Vault - Hide photos & videos

What it does

Vault is a mobile application that acts as a secure digital safe for a user's private photos and videos. Its core function is to import media from the phone's main library into an encrypted, passcode-protected space within the app. Beyond simple storage, it provides a suite of features designed to enhance privacy and security, such as alerts for failed login attempts and options for backing up content to a private cloud.

Where it shines

Vault stands out with its tangible and clever security features. The "Break-in Alerts" function (02:59) is a prime example. If someone enters an incorrect passcode, the app uses the front-facing camera to snap a photo of the person, providing the user with a log of the attempted intrusion. Another impressive feature is the "Face Down Lock" setting (05:03), which allows a user to quickly exit the app and open a different one simply by placing their phone face down, offering a discreet way to maintain privacy in an instant.

UX highlights

Immediate Security Setup: The app forces passcode creation right after permissions (00:08), immediately delivering on its core promise of security.
Clear Import Flow: Importing media is straightforward. The app presents a familiar grid view of the photo library (00:45) and uses clear checkmarks to indicate selection.
Post-Import Cleanup: After a successful import, the app prompts the user to delete the original files from their phone's public gallery (00:52), streamlining the process of securing media.
Simple Grid Navigation: The main interface uses a clean, grid-based layout for its features (00:35), making it easy for users to find key functions like Photos, Videos, and Break-in Alerts.
Intuitive Media Management: Creating albums (01:47) and moving files feels intuitive, using standard mobile UI patterns that require no learning curve.

Monetization & growth

The app employs a multi-layered monetization strategy. The primary approach is a premium subscription. After onboarding, the user is immediately presented with a feature comparison table and an upsell to premium (00:20). Tapping through leads to a paywall with three subscription tiers (00:28), emphasizing a discount on the annual plan. Interestingly, Vault also incorporates a secondary monetization mechanic through in-app currency. Users can purchase gold coins (03:59) to unlock cosmetic themes, creating an opportunity for microtransactions independent of the main subscription.

Who it’s for

This app is for anyone who wants a private, secure space on their phone to store sensitive photos and videos. The target user values privacy and security above all else, and may need to protect their media from friends, family, or anyone who might gain access to their unlocked device. Features like break-in alerts and the face-down lock suggest it's designed for users who need not just protection, but also discretion.

Notes & opportunities

While the direct approach to onboarding is efficient, the app could benefit from permission warm-up screens. Launching directly into system prompts for camera and tracking (00:01) can be jarring and may lead to lower opt-in rates. Furthermore, the dual-monetization model could be a point of friction. A user who pays for a premium subscription might be confused or frustrated to find that cosmetic themes still require separate purchases with a different currency.