Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Monticello Kievlan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mix video clips, built-in content with flawed freemium tool.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Binumi
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
BINUMI is an app and website that lets users create videos from pre-created content and their own photos and videos. In the app's free version, users can use a storyboard tool to pick a template and plan their video. Then they can search "curated footage bins" for royalty-free content (including "footage from locations nearest you") and drag and drop clips into place. Paid subscriptions let users download their creations and use additional cloud storage.
Is It Any Good?
Overall, it's fun and amusing to have access to a sprawling library of content that you can edit and remix to make your own videos. The video templates look slick, and -- though the interface takes some getting used to -- it's pretty easy to drag and drop content and assemble your own video. The web version of Binumi is easier to use than the app, since it's a bit easier to see all of the available features, and there's generally good how-to information available.
However, in some ways, Binumi feels more like a tool for adults that may not be a great fit for kids. There are certainly some clips that feel perfect for kids and adults to use, like "T-Rex Hunt" and "Zombie Antidote," but many other features feel much more geared toward businesses making their own promotional videos. Plus, the free version only allows you to create content to share on social media; you can't download or save what you've created unless you pay for a subscription. With other apps out there (like Animoto) that don't prompt users for as much personal information to create an account, there may be better fits elsewhere for teens and tweens. In general, take the free version of Binumi for a spin: If remixing this content and sharing it on social media seems like a good fit, consider using it alongside your kids, but look elsewhere for a more powerful way to create, save, and share videos with your own content.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about possible topics for a video slide show using Binumi, such as documenting a school science experiment, family vacation, or art project.
Talk about the responsibilities and consequences of sharing videos publicly on social media sites. Read our guide about how to talk with your kids about sharing and posting responsibly.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Arts : film
- Skills : Creativity : brainstorming , imagination , making new creations , producing new content , Communication : multiple forms of expression , Tech Skills : digital creation , social media , using and applying technology
- Pricing structure : Free (more features available in tiers from $3.50-5.50/month)
- Release date : September 3, 2017
- Genre : Photo & Video
- Publisher : Binumi Agency Hong Kong Limited
- Version : 2.3
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 8.0 or later
- Last updated : June 23, 2019
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