Best Apps for Prequel Aesthetic Filters: Ultimate Guide to Vintage, Soft & Dreamy Edits
Best Apps for Prequel Aesthetic Filters took social media by storm with its aesthetic filters, vintage overlays, glow effects, and dreamy edits that feel like they came straight from a Y2K fashion shoot or vaporwave dream. But what if you want more options, free alternatives, or apps with different vibes?
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best apps that match or beat Prequel’s filters—for both Android and iOS.
🔍 What Is the Prequel Aesthetic?
The Prequel aesthetic is all about:
- Nostalgic filters (like 90s VHS, retro camcorders, or Polaroid tones)
- Soft-glow beauty edits
- Y2K & dreamy overlays
- Dust, sparkles, grain, and blur effects
- Analog vibes with modern editing tools
These filters have become popular across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, often used in reels, edits, story highlights, and aesthetic feeds.
🧾 Why Look for Alternatives or Add-Ons to Prequel?
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Too Many In-App Purchases | Find free or cheaper apps with similar filters |
| Different Style Needed | Some users want bolder, darker, or pastel edits not in Prequel |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | Not all features work equally well on Android and iOS in Prequel |
| Expand Creative Toolkit | Use other apps for video, AI, or fine-tuned photo editing beyond filters |
📱 Top 10 Best Apps for Prequel Aesthetic Filters
1. VSCO
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Soft tone edits, minimal vintage looks
- Key Filters: HB2, A4, AL3
- Why It Works: Tons of moody, pastel, and retro presets + manual adjustments
2. Tezza
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Instagram-ready aesthetic edits
- Key Filters: Vintage, Glow, Grit, Mood
- Special Features: Dust overlays, film blur, moving light leaks
3. Snow App
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Soft beauty edits + dreamy filters
- Key Filters: Glisten, Glitter, Soft Retro
- Extra: Built-in camera and beauty tools
4. Dazz Cam (Dazz Vintage Camera)
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Real retro camera simulation
- Key Filters: Film, VHS, 8mm, Instant
- Highlight: Random light leaks and grain for analog feel
5. Lensa
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: AI + Prequel-like magical filters
- Key Filters: Glow, Mood, Magic, Color pop
- Extra: AI avatars, bokeh, face retouch
6. 1998 Cam
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Grainy, nostalgic photos
- Key Filters: VHS, Film, Light Burn, Y2K
- Style: Feels like true disposable film cam
7. PicsArt
- Platform: Android, iOS, Web
- Best For: Artistic editing + mixed media
- Key Filters: Faded, Fantasy, Dreamy
- Bonus: Stickers, overlays, double exposure
8. ToonApp
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Aesthetic cartoon & stylized looks
- Key Filters: Vector, Anime, Glow Edge
- Fun: Anime-meets-Prequel vibes
9. Koloro (by 3D LUT)
- Platform: Android, iOS
- Best For: Advanced LUT-based editing
- Key Filters: Brownie, Cinematic, Moody Soft
- Pro Style: Apply cinematic LUTs used by filmmakers
10. CapCut
- Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop
- Best For: Video aesthetic filters + motion overlays
- Key Filters: Retro Vibe, 90s, Sparkle, Lomo
- Extra: Transitions, reels templates, animated filters
📊 Info Table: Feature Breakdown
| App Name | Video Filters | Photo Filters | Free Version | Overlay Effects | AI Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSCO | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tezza | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ | ❌ |
| Snow App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dazz Cam | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lensa | ❌ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ | ✅ |
| 1998 Cam | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| PicsArt | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ToonApp | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Koloro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| CapCut | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
📈 Comparison Table: Best Prequel-Style Apps for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Photo Look | 1998 Cam | Realistic film effects with random light burns |
| Video Reels Editing | CapCut | Built-in transitions + video filters like Prequel’s |
| AI Magic Glow Edits | Lensa | Combines facial filters with dreamy overlays |
| Instagram Aesthetic | Tezza | Clean, curated filters that match lifestyle feeds |
| Photo + Stickers | PicsArt | Mixes effects with overlays and creative design options |
| Filters + Face Retouch | Snow App | Best combo of beauty tools and Prequel-style filters |
🧠 How to Use Aesthetic Filters Like a Pro (With Any App)
1. Pick a Color Tone
- Warm = cozy, vintage, film feel
- Cool = clean, dreamy, soft
- Muted = moody, artsy
- Bright = energetic, fun
2. Add Texture
- Use overlays like dust, scratches, grain, and blur for that “edited-on-film” feel.
3. Use Bokeh or Glow Effects
- Add sparkles, starbursts, lens flares to make it dreamy or glamorous.
4. Match Music and Filter Style
- A vaporwave edit pairs with a lo-fi track
- Dreamy filters go well with soft background music
🎥 Reels & Stories Ideas Using Aesthetic Filters
| Type | Concept Example |
|---|---|
| Transformation | “Before & After aesthetic glow-up” |
| Throwback | “1998 photo diary with grain & dust” |
| Day in My Life | “Soft vlog with pastel filter and analog tone” |
| Mood Board | “Cloudy day mood with fog & blur filter” |
| POV Story | “Walking in a dream (Prequel Soft filter edit)” |
🧰 How to Mix Apps: Pro Workflow for Aesthetic Edits
- Edit Photo in VSCO or Koloro
- Add overlays in PicsArt or Tezza
- Create reel transitions in CapCut
- Final preview in Instagram Reels editor
- Export & upload with matching sound
🔍 Hashtags to Use for Prequel-Style Aesthetic Posts
- #prequelapp
- #prequelaesthetic
- #vintagefilter
- #photoedits
- #glowedit
- #90saesthetic
- #prequelvibes
- #softgirlstyle
- #vaporwaveart
- #aesthetictools
🤔 FAQs: Apps Like Prequel and Aesthetic Filter Tips
Q1: Which app is closest to Prequel for Android?
Tezza and 1998 Cam give you the closest aesthetic look on Android.
Q2: Can I use these apps for video editing too?
Yes—CapCut, Snow App, and Tezza support short video filters.
Q3: Are these apps free?
Most offer free versions with limited filters; full features are unlocked via subscription.
Q4: Can I use these for commercial content?
Always check the license. Some apps like VSCO and Koloro allow commercial use of filters.
✅ Final Thoughts: Create Your Signature Aesthetic
Whether you’re crafting a vintage photo dump, editing a Y2K fashion reel, or just upgrading your Instagram grid, these apps will help you achieve the Prequel aesthetic and beyond.
With the right combination of filters, tools, and a bit of your personal flair, you’ll create scroll-stopping content that looks expensive—but took just minutes to make.
