Birdy: Photo + Video Journal

I had really high expectations for this app because of the good reviews and advertisements I've seen. I know this app is new, which is why I'm being generous with 3 stars. There's really not that many filters or overlays. The ones that are included are nice but there's not many options at all. I would've rather waited for a ton of options than had the app rushed to release. This is an easy fix as new features can be added whenever the developer decides to. This app was also advertised as FREE and while there are free features, just know to get ALL of the little bit of features they have, you will need to pay. So unfortunate and sadly, false advertising. You literally only have access to like 5 filters and maybe 7 overlays for free...that's really nothing. There is an option to add text to your photos and there's only THREE fonts to choose from...that's it. And don't forget, just to use HSL (hue, saturation, luminance), you'll need to dish out $$$. In almost every photo editing app, that is a basic free feature. I was surprised I'd have to pay just to use something that I could do for free in pretty much any other editing app I've used. I will say that the filters & overlays are pretty with a nice aesthetic, but it's definitely not worth paying for. I feel like I'm being played by downloading a "free app" (this is advertised as free on Instagram ads) with super, super minimal features. If you had given me more free options, I'd possibly be more inclined to pay for more features but at this stage of this early app, I'm not pleased enough to actually subscribe and pay money. Video editing must be paid for as well. I think this app could have a bright future and be successful if some things are improved and more features are added, but it is a good start. I still like it and will use it here and there.

I could tell you why it’s better than each popular app, but just trust me, it’s better. It has the best presets I’ve seen for free, and also other elements you can layer on top like grain, dust, sparkle, and text. I seriously can’t believe it’s free. VSCO has more presets but I honestly can never find one I actually love. Even with the paid version. And Lightroom you have to create the presets yourself, which is great for some people but for most it’s not. And then I’ve tried a bunch of other apps and again, not as good. I’m thinking about purchasing the paid plan for this app just because it’s not that expensive and I’d love to help support Sarah for creating such an amazing app. But trust me, the free version is amazing.

I’m not great at the photo editing and have always wanted to try presets but never felt like it was worth the cost when I didn’t know how to use them (like if I need an extra app or if it just loads to my phone). I’m still learning the features but so far the PinkPapaya app is very user friendly and the presets available in the free version are awesome. I love that I can just use the standard preset or make it my own! I feel like the changes are more subtle than when I try to use filters on Instagram and this is something that I absolutely love! Sometimes I want to make little tweaks to my images and now I can! The other thing I love is that the free version has 30 presets (+2 if you follow them on Instagram and sign up for the news letter- no brained there!). 100% recommend this app, especially for people like me that want to play around with their images and don’t know where to start. I’m going to play around with the free version and then likely upgrade to subscription when I get the hang of things! Thanks Sarah/Pink Papaya Team for such a great app!