Hoop - Make New Friends
High riskRated High · How we rate
Social discovery app designed for teens to connect with strangers globally; requires close parental monitoring.
Ages 13–15Ages 16+
| Minimum age | 13 |
|---|---|
| Strangers can contact | Yes |
| Location sharing | No |
| Disappearing messages | |
| Parental visibility | Limited |
Hoop is a stranger-connection app that lets users browse and send friend requests to profiles worldwide, then link those contacts to their social media accounts. It uses a freemium model with "diamonds" (in-app currency) that unlock features like messaging and profile visibility, earned through daily check-ins, video ads, or real money purchases. The app explicitly markets itself as a way to make new friends and connect across the globe.
- Check privacy settings carefully: Limit who can see your profile and send requests. Ensure your real social media accounts (Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) are not automatically linked or visible to strangers.
- Disable notifications if possible: Reduce engagement friction that encourages constant app use.
- Turn off location access: Hoop does not require location, but check iOS settings to ensure it has no permission to access your child's location.
- Review subscription settings: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions after download to manage or cancel auto-renewal, and turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before billing.
- Monitor diamond spending: Set App Store purchase restrictions or use Screen Time to prevent unintended in-app or subscription charges.
- Check Terms & Conditions: Hoop's T&C allow profile deletion, but review data retention and moderation policies at https://hoop.photo/terms/
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