Most Popular Apps for Teens in 2024 (Fresh Update)

Read our review of the best apps for teens that blend entertainment, education, and safety, helping young users navigate the digital world with confidence and ease.

Teenagers are quickly becoming some of the most influential consumers of apps. Recent research shows that they prefer educational, social media, and lifestyle apps, while music streaming and gaming apps also remain a mainstay in their phone usage.

With this in mind, the most popular apps for teenagers in 2024 offer tools to help them learn, engage with their communities, and access exciting entertainment.

Our list was carefully curated based on anonymous feedback from users, new updates, innovative features, and overall usage among teens. These are the very best-of-the-best and most popular apps for teenagers according to today’s standards.

Contents:

• Fun Apps for Teens List
• weBelong
• Instagram
• Yubo
• BeReal
• YouTube
• F3
• TikTok
• Dispo
• iMessage Game
• Poparazzi
• Whisper
• Lapse
• Houseparty
• Discord
• Doublicat / REFACE
• Kik
• Picsart
• Overview of Popular Teen Apps: Features, Benefits, and Risks
• Advice For Parents: Do Your Teens Use Apps A Lot?
• FAQs

Fun Apps for Teens List

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Here are some of the best apps for teens, rated based on safety features, benefits, and of course, how many users they have:

• weBelong
• Instagram
• Yubo: Install from here
• BeReal
• YouTube
• F3: Install from here
• TikTok
• Dispo
• iMessage Game
• Poparazzi: Install from here
• Whisper
• Lapse
• Houseparty
• Discord
• Doublicat / REFACE
• Kik

These popular apps for teens are sure to keep them busy—but we also included information on what you should look for as a parent.

weBelong

WeBelong has quickly become one of the most popular apps for teenagers, offering an interactive way to connect with friends. This app allows users different options to share posts, images, videos and other content with a wider audience.

Parents Need to Know:

• This is a relatively new app that came out in 2021.
• More than 70% of the audience are teenagers aged 14–18.
• The developers of the application position it as toxic-free because it lacks information about the number of friends and likes.
• The app offers several safety features, which encourage users to protect their data. These include age verification and parental consent requirements for accounts.
• It also has a moderation system in place that monitors the content posted by users.

Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular teenage apps. It allows users to post pictures and videos, follow other users, and engage with others through likes and comments. One of the top social media apps for teens, it also has stories that allow users to post content that will expire after 24 hours.

Parents Need to Know:

• The platform is the second most popular app among 13-17-year-olds.
• Experts call access to pornographic content that is easy to find there a serious problem on Instagram.
• an internal study by The Wall Street Journal found that Instagram contributes to body image problems and undermines mental health, especially for teenage girls.
• Instagram features a variety of safety measures that parents can use to ensure their children’s online security, such as age restrictions and account privacy settings.
• There are several tools available for monitoring activity on the app including blocking or restricting certain accounts from appearing in searches or newsfeeds.

Related: Is Instagram Safe for Kids to Use: How to Avoid Dangerous Communications?

Yubo

Yubo is another app for teenagers that focuses on live video streaming. It allows users to create a profile and join public or private chat rooms with strangers or friends. It also has a feature called ‘swipe’ which allows users to find people with similar interests nearby or around the world.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app includes safety features such as age verification to ensure that only users aged 13-17 can join, and parental controls allowing parents to monitor their child’s activity on the platform.

BeReal

Bereal is an interactive platform geared toward teens that combines music streaming with gaming elements such as challenges, leaderboards, and rewards for winning competitions or completing tasks within the game itself.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app positions itself as the answer to Instagram.
• Despite the fact that only friends can comment on photos, all users can put reactions, as well as send friend requests.
• It includes safety features such as moderated chat rooms, age verification upon sign-up, and real-time monitoring by moderators.
• You can also view the chat history to identify inappropriate conversations.

YouTube

YouTube is one of the most popular video streaming platforms used by teens today. It allows users to watch videos from different creators around the world, ranging from comedy sketches, to makeup tutorials, and more!

Parents Need to Know:

• YouTube is the most popular internet platform. It is used by 85% of teenagers aged 13–17.
• Restrictions include age-appropriate content filters, parental control settings, and an option to report inappropriate content.
• Parents can monitor their teen’s activity by setting up notifications or viewing reports in their YouTube account dashboard.

F3

F3 (Friendship Forever 3) is an interactive platform focused on connecting friends through games like trivia quizzes or word puzzles while also allowing them to send direct messages or voice calls.

Parents Need to Know:

• The F3 social networking app has numerous safety features in place to protect users, such as blocking and reporting capabilities.
• It also allows parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform by setting up notifications for when their child adds or removes friends from the network.

TikTok

This wildly popular social networking app has become one of the top go-to apps for teenage users. TikTok allows users to share short videos up to 15 seconds long with friends or anyone who follows them. It also has an array of editing tools that allow users to customize their videos with text, stickers and filters.

Parents Need to Know:

• The audience of the application is more than 80 million users.
• All user accounts are public. This means that anyone can contact the user directly.
• TikTok is accused of allowing teens to receive inappropriate messages from other users and watch explicit content through it.
• There are privacy settings that allow users to control who sees their videos and messages they receive from other accounts.
• Other helpful tools include restricting direct messages between strangers and setting up parental controls in order to monitor activity on the account more closely if desired.

Dispo

This photo-editing and photo-sharing app is gaining popularity among teens as it allows them to capture and edit pictures in an instant. Dispo has an array of filters, effects, and other editing tools—with it, users can create beautiful images in just a few taps. You can also look at other users’ photographs in this free app.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app offers several safety features such as age verification and content moderation.
• It also includes parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform, including setting limits on who can view or comment on photos

iMessage Game

iMessage games have been around for a while now but have recently seen a surge in popularity among teens who enjoy playing fun games with their friends. There are a wide range of games available such as 8 Ball Pool, Quiz Up and Chess that can be played via the messaging app.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app provides a variety of safety features to protect users, including age restrictions and moderation tools that monitor content for inappropriate language or behavior.
• Users can also block other players from contacting them if they feel uncomfortable with any conversation or interaction taking place within the game.

Poparazzi

Poparazzi is the perfect app for teens who love taking selfies or group shots with their friends! It’s one of the most popular teen apps for teenage girls. You can apply cool filters or effects to your photos before sharing them with your followers (who must approve each photo before it goes live).

Parents Need to Know:

• The application positions itself as anti-Instagram. The developers made an attempt to overcome the feed with edited photos, endless selfies and perfect bodies
• The app has safety features such as age verification when signing up for an account, parental consent options, and moderation tools that help remove inappropriate content from being posted on the platform.

Whisper

Whisper is an anonymous social networking app where users can post secrets without worrying about anyone knowing who they are! Although this might sound risky (as anyone could potentially see your posts), there are safety measures in place, such as reporting inappropriate content or blocking people who make you feel uncomfortable.

Parents Need to Know:

• Safety features on the app include age restrictions, moderation tools for content posted, and reporting options in case of inappropriate behavior or posts.

Lapse

Lapse is an app that allows users to record short videos and then add voiceover narration or music tracks on top of them for extra effect! This makes it perfect for creating funny stories from everyday life or even music videos if you’re so inclined!

Parents Need to Know:

• Safety features include age verification to ensure only appropriate content is shared and parental controls that allow parents to monitor activity on the app.

Houseparty

Houseparty is a video-sharing platform and text chatting tool that allows up to eight people to video conference at once. It has become incredibly popular among teens because of its easy-to-use interface, fun features such as virtual games (which can be played while video chatting), and filters/effects which can be added during chats for extra fun!

Parents Need to Know:

• 60% of app users are under 24 years old.
• You can only add friends from your contact list or Facebook.
• You can also add people nearby, but you can turn off the location service.
• There are safety features in place, including parental control settings that allow parents to set restrictions on who can join their children’s rooms and block certain words from being used in chats.

Discord

Discord is a voice chat platform used by gamers around the world. It was specifically designed for gamers but has since become popular among all types of users who just want to stay connected with friends over voice chat. Discord also offers text chat, video chat, screen sharing, file sharing, custom emojis, and more.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app includes safety features such as two-factor authentication and a Trust & Safety team that monitors content.
• There are options for parents to customize their child’s account settings, including turning off direct messages from strangers or blocking explicit language in chats.

Doublicat / REFACE

Doublicat (also known as REFACE) is an app that allows users to take a selfie or upload a picture from their camera roll and replace their face with another person’s in order to create funny photomontages. The app then generates the montage for the user to share with friends or on social media.

Parents Need to Know:

• The app has safety features such as age restrictions for users under 18 years old, as well as a moderation system to ensure content does not contain inappropriate material.

Kik

Kik is an app that allows users to send messages, photos, videos and other files quickly and easily. It has been around since 2010 but has become increasingly popular in recent years.

What sets it apart from other messaging apps is its anonymity; users can create accounts without providing any personal information such as phone numbers or email addresses. It also incorporates fun features such as stickers and GIFs which can be sent in messages.

Parents Need to Know:

• The application is used by almost 30% of teenagers aged 13 to 17.
• Kik has been in the news as a place where online predators congregate.
• The app offers various safety features, such as two-factor authentication and parental controls to limit access to certain content.
• It also provides users with an anonymous username that can help protect their identity online.

Related: Is Sendit Anonymous? What Parents Need to Know to Keep Kids Safe on Social Media Apps.

Picsart

Picsart is a popular online image and video editing application trusted by over 150 million creators. The platform allows users to play with filters, effects, custom stickers, and more, which can be used on social media or secret text messaging apps. If your teen is new to the creation process, they can use Picsart’s AI image generator to make stunning art in seconds.

Parents Need To Know:  

• The app is deemed appropriate for ages 12 and up on the Apple App Store and suitable for teens on the Play Store.
• The Picsart app has an extensive privacy policy that indicates what data will be linked to your teen, such as purchases, location, and contact information.
• Your teen can use Picsart to save images and share them with friends on social media, but Picsart isn’t a social media site itself. This means they won’t have interactions with strangers.

Overview of Popular Teen Apps: Features, Benefits, and Risks

Below, we’ve outlined the most popular social, sharing, and other apps for 2024, highlighting their features, advantages, and potential risks. This information helps parents make informed decisions and foster safer app usage habits.

Social Network Apps Table

Video and Image Sharing Apps Table

Other Apps Table

Advice For Parents: Do Your Teens Use Apps A Lot?

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As a parent of a teen, it’s normal to worry about how much time your child is spending on their phone. With so many apps available, it can be difficult to know if your teenager is using apps in a healthy way or letting them take over their life.

Teens who use too many apps may not be getting enough sleep or studying as much as they should. Teens who use phones for more than two hours per day are more likely to report poor mental health and difficulty sleeping. This can have serious long-term consequences on their physical and emotional development.

Fortunately, there is a solution! Kids360 is an app that helps parents monitor and manage their child’s app usage. With Kids360, parents can easily limit the amount of time their teen spends online by setting daily time limits for different categories of apps such as gaming, social media, and shopping.

Parents also receive weekly reports that show how much time was spent on each type of app so they can keep track of what their kids are doing online. Plus, with the Kids360 parental controls feature, parents can block websites and applications that aren’t suitable for children.

The Kids360 app

Kids360 has the big advantage of being very intuitive and easy to work with for moms and dads, offering benefits for the whole family. It puts the control back into your hands, letting you take charge of how your children use their devices (and for how long), with the ability to block apps and use geolocation to track your child’s movements. 

It’s also fun for kids, as Kids360 has thousands of puzzles and challenges built in that children can use for self-improvement, and there’s a clever reward system, in which kids can “earn” bonus screen time if they complete educational activities.

When used sensibly, mobile devices and applications can provide teenagers with tools to further their education, keep up with friends, stay connected with family members — even find ways to make money! However, it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with overusing apps before allowing their teens unrestricted access to them.

To avoid overuse, you can configure certain popular teen and tween apps to run in a restricted mode or “kid-safe” mode, where they won’t have access to adult content and won’t be as at-risk. For example:

1. YouTube: Go into the Settings menu of the YouTube app and look for Parent Settings. Choose the profile of your child and then adjust the content level to control what they can watch. You can also turn the Search feature on or off.
2. Instagram: Use the Family Center feature to set up supervision on your child’s profile. You can set this up in the “For Families” section of the “Privacy Settings.” You’ll have to follow the on-screen prompts, send a supervision invite to your child’s account, and they’ll have to accept on their end to set it up.
3. TikTok: Use “Family Pairing” to activate parental controls on your child’s TikTok account. This lets you manage their screen time, block them from accessing certain types of content, and control what they can search for and who can contact them.

FAQs

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What apps should 12-year-olds have?

Popular apps for tweens include communication tools like Skype, photo editors such as PicsArt, or coding apps like Scratch Jr. These offer restricted mode in the free app to keep young adults safe.

What social media can a 12-year-old have?

For 12-year-olds, options are limited but include apps that are designed with safety features for younger users. Some of the popular choices include YouTube Kids and PopJam. These platforms offer a safe environment for social interaction and content creation while ensuring that young users are protected from harmful content. However, traditional social networking app platforms typically require users to be 13 years or older. Parents should ensure that any app used is appropriate and monitor their child’s online activity.

Is Sendit ok for 12-year-olds?

Sendit is a social networking app that allows users to ask and answer anonymous questions. While some features might appeal to middle schoolers, it’s important to note that anonymous interactions can sometimes lead to inappropriate content or bullying. Therefore, parents should monitor its use and decide if it’s suitable for their 12-year-old.

What is the best app for 12-year-olds?

For 12-year-olds, it’s important to avoid any of the apps that have a minimum age rating of 13, so that rules out the likes of Instagram and Tumblr. 12-year-olds might enjoy game-type apps like iMessage Game, and can also try other fun apps like Skype, PicsArt, or Duolingo to learn new things and interact with friends or family.

What apps can you use when you turn 13?

When you turn 13, a wide range of apps become accessible. These include popular social networking app platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Additionally, there are educational apps, gaming apps, and websites for teens designed to help with schoolwork or to connect with friends for teens. It’s important to avoid dating apps, as they are not appropriate for this age group.

What is the best social media for 13-year-olds?

Instagram is a great option if you’re looking for the best apps for 13-year-olds. This platform allows users to share photos and videos and engage with friends in a safe environment.

What apps are 13+?

A lot of apps for tweens have a minimum 13+ age rating, including Tumblr, WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and Instagram. It’s always best to check the recommended age rating for any new app before you allow your teens or tweens to install it on their phones and use it.

Is there an app for 13-year-olds to make friends?

Yes, there are several apps for tweens where those aged 13 and above can interact, talk, and possibly make good friendships. Examples include weBelong, Bereal, Yubo, and Discord.

What do 14-year-olds like to play?

Fourteen-year-olds often enjoy a variety of games, both online and offline. Popular choices include video games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, which allow them to connect with real-life friends and online friends. Additionally, sports, board games, and card games are great ways for them to engage with real-life friends and stay active.

What apps are teens using for naked pics?

Some popular apps used by teens include Snapchat, Kik Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Which apps are dangerous for my teens?

Any app that collects personal information—such as emails or addresses—should be avoided, as this information could be used in malicious activities if it ends up in the wrong hands.

What apps do teens pay for?

Examples of the type of apps that teens use and are willing to pay for include those that offer music streaming capabilities such as Spotify or Tidal, photo editing and storage programs like VSCO, language learning tools like Duolingo, and video game purchases.

What apps do middle schoolers use?

There are many apps for tweens that are popular among the middle school age range. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are three of the biggest and best-known examples, but many middle schoolers also have accounts on apps like Discord, Kik, Houseparty, and Dispo, to name but a few examples.

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