Apple iMovie: Revenue & Growth Statistics (2024)

iMovie Interesting Key Facts

• iMovie is a free video editing software developed by Apple Inc., launched in 1999 and available on macOS, iOS, and iPad OS platforms
• As of 2024, iMovie has an estimated user base of over 1.46 billion users, showing significant growth from 442 million users in 2013⁠
• The software is known for its user-friendly interface, efficient workflow, and recent AI-powered features like Magic Movie and Storyboards⁠
• iMovie contributes to Apple’s ecosystem by enhancing customer loyalty, promoting hardware sales, and integrating with other Apple services⁠
• The largest user bases are in the United States (25%) and China (15%), with significant usage in other developed countries
• iMovie’s continuous development and focus on user experience make it a popular choice for casual video editing, especially given the growing demand for video content⁠⁠

Everything about iMovie

How does iMovie make money?

While iMovie doesn’t directly make money because it is free video editing software included with Apple devices such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads, it does contribute to Apple’s overall ecosystem and profitability through various indirect channels.

Customer Loyalty & Ecosystem Lock-in: iMovie enhances the attractiveness of Apple devices, increasing customer loyalty and encouraging users to stick with Apple products, leading to repetitive hardware and software purchases.

Increased Hardware Sales: By providing a powerful and user-friendly video editing tool for free, Apple incentivizes people to purchase their devices, particularly those interested in content creation, which can boost sales of Macs, iPhones, and iPads.

Promoting Other Apple Services: iMovie seamlessly integrates with other Apple services like iCloud and the App Store, promoting these paid services and generating additional revenue for Apple.

Brand Building & Reputation: Offering high-quality, free video editing software like iMovie enhances Apple’s brand image as an innovator and a company focused on user experience, potentially attracting more customers and improving its overall market position.

Indirect Monetization: While iMovie itself is free, there are indirect ways it can lead to revenue generation, such as through in-app purchases, subscriptions to other Apple services like Final Cut Pro, and the thriving third-party ecosystem of accessories, tutorials, and plugins that indirectly benefit Apple through app store commissions and increased brand awareness.

Source: Apple

How many users of iMovie are there?

Since the launch of iOS 7 on June 10, 2013, Apple has been providing iMovie for free with new device activations and receiving updates through the App Store.

In 2013, the number of iMovie users was 442 million; as of Q3 2024, it exceeded 1 billion.

Source: Statista

What countries do the users of iMovie access the platform from?

iMovie usage is widespread globally, with 25% of users in the United States, 15% in China, and 30% in other countries. The high usage in the United States and China can be attributed to the countries’ large populations and high adoption rates of Apple devices. The remaining 30% represents a diverse range of countries where iMovie is utilized, indicating its global appeal.

Additionally, developed countries with a strong presence of Apple products, such as Japan (8%), the United Kingdom (6%), Germany (5%), Canada (4%), and Australia (3%), also significantly contribute to the user base. France and South Korea each account for 2% of iMovie users.

Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort