Kik Messenger

Not safe for kids under 18

Kik Messenger allows users to send instant messages back and forth through an internet connection without requiring a phone plan. It also has functionality that allows users to send sketches and viral videos, play games, and listen to music.

Messaging

In-depth breakdown

Minimum Age Requirement

Messaging Capabillities

One-to-one messaging with another person with the ability to send photo, video, and link messages. Kik allows group messages with up to 49 additional participants. All messages are saved on your phone via the Kik app, but users have the option to enable disappearing messages.

Location Sharing

Kik enables users to share their location with each other using a feature they call ‘Glympse.’

Parental Controls

Not available. Apple and Android parental controls can be used at the device level.

Insights

In addition to having messaging capabilities, Kik offers an in-app browser where users can surf the web or stream content. There are no ways to place parental controls on this type of surfing. Messages on the Kik app are difficult to trace, and law enforcement has previously found that "child exploitation is prominent on the app."