YouTube Create App Coming to iOS: Full Update
Google has taken another significant step in the world of mobile video editing. Nearly two years after launching the YouTube Create app for Android users, the company is now gearing up to release it on the iOS platform. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, Google is hiring software engineers in Bengaluru, India, specifically for iOS development—a clear indication that iPhone users will soon get to experience professional video editing on their devices.
YouTube Create: A New Tool for Creators
YouTube Create is a free mobile video editing app designed specifically with content creators in mind. It allows creators to produce professional-quality videos without the need for complex software or high-end hardware. Whether you’re creating YouTube Shorts or long-form videos, this app is fully equipped to support both formats.
Key Features of YouTube Create:
- Visual Effects & Stickers: Eye-catching GIFs, stickers, and video effects to enhance your content.
- User-Friendly Interface: A simple and intuitive design that’s easy to use, even for beginners.
- Audio Library: A vast range of royalty-free music and sound effects to give your videos a professional touch.
- Multi-Format Support: Compatible with YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and longer video formats.
- Mobile-Focused Design: No need for bulky setups—everything can be done right on your smartphone.
Before launching the app, Google gathered feedback from over 3,000 content creators to ensure the tool meets their real-world needs. The result is an easy-to-use platform that enhances creativity and simplifies the video production process.
The Journey So Far
YouTube Create was first introduced in September 2023 for Android devices. Initially available in the U.S. and seven other countries, the app expanded to 13 additional markets—including India—by February 2024. Thanks to the growing popularity of YouTube Shorts in India, the app quickly gained attention among creators.
However, in terms of downloads and user engagement, YouTube Create still lags behind its competitors. According to recent data from Sensor Tower, YouTube Create saw fewer than 500,000 downloads in Q2 2025, while ByteDance’s CapCut dominated with 66 million downloads and InShot followed with 21 million. When it comes to monthly active users (MAU), the disparity is even more evident:
- CapCut: 442 million MAU (Android), 194 million MAU (iOS)
- InShot: 92 million MAU (Android), 25 million MAU (iOS)
- YouTube Create: Fewer than 1 million MAU
These figures highlight the uphill battle YouTube Create faces to gain traction in the market. However, the upcoming iOS launch signals Google’s serious intent to step up the competition.
Preparing for the iOS Launch
According to TechCrunch, Google has begun hiring iOS developers in Bengaluru, India, marking a strategic push to bring YouTube Create to iOS users. This not only signifies a broader rollout but also reinforces Google’s focus on India as a major technology hub.
India’s iPhone user base is growing rapidly, with many of these users actively participating in content creation. The rising popularity of YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and other short-form platforms has increased demand for high-quality mobile video editing apps. Google’s move to tap into the iOS market is a calculated strategy to broaden its reach.
Facing Tough Competition from CapCut and InShot
YouTube Create directly competes with popular video editing apps like ByteDance’s CapCut and InShot. However, these apps have already established a firm grip on the market. Let’s compare them:
- CapCut’s Dominance:
- Known for its AI-powered tools, auto-generated captions, and trending templates, CapCut helps creators produce polished content quickly.
- Its direct integration with TikTok makes it a favourite among creators.
- Despite some concerns over recent changes to its terms of service, CapCut maintains its leadership with 442 million MAUs.
- InShot’s Popularity:
- Loved for its simplicity and versatility, InShot supports both video and photo editing.
- With 92 million MAUs and 22 million downloads, it ranks as the second most-used app in its category.
YouTube Create users currently spend an average of 38 minutes per month on the app. In comparison, CapCut users spend 62 minutes, and InShot users spend over 44 minutes. Moreover, CapCut users open the app about 23 times a month, while YouTube Create sees just 11 average opens per user.
What Could Change with the iOS Launch?
The entry into the iOS market could be a game-changer for Google. With the growing number of iPhone users, especially in emerging markets like India, YouTube Create has the opportunity to reach a wider and more premium audience. iOS devices, equipped with high-quality cameras and powerful processors, offer an ideal environment for creators to take full advantage of the app’s features.
Potential Benefits of the iOS Launch:
- Larger User Base: Tapping into the iOS ecosystem could significantly boost downloads and MAU numbers.
- YouTube Integration: Seamless integration with YouTube will allow creators to easily upload and manage their content.
- Professional Quality: iPhones’ hardware can elevate the video editing experience and output quality.
- Brand Trust: Backed by YouTube’s credibility and strong creator relationships, the app could become a trusted alternative to CapCut and InShot.
That said, the iOS version must include AI-powered tools, trending templates, and automated editing features to truly compete with its rivals.
YouTube Create’s Potential in India
India has been the largest market for YouTube Create since its launch. Initially, the country accounted for 67% of the app’s monthly active users, though this share has since declined to 51%. Nevertheless, the growing demand for short-form content and YouTube’s popularity suggest that the iOS launch could open up new avenues for creators.
With the rising number of iPhone users interested in professional-grade content creation, and a dedicated development team based in Bengaluru, YouTube Create could be tailored specifically to meet the needs of Indian creators.
Lessons from CapCut and InShot
There are several key takeaways from the success of CapCut and InShot that Google can apply:
- AI & Automation: CapCut’s smart tools like auto-captions and background removal help creators speed up content production. YouTube Create should introduce similar capabilities.
- Cross-Platform Integration: CapCut’s TikTok integration is a huge advantage. YouTube Create needs tighter integration with YouTube and possibly other social platforms.
- Frequent Updates: Both CapCut and InShot regularly roll out new templates and features to keep users engaged. YouTube Create must adopt a similar update strategy.
Will YouTube Create Become the Go-To App for Creators?
The iOS launch represents a golden opportunity for YouTube Create to establish itself among content creators. Given the rising demand for short-form videos and the increasing number of iPhone users, the app is well-positioned for success. But to take on established giants like CapCut and InShot, Google will need to step up its game.
In markets like India, where content creation is booming, YouTube Create has immense potential. If Google continues to develop the app based on real user feedback and focuses on features that matter most to creators, the app could not only gain a foothold in the iOS market but also challenge its biggest rivals globally.
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