Parents' Guide to

Zynn

By Amanda Bindel, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Pyramid scheme TikTok clone pays to recruit friends.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free Entertainment
Zynn Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 9 parent reviews

Tuanna1
Tuanna1 Adult
August 12, 2020
age 8+
1 person found this helpful.
Willow1967
Willow1967 Adult
July 11, 2020
age 18+

Zynn hook then crook

So zynn removed the payment system almost a month ago. And big surprise they made promises to put one back in place which never happened. So I emailed them got no response. And went to App Store to leave a rating and it’s no longer pulling up So does this mean they are going under And I feel for people that have continued to watch that may never get paid. I kept the app and check it once a week to see if they are going to follow through and put a new payment system back in place. But doesn’t look to hopeful and I’ve lost total faith in them So in short anyone waiting on zynn to return may want to read this https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2020/6/16/21…
See all 9 parent reviews

What’s It About?

ZYNN is a TikTok-style video-sharing app that gives users coins for interacting with content and referring friends. Those coins can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal. Gift card options include Amazon, Target, Walmart, and several fast food restaurants. Payouts begin at $10 and go up in increments of $5 for gift cards. Users can share videos created by others or create original content. They can like and comment on videos, but there isn't direct messaging. All accounts are public, though users can block specific users individually. Just like TikTok, there are two tabs -- one to view "For You" videos and the other to view videos from those you follow.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (2 ):

With no options for a private account and the questionably sustainable referral system for earning money, this video app should be used with caution. The content is mostly recycled from other social media sites with few original content creators. There's no connection in the comments since the bulk of commenters are asking people to use their referral code to make money or soliciting followers for the same reason. The gift card rewards are legit. Watching videos only earns pennies a day, but referring friends who then use the app does pay off. Though there are options for pay-outs in cash or gift cards, the cash pay-out option is frequently down. Ultimately, Zynn is a pyramid scheme in app form that isn't really encouraging creativity or connection, but is profiting off of users' information and contact list. Though it may seem like easy money and gift cards, there are lots of user reviews indicating that it's very difficult to acutally earn money and receive it. Meanwhile, the app collects an enormous amount of device information. So, while you may get a free pizza out of using Zynn, they're likely getting more -- by using you.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Zynn is paying to give out friends' contact information. Read our article on Genius Ways Companies Get Kids to Do Their Marketing for Them and discuss.

  • Ask kids if there's really anything unique about Zynn. Are they seeing the same videos as on other social media video sites? Is getting paid to sell their friends' information the only thing unique about Zynn? Is that worth it?

App Details

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