Google has quietly set plans in motion to bring its YouTube Create video‑editing app to iOS devices nearly two years after its Android‑only launch. Recent job postings in Bengaluru, India, reveal that the company is actively recruiting software engineers to build the iOS version, although the release date has slipped past the 2024 target. The move signals Google’s commitment to expand its creator tools across platforms, even as rivals like CapCut and InShot maintain their lead in the mobile‑editing space.
YouTube Create Features Overview
YouTube Create packs a robust suite of editing tools designed for ease of use and direct publishing to YouTube. Users can add automatic captions in supported languages, apply filters and transitions, and clean up audio tracks to eliminate background noise. A built‑in library of royalty‑free music and sound effects lets creators enhance their videos without worrying about copyright claims. Best of all, the app is free and ad‑free, offering a seamless path to publish both Shorts and longer‑form videos straight to a YouTube channel.
Google has promised ongoing feature updates driven by user feedback. In early Android beta tests, creators praised the intuitive timeline controls and the ability to manage multiple layers of video and audio. These foundational tools set YouTube Create apart from simpler clip‑cutting apps, making it a genuine competitor for anyone who wants to edit on the go without learning complex desktop software.
Competition with CapCut and InShot
The mobile‑editing market is crowded. ByteDance’s CapCut leads the pack with powerful AI features like script‑to‑video conversion and auto‑editing that speeds up trend‑driven content creation. CapCut also offers advanced color correction and custom template creation for both mobile and desktop users. InShot, another popular choice, delivers user‑friendly tools for collaging, text overlays, and speed adjustments.
YouTube Create’s biggest advantage is its seamless YouTube integration. With one tap, videos go live on a user’s channel, complete with metadata and thumbnail options. In contrast, creators who edit in CapCut or InShot must export and then manually upload their work. For those focused on YouTube content, this pipeline efficiency can save time and headaches.
iOS Development Timeline
In September 2023, Google rolled out YouTube Create beta on Android in eight markets, including the U.S. and India. At that time, the company hinted at a broader rollout to iOS in 2024. As of mid‑2024, however, Apple users remained sidelined. Frustrated creators turned to third‑party apps, lamenting the lack of direct publishing features and caption tools available on Android.
Now, job listings for “iOS Video Editor Engineer” in Bengaluru suggest that Google has finally ramped up recruitment for the iOS build. While the exact launch date remains unannounced, the extended timeline may reflect additional quality and feature checks before a public release. Given the competitive landscape, Google likely wants to ensure parity in experience and stability before rolling out to millions of iPhone and iPad users.
Analysis and Personal Insights
Bringing YouTube Create to iOS is a logical next step for Google, yet the delay highlights challenges in cross‑platform development at scale. By focusing recruitment efforts in Bengaluru, Google taps into a rich pool of mobile‑development talent. Still, slipping beyond the promised 2024 window may risk losing momentum to competitors who iterate faster.
From my perspective, Google should prioritize a clear beta program for iOS users, collecting feedback and building community excitement ahead of a full release. Direct integration with YouTube’s analytics and thumbnail editor would further distinguish Create from rivals. If executed well, the iOS launch could reignite interest among creators who have felt left out, and potentially draw back users who migrated to CapCut or InShot.
Sources: Tech Crunch
