Parents' Guide to Storybird

Website https://storybird.com
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Common Sense Media Review

Erin Brereton By Erin Brereton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Fun, free way to be creative; writing help may cost more.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

 

 

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age 8+

Based on 31 kid reviews

Kids say this writing platform is a mixed bag; while many users praise its creative features, beautiful artwork, and supportive community, a significant number express frustration with recent updates that require paid memberships for basic functionalities like writing and publishing. Additionally, concerns about the loss of past features and issues with the website's performance, such as story visibility and account security, have led some users to search for alternatives.

  • creative outlet
  • membership required
  • community support
  • visibility issues
  • update frustrations
  • safety concerns
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 31 kid reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Unclear whether personal information are shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • 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.
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What's It About?

STORYBIRD lets kids create long-form books, poems, and picture books with artist illustrations. They can get story prompts through writing challenges, which offer a badge and certificate; some are free, but other challenges cost crowns, the site currency. Kids earn five crowns a day by writing and can also spend them on creative and prep courses and how-to guides offering writing help. Kids can keep their work private or publish it under their username; they can comment on posts, too, and follow users to learn when they add new items.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 4 ):
Kids say ( 31 ):

This impressive creative writing-centered site offers an easy-to-use tool to help kids make picture books, longer books, or poems. With Storybird, writers can share items with other users and get feedback or choose not to. Colorful illustrations featuring items ranging from animals to mermaids can help spark their imagination, along with story suggestions offered by the site through writing challenges, in case kids can't think of an idea. There's also plenty on hand for them to read, including some stories that feature ethical and moral messages with titles such as "Fun Is for Everyone."

The book creation tool has a couple of odd features: Kids have to publish the first chapter of a long-form book, either for their eyes only or for everyone, to add a second chapter; and they can't upload and use their own art, which would allow for additional creativity. Neither aspect, though, is a huge drawback. Moderators review each story and poem before they're posted live, so kids are only able to share and see appropriate content. To help kids select items they feel they can handle, challenges also include information about the recommended age and whether something is advanced, beginner, or immediate level. Some challenges cost money -- kids who don't have a paid site subscription can use crowns, though. They earn five a day for writing, and a number of challenges cost 25, so paying with site currency to participate isn't impossible. Parents really don't need to splurge on a paid membership for kids to be able to have a great time using Storybird. While the membership does provide access to a few interesting learning aids, such as a video course on writing song lyrics from a School of Rock instructor, if kids have plenty of story ideas, designing and sharing books is completely free -- and can be a lot of fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of storytelling. How has storytelling evolved throughout history, and what is the benefit of sharing stories?

  • Why is it better to share things online with a username instead of your real name?

  • What real-world things can your child identify as a topic for a story?

Website Details

  • Subjects : Language & Reading : reading , storytelling , writing , Social Studies : cultural understanding , events , exploration , Arts : script writing
  • Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : defining problems , making conclusions , problem solving , Creativity : imagination , making new creations , producing new content , Self-Direction : personal growth , self-reflection , Emotional Development : empathy , labeling feelings , perspective taking , Communication : conveying messages effectively , multiple forms of expression , Responsibility & Ethics : embracing differences , respect for others , Tech Skills : digital creation
  • Genre : Creating
  • Pricing structure : Free to try (There's a 7-day free trial then individual accounts start at $8.99/month or $59.88/year. There's a family plan for 2-5 members available as well.)
  • Last updated : October 9, 2025

Did we miss something on diversity?

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