YouTube Create Launches on iOS: Free Mobile Video Editing App
YouTube brings its free video editing application to iPhone users, ending Android exclusivity with AI-powered tools and seamless platform integration.
YouTube Create is a free mobile video editing application designed specifically for content creators. Think of it as YouTube's answer to CapCut—everything you need to create professional videos on your phone, completely free, with no watermarks.
AI-Powered Editing
Automated captions, background removal, audio cleanup
Royalty-Free Music
Thousands of tracks with beat matching
Text & Effects
Hundreds of fonts, filters, transitions
Direct Publishing
Upload straight to YouTube from the app
iOS Launch Ends Year-Long Android Exclusivity
On December 15, 2025, YouTube officially released YouTube Create for iPhone, marking the end of over a year of Android-only availability. The app first launched as a beta on Android in select markets during 2023 and has been gradually refined with regular feature updates.
The iOS version requires iPhone XR or later running iOS 17 or later. YouTube announced the launch through its official Creators account, stating: "editing on your phone just got way easier — the YouTube Create app is now available on iPhone in select locations."
Complete Feature Set
• Combine videos, photos, and audio in a single timeline
• Trim, clip, crop, and split clips with precision
• 40+ transitions for smooth scene changes
• Speed controls for slow-motion and time-lapse effects
• Export in portrait (9:16), landscape (16:9), or square (1:1) formats
• 720p or 1080p resolution at 30fps
• Auto Captions: One-tap automated transcription in select languages
• Background Removal: Cut out effect for chromakey-style editing without green screen
• Audio Cleanup: Automatic background noise removal
• Beat Matching: Sync video clips to music rhythms automatically
• Thousands of royalty-free music tracks and sound effects
• No copyright claims—all music cleared for YouTube
• In-app voiceover recording
• Volume adjustment and audio mixing
• Background noise removal tool
• Customizable filters for mood and aesthetic
• Brightness, saturation, contrast controls
• Hundreds of fonts and animated text effects
• Libraries of stickers, GIFs, and emojis
• Multiple visual effects and overlays
It's completely free. Unlike CapCut, InShot, or KineMaster that charge for premium features, YouTube Create offers everything at no cost. No subscriptions, no watermarks, no hidden fees.
Direct YouTube integration. Edit and publish in one workflow. Set titles, descriptions, and privacy settings before uploading—no app switching required.
Copyright-safe music. Every track in the app is cleared for YouTube, eliminating the risk of copyright claims that plague creators using unauthorized music.
Mobile-first creation. With 70% of YouTube watch time happening on mobile, YouTube is meeting creators where they already are—on their phones.
Technical Limitations to Consider
While YouTube Create offers impressive capabilities for a free mobile app, there are some constraints to be aware of:
- 30fps export limit: Even if your source footage is 60fps or higher, exports standardize at 30fps
- App size: 229.7 MB installation size requires adequate device storage
- Mobile limitations: Complex multi-layer compositions and frame-precise editing remain challenging on small screens
- Auto-caption languages: Available in "select languages" only—not all languages supported
- Geographic availability: Rolling out in "select locations"—not all regions have access yet
Alternatives: How YouTube Create Compares
Pros: Free, powerful features, TikTok integration
Cons: Privacy concerns, data collection, owned by ByteDance
Best for: TikTok creators who want algorithmic platform integration
Pros: High-res recording, keyframing, no watermarks, Instagram/Facebook integration
Cons: Limited to Meta platforms initially, newer app with fewer features
Best for: Instagram and Facebook Reels creators
Pros: Advanced features, multi-platform support, no platform lock-in
Cons: Subscription fees for premium features, watermarks on free tier
Best for: Professional creators who need advanced tools and cross-platform flexibility
YouTube Create is available now on the iOS App Store (iPhone XR or later, iOS 17+) and Google Play (Android). Download the app, sign in with your YouTube account, and start creating professional videos on your phone—completely free.