Kik

App review by Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media
Kik Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Social networker connects with strangers, bots, websites.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free Social Networking
Rate app

Parents say

age 16+

Based on 68 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 91 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate app

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Kik is an app-based alternative to standard texting as well as a social networking app for smartphones. With features like video, sketch, bot search, and friend or group code scanning, the app can be used by kids as young as 13 but should really only be used by older teens and adults since it's so easy to connect with strangers. There are no in-app ads or purchases, but the Kik Code function encourages users to use the app to connect themselves to commercial brands. A built-in web search also points users to third-party sites. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information gathered and shared.

Community Reviews

Candy Pat
Candy Pat Adult
January 30, 2022
age 18+

Was good, now Horrible

At first it was a good app, but then they started having full page game ads come on and you couldn't get to your messages until they were finished and you got an X to delete. Not just games, but sexual ads too. If they had the little ads across the top or bottom it wouldn't be so inconvenient but the way it is: I get a text that may be important and I can't get to it because of the pop up crap

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much consumerism
2 people found this helpful.
scottginther
scottginther Adult
September 28, 2021
age 18+

Kik is dangerous for teens

I'm a licensed mental health professional and I have seen first hand the damage that this app and others like it are causing our children. There is no way that this app is safe for teens, yet this app is still rated as a 3 star 17+ app. It used to be a 13+ app. Even Common Sense Media says: Kik is a Social networker that connects with strangers, bots, websites. Those strangers are the ones that are hurting children, grooming them, and causing them to do things they would never otherwise do. I know that teens will object to what I'm saying. That's what teens do. But if your a parent of a teen like me, take it from a professional trauma counselor, this app is scary and bad in the darkest corners of their servers. Kids have access to everything. And adults have access to kids. It's time we change the laws to hold these companies accountable. Please join me in helping make a change: Scott Ginther MS LCPC Executive Director, Kansas City Trauma Response Network https://www.kctrn.com

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
See all 68 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Registering for KIK requires using your first and last name and choosing a profile photo or creating a "bitmoji." You're prompted to search your phone contacts for other Kik users (you can decline, but then you'll have no one to message with; the app only works with other Kik users). A group search helps you find people with similar interests, and then you can join those groups or start your own. Once in a group, you can chat with members and send them photos, GIFs, videos, etc. A feature called "Kik Code" allows you to quickly friend people by scanning their codes with your phone's camera. The app provides a web search function that points users toward websites outside the app, and a Discover Bot feature lets them "socialize" and play games with online chat bots.

Is It Any Good?

In the plus column, there are no message limits, character limits, or fees, and you can send other users lots of content, but it's too easy for teens to connect with strangers. The search function helps you find like-minded Kik users and join their special interest (art, music, cosplay, etc.) groups. You can also start your own. However, Kik has no age verification and no teen safeguards, and it's too easy for kids to talk to strangers of all ages in public groups. The "Kik Code" feature makes for instant profile swap with other users and is used to connect you with commercial products. A "discover more web pages" function sends users outside the app toward (presumably) partner sites, and a "discover bots" function sets you socializing with branded AI bots. All told, despite its fun features, it's a risky choice for teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about QR codes and how companies like Kik use them to gather information about you. What information do you share in your profile? Is it safe to share that information?

  • Discuss the potential risks associated with using an approved app to download other third-party apps. What are the apps for? What kind of information do they collect?

  • Think about how bots function within social media. Are the bots for social interaction or advertising? Both?

App Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate