Video Star
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Free
- Photo & Video
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Video Star is a fun music video creation tool that allows kids to make original music videos for songs on their iOS device and share them via social media or email. Video Star records video only, and not audio, with numerous onboard special effects and upgrades available with in-app purchases. Kids get a unique music video of them dancing and lip synching to their song of choice, but not with their own voices. Video Star stores creations in-app, and kids can save them to their camera roll or upload to YouTube where a URL is generated to share via Facebook, Twitter, text, or email. Kids can access other Video Star users' YouTube video creations within the app, so while the app doesn't have a minimum requirement, it's best for teens who can grasp the app's somewhat involved interface -- and the responsibilities of sharing via social media.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
No child rating
Good, easy, and fun
What's it about?
Kids begin by selecting a song from their music library, then shoot video with or without effects. Users can "cut" at any time to make distinct video scenes. When shooting starts again, the app plays back the previous bit of the song, along with a 3-2-1 countdown screen, before it starts recording video again. This lets kids shoot numerous scenes while keeping the music and video in sync. Once the music video is done, teens can upload their creations to YouTube and share that URL in email or on Facebook or Twitter, all within the app.
Is it any good?
Video Star is a great app for teens who want to create original music videos. The app's technology is sophisticated and gives teens powerful tools to direct -- and be the stars of -- their own music videos. While a little confusing at first, Video Star's interface is very responsive, and the onboard special effects and filters load quickly so there's little down time while making a video. Imagine Video Star at a slumber party, school field trip, or just on an afternoon hanging out with your friends, or even by yourself. In minutes, teens can create an impressive, original music video and share with family and friends.
Video Star gives teens the option to upload content to the web, so there are privacy concerns, and it encourages sharing on social media. Teens should carefully consider what they include in their Video Star music videos and where they share them. Teens should also think about the ramifications of copyright infringement since, ultimately, the soundtrack to their Video Star music video isn't their own.
Talk to your kids about ...
Guide younger kids in the process of planning and shooting music videos, and offer to serve as the camera person.
With older kids, discuss the responsibilities and consequences of making music videos public on social media sites, and of using another artist's music as part of their own music video.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Arts: acting, choreography, dance, film, movement, music
- Skills: Creativity: brainstorming, combining knowledge, imagination
Collaboration: cooperation, teamwork
Tech Skills: digital creation, social media, using and applying technology
Communication: multiple forms of expression, presenting - Price: Free
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: August 10, 2012
- Category: Photo & Video
- Size: 25.00 MB
- Publisher: Frontier Design Group
- Version: 1.8.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.2 or later
For kids who love to create
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.