Prequel

Prequel is a photo and video editing app for iOS and Android that provides film-like aesthetic filters, cinematic presets, analog film emulations, and AI-powered editing tools that transform smartphone photos and videos into content with vintage film, double exposure, or artistic quality. Founded in 2019 and developed by Action Cameras LLC, Prequel became one of the most downloaded photo editing apps globally with over 130 million downloads, popular among Instagram and TikTok content creators seeking a distinctive visual style.\n\nPrequel's editing tools include analog film emulations (35mm grain textures, light leaks, film borders), aesthetic filters (Y2K, retrowave, noir), video transitions and effects, AI face enhancement, background blur, and cinematic aspect ratios. The app is designed for quick, one-tap aesthetic transformations that give phone photos the look of professional film photography or specific aesthetic trends popular on social media. The premium subscription (Prequel Pro) removes watermarks and unlocks the full effects library.\n\nIn 2025, Prequel competes with VSCO (the leading photo editing app for aesthetic photography), Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Facetune (retouching), and CapCut (TikTok's video editing app) for mobile creative editing app market share. The mobile photo editing market is competitive and trend-driven — apps that align with current social media aesthetics (currently Y2K revival, film photography revival) gain rapid organic growth. Prequel's 2025 strategy focuses on expanding AI-powered editing features (AI style transfer, AI background replacement), growing video editing capabilities to compete with CapCut, and developing creator tools that help users build consistent aesthetic identity across their social media profiles.