What it does
Retake is an AI-driven photo editor designed to perfect selfies and portraits. Unlike traditional editors that rely solely on manual adjustments, Retake's core feature is its ability to create a personalized AI model based on a user's own photos. The app then uses this model to generate entirely new versions ('retakes') of a photo or apply a suite of intelligent, fine-tuned adjustments to facial features.
Where it shines
Retake shines in its commitment to personalization from the very first moment. The onboarding flow isn't just a tutorial; it's a mandatory data collection process (01:10) to build the user's unique AI profile. This creates a high degree of user investment early on. The app's dual-editing system is another strength. It offers both powerful one-tap AI transformations and a deep set of manual slider-based controls under the 'Features' tab (03:55), catering to users who want magic and those who want precision. Finally, the feedback loop for AI results (07:09), where users are taught to 'like' and 'dislike' generated images, empowers them to actively improve their personal model over time.
UX highlights
- The app clearly separates its editing tools into macro (AI retakes) and micro (manual features), preventing cognitive overload on the main editing screen.
- At 07:09, Retake uses a brief, contextual tutorial to teach users how to train their AI, turning a passive viewing experience into an active feedback loop.
- When multiple faces are detected in an upload (02:46), the app provides a clear UI for the user to select the correct subject for their AI profile.
- The AI training screen (03:33) uses a custom animation and a time estimate, which frames the waiting period as a valuable, bespoke process rather than just a technical delay.
- Error messages are specific and helpful. When a photo is unsuitable, it provides clear reasons like 'Face is too far' (01:56) or 'Duplicate Photo' (01:43), guiding the user to success.
Monetization & growth
A paywall is presented very early in the onboarding process (00:31), immediately after the initial value proposition screens. It's a soft paywall offering a 7-day free trial for a single weekly subscription plan. This strategy ensures that only users willing to commit to a trial will go through the high-effort process of creating an AI profile. Several advanced editing features, such as specific hairstyles (05:22), are marked with a 'PRO' badge, reinforcing the value of the paid subscription within the core product loop. The app also includes a rating prompt (06:02) after a user successfully saves an image, capturing feedback at a moment of high satisfaction.
Who it’s for
Retake is for social media users, content creators, and individuals who want to create a perfect version of their portraits and selfies with minimal effort. It appeals to those who are dissatisfied with standard photo editing tools and are intrigued by the promise of a personalized AI that learns their preferences. The focus on creating an 'AI Profile' suggests it's for users who frequently need to produce high-quality headshots or profile pictures and are willing to invest time upfront for consistent, tailored results.
Notes & opportunities
The onboarding process is long and requires a significant amount of user effort, including finding and uploading 10-15 photos. This high friction could lead to a high drop-off rate for users who are not immediately convinced of the value. At 01:43, the app flags a 'Duplicate Photo' but requires the user to manually find and deselect it, which could be streamlined. Similarly, the system for handling photos that are 'too far' or have multiple people can be clunky, forcing the user to re-scroll and find replacements rather than offering a more integrated solution.