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YouTube Create Eyes iOS Launch Amid Fierce Competition in Mobile Editing


Google is set to extend the reach of YouTube Create to iOS devices nearly two years after its exclusive Android debut. The company is actively recruiting engineers in Bengaluru, India, to spearhead the development of this new version, signaling its determination to challenge established video editing platforms.

Engineers Mobilize for a Strategic iOS Expansion

Job listings reviewed by TechCrunch highlight Google’s focused efforts to bring its mobile video editing tool to iOS. With positions aimed at software engineering in Bengaluru, the initiative marks a pivotal step in broadening YouTube Create’s capabilities beyond its initial U.S. and select international markets.

Meeting Creator Demands With Comprehensive Tools

YouTube Create was designed with creators in mind, offering a suite of free editing tools that include stickers, GIFs, and special effects suited for both YouTube Shorts and longer-form content. Developed after consultations with 3,000 content creators, the app aims to meet the evolving needs of its user base.

Confronting Dominance in a Competitive Market

Despite its thoughtful design, YouTube Create currently lags behind competitors such as CapCut and InShot. Analysis by Sensor Tower underscores the vast gap in both downloads and engagement metrics; while CapCut and InShot have managed tens of millions of downloads and robust user interaction, YouTube Create’s figures remain modest in comparison.

Retention Challenges and Evolving User Engagement

Even as YouTube Create experiences a 28% year-over-year increase in monthly active users—a pace that outstrips the modest gains of its peers—the platform faces significant retention hurdles. With a 90-day retention rate of only 1%, compared to CapCut’s 7% and InShot’s 4%, the app must overcome serious challenges to secure ongoing user loyalty.

Geographic Diversification And Future Market Potential

While India’s share of YouTube Create’s monthly active users has dipped from 67% to 51%, the app is steadily gaining traction in other key markets such as Indonesia, Germany, Brazil, and the U.K. Notably, several regions, including Spain, South Korea, France, and Singapore, have experienced significant year-over-year growth in user engagement.

Google’s venture into the iOS ecosystem is expected to further recalibrate the mobile video editing landscape. However, as the analytics suggest, the battle against dominant competitors is set to require not only technological innovation but a strategic focus on user retention and market diversification.


Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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