistants can help build video edits

A particularly notable addition is support for AI agents through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

As The Verge reports, the integration allows users to connect AI assistants, including Meta’s own Muse, to Edits and use them to carry out editing tasks.

For example, a creator could ask an AI agent to find video clips in a folder and assemble them into a rough cut. The resulting project can then be opened in Edits, where the user can continue making adjustments manually.

Matthew Simari, Instagram’s head of product management for Edits, told The Verge that creators can “go back and forth from agentic to manual editing”.

The idea is to let AI handle some of the initial groundwork without taking creative control away from the person making the video. Users aren’t limited to Meta’s own assistant, either, with the MCP integration designed to work with different AI agents.

This builds on Instagram’s earlier introduction of an AI creative assistant for its mobile Edits app, which offers suggestions based on creators’ existing video performance and account analytics.

Instagram continues expanding its video tools

The Mac release is another significant step for Edits since its original launch. When Instagram first announced its dedicated video-editing app, it positioned the software as a place for creators to plan, produce and manage their video content.

Since then, the platform has continued adding features, including AI assistance and more advanced creative controls. The desktop launch also arrives as Instagram experiments with longer-form horizontal video, moving beyond its traditional emphasis on short vertical Reels.

There are some limitations to the new release. Edits for Mac requires an Apple Silicon computer (M1 or later), meaning older Intel-based Macs aren’t supported. There’s currently no Windows or Linux version, either.

Instagram has confirmed that cross-platform project editing is in development, although it hasn’t given a release date. For now, the desktop app offers a more capable editing environment in its own right, with further updates expected.

Distribute your music to all major streaming platforms around the world with RouteNote. Sign up today to get started.

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AI music creation and music sharing are becoming increasingly connected. ElevenLabs has partnered with SoundCloud to let users publish AI-generated tracks directly from its ElevenMusic platform, removing the need to download and upload music separately.

Announced on November 5, the partnership brings AI-generated music closer to SoundCloud’s community of artists and listeners. It also highlights how music platforms are approaching AI differently, with opportunities for creators alongside ongoing questions about rights, transparency and the future of music discovery.

ElevenMusic users can publish AI music directly to SoundCloud

Creators can now generate music using ElevenMusic and publish it straight to SoundCloud without leaving their creative workflow. This makes SoundCloud the first external platform to support direct publishing from ElevenMusic, connecting AI music creation with an established community for sharing and discovering music.

It’s easy to get started too. Users can connect their SoundCloud account through ElevenMusic’s profile settings. Once linked, select an original track, add a description, genre and tags, then choose ‘Save to SoundCloud’ to publish it.

A bonus for SoundCloud Artist Pro subscribers

There’s also a new benefit for SoundCloud Artist Pro subscribers. Both new and existing members can claim three months of ElevenMusic Pro through SoundCloud’s Member Benefits programme.

The offer includes access to:

• Up to 1,000 song creations per month
• 500 stem splits per month
• Five custom styles or vocals per month

The companies say this is the beginning of a broader collaboration, with further opportunities to connect music creation and discovery potentially on the way.

SoundCloud’s growing relationship with AI music

The ElevenLabs partnership arrives as SoundCloud continues to expand its connections with AI-powered music tools.

In October, SoundCloud partnered with Moises, an AI-powered music production platform. This partnership allows artists to import SoundCloud tracks into Moises, work on them using its creative tools and publish them back to SoundCloud.

The ElevenMusic integration takes a slightly different approach. Rather than bringing existing tracks into a production environment, it connects AI-generated music with a platform where creators can share their work and reach listeners.

SoundCloud’s growing integration with AI tools comes at a time when the music industry remains divided over their impact.

Deezer has introduced AI music detection and labelling to improve transparency, while Bandcamp has prohibited AI-generated music under its platform policies. Other services are taking different approaches to identifying and managing AI-generated content.

SoundCloud, meanwhile, is positioning AI as another way for artists to experiment and share music, while emphasising that its existing content policies still apply.

Tracks published directly through ElevenMusic will carry disclosures identifying their creation source, and SoundCloud says uploads must comply with its existing ownership and rights requirements.

What does this mean for independent artists and labels?

The ElevenLabs and SoundCloud partnership reflects a wider shift towards AI becoming part of the music creation and distribution process.

For independent artists and producers, tools like ElevenMusic can provide another way to experiment with ideas, explore different sounds and develop creative concepts. Direct publishing also reduces the number of steps between creating a track and sharing it with an audience.

However, making music easier to create and publish doesn’t necessarily make it easier to build a sustainable music career.

With AI-generated tracks becoming more accessible, artists still need to consider what makes their music distinctive, how they connect with listeners and how they build a recognisable identity.

Transparency and ownership remain important, too. SoundCloud’s existing policies apply to AI-generated uploads, including requirements around copyright and impersonation. Creators should make sure they understand the terms of any AI tools they use and have the necessary rights to publish their music.

AI music creation and distribution continue to evolve

The ElevenLabs and SoundCloud partnership brings AI-generated music closer to an established music-sharing platform, offering creators a more direct route from experimentation to publication.

It also raises broader questions about how streaming services will balance AI-powered creativity with artists’ rights, listener transparency and the value of human-made music.

As more platforms introduce AI tools and integrations, independent artists and labels will need to keep up with changing policies while finding new ways to connect with audiences.

Whether you’re experimenting with AI-assisted production or releasing original music, understanding your distribution options and keeping control of your creative work remain essential.

RouteNote helps you distribute music worldwide, with more guidance offered through the RouteNote Blog.

Start distributing your music for free with RouteNote today.

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Spotify is expanding its partnership with United Airlines, allowing passengers to log into their personal accounts directly through seatback entertainment screens for the first time. The new feature means travellers can access their own playlists, podcasts, audiobooks and personalised recommendations while flying, rather than relying solely on the airline’s curated Spotify selection.

United is the first airline to offer direct access to personal Spotify accounts through seatback screens. The integration is powered by Starlink satellite connectivity and is rolling out across compatible aircraft.

How does Spotify on United Airlines work?

Passengers can connect their Spotify accounts by scanning a QR code displayed on their seatback screen using their phone. Once paired, they’ll have access to their personalised Home feed, saved playlists, Your Library and recommendations.

Getting started with the new inflight feature can be done in three easy steps:

1. Connect your phone to the “United” WiFi network. You don’t need a WiFi pass or to sign in to MileagePlus to use Spotify on the seatback.
2. Tap the Spotify icon or tile on your seatback screen and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.
3. Confirm pairing on your phone. If you’re already logged in to Spotify, your account will connect automatically. Otherwise, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up on your phone.

The integration also brings features including Spotify DJ, music videos and video podcasts to the larger in-flight displays. Passengers can browse content directly on the screen or use their phones as remote controls, while audio continues playing when they switch to other entertainment features.

Both Free and Premium Spotify users can access the service, although available features and playback options will depend on their subscription and market. For security, login details are entered on passengers’ phones rather than the seatback screen, and accounts are automatically logged out at the end of each flight.

The rollout is initially limited to United aircraft equipped with Starlink, with further expansion planned across additional aircraft through 2027.

Spotify expands its in-flight partnership

The update builds on an earlier collaboration launched in June 2025, when United introduced more than 450 hours of curated Spotify playlists, podcasts and audiobooks to its entertainment systems.

According to United, more than 2.3 million passengers have accessed that collection, collectively streaming over 1.9 million hours of content. The latest development takes the partnership further by moving beyond United’s pre-selected Spotify catalogue and allowing passengers to bring their own libraries and listening habits onboard.

It’s also part of a wider trend among airlines and streaming platforms. Apple Music previously partnered with American Airlines to offer passengers free in-flight access to its music catalogue, while Deezer teamed up with Emirates to bring its streaming service to in-flight entertainment. Spotify’s latest United deal builds on this trend by giving passengers access to their own personalised listening experience rather than just a selection of curated content.

What does this mean for music discovery?

For Spotify, the partnership is another way to keep listeners within its ecosystem, even when they’re away from their usual devices. Passengers can browse personalised recommendations, explore playlists and access releases such as New Music Friday as they would at home.

For artists and labels, these integrations extend the environments in which listeners can discover music. They don’t guarantee additional exposure or streams for independent artists, but they give Spotify’s existing discovery features another place to reach audiences.

As streaming platforms compete to become part of more moments throughout the day, making music accessible wherever listeners go is increasingly important. The ability to take a personal library from a phone to a car or even an aeroplane shows how streaming services are becoming less tied to any single device or listening environment.

Distribute your music to Spotify and all major streaming platforms around the world with RouteNote. Sign up today to get started.

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Modern wireless headphones are usually packed with features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio and larger batteries. But Japanese audio brand Final is taking a different approach, with its new Porta headphones which weigh just 40g.

Inspired by portable headphones from the cassette era, the new on-ear headphones bring a familiar retro design into the present with a lightweight structure, wireless connectivity and everyday listening features.

Design and comfort

The standout feature of Final’s Porta headphones is their weight. At approximately 40g, they’re exceptionally lightweight compared with many modern wireless headphones that include padded headbands and larger earcups.

Final achieves this thanks to its Air Wire structure, which replaces the conventional padded headband with a slim wire support. This reduces the amount of material touching the head, with the aim of minimising pressure during extended listening sessions.

The headphones use small on-ear pads, making them a great option for those who find over-ear headphones uncomfortable or don’t enjoy wearing in-ear earbuds. 

They also offer a distinctly retro design, recalling the lightweight headphones once bundled with portable cassette players. 

Final’s Porta headphones come in black and orange, with the colour difference coming from the ear pads rather than the main headphone body. The pads are replaceable, with individual replacements planned for 2027. This gives owners flexibility over the appearance of their headphones while helping to extend their lifespan.

All-in-all, the minimalistic design is a major part of Porta’s appeal. Rather than competing with premium headphones on features, Final is focusing on portability, comfort and a more understated listening experience.

Sound quality

Final describes the Porta headphones’ sound as “light and refreshing”, with a particular focus on giving vocals body in the mid-low range so the overall listening experience isn’t compromised.

They have a specified frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, although this alone doesn’t tell us how the headphones sound in practice. 

The on-ear design means Porta won’t provide the same level of isolation as over-ear headphones. Combined with a lack of active noise cancellation, and surrounding sounds are likely to remain audible. So, for anyone looking to block out noise, these probably aren’t the headphones for you.

Battery life and connectivity

Despite its minimalistic design, Final’s Porta includes the essentials for everyday wireless listening.

The headphones offer up to eight hours of continuous music playback. USB-C charging keeps things familiar, with a full charge taking approximately 90 minutes.

Bluetooth 5.4 connects the headphones to compatible smartphones, tablets and computers, with support for the SBC and AAC audio codecs.

They also carry an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand splashes of water. This offers some reassurance when walking in light rain or exercising, although it doesn’t mean they’re waterproof or suitable for submersion.

Pricing and availability

Final’s Porta headphones are available now in Japan for ¥12,800, which is roughly $80.

At the time of writing, a confirmed international launch has not been announced yet.

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RouteNote has partnered with Lissen, a fan-focused music streaming platform that gives listeners a new way to discover and support the artists they love.

Through the new partnership, RouteNote artists and labels can distribute their music to Lissen alongside other major streaming services, opening up an exciting opportunity to reach even more listeners and earn revenue from their music.

Lissen takes a fan-centric, or user-centric, approach to music streaming, directing a listener’s subscription towards the artists they actually listen to rather than distributing revenue based on overall platform market share.

But Lissen goes beyond simply streaming music. The platform brings together listening, artist discovery and ways for fans to support the artists they follow.

Some of Lissen’s key features include:

• Fan-centric royalties: A listener’s contribution is directed towards the artists they actually listen to.
• Music discovery: Lissen’s feed helps listeners discover new music, releases and content from artists based on their activity.
• Artist profiles: Fans can follow artists and see their music, posts and activity in one place.
• Tickets, merch and drops: Artists can connect with fans beyond streaming through tickets, merchandise and exclusive drops.
• Playlist transfers: Listeners can bring their existing playlists from Spotify, Apple Music and SoundCloud.
• Rewards: Fans can earn Gems and build their ELO score through activity on the platform.

Lissen offers both free, ad-supported listening and a Premium subscription with ad-free listening, unlimited skips and unlimited playlists. Artists can also claim and manage their presence through Lissen for Artists.

You can also distribute cover songs to Lissen through RouteNote without needing to obtain a mechanical licence for the store. This gives artists another opportunity to share their own interpretations of existing songs with Lissen listeners.

As with all cover releases, you’ll still need to follow RouteNote’s cover song requirements.

For RouteNote artists and labels, Lissen is now another destination for your releases, making it possible to reach listeners through a platform designed around the music and artists they choose to support.

Ready to get your music on Lissen? Distribute your next release with RouteNote.

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