Best Apps Like Snapchat for Kids: Safe Communication & Creative Fun

08.07.2025

In today’s digital landscape, children gravitate toward apps for creative expression and social connection. While Snapchat is popular among teens, parents of younger children seek safer alternatives offering similar fun. This guide explores the best apps like Snapchat designed for kids, ensuring both entertainment and peace of mind. Looking for apps like Snapchat that are truly kid-friendly? We’ve got you covered with a great alternative to many social media apps like Snapchat.

Why Parents Seek Snapchat Alternatives for Kids 📱

Snapchat’s appeal lies in filters and disappearing messages. However, parents hesitate due to its age requirement (13+). Features like location sharing, public stories, and messages from unknowns concern parents. Disappearing messages hinder monitoring. Exposure to inappropriate content in Discover, pressure to maintain “streaks,” and addictive nature also worry parents. This makes many Snapchat alternatives a popular search. Snapchat is one of the most popular apps, but its focus is not on young children. Snapchat uses features that are not always appropriate for young kids.

What Makes an App Safe for Kids? 🛡️

When evaluating apps similar to Snapchat, key safety features differentiate kid-friendly options.

Robust Parental Controls

Effective parental controls are fundamental, including contact management (parental approval), time restrictions, content filtering, and activity monitoring. The best apps like Snapchat for kids offer comprehensive dashboards.

Data Security and Privacy

Privacy is crucial. Look for end-to-end encryption for secure communication. The app should have clear data collection policies and age-appropriate privacy settings. Kid-focused apps avoid unnecessary personal information.

Absence of Inappropriate Content and Ads

Kid-safe alternatives must have strict content moderation, filtering inappropriate content. They should avoid targeted ads. Many operate on subscriptions. Reporting mechanisms should be accessible.

Simple and Intuitive Interface

User-friendly design is vital for young children. Apps should feature clean, colorful interfaces, large buttons, and clear icons. Logical menu structures and accessibility features ensure usability. An app experience should be enriching. Making the app easy to use is key.

Fun and Educational Features

Engaging features keep children interested. Creative filters and effects, photo editing and video editing tools, similar to Snapchat’s offerings, encourage expression. Educational elements like games enhance value, combining entertainment with learning. Apps with filters like Snapchat are very popular among children. Lenses and filters add a lot of fun.

Top Apps Like Snapchat for Kids Under 13 🌟

These selected apps offer Snapchat-like functionality with age-appropriate safety. Many best Snapchat alternatives in 2025 focus on this age group. This list highlights 10 apps like Snapchat that are truly kid-safe. If you are looking for apps for kids, these are top Snapchat alternatives.

Messenger Kids

Screenshot of the Messenger Kids app.

Developed by Meta, a comprehensive alternative to Snapchat with parental oversight of contacts and conversations. This chat app is a strong contender. Facebook Messenger Kids has a separate version designed for kids, making it a similar app to consider. Users like the ability to connect with friends safely. 

Key Features:

  • Complete parental control over contacts
  • Filters and lenses
  • Voice and video calls
  • No in-app purchases or ads
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Messenger Kids: App Store

JusTalk Kids

Screenshot of the JusTalk Kids app.

A secure video calling app with doodle features for interactive calls. This communication app designed for children offers similar interests in playful communication. 

Key Features:

  • Interactive doodles during video calls
  • Parental contact management
  • No text messaging (voice and video calls only)
  • Filters and stickers
  • Secure, encrypted communications

JusTalk Kids: App Store

Kinzoo

Screenshot of the Kinzoo app.

A comprehensive family communication platform for messages, share photos, and video messages, with parental oversight. It allows users to connect with friends and family. 

Key Features:

  • Family-focused communication
  • Shared calendar and photos
  • Location sharing with controls
  • Video and voice messages
  • Complete parental oversight

Kinzoo: App Store

KidsEmail

Screenshot of the KidsEmail app.

Primarily an email platform, offering safe messaging with parental control over all messages. This app for messaging provides a unique approach. 

Key Features:

  • Email-based communication
  • Creative themes and fonts
  • Drawing and photo attachments
  • Complete message monitoring
  • Educational communication tools

KidsEmail: Official Site

Stars Messenger

Screenshot of the Stars Messenger app.

Combines safety and creativity in a messaging app designed for children, with fun themes and tools. This app is similar to Snapchat in its focus on visual communication. 

Key Features:

  • Child-friendly interface design
  • Creative messaging tools
  • Comprehensive parental controls
  • Safe contact management
  • Time usage restrictions

Stars Messenger: App Store

GeckoLife Kids

Screenshot of the Kinzoo app.

Focuses on family communication, allowing sharing of pictures and videos and messages, with full parental visibility. This makes it similar to a great Snapchat experience for families. 

Key Features:

  • Family-focused communication
  • Creative photo and video tools
  • Drawing and filters and stickers
  • Complete family visibility
  • Secure, private communications

GeckoLife Kids: App Store

Momio

Screenshot of the KidsEmail app.

A safe social environment for ages 8-16, with messaging, creative tools, and strict moderation. Popular among children in this age group. 

Key Features:

  • Age-appropriate social community
  • Creative tools and features
  • Strict safety guidelines
  • Community moderation
  • Educational social interaction

Momio: App Store

Kudos

Screenshot of the Kudos app.

Focuses on positive communication within families, allowing children to send encouraging messages and creative content. This is a good alternative to Snapchat for family communication. 

Key Features:

  • Positive family communication
  • Creative messaging tools
  • Encouragement-focused platform
  • Family-centered approach
  • Safe, monitored environment

Kudos: App Store

Boop Kids

Screenshot of the Boop Kids app.

A simple, secure messaging platform with creative elements like filters and stickers and complete parental oversight. 

Key Features:

  • Simple, secure messaging
  • Creative stickers and emojis
  • Complete parental control
  • Approved contact system
  • Age-appropriate design

Boop Kids: App Store

Safechat

Screenshot of the Safechat app.

Prioritizes security with encrypted messaging, creative tools, and comprehensive parental controls. 

Key Features:

  • Encrypted secure messaging
  • Creative communication tools
  • Comprehensive safety features
  • Regular security updates
  • Transparent privacy policies

Safechat: App Store

ChatterPix Kids

Screenshot of the ChatterPix Kids app.

Unique creative app letting children make photos “talk” with voice recordings. This app offers similar fun without the complexities of using Snapchat. People who like amazing filters will enjoy its creative options. 

Key Features:

  • Creative photo animation
  • Voice recording capabilities
  • Storytelling encouragement
  • Safe, offline creation
  • Family sharing options

ChatterPix Kids: App Store

Important Tips for Kids’ Safe App Usage 🔒

Safety AspectParent ActionChild Benefit
Communication RulesEstablish clear guidelinesDevelops healthy digital habits
App SelectionInvolve children in choiceIncreases compliance and understanding
Regular MonitoringReview conversations and contactsEnsures ongoing safety
Digital LiteracyTeach online safety principlesBuilds lifelong protection skills
Parental ControlsImplement and maintain restrictionsProvides structured safe environment
Screen Time LimitsSet and enforce usage boundariesPromotes balanced lifestyle

Discuss Usage Rules

Establish clear communication rules with children, discussing appropriate topics and online respect. Create a family technology agreement for app usage.

Involve Them in App Selection

Include children in app selection. Explain why features ensure protection and how the app balances fun with security. This teaches critical evaluation.

Regular Monitoring

Consistent oversight ensures safety. Periodically review conversations, discuss concerns, and praise positive digital behavior. Stay updated on their digital interests.

Teach Digital Literacy

Educate children on privacy, digital permanence, and protecting personal info. Teach about cyberbullying and digital footprints. Get a free understanding of online safety.

Implement Parental Controls

Utilize all parental control features: contact management, content filtering, time restrictions. Regularly review and adjust settings.

Limit Screen Time

Establish reasonable screen time limits, balancing digital communication with offline activities. Use built-in controls or third-party apps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kid-Friendly Snapchat Alternatives 

Is Snapchat safe for kids under 13?

Snapchat is not recommended for children under 13 due to age restrictions (13+), location sharing, stranger messages, and public content. The feature of Snapchat like ephemeral messages can be tricky. Disappearing messages hinder monitoring, and Discover content is often unsuitable. Parents should use apps specifically for younger users. Snapchat also includes features not ideal for young users.

What are the most important parental control features?

Crucial features include contact management, content filtering, activity monitoring, time restrictions, conversation monitoring, and location controls. The best apps like Snapchat for kids offer comprehensive parental dashboards.

How do I choose the right app for my child?

Selection depends on age, maturity, and communication app needs (family vs. friends). Assess your comfort with oversight. Review privacy policies, safety features, and parent reviews. Start with restrictive options like those above and adapt as the child matures. When you select an app, consider its longevity and updates.

Can kids communicate with strangers on these apps?

Properly designed apps for kids should not allow stranger communication. They require parental approval for all contacts. Avoid apps with public chat rooms or random matching features. True safety means complete parental control over who can communicate.

Are there any alternatives suitable for teenagers over 13?

For teens, mainstream apps like Instagram, TikTok, or even Snapchat itself are options like those above, with enhanced parental involvement and safety discussions. Snapchat focuses on ephemeral content, but other apps that offer similar fun like Instagram offer stories and filters and lenses. Transitioning requires digital literacy education and ongoing monitoring. Some families continue kid-focused apps for older children. The key is balance between independence and oversight. The Snapchat app itself is not the only option. Many Snapchat alternatives exist. For those making the app, or a mobile app development company, understanding these options is key.