App Showcase: Glass

What it does

Glass is a subscription-based photo-sharing app for photographers who want a community space free from ads and algorithms. It provides a simple, chronological feed for sharing high-resolution images, creating photo series, and engaging with other members through comments and private "appreciations."

Where it shines

Glass excels in its commitment to a pure photography experience. The interface is minimal and puts images front and center, as seen in the clean explore feed (01:47) and the immersive single-post view (01:53). The "Series" feature (07:58) is a standout, allowing photographers to group images into a single narrative, effectively creating a mini-portfolio piece directly within the app.

UX highlights

• The user's own profile (06:35) is beautifully designed, acting as a clean, professional-looking portfolio.
• Content interaction is focused. Instead of public likes, the app has a private "appreciation" system, and comments are threaded for discussion (02:02).
• The "Explore" section offers smart categories like "Holi Festival in India" (04:20) and "High Shutter Speed Action" (04:03) for discovering new work.
• Deleting content uses a simple and intuitive swipe-to-reveal gesture on both comments (02:25) and photos (09:33), with a helpful undo option.
• Technical photo details (camera, lens, settings) are prominently displayed on each post (01:54), catering to a knowledgeable photography audience.
• The app offers extensive customization, including numerous alternate app icons that reward premium "Patron" members (09:01).

Monetization & growth

Monetization is upfront and transparent. New users hit a mandatory paywall (00:27) immediately after sign-up. The app offers two main tiers, "Member" and "Patron," with a 14-day free trial. The value is framed around the absence of ads and algorithms. There are no other visible in-app purchases, keeping the experience focused once subscribed.

Who it’s for

Glass is clearly built for serious amateur and professional photographers who are fatigued by mainstream social media. It's for users who value image quality, thoughtful discussion, and a community that isn't driven by engagement metrics. It's less for casual snappers and more for those looking to share and appreciate the craft of photography.

Notes & opportunities

The experience is polished, but the mandatory subscription right after sign-up could be a significant barrier for some users. A more limited free experience or a longer preview of the community's content might help improve conversion. Additionally, the process of creating a new "Series" is slightly hidden within the regular upload flow (07:02), which could be made more prominent.