What it does
Creati is a mobile AI photo editor designed for social media users and content creators. Its primary function is to transform existing photos using generative AI. Users can completely change their outfits, swap out backgrounds for new scenes, fix imperfections like closed eyes, or even generate a series of stylized profile photos based on a handful of uploaded images.
Where it shines
Creati excels at demonstrating its power quickly and making complex edits feel simple. The initial onboarding (00:03-00:30) is a rapid showcase of impressive transformations that immediately sets expectations. The app's core loop, seen when changing an outfit (01:05) or background (02:54), is streamlined into a simple 'select and generate' process. A particularly clever element is the virtual queue system at 01:14, which manages user expectations for processing time while simultaneously creating a 'skip the line' upsell opportunity.
UX highlights
- Before-and-after sliders: Used effectively throughout the app (e.g., 00:14, 01:09) to provide a clear and satisfying visualization of the AI's impact.
- Clear feature categories: the main screen at 00:41 organizes complex capabilities into simple, understandable buckets like 'AI Background', 'Face Fix', and 'AI Outfit'.
- Contextual permissions: The app requests photo library access only when the user first decides to select a photo at 00:49, making the request feel justified.
- Visual style selection: Outfit and background styles are presented in a simple, scrollable thumbnail gallery at 01:05, making it easy to browse and choose.
- Gated feature prompts: Instead of just disabling a feature, a modal at 01:57 explains exactly why an AI Profile is needed, guiding the user toward the setup flow.
- In-app gallery: The app automatically saves generated images to a dedicated gallery (06:07), making it easy for users to find and continue editing their creations.
Monetization & growth
Creati employs a multi-faceted and aggressive monetization strategy. The primary paywall appears immediately after onboarding at 00:31, pushing a heavily discounted annual plan. Many core features, like creating an AI Profile, are hard-gated behind this subscription (02:27). For some users, the app appears to use a credit system, prompting them to upgrade when their credits are low at 04:25. Finally, saving an image without a watermark is also a premium feature, triggering another paywall prompt at 03:46.
Who it’s for
This app is built for Instagram users, aspiring influencers, and anyone looking to elevate their social media presence without access to professional photographers or Photoshop skills. The features are tailored for creating polished profile pictures, stylized portraits, and eye-catching content. The emphasis on outfits, backgrounds, and 'perfecting' shots points to a user base that values aesthetics and personal branding.
Notes & opportunities
The constant upselling could be a point of friction. While the initial paywall is expected, being prompted again to create a profile, and then again to download, could frustrate some users. The queue system, while clever, adds a forced waiting period that might lead to abandonment if the wait times are consistently long for non-paying users. Clarifying which features use credits versus which require a full subscription could also improve transparency.