Getting started with the YouTube Create App on iPhone and Android makes editing videos quick and stress-free. This step-by-step guide shows how to use YouTube’s answer to CapCut, with clear instructions to create and edit videos on your phone. New and experienced video creators will find easy wins and practical tips in every section.
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Below is an AI-assisted summary of the key points and ideas covered in the video. For more detail, make sure to check out the full time stamped video above!
Exploring the YouTube Create App Interface
- The home screen presents three main options:
- Start a new project from scratch
- Edit a video with AI
- Generate an AI-powered video (handy for under-60-second Shorts)
- Recent projects are always accessible, so it’s easy to switch between edits without losing progress.
- The app delivers a consistent experience on both iPhone and Android.
- Double-check the channel connection in the top right corner, especially if switching accounts often.
AI Video Editing: What Works and What Doesn’t
- “Edit with AI” allows the upload of clips, setting video length, adding music or captions, and selecting an AI voiceover (currently available in English or Hindi).
- The workflow is promising but still a bit buggy—processing issues or freezes can occur.
- AI attempts to stitch clips into a story, complete with voice and captions, which is helpful for getting started quickly.
- This feature isn’t 100% reliable yet—think of it as an experimental bonus.
- Other AI video editors like Descript offer more stable, pro-level results.
How to Start and Edit a Project Like a Pro
- Tap “Create a Project” and select main footage (portrait or landscape preview helps in choosing the right clips).
- Import footage, then trim mistakes or unwanted moments by dragging timeline handles or using the scissors tool.
- To remove a section from the middle, cut and delete the unwanted part.
- Rearrange clips by dragging and dropping them for the best story flow.
- Overlay B-roll or extra footage by tapping “Overlay.” Scale, trim, and move overlays to highlight the main message.
Nailing Text, Titles, and Effects
- Add text or animated titles using the “Text” menu. Choose between basic text or pre-made effects for intros or chat-style overlays.
- Edit, animate, and style text with various font, color, and position options.
- Effects and filters can polish footage or add mood—use sparingly for best results.
- Background removal is supported, even without a green screen, as well as chroma key options.
- Add transitions like wipes or flashes between clips, but keep them subtle for a professional look.
- For quick visual changes, zoom in on a shot to simulate a “two-angle” effect without extra cameras.
Sound, Audio, and Music: Make Your Videos Pop
- Add background music and sound effects from the built-in YouTube Audio Library for copyright-safe audio.
- Drop tracks in, trim, and adjust them to fit the video.
- Set voice or main audio levels first, then raise music to around 25-30 for a balanced mix.
- Use headphones while editing audio to ensure the final sound matches your expectations.
- The “Audio Cleanup” tool removes background noise and improves audio quality on rough recordings.
Dial in Your Video’s Look with Colour and Filters
- Apply filters for quick style changes, or use the “Adjust” section for control over brightness, contrast, warmth, and saturation.
- Start with brightness, adjust contrast, set warmth (cool or warm tones), and tweak color saturation at the end.
- Apply adjustments to all clips for consistency, or adjust overlays individually to make them stand out.
Exporting and Sharing Made Simple
- Once your edit is ready, tap the export arrow at the top right.
- The app recommends best settings, but you can adjust frame rate (up to 60fps) and resolution (up to 4K).
- Keep the app open during export for faster processing.
- The finished video saves to your device gallery and can be uploaded to YouTube directly.
Pros and Cons: YouTube Create App
Pros
- Free and available on iPhone and Android
- Simple, intuitive workflow that’s easy to pick up
- Handy AI tools for quick edits and Shorts
- Built-in music and sound effects, all YouTube-safe
- Great text, effects, and color grading options
- Fast export with 4K support
Cons
- AI features can be buggy (processing errors likely)
- Fewer advanced transitions and text animation options compared to some competitors
- Some limits when moving AI-generated footage between tracks
- Export only functions while the app is open
Pricing
- YouTube Create App Android: Free
- YouTube Create App iOS: Free
Quick Reference Table: YouTube Create App vs. Descript
| Feature | YouTube Create App | Descript |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iPhone, Android | Desktop, Web |
| AI Video Gen | Yes (beta, buggy) | Yes (stable) |
| Built-in Music | Yes, royalty-free | Yes |
| Voiceover AI | Yes (Eng/Hindi) | Yes (multi-lang) |
| Colour Grade/Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | Paid tiers |
Boost Your Video Workflow with Smart App Choices
The YouTube Create App on iPhone and Android speeds up the editing and publishing process for videos, making it perfect for Shorts and quick projects. The tools are simple, the results are strong, and the AI features—while experimental—can save time. For bigger or more polished projects, consider using more advanced editors like Descript. Explore the free AI prompt and PDF guide for editing workflow tips, and check out Primal Video Plus for deeper training and support. Getting content out there is what counts—so start editing and share your next video with confidence.

