What does VSCO stand for? Visual Supply COmpany—creators of the website that debuted in 2011 as a resource for photographers.
One of many photo-editing apps that includes a variety of filters to modify/enhance photos. Sounds familiar, right? This is not Instagram, yet as it is less known (to parents), it quickly became a popular social media app. Read on for tips for parents to get a better understanding of the app and how to increase parent-child dialogue surrounding it.
- VSCO edits photos, but users can still edit their photos before uploading them. Social media is often seen as a “highlight” reel, and VSCO provides a filtered view as users select the exact version of the photo they want to upload.
- VSCO profiles are always public, there is no setting to just share to “friends-only”. The only adjustable control setting is to choose (or not) to share their location with the public; anyone viewing the profile can see it.
- There is a free and premium version available. When the app is downloaded, it is automatically the free version which includes most filters and the public social media “feed” page. There is a feature where users can upgrade to unlock new premium filters.
- The app has also transitioned to a web browser, similar to many other social media platforms. This allows people to use the filters online, without needing their cell phones. Users can access the public VSCO community without having to download the app.
- Challenges: VSCO hosts visual arts challenges to get user’s creative minds flowing. There are frequent challenges with a theme or topic, and users can participate by taking and uploading their photos. Take note that these themes are often associated with VSCO sponsors, which increases their engagement as users strive to win these challenges and express their creativity.
Although VSCO’s popularity likely peaked several years ago, it’s an easy conversation starter--which is the basic point of this ToGO™ series. Prepare yourself for a possible eye-roll, though.
Eye-rolls for the greater good.
-iParent101 Team