Prequel is a photo and video editor known for its film-inspired filters, VHS effects, and aesthetic presets that make your iPhone footage look like it was shot on an 8mm. It’s Instagram candy… but does it have substance for serious content creators?
Hot Nerd Verdict
Prequel is style with strategy (if you use it right). Perfect for educators who want to add a cinematic touch to testimonials, course promos, or brand content. But don’t let the prettiness distract you from the work that actually converts, which is: clear messaging and value delivery.
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Prequel uses layered filters, color grading presets, and retro effects (think: VHS scan lines, light leaks, film grain). You can stack multiple effects, adjust intensity, and save custom presets for brand consistency. Video tools include speed ramps, glitch effects, and AI-powered background removal.
In plain speak: upload your raw photo or video, swipe through presets until you find "The Vibe", tweak it if you’re fancy, export, and post. It’s Lightroom for people who don’t want to learn Lightroom.🙃
Freemium model: basic filters are free, but the good stuff (premium filters, HD export, no watermark) requires Prequel Pro at ~$5/month or $30/year. If you’re using this for brand content, the Pro tier is worth it to avoid watermark shame.
The “Testimonial Glow-Up” Flow:
1. Film a quick student or client testimonial on your phone
2. Import to Prequel → apply a warm, cinematic filter (try “Sunset” or “Golden Hour”)
3. Add subtle grain for texture
4. Export and layer over your course landing page or IG Stories
The “Before-and-After Course Transformation” Flow:
1. Grab two clips: one from Day 1 (raw, less polished) and one from the end (confident, glowing)
2. Apply a muted filter to the “before” (Prequel’s “Muted” preset works well)
3. Apply a vibrant, high-contrast filter to the “after”
4. Stitch together with text overlays and post as a mini case study
Branded Content Library with Custom Presets:
1. Choose 3-5 Prequel filters that match your brand colors and vibe
2. Test on different types of content (headshots, b-roll, product shots)
3. Save your top 2 as custom presets
4. Use only those presets for the next 30 days to build visual consistency
5. Batch-edit a month’s worth of content in one sitting
Cinematic Course Promo Series:
1. Shoot 5-second b-roll clips (coffee, notebooks, typing hands, sunrise)
2. Apply the same Prequel filter to each clip for cohesion
3. Add speed ramps (slow-mo on key moments) for drama
4. Layer with voiceover or trending audio
5. Export as a 30-second promo reel for your course launch
Aesthetic Newsletter Header Images:
1. Take a clean photo related to your topic (desk setup, bookshelf, workspace)
2. Apply a moody Prequel filter (try “Film” or “Noir”)
3. Add text overlay with your newsletter title
4. Export as your email header or Substack banner
Choose Prequel if:
• You want effortless aesthetic polish without learning complex editing software
• You’re building a visually cohesive brand and need consistent filters
• You create short-form content for IG, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts
Skip Prequel if:
• You’re a minimalist who doesn’t care about visual aesthetics (no judgment!)
• You need heavy-duty editing tools like multi-track audio or advanced color grading
• You’re not willing to pay for Pro; the free version is too limited for serious use
Justine Gonzalez | Certified AI Specialist and Cultural Psychology PhD | https://justinegonzalez.com
Justine is an author, speaker, and creator-educator who blends AI tools, personal branding, and intercultural wisdom to help people build lives that are easier, healthier, and wealthier. She hosts App Fabulous, an honest app-review podcast for creators, educators, and builders.
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