Parents' Guide to

Video Star

By Kim Alessi, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Great tool for creating music videos; some sharing concerns.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free Photo & Video
Video Star Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Video Star App: Screenshot #1
  • Video Star App: Screenshot #2
  • Video Star App: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 14 parent reviews

amandaolague
amandaolague Adult
April 16, 2020
age 10+

Fine. Overrated.

Hard to use, not my favorite, some iffy material like songs but not in the app itself. You also have to use money to buy things like premium just to add layers. Use some other app.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
1 person found this helpful.
songsongsong
songsongsong Adult
August 14, 2021
age 18+
See all 14 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

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?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (26 ):

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
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Release date: August 10, 2012
  • Category: Photo & Video
  • Publisher: Frontier Design Group
  • Version: 1.8.0
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.2 or later
  • Last updated: August 19, 2016

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