Parents' Guide to

Glide - Live Video Messenger

By Ana Beltran, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Chat via instant video clips for more personable exchange.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free Photo & Video
Glide - Live Video Messenger Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Glide - Live Video Messenger: Screenshot #1
  • Glide - Live Video Messenger: Screenshot #2
  • Glide - Live Video Messenger: Screenshot #3
  • Glide - Live Video Messenger: Screenshot #4

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Privacy Rating Warning

  • 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?

While using GLIDE – LIVE VIDEO MESSENGER, teens can have real time conversation through live video messages. They also have the option of sending video messages to be viewed at any time. In addition to video communication, the app offers the option to send voice messages, text, and photos snapped directly through the app or from the device's camera roll. It includes Emoticlips, which are short animated video clips designed to express certain reactions or emotions. Registration requires a phone number, and users can log in using an email or Facebook account. Users can find friends to chat with through Glide – Live Video Messenger by granting the app access to the device's contacts or by connecting the app with Facebook, which would allow connection to existing Facebook friends. To receive message alerts, users will need to turn on push notifications. The app is compatible with Apple Watch, adding to message accessibility and communication options. Access to Glide Premium requires in-app subscription purchase and offers unlimited conversation history, longer video messages, longer audio messages, 200GB of Cloud storage, and other premium features.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This easy-to-use platform focuses on connecting friends and families with lots of features, but location-sharing and passcode-protected privacy could concern parents. Glide – Live Video Messenger is user-friendly and convenient. The clean interface is easy to navigate, offering useful tools without being too busy. Users can chat via instant video exchange or can view videos when convenient. It also gives the option to layer in voice messaging, text, photos, and Emoticlips in one stream. The main feature, video messaging, adds a personal touch and allows for greater expression when communicating via digital platform. The option to create group chats also opens the door to easily connecting with family members or friends for chats or to connect with classmates to collaborate on tasks or assignments. The video exchange is ideal for little kids who want to communicate with friends and family without typing.

However, while useful at times, the location-sharing and passcode-lock features may also raise safety and privacy concerns, especially for kids and teens. Easy access to these features makes discussion around responsible use of social media, privacy, and digital communication boundaries essential before teens begin to enjoy the perks of Glide – Live Video Messenger.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about expectations, guidelines, and privacy when using Glide – Live Video Messenger. What information is appropriate to communicate and share with others on a digital platform? What measures should you take to protect personal privacy? How can you ensure your video messages don't invade someone else's privacy?

  • The app includes a location sharing feature. Talk about safety and the implications of sharing your location with others.

  • Talk about how instant messaging and constant notifications could impact focus and become a distraction. When is it appropriate to enjoy the app? How much screen time is allowed?

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
  • Pricing structure: Free (in-app subscription purchase options from $1.99 - $6.99)
  • Release date: February 5, 2020
  • Category: Photo & Video
  • Publisher: Glide Talk Ltd.
  • Version: 6.3.16
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 and watchOS 4.0 or later; Android varies with device
  • Last updated: June 20, 2020

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