Prequel: Photo & Video Editor

User Experience Report

Week of April 9th, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

Highlights trends and insights

Helps you understand what matters most

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Prequel: Photo & Video Editor

Top Insights This Week

Week of April 9th, 2025
This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.
It highlights trends and insights to help you understand what matters most.
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All Insights

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TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Prequel: Photo & Video Editor's key feedback

1

Subscription Overload

A significant number of users, approximately 70%, are frustrated with the shift to a subscription-based model, which has made previously free features paid. This change has alienated long-time users who feel the app has become too expensive and inaccessible.

I used to love this app, but now almost everything requires a subscription, making it unusable without paying.

2

Paywall Expansion

Around 60% of users are upset that filters and effects that were once free are now locked behind a paywall. This sudden change has led to disappointment and a sense of betrayal among loyal users.

Filters I used for years are now unavailable unless I pay for a subscription, which is really disappointing.

3

Lack of Transparency

Approximately 40% of users are frustrated by the lack of clear indicators for which features are free and which require payment. This has led to confusion and a feeling of being misled when using the app.

It's hard to tell which effects are free until you try to use them, which feels deceiving.

4

Feature Removal

About 30% of users are dismayed by the removal of certain beloved features and filters, which has diminished the app's value and usability for them.

My favorite 90s Anime AI filter is gone, and it's disappointing to see features just disappear.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

#1 USERS CHOICE

Snapseed
Snapseed receives high praise for its user-friendly interface and powerful editing tools, making it a favorite among users for quick and effective photo edits. However, some users express frustration over recent updates that have affected usability, such as issues with saving edited photos and accessing certain features.

#2 RUNNER UP

Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is highly regarded for its professional-grade editing capabilities and comprehensive feature set, making it a top choice for serious photographers. Users appreciate its powerful tools and flexibility, though some find the premium version expensive and express concerns over occasional performance issues.

#3 Straggler

Prequel: Photo & Video Editor
Prequel faces criticism for its shift towards a subscription model, with many users disappointed by the paywall placed on previously free features. While the app is praised for its unique effects and filters, the lack of transparency regarding premium content and the high cost of subscriptions have led to user dissatisfaction.
Competitors Analysis
Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse.
Snapseed
#1 Users Choice
Snapseed receives high praise for its user-friendly interface and powerful editing tools, making it a favorite among users for quick and effective photo edits. However, some users express frustration over recent updates that have affected usability, such as issues with saving edited photos and accessing certain features.
Adobe Lightroom
#2 Runner-up
Adobe Lightroom is highly regarded for its professional-grade editing capabilities and comprehensive feature set, making it a top choice for serious photographers. Users appreciate its powerful tools and flexibility, though some find the premium version expensive and express concerns over occasional performance issues.
Prequel: Photo & Video Editor
#3 Straggler
Prequel faces criticism for its shift towards a subscription model, with many users disappointed by the paywall placed on previously free features. While the app is praised for its unique effects and filters, the lack of transparency regarding premium content and the high cost of subscriptions have led to user dissatisfaction.

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Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Subscription Overload
Users are frustrated with the shift from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based model, which they find excessive and unnecessary for a photo editing app. Many long-time users express disappointment and a sense of betrayal as they feel forced into a subscription to access features that were once free.
I loved this app for years, but now it's all subscription-based, and I can't justify paying for it.
Paywall Expansion
The expansion of the paywall to include previously free filters and features has alienated users who relied on these tools. This change is perceived as a cash grab, leading to dissatisfaction and app abandonment.
Filters I used for years are now behind a paywall, making the app unusable without paying.
Lack of Transparency
Users are frustrated by the lack of clear indicators distinguishing free from premium content, leading to confusion and wasted time. The absence of visible markers for premium features until after selection is seen as deceptive.
It's hard to tell which filters are free until you try to use them, which is really misleading.
Feature Removal
The removal of popular filters, such as the 90s Anime AI filter, without notice has disappointed users who had grown attached to these features. This unexpected change has led to negative sentiment and app deletions.
What happened to the 90s Anime AI filter? It was my favorite, and now it's just gone.
Inconsistent Free Options
Users are frustrated by the inconsistency in free filter availability, with some filters becoming paid overnight. This unpredictability has led to dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in the app's offerings.
Filters that were free yesterday are now paid, making it hard to rely on the app.
Screenshot Restriction
The introduction of an anti-screenshot feature has further limited users' ability to save and share their edits without paying. This restriction is seen as an unnecessary barrier to enjoying the app's content.
I can't even screenshot my edits anymore; it's just a black screen unless I pay.
Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience
Subscription Overload
Users are frustrated with the shift from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based model, which they find excessive and unnecessary for a photo editing app. Many long-time users express disappointment and a sense of betrayal as they feel forced into a subscription to access features that were once free.
Paywall Expansion
The expansion of the paywall to include previously free filters and features has alienated users who relied on these tools. This change is perceived as a cash grab, leading to dissatisfaction and app abandonment.
Lack of Transparency
Users are frustrated by the lack of clear indicators distinguishing free from premium content, leading to confusion and wasted time. The absence of visible markers for premium features until after selection is seen as deceptive.
Feature Removal
The removal of popular filters, such as the 90s Anime AI filter, without notice has disappointed users who had grown attached to these features. This unexpected change has led to negative sentiment and app deletions.
Inconsistent Free Options
Users are frustrated by the inconsistency in free filter availability, with some filters becoming paid overnight. This unpredictability has led to dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in the app's offerings.
Screenshot Restriction
The introduction of an anti-screenshot feature has further limited users' ability to save and share their edits without paying. This restriction is seen as an unnecessary barrier to enjoying the app's content.

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

This used to be my favorite app, but now you have to pay for EVERYTHING. It’s actually despicable for just a photo editing app to do this.
Aleahdddd
Week of April 9th, 2025
I love this app and have used it for years. I would gladly buy this app if that were an option. Unfortunately, it is not. It is now a fully subscription based app. And this I cannot abide. Not everything has to be a subscription.
Country Cryptkeeper
Week of April 9th, 2025
I’ve been a loyal user of this app since 2020 and have always loved it — until this recent update. Nearly all of the filters that were once free are now locked behind a paywall, with no clear indication that they’ve become premium features.
Anonymouswhitegirl
Week of April 9th, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes
This used to be my favorite app, but now you have to pay for EVERYTHING. It’s actually despicable for just a photo editing app to do this.
Candice Wu
App Store
I love this app and have used it for years. I would gladly buy this app if that were an option. Unfortunately, it is not. It is now a fully subscription based app. And this I cannot abide. Not everything has to be a subscription.
Kelly Williams
Google Play
I’ve been a loyal user of this app since 2020 and have always loved it — until this recent update. Nearly all of the filters that were once free are now locked behind a paywall, with no clear indication that they’ve become premium features.
Koray Okumus
Google Play

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