Review Insights · App Store
Prequel: Photo & Video Editor
Prequel Inc. · 337,064 ratings · ★ 4.7
4.7
★★★★★
337,064 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 33 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"subscription"
13 negative reviews mention this · 39% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Suddenly Requires AI Credits. I purchased a subscription for this with no mention of AI credits or limits. Now every filter consumes credits for things which used to be free and accomplished on-device. There needs to be a clear way to turn off the use of AI for things w…" - TripleThink
2
"credits"
10 negative reviews mention this · 30% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Suddenly Requires AI Credits. I purchased a subscription for this with no mention of AI credits or limits. Now every filter consumes credits for things which used to be free and accomplished on-device. There needs to be a clear way to turn off the use of AI for things w…" - TripleThink
3
"filter"
7 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Suddenly Requires AI Credits. I purchased a subscription for this with no mention of AI credits or limits. Now every filter consumes credits for things which used to be free and accomplished on-device. There needs to be a clear way to turn off the use of AI for things w…" - TripleThink
4
"paying"
7 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Scam. You paid and still need to buy credits.. I paid for the yearly Prequel Gold subscription expecting full access to the app’s features, only to discover that I still need to purchase additional credits to edit more photos. This feels incredibly misleading and honestly like a complet…" - haangladivs
5
"free"
6 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Why Does One of Your Models Look Exactly Like Me?. I downloaded PREQUEL excited to try the free trial because the effects looked amazing. Unfortunately, one of the first things I noticed was that one of the promotional model images looks remarkably like ME ! to the point that it made me que…" - Ig @ismackratchets
6
"paid"
6 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Scam. You paid and still need to buy credits.. I paid for the yearly Prequel Gold subscription expecting full access to the app’s features, only to discover that I still need to purchase additional credits to edit more photos. This feels incredibly misleading and honestly like a complet…" - haangladivs
7
"editing"
6 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Scam. You paid and still need to buy credits.. I paid for the yearly Prequel Gold subscription expecting full access to the app’s features, only to discover that I still need to purchase additional credits to edit more photos. This feels incredibly misleading and honestly like a complet…" - haangladivs
8
"money"
6 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Good app but the new subscription ruined it. The app is great with the filters it gives but with most recent update the new subscription ruined it, now in addition to the yearly subscription I have, I can run out of credits if I use the AI filter and would have to pay for more if I wa…" - Do not bother readdingg
9
"prequel"
5 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Why Does One of Your Models Look Exactly Like Me?. I downloaded PREQUEL excited to try the free trial because the effects looked amazing. Unfortunately, one of the first things I noticed was that one of the promotional model images looks remarkably like ME ! to the point that it made me que…" - Ig @ismackratchets
10
"been"
5 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Why Does One of Your Models Look Exactly Like Me?. I downloaded PREQUEL excited to try the free trial because the effects looked amazing. Unfortunately, one of the first things I noticed was that one of the promotional model images looks remarkably like ME ! to the point that it made me que…" - Ig @ismackratchets
11
"without"
5 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Why Does One of Your Models Look Exactly Like Me?. I downloaded PREQUEL excited to try the free trial because the effects looked amazing. Unfortunately, one of the first things I noticed was that one of the promotional model images looks remarkably like ME ! to the point that it made me que…" - Ig @ismackratchets
12
"yearly"
5 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Scam. You paid and still need to buy credits.. I paid for the yearly Prequel Gold subscription expecting full access to the app’s features, only to discover that I still need to purchase additional credits to edit more photos. This feels incredibly misleading and honestly like a complet…" - haangladivs
📋 All 33 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Why Does One of Your Models Look Exactly Like Me?
I downloaded PREQUEL excited to try the free trial because the effects looked amazing. Unfortunately, one of the first things I noticed was that one of the promotional model images looks remarkably like ME ! to the point that it made me question whether my likeness had been used. Whether it’s AI-generated or a licensed model, it was unsettling enough that I felt the need to contact support for clarification.
Transparency matters when using AI and promotional images. Users shouldn’t be left wondering where these faces come from or whether their own likeness could be used without their knowledge.
Until I receive an explanation, I’m not comfortable continuing to use the app. Still no response from support!
Transparency matters when using AI and promotional images. Users shouldn’t be left wondering where these faces come from or whether their own likeness could be used without their knowledge.
Until I receive an explanation, I’m not comfortable continuing to use the app. Still no response from support!
点进去就闪退
一调滤镜就闪退完全没有了😡
Scam. You paid and still need to buy credits.
I paid for the yearly Prequel Gold subscription expecting full access to the app’s features, only to discover that I still need to purchase additional credits to edit more photos. This feels incredibly misleading and honestly like a complete scam.
If I’m already paying for a premium annual subscription, I shouldn’t be hit with extra paywalls just to continue using features that appear to be part of the service. The app advertises “unlimited access” to effects and editing tools, yet some features are still locked behind another payment system. (App Store)
I used to enjoy this app, but this experience has been extremely disappointing. If you’re considering paying for the yearly plan, be aware that the subscription may not include everything you expect and that additional credits may still be required. I definitely won’t be renewing unless this policy changes.
If I’m already paying for a premium annual subscription, I shouldn’t be hit with extra paywalls just to continue using features that appear to be part of the service. The app advertises “unlimited access” to effects and editing tools, yet some features are still locked behind another payment system. (App Store)
I used to enjoy this app, but this experience has been extremely disappointing. If you’re considering paying for the yearly plan, be aware that the subscription may not include everything you expect and that additional credits may still be required. I definitely won’t be renewing unless this policy changes.
Good app but the new subscription ruined it
The app is great with the filters it gives but with most recent update the new subscription ruined it, now in addition to the yearly subscription I have, I can run out of credits if I use the AI filter and would have to pay for more if I wanted to continue to use the AI filters. Definitely a money grabber, now I have to pay for the yearly subscription and pay for more credits if I run out…
faces get messed up
For a paid app this sucks. Messes the face up pretty bad every time and ran out of credits before I could get one good photo
DO NOT PURCHASE
I purchased a years subscription just for them to ask more payment for credits
Ai ruined this app
Used to be artistic and creative editor now it’s ai slop. Begging me to buy ai credits when I already had a subscription? Way to ruin one of the best editing apps there used to be
Old vs new
The old prequel you didn’t have to pay for everything now it’s like you have to pay to just use the app nothing on it is free it sucks makes me think they got their reviews :(
Not worth your money.
I used to love this app, i’ve been using it to edit videos for YEARS not minding that they charge you WEEKLY. but for the last couple of months I can barely use it for editing, every time I create a video it gets stalled at uploading and I have to end up recreating over and over again taking HOURS.
Misdirection and not inclusive even with paid sub
Subscribe. For all options but wait. Not all. Amy enhanced or photo ai edits. Cost more. Do subscriptions should be labeled. NOT!!!ALL INCLUSIVE. ThaTS THE Right THING TO DO. .
It’s good, but….
I loved this app. Unfortunately, it’s just another subscription that’s totally unnecessary and not needed. These app creators are so tone deaf it’s unbelievable, everythingggggg comes with a subscription these days. I used to pay for the subscription, but stopped being able to afford the weekly subscription cost due to the fact that everything comes with a subscription these days. This app won’t even let you save a photo or video without paying the weekly subscription fee, that’s pretty ridiculous. I understand some features may not be used without paying the subscription fee, but I can’t even save a photo or video without it? This is getting deleted, and I’m moving on to the next app. Disappointed,
Total bait and switch.
I paid for a full year of Prequel Gold thinking I’d have access to the app, but they completely changed the rules halfway through. Now all the best AI tools require "credits." They expect you to pay a premium yearly subscription AND buy microtransaction credit packs just to use the features you already paid for. Absolute rip-off. Do not buy Gold.
Have to pay to use
Went to download to try but before you can even try it, they try to get you to sign up for $5.99/week in very faint writing. No thanks. Scam!
Everything its expensive!
Not recommended
Used this for years now it sucks need to pay to use any filter
Literally you cannot use any filter without paying.
CREDITS!?
Ridiculous that we have to pay on top of buying the monthly or yearly access…… WHATS THE POINT OF BUYING A SUBSCRIPTION WHEN YOU HAVE TO TOP YOUR CREDIT FOR A FILTER?! IM CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION. I THOUGHT WE WERE SUPPORTING THE APP AND DEVELOPER BY BUYING THE SUBSCRIPTIONS
premium??
why even make it free to download if you can’t use anything in the app without paying…
Stop with the reviews I already own it
1 start for the constant review notice
Subscription Isn’t Enough
What’s the point of paying for a subscription if all the good filters still require tokens? The AI effects advertised everywhere are locked behind extra paywalls, while subscribers get a bunch of weak, basic filters. And when you run out of tokens, you have to wait 6 days for them to recharge. Charging for a subscription and then charging again for the main features is a scam. The pricing feels misleading because the subscription alone doesn’t give access to the full experience. Very disappointing.
microcurrency slop
I actually have loved this app for years and it would be five stars if the devs didn’t just decide to start charging for credits on top of already paying for a subscription to use AI features. Corporate greed is so insensitive and disgusting. Whatever happened to…empathy but also SHAME. People are starving, bro.
Data collecting primarily.
Not a real photo or video app. It’s obvious its primary function is to collect data. Even before you learn that the only way to sign up is through either Apple or Google (no option to simply sign up by create an account otherwise) it will ask 20 personal questions. A shameful practice!
Edit: Developer responded and said “we are sorry for your disappointment regarding our onboarding process”. Onboarding?? It’s not that serious, it’s supposed to be a photo and video filter app! I need to provide ALL the personal information just to apply a photo filter? They also suggested to contact them with feedback through the app, but that can’t be done unless providing all the info and “onboard”. Ridiculous!
Edit: Developer responded and said “we are sorry for your disappointment regarding our onboarding process”. Onboarding?? It’s not that serious, it’s supposed to be a photo and video filter app! I need to provide ALL the personal information just to apply a photo filter? They also suggested to contact them with feedback through the app, but that can’t be done unless providing all the info and “onboard”. Ridiculous!
Give me your money
Doesn’t let us try the app to see if it’s worth purchasing or not. Immediately it’s asking for a payment. No way to tell if it’s worth it. I’ll pass until y’all unlock the app for a free trial run.
Ai take over
The ai will make a picture of you not look like you at all. You have to have tokens to even use the ai. The load times are crazy. Ive had this app for like 4 years. Im so bummed. Probably wont remew.
Gross
Like countless others, I paid for an annual subscription to this app, which had been one of my favorites for quite some time. Now, it’s sadly alienating its user base with these stupid “tokens” nobody wants this, listen to these most recent comments. There are far better apps that aren’t actively trying to nickel and dime consumers, like; Picsart and Lightroom. I’m unsubscribing from Prequel and I know many others are too.
Bad
It is not worth the price. More than that, the setup is a joke, meant to trick you into believe you are getting a premium experience. Save your money
Misleading free trial and poor quality
I decided to try this app because it advertised a free trial. However, I was unexpectedly charged over 7$ (for one week subscription) before I even had a chance to properly evaluate it. After trying a few images, I was very disappointed with the results. The quality was poor and looked completely unnatural, lika a cheap filter had been applied.
I contacted customer support and explained that I only wanted to try the free trial, but they refused to issue refund. I cannot recommend this app at all . Not only I was charged unexpectedly, but the image quality is nowhere near what is shown in their advertisements. The result do not justify the price they are asking, and the marketing creates unrealistic expectations.
I contacted customer support and explained that I only wanted to try the free trial, but they refused to issue refund. I cannot recommend this app at all . Not only I was charged unexpectedly, but the image quality is nowhere near what is shown in their advertisements. The result do not justify the price they are asking, and the marketing creates unrealistic expectations.
👎🏼👎🏼
Used it for over a year but all this AI bs is so over cluttered and making it almost unusable. I shouldn’t be paying for an app I can barely use. At least let us turn AI off.
I used this as my only editing app but tbh I may have to find something else.
I used this as my only editing app but tbh I may have to find something else.
Ai
Плачу за подписку и ещё должна платить отдельно за ии. Вы умом поехали?
Suddenly Requires AI Credits
I purchased a subscription for this with no mention of AI credits or limits. Now every filter consumes credits for things which used to be free and accomplished on-device. There needs to be a clear way to turn off the use of AI for things which can be accomplished and filters which can be used without sending data for AI processing.
Weirds editing app, unadvanced
Most annoying editing app I’ve used which is unfortunate bc the filters are actually cool. Would’ve given them my money if it was more user friendly. The stickers are annoying to use and so are the texts. Not ideal for fun edits. If you don’t pay it doesn’t even tell you which tools are only for premium users so you can end up editing a whole picture you can’t even use unless you give them money. I don’t like feeling forced, it’s greed.
Disappointed
Sure, they add amazing new effects that make the older ones look like Microsoft paint. You can’t use them though, even though you pay a boatload to edit your photos. They are extra. Giant rip off.
BAIT AND SWITCH DO NOT BUY
Paid in full for a year and today find out (never disclosed but advertised as included) you have to buy credits to use any feature or filter backed by AI (and it’s a lot) opening a dispute with my CC company as this was updated after I had paid for my purchase.
Was good now it’s not
Was great until the coins/tokens was introduced. Crazy money hungry used to be such a great app I even do the yearly subscription but I’m going to cancel at the end of this year. Very disappointed this was my favorite editing app at one point 💔
Sentiment summary
94%
Positive (4-5★)
2%
Neutral (3★)
4%
Negative (1-2★)