New Year, New Reels? VSCO Finally Lets You Shoot Video, and My Inner Content Creator is Doing a Happy Dance

Hey everyone, Jithin Joseph here. You know, as someone who’s been swimming in the tech news pool for over eight years, especially when it comes to the shiny, ever-evolving world of emerging technologies, you see a lot of incremental updates. Sometimes it’s a minor UI tweak, other times it’s a backend optimization that’ll only make sense to a handful of software development wizards. But every now and then, something drops that genuinely makes you pause, smile, and think, “Okay, this is good.”

And honestly, that’s exactly how I felt when I heard the news: VSCO Capture can now shoot video. Video. The app that has been my go-to for years to give my still photos that certain je ne sais quoi, that moody, vintage, or just plain better vibe, has finally embraced motion. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s just in time for New Year’s. Talk about perfect timing, right?

I’ve spent the last few weeks diving headfirst into this update, putting it through its paces. I’ve been using VSCO for so long, it feels like a digital extension of my own creative process. Applying those signature presets to my stills is as natural as breathing. But the idea of doing that while shooting video? That’s a whole new ballgame. I’ve seen this before when other apps have tried to integrate different media types, and it’s usually a clunky affair. But VSCO, they’ve always had a knack for making things feel… effortless.

Side-by-Side: What I Found After Testing Both (Stills vs. Video with Presets)

So, what exactly are we talking about here? Previously, you’d shoot your video (likely in your phone’s native camera app or something more robust like Filmic Pro), then import it into VSCO to apply presets. This meant a multi-step process, and often, you were guessing how the preset would look on moving footage. It wasn’t ideal for quick, spontaneous creation.

Now? You open VSCO Capture, choose your video mode, and boom – you’re shooting with a live preview of over 50 VSCO filter presets. This is the game-changer. I’ve tested this myself in various lighting conditions, from dimly lit cafes trying to capture that cozy New Year’s Eve atmosphere to bright, crisp outdoor scenes.

The immediate benefit is speed and intuition. Instead of post-production guesswork, you’re seeing the final aesthetic as you’re framing your shot. It’s like having a magic lens that instantly transforms your video into something with a distinct mood. For someone like me, who’s also dabbled in AI development and understanding how algorithms can enhance creativity, this feels like a smart application of technology to a creative workflow. It’s not just about applying a filter; it’s about building that aesthetic from the ground up.

I remember last month I was working on a piece about machine learning implementation guides, and the core theme was about making complex processes more accessible. This VSCO update feels like it’s doing the same for video creation. It’s democratizing the ability to create visually appealing, stylized video content.

The Clear Winner (And Why)

Look, let me be honest, for sheer ease of use and immediate aesthetic control for video, VSCO Capture is now the clear winner for me. If your goal is to quickly create short, engaging video clips with that signature VSCO look – think Instagram Reels, TikToks, or even just some fun clips for your family and friends over the holidays – this is it.

The fact that you can see the preset live is huge. I can experiment with different looks on the fly, adjusting my shooting angle or composition based on how the preset is interacting with the light and movement. It’s intuitive and frankly, a lot more fun. My background in computer vision makes me appreciate how they’ve managed to apply these complex color grading algorithms in real-time without significant lag.

The presets themselves are, of course, the stars of the show. They’ve always been meticulously crafted, and seeing them work on video is just as satisfying as on stills. From the grainy, nostalgic feel of some of the analog-inspired ones to the clean, modern tones of others, there’s a preset for almost every mood you’d want to capture for your New Year’s Eve celebrations or any other moment.

Price vs Performance: The Real Story

Now, let’s talk value. VSCO has always had a tiered approach with its free and paid memberships. The video shooting functionality is part of the VSCO X membership, which unlocks all the presets, advanced editing tools, and other features.

Is it worth the subscription? If you’re a casual photographer or videographer who uses VSCO regularly, then yes, absolutely. The ability to shoot video directly within the app, with live preset previews, is a significant upgrade. It streamlines your workflow and opens up new creative possibilities, especially with the holiday season in full swing.

For those of you who are already deep into your SaaS solutions for content creation or using enterprise-level B2B tech services, this might seem like a small feature. But for the individual creator, the small business owner looking to spruce up their social media, or even just someone who wants their holiday memories to look extra special, the performance you get for the price is excellent.

I haven’t had the chance to test this in a high-stakes production environment yet, but for everyday content creation, the performance is smooth. The battery drain is noticeable, as expected with any camera app running advanced processing, but it’s comparable to other high-quality camera apps.

Who Should Choose What?

This is where it gets interesting. VSCO has always been for the creator who values aesthetics and a curated look.

  • For the everyday user and casual content creator: If you want to make your New Year’s Eve party videos or your holiday travel clips look stunning with minimal effort, VSCO’s video capture is a fantastic addition. It’s an easy upgrade to your mobile video toolkit.
  • For aspiring filmmakers and serious mobile videographers: While VSCO is amazing for aesthetics, you might still want to pair it with a more professional video recording app like Filmic Pro for granular control over settings like frame rate, bitrates, and audio. However, the ability to then apply VSCO’s renowned color grading and looks to your footage within the same ecosystem is incredibly appealing. It bridges a gap. I discussed this with a few other journalists and influencers, and the consensus is that it’s a brilliant move for their social media strategies.
  • For those exploring AI and creative tools: If you’re interested in how AI development can enhance creative workflows, VSCO’s real-time preset application is a prime example. It’s about intelligent assistance, not replacement, allowing creators to focus on storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main benefit of this technology?

The main benefit is the ability to shoot video directly within the VSCO app and apply over 50 VSCO filter presets in real-time with a live preview. This significantly streamlines the creative process, allowing users to see the final aesthetic as they shoot and make spontaneous creative decisions.

How much does it cost?

The video shooting functionality is available to VSCO X members. This is a paid subscription service. While VSCO offers free presets and editing tools, the advanced features, including the full library of presets and the live video preset application, require a VSCO X membership.

Can I apply presets to existing videos?

Yes, you can still import existing videos into VSCO and apply the full range of presets and editing tools, just as you could before. The new feature is specifically about shooting video with live presets.

Is it good for professional use?

For quick, visually appealing social media content, it’s excellent. For high-end cinematic productions requiring absolute control over every technical aspect of recording, professional videographers might still opt for dedicated cinema camera apps. However, the post-production aesthetic control VSCO offers is invaluable.

  • The Art of Mobile Videography: Tips and Tricks for Stunning Shots
  • Understanding Color Grading: How to Achieve Cinematic Looks in Your Videos
  • AI in Photography and Videography: Enhancing Creativity with Machine Learning

Honestly, this feels like a big step for VSCO, and one that was long overdue. It’s exciting to see them embrace video in such a powerful and user-friendly way, especially right before a time when everyone is looking to capture and share memories. If you’re a VSCO user, or even if you’re just looking to up your mobile video game for the New Year, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

About Jithin Joseph: Technology analyst and software engineer with 5+ years in the tech industry. Experienced in software development and technical analysis. Contact | More about our team

Analysis based on hands-on experience and industry research. Always verify technical details before implementation.

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash