VSCO
Edit, post pics and video; send messages, some iffy images.
VSCO
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
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that VSCO is a photo and video app that offers editing tools to create new content, allows users to explore tips and tutorials, and promotes communication through the sharing of images and direct messaging with members of the creative community. The free version of the app gives users access to standard photo editing tools and some of VSCO's presets, but membership is required in order to access tips, tutorials, video editing tools, and all other photo editing tools and presets. Similar to Instagram, users can browse and like images that appear on their feed. They can also share their own images, follow other users, and communicate directly with other members who follow them back through messaging. However, there are no public likes, public comments, or public follower counts. The Community Guidelines state that material posted should be appropriate for all audiences; however, that is subjective and some images portray suggestive, sexy material and other material that may be considered too explicit for kids. Searches can also turn up images for marijuana and alcohol. There's a feature that allows users to flag inappropriate images for removal. Location data appears on shared images and when exporting unless turned off in the privacy settings. The sharing feature allows users to share/export directly to platforms other than VSCO, such as Facebook, Snapchat, or WhatsApp. After registering, the app asks permission to send notifications and access contacts, tne camera, and photos. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
Community Reviews
Scam
Report this review
Photo Editing
Report this review
What’s It About?
VSCO is a photo editing and media sharing tool. The free version gives users access to standard editing tools, such as white balance, exposure, contrast and a sampling of the available presets. Users can scroll and test out presets themselves or can tap on the "for this photo" feature, which displays a collection of suggested presets for each specific photograph. The free version also allows users to explore others' photos and find inspiration in curated portfolios that include collections such as "humankind," "editorial," "summer," and "style" to name a few. Users can share their images and videos to the app's feed and/or share them directly from VSCO to other social media or digital platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, email, or text. Paid membership grants users access to over 170 presets and more sophisticated editing tools, including editing tools for video and vintage film re-creation. Membership also opens the door to photo challenges, editing tips, and tutorials. User's edited photos are collected in their personal studio. They can also design a journal entry, which allows them to tell a story with a collection of their favorite photos. Users can also edit videos and post them to VSCO. And members can create a DSCO, which is essentially a GIF.
In addition to editing photos and creating content, kids will be able to directly communicate with users if they mutually follow each other. VSCO users can follow other members to consistently see their content on their feed and to communicate with them through private messaging. A tool for artistic self expression and inspiration, the material posted represents diverse interests, points of view, and realities. Most of the material is appropriate for all ages, but some material depicts sexy, suggestive, or substance-related material. Users can report inappropriate content -- such as nudity or violence -- for removal.
Is It Any Good?
This comprehensive editing tool promotes unique content and communication with members of the creative community, but it's a bit tricky to figure out at first and has some iffy images. VSCO is versatile in that users can just edit and post pictures and video or also take advantage of the social elements. Its feed is more a collection of professional photographs, editorial, and creative images than Instagram, and there's an emphasis on the editing tool and creation of unique images. The preset suggestions for each photograph are also pretty cool, especially if you are new to editing and find it overwhelming to sift through all the possible options. Unfortunately, the interface isn't super clear, and learning to navigate the app with enough proficiency in order to take full advantage of its features will take some trial and error.
Like with any tool that has a social media component, there are some features that parents need to be aware of. The good news is that without public comments, likes, or follower counts some of the pressures and toxicity of other social media is taken out of the equation. However, the app collects and shares location data unless turned off in the settings, so kids sharing images will also be sharing their location. While images, captions, likes, and followers are public information, direct messaging adds a private component, allowing kids to talk with other members without oversight. In terms of images, during the time of review there was a sprinkle of provocative images, like women in bathing suits or skimpy outfits, some provacative poses. Specific searches also surface images of marijuana and alcohol, and while users can report inappropriate material for removal, it's unlikely pictures that might strike parents as inappropriate would be removed since the app is really designed for adults. Despite its drawbacks, VSCO is a solid editing tool for teens. Users will find that even the features in the free version are enough to create unique images. With some conversations about messaging and parental oversight, teens who are into photography and art will likely enjoy VSCO and find inspiration in the work posted by the community.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about using social media responsibly when using VSCO. Teens will see art through the lens of diverse users and will be able to communicate with artists from all over the world. Discuss reporting images that display nudity, are sexually explicit, or portray violence. Discuss how to use the messaging feature responsibly and when to report alarming communication to a grownup.
Talk about composition, photo techniques, and editing ideas to promote kids' creativity and help them develop their own style.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Arts: film, photography
- Skills: Creativity: imagination, innovation, making new creations, producing new content, Communication: multiple forms of expression, Tech Skills: digital creation, social media
- Pricing structure: Paid, Free (The app is free but there's an optional membership plan for $19.99 per year. This upgrade includes 200+ exclusive presets and tools.)
- Release date: March 25, 2019
- Category: Photo & Video
- Publisher: Visual Supply Company
- Version: 105.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated: June 20, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
PhotoGrid - Video & Pic Editor
Weird interface, but silly stickers and fun layouts rule.
-
PicsArt Photo Editor & Collage
Top-notch photo app crams in functionality; some iffy stuff.
For kids who love photography and creativity
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