Dubsmash
Pre-TikTok video creator is fun, inspires similar concerns.
Dubsmash
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Note: This app will be defunct as of 2/22/2022.
Parents need to know that Dubsmash is a short video-creation app that primarily features lip-synching and dancing, much like TikTok. The terms of service specify that users should be 13 or over. A phone number or email address and a date of birth are required to sign up. The default setting for videos is public. There's an option to share with selected friends, but then videos are sent as a message rather than in a feed. Reporting videos and blocking users is handled in-app, but there's no process for approving followers. Also, the privacy settings only include blocked users and allowing others to download your posts. In terms of comments, you can control them from post to post, but not as an overall setting. Users who follow each other can chat. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
Community Reviews
Pretty good for kids who can’t have tiktok
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What’s It About?
DUBSMASH is a selfie-video creator. Teens can create their own short videos using songs and audio clips in the app or using custom sounds. They can see videos recommended for them, browse by creator or hashtag, or watch videos created by those they follow. Users can like and comment on videos and direct-message within the app. Video creation includes some filters and tools for adding text. One unique feature is the Q&A, which gives a creator a random question (e.g., "What's your morning routine?" or "What do you hate the most?"). If you want to turn off comments, you have to do it post by post, and there's no way to set all posts to private or approve followers. Users who follow each other can chat.
Is It Any Good?
What was once an original lip-synching tool has re-created itself as a TikTok clone, even including questionable safety and privacy. Some creators are publishing TikTok content on Dubsmash as well, and some are creating new content. The interface for browsing recordings is user-friendly, listing "favorites," "trending," "hot," etc. Upon opening the app, teens will first see videos from those they follow. There's no way to create a private account, though, and videos default to public. Videos can be shared with "only you" and then be sent to friends by direct message. And the privacy settings are sparse, giving users little control over comments, followers, and content. So, just as with TikTok, this one is best with lots of oversight, checking in, and conversations about posts and safety.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about social media rules for what to post, keeping in mind that videos are viewable by anyone on Dubsmash. What's appropriate to share? What's not?
Talk about staying safe online, especially when contact with strangers is easy. What would you do if something online makes you uncomfortable? Do you know how to block or report other users?
Encourage teens to try creating original content as well as copying the trends. How can you weave your interests into your posts?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: July 10, 2020
- Category: Entertainment
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- Publisher: Mobile Motion GmbH
- Version: 5.7.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
- Last updated: July 13, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
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TikTok
Sing, lip-synch, and share videos; watch for iffy content.
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Instagram
All-in-one social app for sharing, shopping, and scrolling.
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Snapchat
Send moments in photos, watch curated content; use wisely.
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Sway: Magic Dance
Fun motion filters transform kids into dance pros.
For kids who love music and making digital creations
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