Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Personalized picks at your fingertips

Get the mobile app on iOS and Android

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

Caribu: Family Video Calls

By Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Read books or play games face-to-face, even when far apart.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook Free Books
Caribu: Family Video Calls Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Caribu App: Screenshot #1
  • Caribu App: Screenshot #2
  • Caribu App: Screenshot #3
  • Caribu App: Screenshot #4
  • Caribu App: Screenshot #5

Community Reviews

See all
age 4+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jacqueline Huber
Jacqueline Huber Adult
January 24, 2021
age 5+

Only 2 players can play

I am a grandmother and wanted to interact and play games online with both my grandsons at the same time but it's not possible. Also Most games are for very young players
AnaAn
AnaAn Parent of 5-year-old
February 14, 2021
age 2+

Simultaneously see your loved one AND read the story / play the game. :)

Unlike many screen-based activities - Caribu allows kids to play a game AT THE SAME TIME as they are looking at their friend / family member far away. So - they are coloring on the same page as a person AS WELL AS talking and interacting with the video image of the loved one. Next to being in person - this is as good as it gets. The stories are pre-loaded, and the activities are pre-loaded as well. Because there is a wide range of books, I "favorite" the books and games that I have "pre-approved" for her to play with Grandma / Aunt s / Uncles / Friends. My DD knows to select from the "hearts," since some books are "for when she's older" or because they are books that "look cool - but I want to do that one with you first so we can chat about it." My selections omit things based on values / her developmental level / or just simply that I don't want a well-meaning uncle to read a book I know that she would get frightened by just before bedtime, lol! How this method is implemented (or not) will be individual to each family and kid of course - but I found it to be a great work around. I If you have decided that screen time is okay for your child - this is a great option. To me - apps and games are far better than pure passive movie time, and having someone interact with my child during the activity is even better. The negatives are that it can have spotty connection at times ( I assume it is growing pains) and that you are not able to upload your preferred books like you can on the similar Together App. That said - the price is better than Together. Definitely worth a try!
See all 2 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What’s It About?

To use CARIBU: FAMILY VIDEO CALLS, create an account, and then tap Invite Family and enter the email addresses of the family members you want to share with. When you want to share a book with a kid, call the child via the app. The kid's image appears in the corner of the screen, and your image appears on his or her screen. Either user can choose a book or activity and turn pages. When a family member isn't available, kids can access celebrity read-aloud videos, too.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This book library and video call app is a gift for parents, grandparents, and others who want to read to kids from afar. Caribu: Family Video Calls is an excellent way for kids and their loved ones to connect over a good book or fun activity and get to see each other in real time while doing so. With selections for kids age 0 to 12, finding books is easy in the well-organized library, so users can narrow choices to the ones individual kids will enjoy most.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the wide selection of books on Caribu: Family Video Calls. Consider taking turns with your child when choosing what to read (and read Common Sense Media's Should I Choose My Kid's Books or Let Her Choose Them?).

  • Talk about presenting via video. How can you (and your kid) use facial expressions, voice tones, and body language to help tell the story in a more engaging way? Set the example when it's your turn to read.

  • Check out Common Sense Media's 5 Way to Get Your Kids Hooked on Books.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook
  • Subjects: Language & Reading : letter or word recognition, naming, phonics, reading, storytelling
  • Skills: Communication : listening, speaking, Tech Skills : using and applying technology
  • Pricing structure: Free (access to additional features $9.99/mo.)
  • Release date: July 11, 2018
  • Category: Books
  • Publisher: Caribu
  • Version: 3.8.5
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
  • Last updated: July 16, 2021

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.

See all recommended app lists

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