FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation

App review by Ana Beltran, Common Sense Media
FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Inviting animation tool brings drawings to life.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free Entertainment
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 15 reviews

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  • FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation: Screenshot #1
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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation is an app that kids can use to create frame-by-frame animation. It includes a video tutorial that introduces users to the tools offered and walks them through how to use the app. The home screen includes two starter projects that serve as models and can be used to learn and practice the ins and outs of frame-by-frame animation. In addition to using digital drawing tools to create animated clips, kids have the option of adding audio, music, and images to the frames. The app encourages sharing via social media and participating in the online community and includes direct links to its page on popular platforms. FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation also gives users opportunities to participate in animation contests that offer winners different prizes. Kids will see full screen and banner ad through the experience unless you make an in-app purchase. 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

Lava Mama
Lava Mama Adult
August 20, 2021
age 5+

Love at first sight but then...

FlipaClip is a great basic animation app that allows the user to get familiar with short timeline animation, how to illustrate movement, work with timing and layers and also how to convert the raw project itself into a playable clip. The upside: Its interface is simple and accessible so the user is somewhat able to learn by trial and error. It can be used as a free version with ads playing at the beginning of viewing a clip. It touches on the basics of animation without drowning in technical stuff. The downside: The app is solemnly deigned around the social media platform, as a target for the clips that are made. This means if a child is learning how to animate on this app, it will be guided to save the project as a movie, in various forms, for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Vimeo and Tumblr, all platforms for adults not children. (Make a note of what scocial media platforms are left out!). In context to young children, kids and teens this is a barricade for them to save their projects without them (and guardians) being influenced into buying multiple types of service or features in the app. This means that if a child has made a rock-solid project and wants to own it, the raw project is locked inside the app, if the child has a school version of the app the cannot transfer their projects to their personal device. So, my conclusion is this: Good app to get the basics, to be used as a sketchbook but nothing more. I feel as if the app is one big Clickbait made for children. The ads are COMPULSIVE and demand interaction with the user of the app regardless of age. So every time a child wants to view its project or show it to someone they have to go to the painstaking process of watching an ad, clicking on the tiny x button in the upper right corner, then watch the second chapter of the ad and then click again on the tiny tiny arrows or x button in the corner (if they fail at this procedure the will automatically be transferred to App store) and then they can watch their project.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Harmonyy
Harmonyy Adult
November 8, 2020
age 7+

Excellent for aspiring young animaters

I think this game is excellent if your child is interested in drawing or animation. Also good for teens or adults. Very easy use and excellent quality

This title has:

Easy to play/use
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

FLIPACLIP: CARTOON ANIMATION provides kids digital tools to draw and create the frames of a storyboard and transform them into animated videos, cartoons, and GIFs. It includes digital drawing tools like brushes with different tips and colors and the option to insert text. Kids who prefer to draw with a physical tool rather than using their finger on the screen can opt to use the Apple Pencil, which is supported by the app. It also includes the option to add layers to each frame and adjust onion views. In addition to their own animation, kids can add images to frames directly from their device. They'll also be able to add audio through three distinct features: voice or sound recording, the app's audio library (requires in-app purchase), or importing audio from the device's music library. The latter feature is unlocked through in-app purchase or by opting to watch an ad. Kids will be able to see all their projects on the home screen and can organize them alphabetically or by date created or modified. Finished projects can be made into movies and can be shared on YouTube, social media platforms, or saved to the device.

Is It Any Good?

Simple interface, common drawing tools, and neat animation features encourage creativity and invite kids to bring their ideas to life by transforming frames into movies. Users have a few options for support when using the app. The Let's Get Started tutorial is thorough and provides enough information for kids, regardless of experience, to feel confident in trying their hand at animation and navigating the app. Kids can find additional tutorials and examples of others' work by connecting with the FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation online community. For example, their YouTube channel has information about contests and useful tutorials that target specific features, such as adding audio to frames. The included model projects are also great for novice animators and provide a quality sample for kids who may want to see the types of things that can be achieved with the app's tools.

Considering it packs a comprehensive bunch of animation tools, the interface is inviting and the app is simple enough to navigate. Draw, color, insert images, add sounds, layer: There are plenty of options for kids to explore and combine to make their ideas come to life. Although kids can use their finger to draw and to control some of the drawing tools, it's less precise and at times limiting. Users looking to include detail and complex designs may want to opt for an Apple Pencil. Unless users purchase the feature that removes ads, full screen and banner advertisements will appear throughout. Kids may even be asked to watch an ad to unlock a desired feature. Although somewhat distracting, it doesn't detract much from the overall experience. Overall, FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation offers an array of tools that will empower and inspire kids to learn or refine their animation skills in order to bring their ideas to life as video clips, cartoons, or GIFs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Since FlipaClip: Cartoon Animation includes direct links to popular social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and encourages sharing, families can discuss expectations and guidelines for engaging with others via social media in a responsible manner. Is it okay to use those links? Okay to participate in the online community?

  • Discuss inspiration and ideas for animated clips. Find inspiration in small moments and everyday events or explore imaginative ideas.

  • Talk about the differences between drawing on paper and using an app. Does the technology make it easier? Harder? Are there advantages to either?

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
  • Subjects: Arts: drawing, film
  • Skills: Creativity: imagination, innovation, making new creations, producing new content, Tech Skills: digital creation, using and applying technology
  • Pricing structure: Free (optional in-app purchases from $0.99 - $5.99)
  • Release date: February 15, 2020
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Publisher: Visual Blasters, LLC
  • Version: 1.4.4
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
  • Last updated: April 13, 2020

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