Roblox Launches Video App, Raises Creator Payouts

• Roblox unveils a short-form video feature and increases developer earnings, aiming to deepen engagement and expand its creator economy.

New Video Platform Targets In-Game Sharing

Roblox has introduced a short-form video application called “Roblox Moments,” designed to let users capture, edit, and share gameplay clips directly on the platform. The feature, currently in beta, resembles TikTok in format and is intended to centralize content that previously thrived on external sites like YouTube. By bringing user-generated clips in-house, Roblox hopes to boost engagement and retain viewers within its ecosystem. The company reported 111.8 million average daily active users in the quarter ending June 30.

Moments allows players to trim gameplay footage, add music, and publish clips in a scrollable feed accessible to users aged 13 and older. Viewers can react to videos with emojis and jump into featured games directly from the feed. All content is moderated before publication, and users can report inappropriate material. Roblox plans to release APIs later this year so creators can build their own in-game content sharing systems.

Developer Earnings See Notable Increase

At the Roblox Developers Conference, CEO David Baszucki announced an 8.5% increase in the Developer Exchange (DevEx) rate, which determines how much creators earn when converting Robux to real currency. Under the new rate, 100,000 Robux now equals $380, up from $350. This adjustment reflects the company’s ongoing effort to support its developer community and incentivize content creation. Over the past year, creators earned more than $1 billion, with over 100 games generating at least $1 million annually.

Roblox’s business model centers on user-generated games and virtual purchases, allowing it to maintain a steady flow of fresh content. The platform has also expanded into advertising, launching new formats and partnering with Google to grow its ad business. These moves aim to diversify revenue streams in a competitive gaming landscape. By enhancing monetization tools, Roblox seeks to attract and retain top-tier developers.

Strategic Shift Toward Media and Commerce

In recent years, Roblox has positioned itself as more than a gaming platform, evolving into a space for social interaction, commerce, and media consumption. The launch of Moments aligns with this broader strategy, offering users new ways to engage and share experiences. The company sees potential in capturing the billions of views its content receives on external platforms and redirecting that traffic internally. This shift could strengthen user retention and open new avenues for brand integration.

Roblox Moments builds on existing user behavior, with over 930 million screenshots and 240 million video captures recorded since July. These figures suggest strong demand for in-platform sharing tools. The company’s emphasis on safety and moderation reflects its commitment to maintaining a user-friendly environment. As Roblox continues to expand its creative infrastructure, developers and players alike may benefit from more integrated and monetizable experiences.