Guide

What Is VSCO? How Is It Different From Other Photo Editing Apps?

VSCO is a photo editing app that provides a variety of valuable features to its users. This article goes into great detail about this app and its features.

You may have heard of the most popular social media platforms for teenagers, such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. You might already be using some of these platforms. But have you ever heard of one popular platform called VSCO?

VSCO is a photo-sharing application that has become increasingly popular among high school students. Like Instagram, the app allows users to edit and apply photo filters before sharing them with others. Users can use filters for their images and save them without sharing them with the rest of the community.

It is only available to 13 years old or older to use VSCO. Users must provide, at the very least, a username and an email address. Additionally, the username does not have to be the user’s real name, allowing them to remain anonymous if they so desire. Another option is to include a brief biography and the first and last names of the person submitting the form.

Unlike most social media platforms, the like and comment features on VSCO are absent. Aside from that, users have no way of knowing who is tracking them. They believe that by stepping away from the social media culture of counting likes and followers, the app reduces some stress of posting on social media.

History of VSCO

Joel Flory and Greg Lutze established Visual Supply Company (VSCO) in California in 2011. The official launch of the photo editing app VSCO took place in 2012. Its potential was recognized by investors who contributed $40 million in funding in May 2014. Responding to market demands, VSCO introduced a subscription model in 2017, which proved successful.

History of VSCO

Image Source: MakeUseOf

By 2018, VSCO had attracted substantial funding totaling $90 million from investors while amassing a sizable user base of over 2 million paying members. The company’s growth continued as it made strategic moves to expand its capabilities. In 2019, VSCO acquired RYLO, a video editing startup founded by one of the original developers of Instagram’s Hyperlapse feature. This acquisition allowed VSCO to enhance its offerings in video editing.

VSCo’s presence extends beyond its headquarters in Oakland, California, as it also operates from Chicago, Illinois. The company’s expansion efforts were further exemplified in December 2020 when it acquired Trash, an AI-powered video editing app, solidifying its commitment to advancing its technological capabilities.

The popularity of VSCO continued to soar, and by April 2018, the platform had amassed a user base of over 30 million individuals who actively engaged with its services.

What is VSCO?

VSCO is a photo app allowing people to take pictures, edit them, and share their creations. It’s like having a powerful camera and a photo editing studio right in your pocket. With VSCO, you can capture moments and make them look even more beautiful by applying various filters and adjustments to enhance your photos’ colors, tones, and overall look.

The app offers a wide range of artistic filters that can give your pictures a unique and professional touch. You can also fine-tune the settings, adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation. This way, you have complete control over how your photos turn out.

VSCO goes beyond just editing photos; it’s also a social platform to share your creations with a community of like-minded photographers and art enthusiasts. You can follow other users, explore their work, and get inspired by their creativity. It’s a great way to connect with people with a passion for photography and discover new perspectives.

what is vsco

Image Source: Business Wire

VSCO Discover is free to use. Each post also includes the preset used on the photo, allowing users to recreate the images that they find most appealing. Users can use the free version of the app or subscribe to the premium version. The free version includes basic editing tools and a limited number of filters. However, the premium version includes more advanced editing tools, additional filters, and photography tutorials and tips.

Unlike other social media apps, there is little opportunity for social interaction. In addition, users cannot like or comment on posts, and follower statistics are not displayed publicly. On the other hand, people who “Favorite” or add their image to a “Collection” will receive an email notification in private.

In VSCO, a direct messaging feature allows users to send text messages or share image links with other users to follow the app.

Overall, VSCO is a user-friendly app that combines the power of a camera, photo editing tools, and a creative community. It allows you to capture, enhance, and share your photos in a way that expresses your artistic vision and connects you with others who share your passion for photography.

What does VSCO stand for?

What does VSCO stand for

Image Source: Tuminds

VSCO stands for ‘visual supply company. It is a well-known image editing and sharing application for mobile phones. VSCO, like other image-sharing apps such as Instagram, provides users with editing tools and filters and the ability to share their images with other members of the VSCO community.

Features of VSCO

VSCO, a powerful photo editing app, empowers users to transform their images into stunning works of art. With various advanced tools and presets, VSCO offers a comprehensive editing experience catering to amateur and professional photographers. From its diverse collection of filters to its precise editing controls, VSCO provides endless creative possibilities. Whether you want to achieve a vintage aesthetic or fine-tune every aspect of your photos, this app has you covered. With a user-friendly interface and a thriving community, VSCO has become a go-to platform for editing, sharing, and discovering exceptional photography. Let’s delve into the impressive features that make VSCO a must-have app for any photography enthusiast.

 Image Source: Aiseesoft

Image Source: Aiseesoft

  • Advanced Photo Editing: VSCO provides a wide range of powerful photo editing tools and presets to enhance your images. You can adjust parameters like exposure, contrast, saturation, and more to achieve your desired look.
  • VSCO Filters: The app offers a collection of beautiful and unique filters (known as presets) that can be applied to your photos with a single tap. These presets can dramatically transform the mood and aesthetics of your images.
  • Film-Inspired Effects: VSCO is known for its film-like presets that emulate the look of various analog films. These effects can give your photos a vintage or artistic feel.
  • Editing Controls: VSCO provides precise control over editing parameters, allowing you to fine-tune your images with tools like temperature, tint, grain, fade, sharpen, and more.
  • Image Adjustment Tools: You can crop, rotate, straighten, and skew your photos within the app. It also offers tools for adjusting the perspective and clarity of your images.
  • Advanced Camera Controls: VSCO’s in app-camera allows you to control various aspects of your photo-taking experience, including manual focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.
  • Photo Organization: The app includes a simple and intuitive gallery for organizing your photos. You can create collections, browse through your images, and easily locate the photos you want to edit.
  • VSCO Community: VSCO has a vibrant community of photographers and creatives. You can share your edited photos, discover and follow other users, and explore trending content within the app.
  • Discover and Explore: VSCO features a curated feed where you can explore stunning photography from talented creators worldwide. You can also access editorial content, tips, and tutorials to enhance your editing skills.
  • VSCO X Membership: VSCo offers a premium membership called VSCO X, which provides access to additional filters, tools, and features. Subscribers can enjoy an expanded preset library, early access to new releases, and exclusive content.

Remember that some features may be subject to change or availability depending on the app’s version and your device’s compatibility. Also, if you have an outdated version of the app, you might not be able to access all the new and improved features, so do remember to keep up with updates of VSCO.

How does VSCO work?

Like other image-sharing apps such as Instagram, VSCO is a photo editing application. You can upload images taken with the in-app camera directly to the phone’s camera roll. Members can also use the app to take pictures with their phones.

Users can share photos directly from VSCO to other apps and platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.

You can organize pictures into sections called Studio, Images, Collection, and Journal by the app. Using VSCO’s Feed and Discover features, users can browse or view content from followers and search for content and users of interest.

What is the VSCO app used for?

To use the app, users must first register and create an account. Photos, short videos, and animated GIFs can all be captured or imported from the camera roll, as well as animated GIFs.

The users can edit their photos using a variety of preset filters, or they can use the “toolkit” feature, which allows finer adjustments to be made to the following properties: blurring, clarity cyclicity, skin tone, tint, sharpness, saturation, contrast, temperature, exposure, and other properties.

what is the vsco app used for

Image Source: TechCrunch

You can upload photographs directly to a user’s profile, where captions and hashtags can accompany them. Photos can also be exported and saved to the camera roll and shared with other social networking sites. With the VSCO yearly membership, users can also edit their videos from their camera roll. Still, they cannot upload videos from their camera roll to their VSCO account for viewing or editing.

According to some reports, VSCO has a more “artistic” feel than Instagram or other photo-sharing apps. As an art and technology company, it defines itself as having more “serious” editing features than Instagram, which it competes with. VSCO is becoming increasingly popular among users, who use it to share their more artistic photos while also honing their photography techniques.

How to use VSCO for photo editing?

You can follow the following steps to understand how to use VSCO for Photo editing:

  1. Go to your library before editing photos or videos. The VSCO library is distinct from the photo library on your phone. You can only upload photos taken with the VSCO apps. The “+” icon in the upper portion of your screen allows you to add images to your VSCO library.
  2. Then select the image(s) to add to your VSCO library (if applicable) by tapping “All Photos” in the top-middle of your screen. The folders in your camera roll will then be visible.
  3. Then, tap the check mark in the lower right corner of your screen to start importing the image(s). The imported images are copies of your phone’s originals. Don’t worry about your original images when editing on VSCO.

Presets for VSCO

You can now edit the image after completing the import process. Tap the edit button in the lower-left of your screen. Your downloaded VSCO presets will now appear. The presets on VSCO allow you to change the filter’s intensity by swiping left or right on the intensity slider. You can select only one preset at a time.

A preset cannot be overlaid, and you can create a new filter by choosing a different preset. The VSCO app has tons of free presets. For $0.99 each, you can get more premium filters. For a limited time, VSCO offers $60 bundles of its products.

The bundle includes all premium filters that you can use repeatedly. In this case, you can use filters or presets to create your unique style. On VSCO, tap the wrench icon in the gray bar at the bottom of the screen to access more advanced editing tools.

Image presets and filters

Image Source: Sara Kay/Youtube

You can adjust more settings manually there. Remember that you can always compare your edits to the original image while editing. VSCO’s advanced editing tools have the following settings.

1- Exposure

This tool brightens the whole image.

2- Alignment

To align the image, select the rotate icon in the lower-right corner and rotate the image until it is aligned. Alternatively, you can drag the image to a different location.

3- Crop

This tool can change the image’s aspect ratio by dragging its corners.

4- Clarity

This tool improves the image’s detail and contrast.

5- Sharpen

This tool enhances the image’s appearance digitally. Unnatural images result from over-sharpening photos, so use this tool sparingly.

6- Saturation

This tool can either enhance or desaturate the image’s colors. This tool can add saturation, color, and light to your image.

7- Highlights

This tool reduces the brightness of your image’s whites. This tool is helpful for overexposed photos.

8- Shadows

With this tool, you can lighten your image’s darkness.

9- Temperature

This tool can apply a cool or warm film to your image.

 Image Source: DeviantArt

Image Source: DeviantArt

10- Tint

This tool corrects the white balance by adding a green or red tint to your image.

11- Skin color

In the image, this tool will focus on the skin. There is no need to worry about messing up other parts of the image while changing the skin tone.

12- Vignette

By highlighting the image’s corners in black or dark, this tool allows you to focus on the image itself.

13- Grain

This tool gives your image a grainy effect. It gives your image a film camera look, and you can control the amount of graininess.

14- Fade

It can fade your photos. Get that vintage film camera look with this technique.

15- Shadows

To use this tool, you must have a black image. It gives your photos a vintage film look. To make the tint look as intense or subtle as you want, you can adjust the intensity.

16- Tints

Unlike the Shadows Tint tool, this one only tints the white parts of your image. Regain, you can adjust the tint’s intensity to your liking.

17- Reversing changes

What if you disliked a photo edit you made? Fear not, as you can reserve changes. Simply tap the light gray bar with an arrow pointing downwards at the bottom of your screen. To reverse recent changes, tap the undo icon with a left arrow.

When you want to go back and change something, you don’t want to change anything else. To undo, tap the undo icon. A list of all the edits you made to your image appears here. You can edit or delete it by tapping it. Tap the downward arrow again to save your changes.

18- Save edited photos

Your edited photos will now appear in your VSCO Gallery. Tap the upward-pointing arrow icon. The arrow represents publish.’ If you wish to share your edited photo on any social media platform, click the dotted circle icon beside the publish button. Also, you can copy edits and paste them into other images or delete the image entirely.

To save time when re-editing your photo, you can copy it. This feature allows you to view your edit history, so you can.

How do teens use VSCO?

In contrast to Instagram, VSCO is a relatively anonymous app. You cannot determine whether a photo is “popular” nor determine which user has a large following. Teens are not subjected to the same peer pressure typically associated with more popular social media platforms.

Additionally, there are no privacy settings in the app. Because users cannot make their accounts private, all the content they upload to VSCO can be accessed by anyone. Users’ locations are automatically shared when they upload photos or videos; they must manually disable the feature to prevent this.

how do teens use vsco

Image Source: NBC News

Some parents find the anonymity and lack of complicated settings highly convenient. In contrast, others find it to be a complete nightmare. VSCO is not a widely publicized app in any way, meaning teens can use it without their parents being aware of it. Teens are more likely to post riskier images, such as photos of themselves drinking and using drugs or pictures of themselves dressed inappropriately.

Even though it appears to be just another harmless editing app to some, parents must initiate a discussion about online safety with their children. Even though they may not be aware of it, what teens post on an app that receives little traffic may be screenshotted and published elsewhere without their knowledge. Teens also rarely have complete control over their images after being posted.

How is VSCO different from Instagram?

VSCO is exceptionally similar to Instagram in terms of layout and functionality. VSCO differs from other games in several ways, one of which is limited social interaction. Users cannot comment on posts, and metrics such as a user’s follower count are not visible to the public.

When using the VSCO website, users can create a “Journal” to publish more detailed text and image-based content. However, there is no “Story” feature available on iOS. Members can Favorite the images of other users; however, only that user is notified, ensuring that the action is kept private.

Can VSCO replace Instagram?

Most likely not. The lack of social interaction between VSCO and Instagram is significant between the two applications. There are no “likes” or “comments” on photos and no commenting on photos. VSCO websites appear to have a reputation among photography enthusiasts who are more “serious” about their hobby.

The emphasis is on visually appealing photographs rather than how many likes or comments you can garner. “Because beautiful imagery takes precedence over social clout, the number of followers, comments, and likes are absent from the platform,” the app’s description states.

vsco vs instagram, should you switch

Image Source: MakeUseOf

And this may be one of the reasons why teens are beginning to use VSCO. Because my daughter uses this app, I inquired what would motivate her to share a photo with VSCO rather than Instagram. As she mentioned, fewer people will see her photos on VSCO, allowing her to experiment more without fear of judgment.

Despite the lack of direct interaction within the app, you can easily share VSCO photos with other social media networks for social commentary. It can be done directly from the app by using the sharing options available.

Alternatively, you can save the photo from VSCO to your phone’s photo library and then upload it to Instagram or any other social media platform you choose. Not only can you share your photo, but you can also share someone else’s photo.

What is a VSCO girl?

In the vast landscape of teenage subcultures, one enigmatic group emerged in the late 2010s, captivating the attention of online communities. They were known as VSCO girls, a title derived from the name of the famous photo editing app VSCO (pronounced visco). Like ethereal creatures of the digital realm, VSCO girls possessed an allure that piqued curiosity and inspired fascination.

The phrase evokes similar constructions, such as Tumblr girl, e-girl, Tinderella, Valley girl, and preppy girl, used before them. This later use of the term VSCO girl foreshadows how time will evolve in 2019.

TikTok has long been recognized as a creative platform for individuals to express themselves by creating short videos. TikTok allowed its users to express themselves in their VSCO style.

 Image Source: Vox

Image Source: Vox

As a result, the VSCO girl was created. After editing photos and videos with preset filters and other tools, users could share them within the app and on other social media platforms like Instagram.

Cloaked in an aesthetic shrouded in mystery, these enigmatic girls adorned their wrists with colorful scrunchies. They would typically dress in oversized t-shirts or sweatshirts, shorts or oversized skirts, sported Birkenstock sandals, or the divisive Crocs. They often wear minimal makeup or opt for a natural look, and their hair is typically styled in loose beach waves.

VSCO girls are also known for specific accessories and items they commonly carry or use, such as Hydro Flask water bottles adorned with stickers, metal straws, Fjällräven’s Kånken backpacks, and Pura Vida bracelets. The VSCO girl trend also emphasizes environmental consciousness, promoting the use of reusable products and sustainability.

The term “VSCO girl” became popularized through social media and memes, often associated with certain phrases, behaviors, or poses. It has been embraced and criticized as a stereotype or trend, influencing many young people’s fashion and beauty choices.

Phrases used by VSCO girls

VSCO girls use various phrases and expressions that have become characteristic of their subculture. Some notable examples include “And I oop!” which expresses surprise or a sudden realization, often accompanied by a gasp. They use “Sksksk” as an onomatopoeic expression representing laughter or excitement. “Save the turtles” is a phrase that reflects their environmental activism encouraging others to reduce plastic waste and protect marine life. These are just some of the phrases that have become associated with the VSCO girl trend and are often used in online conversations and social media posts,

Phrases used by VSCO girls

Image Source: Shared News/Youtube

Greer Jones’s humorous video on the internet

When Greer Jones posted a humorous video on YouTube in January 2019 explaining how to become “the ultimate VSCO girl,” it received much attention. For example, posting many pictures involving designer clothing, e.g Nike Air Force 1 shoe and Lululemon athleisure wear and lifestyle trends to become famous or go viral was one method of achieving this (drinking coffee with oat milk).

VSCO girl became an internet slang insult after several viral videos on YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms portrayed her as a vain, obsessively fashionable young woman.

VSCO praised one mocking “VSCO girl transformation” video that went viral in June 2019 and had over 1.5 million views. The first Urban Dictionary entry for VSCO girls was published in July of this year. Articles on several popular websites discussed the term and trend by August of the following year.

Is VSCO free?

In 2013, it had over 2 million paid subscribers with access to more presets. It was a highly downloaded app on the App Store and Google Play Store. While the VSCO app is free, a $19.99 yearly membership is a must to access the full functionality. The full functionality includes many premium features.

Such as over 130 presets, film emulation such as Fuji film and Polaroid, advanced photo editing tools, video coloring, bonus content, and weekly challenges that put you in touch with the VSCO community included with this membership.

VSCO is a popular photo editing app that offers a wide range of features and tools. It’s known for its clean interface and easy-to-use editing controls. VSCO editor is available for both iOS and Android devices

Should parents worry if their kids use VSCO?

The VSCO app is primarily designed for serious creators, not children, as the age requirement is 13 years and above. The app has age screening mechanisms to prevent children from signing up and creating an account by providing inaccurate age data or signing up on behalf of somebody under 13. The app prohibits any such activities from signing up as a user on VSCO.

While the app promotes unique content and communication with creative community members, it also has some iffy images. In addition, VSCO has a default setting that allows users to share the location where any picture is taken or shared. Therefore parents need to monitor their child’s app use to ensure that posts won’t negatively impact their child.

As fewer parents are aware of VSCO, teenagers frequently use it to share their more risky photos with their friends and family. These can include pictures of people holding liquor bottles and vape pens to selfies taken while dressed inappropriately.

Users should keep in mind that some adults are unaware of the VSCO cam, so it does not imply that sharing some of these images is appropriate. Digital footprints are permanent, and pictures that teenagers think are appropriate to post now may reflect negatively on them when they apply for colleges or jobs in the future.

How to protect children on the VSCO app?

  • Ensure that your child is at least 13 years old before they create an account on the VSCO app as per the app’s age requirements.
  • Monitor your child’s app use to ensure they are not exposed to inappropriate content.
  • Educate your child about online safety and responsible use of the app, including not sharing personal information or engaging in cyberbullying.
  • Encourage your child to use the app’s privacy settings to keep their account and information safe.
  • Report any bullying, harassment, or inappropriate content to VSCO’s support team.

Risks involved in using VSCO

While VSCO does not pose significant risks, some potential concerns are associated with its use. Here are a few risks to consider.

  • Public Profiles: VSCO profiles are open to the public, meaning anyone can view a user’s content. Unfortunately, there’s no option to make your profile private, so it’s important to consider who can see your posts.
  • Inappropriate content: Like any platform that relies on user-generated content, inappropriate material can be encountered while using VSCO. It’s essential to be aware of this possibility and report any content that violates VSCO’s guidelines.
  • Location Information: By default, VSCO displays a user’s location information when sharing images on the feed. However, you can disable this feature in your Privacy Settings if you prefer not to disclose your location.
  • Age Restrictions: VSCO is intended for users aged 13 and above. However, it’s worth noting that creating an account only requires an email address, which could potentially be bypassed. In some countries like Ireland, the age requirement is set at 16 years old, and younger users need parental guardian consent.
  • Potential Costs: While the basic version of VSCO is free, the app regularly encourages users to upgrade to the premium version, which offers additional features. It’s essential to be mindful of potential costs if you subscribe to the premium version.

It’s crucial to remember these risks when using VSCO and take necessary precautions to protect your privacy, well-being, and online safety.

FAQs about VSCO

frequently asked questions

Image Source: Labsert

What does VSCO mean?

VSCO is an iOS and Android photography app allowing users to edit and share their photos. The app includes a variety of filters and tools that can be used to improve the quality of your photos. It is short for Visual Supply Company.

Who made VSCO?

VSCO is a photography app for iOS and Android created by the American company Visual Supply Company. The app provides filters and tools for users to edit their photos as well as share them on various social media platforms. It was launched in 2012 and has since amassed a large community of users, particularly among young people.

What does VSCO girl mean?

What does VSCO girl mean? The term “VSCO girl” describes a certain type of girl, typically in her early-to-mid teens. She is often seen as stylish but not too flashy and is into natural beauty and simple fashion. The girl aesthetic often includes scrunchies, oversized T-shirts, Birkenstocks, and shell necklaces.

The name “VSCO girl” comes from the popular photo editing app VSCO. This app allows users to edit their photos with filters that give them a more natural look. Many VSCO girls use this app to edit photos before posting them on social media.

What does a VSCO girl wear?

There’s no definitive answer to this question, “What do VSCO girls wear” since every girl has her own unique style. However, some common items often seen in a VSCO girl’s wardrobe include oversized t-shirts, mom jeans, Birkenstock sandals, and scrunchies. VSCO girls also tend to favor natural makeup looks.

Can you see who viewed your VSCO profile?

It is impossible to see who viewed your profile now. However, you can see how many people have viewed your profile by visiting your “Stats” page. If you have a public profile, anyone can view your profile and see your photos.

How to be a VSCO?

It is a photography app that allows users to edit and enhance their photos and share them with others. To become “VSCO,” users must download the app and create an account. Once they have done so, they can start editing and enhancing their photos.