Video Star
By Kim Alessi,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Great tool for creating music videos; some sharing concerns.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Video Star
Community Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Fine. Overrated.
Report this review
Report this review
Privacy Rating Warning
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
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
- 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
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Best Creative Apps
Journal Apps, Online Diaries, and Digital Scrapbooks
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.
See how we rate