VSCO Launches First AI-Powered Photo Editing Tool
Key Points
- VSCO introduces its first AI‑powered editing tool called “Remove.”
- The tool erases unwanted elements while preserving full‑resolution quality.
- It uses Black Forest Lab’s FLUX.1 Kontext model combined with VSCO’s proprietary technology.
- Remove is part of a new AI Lab suite that will also include an “Upscale” tool.
- Available now on iOS; Android support is planned for a later release.
- Access requires a VSCO Pro subscription at $13 per month or $60 per year.
- CEO Eric Wittman stresses AI as a support for creators, not a replacement.
- The AI tools are non‑destructive and aim to maintain authenticity.
VSCO, the long‑standing photo editing and sharing app known for its film‑style filters and creator community, has introduced its first AI‑driven editing feature called “Remove.” The tool lets users erase unwanted elements from images while preserving full‑resolution quality, using Black Forest Lab’s FLUX.1 Kontext model alongside VSCO’s own technology. The feature is part of a new AI Lab suite that also promises an upcoming Upscale tool. Available now for iOS users with a VSCO Pro subscription, the rollout underscores the company’s aim to support photographers with AI without compromising authenticity.
Background
VSCO has built a reputation as a serious‑photographer’s choice for mobile editing, offering tasteful filters, advanced editing tools, and film‑emulation presets that have attracted a loyal community of creators. Over time, the app expanded its feature set while maintaining a focus on authenticity and high‑quality output.
AI Lab Introduction
In its latest move, VSCO announced the creation of an AI Lab, a dedicated umbrella for artificial‑intelligence‑based editing utilities. The first offering from this lab is a tool named “Remove,” designed to delete unwanted objects from photos without sacrificing the image’s original resolution.
Remove Tool Features
“Remove” works by allowing users to highlight portions of an image they wish to eliminate; the AI then fills the space with background content it deems appropriate. The technology combines Black Forest Lab’s FLUX.1 Kontext model with VSCO’s proprietary algorithms to produce results that the company describes as authentic‑looking. The functionality mirrors tools such as Google’s Magic Eraser but aims to retain full‑resolution detail and operate in a non‑destructive manner.
Future Tools
VSCO also hinted at an upcoming “Upscale” tool that will enhance image resolution while preserving color balance and composition. Both tools are positioned as supportive aids for creators rather than replacements for traditional editing workflows.
Availability and Pricing
The “Remove” feature is currently available in the VSCO app for iOS devices. Android users can expect the tool in a future update, though no timeline was provided. Access to the AI Lab tools requires an active VSCO Pro subscription, priced at $13 per month or $60 per year. The Pro plan also unlocks a full suite of editing capabilities, professional profile options, and a wide array of presets.
CEO Perspective
CEO Eric Wittman emphasized that VSCO’s AI initiatives are meant to augment, not replace, the creative work of photographers. He stated, “We have a very photographer‑centric, creator‑first point of view… AI has a place, but it’s not to replace what creators, and photographers in particular, are doing.” Wittman also highlighted the importance of preserving image quality and authenticity, noting that the AI tools are designed to be non‑destructive and to maintain the original resolution of photos.