With the constant changes in social media options, parents are always on a quest to find safer alternatives for their children's digital interaction and creativity. Enter Zigazoo, an app that's quickly gaining traction as the “safer TikTok alternative” for kids. Designed with the younger audience in mind, Zigazoo offers a platform where kids can explore, create, and watch videos in an environment that prioritizes safety and educational content.

In this app guide, SmartSocial explores what makes Zigazoo a preferred choice for parents seeking peace of mind in the digital age. Parents will learn about the features, safety protocols, and the pros and cons of the Zigazoo Kids app and the Zigazoo GenZ app.

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Parent & Educator Video

What is Zigazoo?

• Zigazoo is a “TikTok Alternative” app designed for kids
• All content on Zigazoo is created by and for kids with videos featuring dances, lip syncing, beauty products, toy unboxing, and more
• Users are encouraged to create and edit videos in response to challenges posed by the app such as, “What’s on your mind?”, “Can you sing this song from a movie?”, or “What’s your favorite subject?”
• There are two versions of the app: Zigazoo Kids for Generation Alpha (kids born between 2010-2024) and Zigazoo GenZ for Generation Z (kids born between 1995-2009)
• Zigazoo is set up similarly to many social media platforms so that users can like or share content and subscribe to specific creators, but users cannot comment on videos.  There are “streak” rewards for checking the app daily
• Zigazoo is a free app, but there is a Premium subscription that will offer a few more features

What is Zigazoo rated?

Apple App Store:  4+

Google Play Store:  E (Everyone)

(Based in Miami, FL, Owned by Zigazoo)

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Examples of Zigazoo in the news

Zigazoo is backed by companies like the NBA and WWE for promoting a nontoxic form of social media by verifying every user is a human and ethical algorithm. - Bozeman, MT

Zigazoo claims to provide a “nontoxic” environment for Gen Z consumers as many users become put off by other social media platforms where toxicity thrives, infested with unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying and content that may not be age-appropriate. - TechCrunch

Why do students want to be on Zigazoo?

• It is a safer alternative to TikTok for kids
• There is only content made by kids on the app
• It’s a fun place to learn new dances and view entertaining videos made by other kids

What are the differences between Zigazoo Kids and Zigazoo GenZ?

• Zigazoo GenZ does not require parental consent to use the app
• The GenZ version will allow direct messaging that will use an auto-moderation software to moderate messages
• There are celebrity channels on the GenZ app

Why should parents & educators care?

• The Kids app requires users to register with parental permission using a verification system and will not allow users to create a video or make new friends on the app without first posting a consent video WITH their parents. Users can still view videos others have posted prior to submitting the consent video
• Zigazoo is kidSAFE Coppa Certified and 100% human moderated and review every piece of video or music content posted to the site to ensure safe and age-appropriate videos (Source: Zigazoo)
• There is no opportunity for direct messaging in the Kids app unless teachers or parents set up private groups, or “Classrooms” that allow students to interact within the group
• There are opportunities for in-app purchases
• Videos posted on the app can be shared via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. There is an option to turn this feature off, but it is not password protected, so kids could easily turn it back on

What can parents & educators do?

• Download the app and use it with your child to decide if it is something you are comfortable with them using
• Create a social media agreement WITH your children to set appropriate digital expectations and consequences
• Set up parental controls on your student’s device to limit the amount of screen time students can spend on Zigazoo

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Alternatives to TikTok: Short Form Video Guide for Parents, Educators, & Students

Making Screen Time Fun While Reducing the Negative Impact

Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time 

Conclusion

Zigazoo is a refreshing and safer alternative to TikTok and short form video for our younger students. Zigazoo's commitment to providing a platform that is not only fun but also educational and safe makes it a smarter choice for parents looking for peace of mind in their children's online activities.