New KC25 Preset, Speed & Reverse Tools, and Text

By VSCO Team

We know that summer is winding down but it doesn’t mean the end of capturing those golden hour moments or summer vibes. And just in time, we’re launching a few new tools for you to try out to capture these everyday moments.

 Introducing VSCO KC25

We’ve debuted a new Kodachrome-inspired preset -- KC25 -- to the VSCO preset library. This archival film pioneered color development and we have recreated the look and feel of the original film stock in a digital format. It’s our tribute to the iconic color film stock used in Steve McCurry’s famous image “Afghan Girl,” in photos of Edmund Hillary’s climb to the top of Mount Everest, and in Paul Simon’s summertime song “Kodachrome.” Since the film’s discontinuation in 2010, our imaging lab has been working to recreate the visual effects of this film so that you can now add this film aesthetic to your photos right from your VSCO app.

KC25 will be available to all VSCO users for free until August 25 and can be permanently added to your preset library with a subscription to our VSCO membership. To get started with KC25, select a photo you’d like to edit. Once selected, navigate to the editing interface and select KC25 from the preset library at the bottom of the screen.  Here are a few tips on how to bring the color out of your photos using KC25 —

In sunshine

After applying KC25 to a sunlit image, tap the preset tile to access additional Strength, Character, and Warmth sliders. Try decreasing character to add depth to blue skies and to the overall tonality.

For overcast moments

Increasing character on KC25 will decrease contrast, brighten shadows, and add warmth to the color balance. Add a touch of character and a bit of warmth to bring life to a muted color palette.

For a portrait

The Warmth control can alter the mood of a portrait. Moving the slider to the left creates a cooled off look, while moving it to the right creates a sunny glow. The Character slider also alters skin tone — more yellow to the left, more red to the right. Move the sliders in opposite directions for a more expressive portrait.

You can share the images you create with the community using #VSCOKC25 and explore how others are using these new color effects. Read more here.

Speed & Reverse for Video

We’ve added two new ways to edit your videos that you can try out now with a VSCO membership. 

The new Speed tool allows you to add slow-motion and timelapse effects to videos. Leveraging Rylo technology, even non-slomo videos can be slowed down in real-time. The Reverse tool gives you the ability to reverse and reverse loop videos on VSCO, giving you endless ways to showcase your creativity.

To get started with both Speed and Reverse, import a video onto VSCO. Once the video is selected, open the editing panel and navigate to the video editing toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Scroll to find Speed or Reverse tool options in the menu. Explore new ways to customize your video by trying both speed and reverse on your video (videos can be up to two minutes long).

Add Text to Your Photos and Videos

We’ve got one more surprise. In the coming weeks, we’re adding the ability to add text to your photos and videos from right within the VSCO app. Sometimes you just need some text to fully tell your story. We’ve got you and we’re excited to make this tool available soon. 

We look forward to seeing what you create. Stay tuned for updates as we have more in store. Interested in becoming a VSCO member? You can get started with a 7-day free trial here and get access to these new tools and 200+ VSCO presets, educational content, challenges, and much more.