With TikTok’s future in the US on shaky ground, app developers are frantically trying to capitalize by introducing alternative platforms. Launched early 2024, Scoopz is one of the frontrunners hoping to steal TikTok’s crown as king of video-based social media.
Scoopz’s age rating of 18 on the Google Play Store suggests that the app isn’t made for children – but we all know that doesn’t stop curious kids from seeing what all the fuss is about!
What is Scoopz?
Scoopz is a short-form video platform in the same vein as TikTok with over 1m downloads on the Play Store. The app promises an ad-free viewing experience, letting you consume an uninterrupted stream of “real” video content.
Like on TikTok, users can scroll through videos tailored to their interests or watch content from accounts they follow. They can like and dislike videos, and engage with other users through comments. They can also create and share their own videos.
Rather than a copycat app, Scoopz attempts to differentiate itself from its massive rival by appealing to more mature audiences – think local news and community events over challenges and viral dances.
While that might sound reassuring for parents, don’t give your child the green light to download just yet!
Is Scoopz app safe for kids?
The Scoopz app’s tagline, “Real Life, Real Video” could well refer to the lack of censorship and moderation on the platform’s content. And, after using the app, we understand why the App Store and Play Store have given Scoopz a 17+ and 18 rating respectively. Many of the videos we came across are in no way suitable for children.
After testing Scoopz ourselves and speaking to other users, these are the biggest parental red flags we’ve seen:
(Very) inappropriate content
The app’s lack of censorship means your child can be easily exposed to bad language and nudity as well as extremely violent and disturbing content. Without searching for them, we were presented with videos of fatal accidents and grizzly deaths that unfortunately appeared to be genuine.
Lack of privacy controls
Whereas TikTok offers users the option to make their account private, Scoopz does not; others are free to follow your account, comment on your videos, and reply to comments you’ve left. This could make it easy for predators to spark connections with your child based on their interests.
Scoopz does allow you to hide your location. However, if it’s left unchecked, your child’s whereabouts are shared in their bio and whenever they upload a video.
No parental controls
Given that the app isn’t aimed at children, we could give them a pass on this; but it’s worth keeping in mind if your child wants to use Scoopz.
A parental control tool like Qustodio can fill the role by limiting your child’s use of Scoopz or blocking the app completely.
You cannot delete a video once uploaded
This might not sound like a big safety risk. However, when you consider the prevalence of blackmail and sextortion among teens, being unable to remove or edit online content suddenly becomes a scary prospect.
Is Scoopz app safe? Qustodio’s final recommendation
We agree with the age rating given to Scoopz by the Play Store – the app’s lack of censorship, privacy controls, and other essential safety settings, make it an unsuitable choice for under 18s. The platform might have similarities to TikTok, but this lack of essential safety features means it has a long way to go before it can be regarded as a legitimate rival or replacement, especially in the eyes of parents.
As the “wild west” nature of Scoopz’s content can attract young attention, especially those looking for alternatives to TikTok, a parental control tool like Qustodio can help safeguard kids from the unsuitable content rife on the platform.
With Qustodio, you can:
- Block Scoopz from being opened
- Receive an alert when your child first uses the app
- Set time limits for its usage
- Pause the internet to immediately prevent access to the app
Scoopz is a video-based social media app that’s emerged as a potential replacement for TikTok if the latter gets banned in the US. However, Scoopz has nowhere near the level of censorship, moderation, and safety features of TikTok which makes it an unsuitable choice for anyone under 18.
