Soona Review | Podcastbricks

Soona is a content creation service and software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to help brands produce, manage, and measure high-quality photo and video content for e-commerce channels like Amazon, Shopify, and social media platforms. Founded in 2019 by Liz Giorgi and Hayley Anderson, Soona combines virtual and in-person photography studios with AI-powered tools to deliver professional visuals with a quick turnaround, typically within 24 hours. The platform’s mission is to make high-quality content accessible and affordable, removing the traditional barriers of cost, time, and logistical complexity associated with professional photography and videography.

Soona’s all-in-one approach includes:

Content Creation: Remote and in-person photo and video shoots with real-time collaboration.
AI-Powered Tools: Media editing features like background removal, image resizing, and scene generation.
Digital Asset Management (DAM): A centralized platform for organizing and publishing content.
Visual Analytics: AI-driven tools to measure content performance and benchmark against competitors.
E-Commerce Integration: Seamless connectivity with Shopify and Amazon for importing product catalogs and publishing content.

With over 20,000 brands trusting Soona, the platform has become a go-to solution for e-commerce businesses, digital marketing agencies, and content creators looking to elevate their visual presence.

Key Features of Soona

Soona’s feature set is tailored to meet the needs of modern e-commerce brands. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core offerings:

1. Flexible Studio Access

Soona operates purpose-built photography studios in major cities, offering both virtual and in-person shooting options. Brands can ship their products to a Soona studio, where professional photographers and stylists capture content based on the brand’s specifications. The virtual shoot feature allows clients to join the shoot remotely, collaborate with the creative team in real-time, and provide immediate feedback via live chat. This eliminates the need for travel and ensures that brands maintain creative control, regardless of their location.

2. AI-Powered Creative Tools

Soona’s suite of AI tools simplifies the editing process, making it accessible to users without extensive design experience. Key features include:

Media Editor: Resize images, change backgrounds, add shadows, insert text, or blur backgrounds with ease.
Scene Generation: Create new assets from existing photos by adding AI-generated props, furniture, or backgrounds.
Visual Analytics: Analyze product listings and compare them to competitors using the “Soona Score,” which identifies opportunities for visual improvement.

These tools are intuitive and user-friendly, enabling brands to produce polished visuals that align with their identity.

3. Rapid Turnaround

One of Soona’s standout features is its 24-hour turnaround time for edited photos and videos. After a shoot, clients can select the content they love, and Soona delivers fully edited assets within a day. This speed is a significant advantage for businesses operating in fast-paced markets, allowing them to launch products and campaigns on tight schedules.

4. E-Commerce Integration

Soona integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify and Amazon, enabling brands to import their product catalogs and publish content with minimal effort. The platform also provides tools to audit listings, identify issues, and optimize visuals to meet platform-specific requirements, such as Amazon’s real-image mandate.

5. Digital Asset Management

Soona’s DAM system allows brands to organize and manage their creative assets in one place. Users can sort galleries by product or ASIN, upload their own photos, and publish content directly to e-commerce platforms. This centralized approach streamlines workflows and ensures that assets are easily accessible for future use.

6. On-Demand Talent

Soona offers access to a network of professional models, stylists, and photographers. Brands can hire hand models, full-body models, or even pet models to showcase their products in context, helping customers visualize scale, size, or usage. Stylists can elevate the final images by ensuring products are presented in a polished and appealing manner.

7. Visual Measurement Tools

Soona’s AI-powered analytics tools provide actionable insights into content performance. The platform compares product listings to industry leaders and competitors, offering recommendations to improve engagement and conversions. This data-driven approach helps brands optimize their visuals to drive sales.

Pricing Structure

Soona’s pricing model is transparent and item-based, allowing brands to pay only for the content they need. Below is an overview of its pricing plans, based on available information:

Free Plan: Includes a limited media editor, listing insights for one product, competitive analysis for one listing, 1GB of digital storage, and integration with Amazon and Shopify.
Basic Plan: Starts at $13–$19/month, offering editing tools and insights for up to five product listings.
Pro Plan: Priced at $99–$149/month, suitable for businesses managing up to 50 listings with advanced asset management features.
Business Plan: Costs $319–$459/month, designed for scaling businesses with up to 500 listings across multiple platforms.
Per-Content Pricing:
- Photos: $39 per photo (includes free editing).
- Videos: $93 per video clip.
- Studio Pass: $149 per booking for non-members.
Add-Ons: Models, stylists, and other pro services are available at additional costs, which vary based on the shoot’s requirements.

Soona’s no-minimum policy means brands can purchase only the content they love, making it a cost-effective option compared to traditional photography services. However, brands should note that shipping products to Soona’s studios may incur additional costs and logistical considerations.

Note: Pricing details may vary, and it’s recommended to check Soona’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

Pros of Soona

Soona has garnered widespread praise for its innovative approach to content creation. Here are the key advantages:

High-Quality Output: Customers consistently highlight the professional-grade quality of Soona’s photos and videos. Testimonials praise the platform for delivering stunning visuals that enhance brand presence and drive sales.
Cost-Effectiveness: Soona’s item-based pricing and affordable subscription plans make professional content accessible to businesses of all sizes. The platform’s output often surpasses content from agencies charging significantly more.
Time Efficiency: The 24-hour turnaround time is a major draw for brands needing quick content delivery. The virtual shoot process further saves time by eliminating travel.
Ease of Use: Soona’s platform is intuitive, with a straightforward booking process and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms. Customers appreciate the ability to collaborate in real-time and manage assets efficiently.
Exceptional Customer Service: Soona’s team is frequently praised for going above and beyond. Specific team members, like Maddie from customer success, have been recognized for resolving issues and ensuring a positive experience.
Scalability: Soona caters to a wide range of businesses, from mom-and-pop shops to large enterprises, making it a versatile solution for growing brands.
AI Innovation: The acquisition of Mokker.ai in 2024 has enhanced Soona’s generative AI capabilities, allowing users to create dynamic scenes and props from existing photos.

Cons of Soona

While Soona excels in many areas, there are some limitations to consider:

Learning Curve: New users may need time to fully utilize the platform’s advanced features, particularly the AI tools and analytics.
Virtual Limitations: While virtual shoots are convenient, they may not suit products requiring highly specific setups or creative control that only in-person shoots can provide.
Shipping Logistics: Brands must ship products to Soona’s studios, which can add time, cost, and the risk of delays or damage. This may be a challenge for brands located far from studio cities.
Limited Studio Locations: Soona’s physical studios are located in select cities, which may limit accessibility for some brands.
Occasional Inconsistencies: Some customers have reported initial issues, such as styling not meeting expectations or slow customer service. However, Soona’s team often resolves these promptly.
Workplace Concerns: Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor mention a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with limited work-life balance. While this doesn’t directly impact customers, it may reflect on long-term service consistency.

Customer Experiences

Customer reviews of Soona are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.7-star rating across platforms like Trustpilot and Shopify’s App Store. Below are some insights from real users:

BreAnda’s Testimonial: “I have used Soona to photograph 13 different products for my e-commerce business, and the experience has been exceptional. Their quality and value are outstanding, but success with Soona requires active involvement in the planning process. I recommend creating a shot list, style board, and framing/posing recommendations ahead of time.” BreAnda’s pro tips include adding a stylist, planning enough time, and hiring models for products needing context.
Amelia’s Review: “We had a fantastic experience with Soona. We were able to coordinate multiple shoots in the same week with our product and their models. The entire process was seamless, and we’re thrilled with our new creative media library. 10/10 highly recommend.”
GREEN Organic’s Feedback: “The finished photos of our product are simply stunning. These images perfectly capture the essence of GREEN and will be a fantastic addition to our website. Soona’s professional touch has truly exceeded our expectations.”
Negative Experience: One user reported slow customer service and advised staying away, but others noted that issues were resolved promptly by Soona’s team, particularly through dedicated support like Maddie’s assistance.

These testimonials highlight Soona’s strengths in quality, professionalism, and customer support, though active planning and communication are key to maximizing results.

Soona vs. Competitors

Soona competes with platforms like Splento, MultiView, and DemandGen, but its combination of AI tools, virtual shoots, and e-commerce integration sets it apart. For example:

Splento: Offers faster delivery (24 hours for photos, 48 hours for videos) and a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating but lacks Soona’s AI-powered analytics and e-commerce focus.
MultiView: Focuses on digital publishing for associations, lacking Soona’s studio-based content creation.
Traditional Agencies: Often charge significantly more (e.g., $150,000 for content Soona delivers at a fraction of the cost) and lack the speed and scalability of Soona’s platform.

Soona’s unique selling proposition is its all-in-one platform, blending studio access, AI tools, and analytics tailored for e-commerce.

Impact on E-Commerce

Soona’s impact on the e-commerce industry is profound. By democratizing access to professional content, it empowers small businesses to compete with larger brands. The platform’s AI-driven analytics help brands optimize their listings, increasing conversions and sales. For example, Denver-based startup Last Gameboard leveraged user reviews and Soona’s content to grow its presale waitlist to over 12,000, demonstrating the power of high-quality visuals in driving engagement.

Additionally, Soona’s acquisition of Mokker.ai has positioned it at the forefront of generative AI in content creation. The ability to create dynamic scenes from existing photos reduces the need for costly reshoots, further lowering barriers for brands.

Tips for Success with Soona

To get the most out of Soona, consider these customer-recommended tips:

Plan Thoroughly: Create a detailed shot list, style board, and inspiration folder to communicate your vision clearly.
Hire a Stylist: Stylists can elevate the final images, making them worth the extra cost.
Use Models: Hand or full-body models help customers visualize product usage, improving engagement.
Allocate Enough Time: Even small shoots (12–15 photos) can take 4 hours, so schedule accordingly.
Leverage AI Tools: Experiment with Soona’s media editor and scene generation to create versatile assets.
Engage Actively: Participate in virtual shoots to provide real-time feedback and ensure the content meets your needs.

Conclusion

Soona is a revolutionary platform that has redefined e-commerce content creation. Its blend of professional studio access, AI-powered tools, and rapid delivery makes it an invaluable resource for brands looking to stand out in a competitive market. While there are minor drawbacks, such as shipping logistics and a learning curve, the platform’s affordability, quality, and customer support far outweigh these challenges. With a 4.7-star rating and thousands of satisfied customers, Soona is a trusted partner for businesses aiming to elevate their visual content strategy.

Whether you’re a small business launching your first product or a large enterprise scaling across multiple platforms, Soona offers the tools, expertise, and flexibility to bring your vision to life. For brands seeking to save time, stay on budget, and deliver unforgettable first impressions, Soona is a no-brainer.