VSCO
Photo and video editing mobile app and community platform known for its preset filters and creative tools for photographers.
Company Type
private
Founded
2011
Headquarters
Oakland, California, USA
About VSCO
VSCO provides a comprehensive photo and video editing platform with a strong focus on community and creative expression. The company's mobile app offers sophisticated editing tools and a curated community for photographers.
Key features include:
- Photo editing with preset filters and advanced toolkit
- Video editing capabilities (with yearly membership)
- Community platform for sharing and discovering photography
- DSCO animated GIF creation (iOS only)
- Profile sharing with captions and hashtags
- Export options to camera roll and other social platforms
The app allows users to edit photos through various preset filters or through the "toolkit" feature for fine adjustments to properties like fade, clarity, skin tone, tint, sharpness, saturation, contrast, temperature, and exposure. Both JPEG and raw image files are supported.
VSCO operates on a freemium model, offering basic editing features for free while premium features require a subscription. The company has focused on building a creative community rather than just providing editing tools.
History of VSCO
VSCO was founded in 2011 by Joel Flory and Greg Lutze in California as Visual Supply Company. The founders launched the VSCO app in 2012, focusing on creating high-quality photo editing tools and preset filters for mobile photographers.
The company raised $40 million from investors in May 2014, providing capital for expansion and product development. By 2017, VSCO launched a subscription model to monetize its premium features and tools.
VSCO reached significant user milestones, achieving over 30 million users by April 2018 and over 2 million paying members by 2018. The company's growth was driven by its reputation for quality filters and sophisticated editing tools that appealed to photography enthusiasts and professionals.
In 2019, VSCO acquired Rylo, a video editing startup founded by the original developer of Instagram's Hyperlapse. This acquisition strengthened VSCO's video editing capabilities and expanded its product offerings beyond still photography.
In December 2020, VSCO acquired Trash, an AI-powered video editing app, further enhancing its video editing capabilities and artificial intelligence features.
The company maintains operations in Oakland, California, where it is headquartered, and Chicago, Illinois. VSCO's Oakland headquarters became a filming location for Boots Riley's 2018 film "Sorry to Bother You," highlighting the company's cultural significance.
In September 2023, the company appointed Eric Wittman as CEO, with co-founder Joel Flory becoming executive chairman, bringing new leadership experience while maintaining founder involvement.
Brands Owned by VSCO
VSCO owns 0 brands in our database.
VSCO Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition in photography community
- +Sophisticated editing tools and preset filters
- +Engaged creative community platform
- +Multiple revenue streams from subscriptions
- +Strategic acquisitions enhancing video capabilities
Considerations
- -Competition from free editing apps and social platforms
- -Need for continuous innovation in AI and editing features
- -Dependence on mobile app store ecosystems
- -Challenge of monetizing community features
- -Market saturation in photo editing app space
Frequently Asked Questions About VSCO
Is VSCO a publicly traded company?
No, VSCO is a privately held company. It has raised $90 million in venture capital funding but has not undergone an initial public offering.
Who founded VSCO?
VSCO was founded in 2011 by Joel Flory and Greg Lutze as Visual Supply Company. Flory now serves as executive chairman, and Greg Lutze remains involved in the company's creative direction.
Who owns VSCO?
VSCO is owned by its founders, venture capital investors, and employees. The company has raised $90 million in funding while maintaining independence and founder control over strategic decisions.
How many users does VSCO have?
VSCO has over 30 million users globally, with over 2 million paying members as of 2018. The company has continued growing its user base through its community-focused approach.
What services does VSCO offer?
VSCO provides photo and video editing apps with preset filters, advanced editing tools, community features for sharing photography, and subscription-based premium features for creative professionals.
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