YouTube’s mobile video editor is finally coming to iOS, shaking up the creative toolkit for iPhone users after nearly two years of Android exclusivity.
On Friday, Google confirmed its plan to launch YouTube Create for iOS, which could reshape how millions of creators edit and publish content on the go.
YouTube’s mobile video editor: What iOS users can expect
YouTube Create, which debuted for Android in September 2023, offers free mobile video editing tools tailored for content creators.
The app lets users add stickers, GIFs, and effects to YouTube Shorts and longer-form videos.
Google said, “YouTube Create was built after consulting with 3,000 creators to ensure it met their needs”.
This direct feedback loop means features are designed for real-world workflows, not just tech demos.
The app’s arrival on iOS is highly anticipated.
“There really aren’t any good free video editing options on iOS, and even many of the paid ones leave much to be desired,” wrote one user on Reddit, echoing a common sentiment among iPhone creators.
Google is actively hiring engineers in Bengaluru, India, to accelerate the iOS rollout, signalling a global push to level the playing field for Apple device owners.
YouTube Create faces fierce competition in the mobile editing space
Despite its creator-focused features, YouTube Create faces an uphill climb against established rivals.
Sensor Tower data reveals, “The competition isn’t even close. In the second quarter of this year, CapCut and InShot have been downloaded 66 million and 21 million times on Android devices. In contrast, YouTube Create has seen fewer than 500,000 downloads this quarter, and just 4 million downloads since its launch”.
User engagement also lags: CapCut boasts over 442 million monthly active users on Android, while YouTube Create has fewer than one million. Retention is another hurdle, with only a 1% 90-day retention rate compared to CapCut’s 7%.
Still, Google’s move to bring YouTube’s mobile video editor to iOS is a clear challenge to ByteDance’s CapCut and other competitors. As the app launches, all eyes are on whether iOS users will embrace YouTube Create or stick with the current favourites.
