What it does
A Color Story is a comprehensive photo and video editing application designed for content creators. It provides a vast library of professional filters and effects, along with advanced manual adjustment tools like HSL and Curves. Beyond editing single images, the app offers batch editing capabilities and a robust grid planner to help users design and schedule their social media feeds.
Where it shines
The app excels in providing powerful, workflow-oriented tools in an accessible mobile interface. The batch editing feature, introduced as soon as a user selects multiple photos (00:19), is a prime example of its efficiency. Another standout moment is the ability to save a complex stack of edits as a custom preset (03:00). This allows users to define their unique style and apply it consistently across all their content with a single tap (07:45), turning the app into a true creative toolkit.
UX highlights
- Contextual Actions: The UI smartly adapts to user actions. For instance, the "Batch Edit Items" button only appears after selecting more than one photo (00:23).
- Non-destructive Edit History: Users can view every applied edit and adjustment in a clear list, with the option to remove or tweak any step (03:00).
- Custom Preset Creation: The ability to save a full stack of edits as a named preset is a pro-level feature that empowers creators (03:02).
- Interactive Filter Adjustment: Instead of just applying a filter, users can tap it again to reveal sliders for opacity and other fine-tuning (02:35).
- Guided Discovery Quiz: An optional quiz helps users navigate the vast filter library by providing personalized recommendations based on their style (07:04).
- Integrated Grid Planning: The app seamlessly connects editing with planning, allowing users to save an edited photo directly into their visual grid planner (06:08).
Monetization & growth
Monetization is introduced early. After a brief feature carousel during onboarding, a paywall appears at 01:22 offering a 7-day free trial for "A Color Story PRO." The offer is a single, clear call-to-action. Later in the user journey, after the user has engaged with the free features, a special offer appears (07:08) to "Save 50% by upgrading," presenting an annual plan as a more cost-effective option. This dual-paywall strategy targets both new users with a low-commitment trial and engaged users with a discount.
Who it’s for
A Color Story is clearly targeted at social media creators, influencers, photographers, and small business owners who need to maintain a consistent and high-quality visual aesthetic. Its features, such as batch editing, preset creation, and grid planning, are specifically designed to streamline the content creation workflow. The app serves both hobbyists looking for beautiful filters and professionals who require more granular control and efficiency.
Notes & opportunities
The app requests notifications and photo access immediately upon opening (00:01), which can feel abrupt. Warming up these permission requests with a brief explanation of why they are needed could improve the initial experience. Additionally, the sign-in with Apple flow resulted in an error (03:21), which is a significant friction point for users trying to back up their presets. Resolving this would improve trust and usability.