Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Personalized picks at your fingertips

Get the mobile app on iOS and Android

Parents' Guide to

VSCO

By Ana Beltran, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Edit, post pics and video; send messages, some iffy images.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid, Free Photo & Video
VSCO Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 6 parent reviews

age 18+

Scam

Download what I was lead to believe was a free version with limited features, to check out and make sure it was what I was looking for. Upon downloading, I was then forced to create an account, it wasn't quite what I was looking for, so I un installed the app and moved on. DAYS later at 340am, I received an email receipt for a years subscription I supposedly signed up for. I assume that when I was forced to create an account it also forced me to sign up with no warning. The receipt was my only clue to having made an account, no welcome/confirmation/verification emails, and due to it being days later, Google were unable to help without me first contacting vsco. Vsco must be run by crap robots. They are impossible to contact, ive been trying for days, and now I have finally got an email past there auto response of "we don't reply to email", they are most unhelpful and claim only Google can refund me. Absolute scam. No customer support. NOT A FREE TRIAL.
age 2+

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (7 ):

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.

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

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.

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