Google prepares iOS launch for YouTube Create
Almost two years after its exclusive launch on Android, Google is preparing to release its YouTube Create video editing app for iOS devices.Job postings examined by TechCrunch indicate that Google is actively seeking software engineers in Bengaluru, India, to develop the iOS version.
YouTube Create first appeared in September 2023 in the U.S., alongside seven other markets, and expanded to 13 additional countries by February 2024. The app provides free mobile editing tools for YouTube Shorts and long-form videos, featuring stickers, GIFs, and special effects. It was developed with feedback from 3,000 creators.
The transition to iOS comes as YouTube Create faces challenges competing against more established applications like CapCut—owned by ByteDance—and InShot. According to data from Sensor Tower, CapCut was downloaded 66 million times on Android during Q2 2025, while InShot garnered 21 million downloads. Meanwhile, YouTube Create achieved fewer than 500,000 downloads in that same quarter and has accumulated just 4 million downloads since its launch.
User engagement also remains a concern. YouTube Create has less than 1 million monthly active users on Android, in contrast to CapCut’s 442 million and InShot’s 92 million. On the iOS platform, CapCut leads with 194 million monthly users, followed by InShot, which has 25 million.
Nonetheless, YouTube Create is showing indications of growth. The app reported a 28% increase in monthly active users year-over-year in Q2, surpassing CapCut’s 9% increase and InShot’s 7% decrease.
“Although YouTube Create is steadily growing, it is still overshadowed by CapCut’s extensive user base, partly due to its strong integration with TikTok,” noted Sensor Tower analyst Abe Yousef.
User retention poses a difficulty, as only 1% of users remain active after 90 days, compared to CapCut’s 7% and InShot’s 4%. However, improvements in user engagement in regions like India and Indonesia suggest rising loyalty.
Analysts believe that launching on iOS could provide YouTube Create with a much-needed boost, though fierce competition will continue to be a hurdle.
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