Building upon the slick, familiar interface it's tweaked to perfection with Djay, Algoriddim has expanded the definition of the multitouch DJ by bringing video mash-up creation to the masses. While certain to increase the ranks of unwatchable videos on YouTube, Vjay adds to a growing list of apps that take us down avenues of creativity we might not have otherwise turned onto.

Video mashing always seemed like something I'd like to try, provided someone provided a $20 solution and reduced the learning curve. With Vjay, I made a mash-up in minutes. In a few hours, I was ready to book my first gig.

Launching the app put me face-to-face with a sleek, symmetrical interface containing three video screens, a fader, and a series of virtual effects knobs. Tapping the glowing media icon scavenged my media libraries for clips and brought up a browser divided between videos, camera roll recordings, music, and the iTunes Store, along with a few bundled shorts and loops for inspiration. Sadly, browsing iTunes is strictly for window-shopping, as DRM applies here; so don't expect to start mashing up your iTunes movie purchases.

Once videos are loaded, the fun quickly begins. Playback is smooth, though there was some very slight stuttering with 1920x1080 videos shot with the iPad's camera; ironically, a message indicated the video was too large. Still, the interface couldn't be simpler. Videos are manipulated by swiping the screens, as your motions control the tempo, speed, and scratch style – and it's all very slick.

Funky effects (which affect the audio in kind) are added in real time, and the cross-fader – complete with iMovie-inspired transitions – works so remarkably well that it was easy to forget that I was working with high-quality videos. Sadly, there's no in-app social sharing, but recorded videos can be saved to the camera roll. And while separate music tracks can be added, keep in mind that they trump the video's own audio. The only way I could figure out to return the original source was to reload the video, stripping any work you might have done.

As I became more proficient, I learned how to swap videos and songs on the fly, and could see how Vjay – which sports AirPlay compatibility and supports Numark's iDJ controller – could be used in a live show. It's likely, however, that serious users will need a bit more control over the videos, such as zooming and cropping, an undo button, or a way to wipe out the video windows to start fresh.

The bottom line. Vjay doesn't fill a void or address a specific need, but it is exactly the kind of breezily creative app the iPad was built for.