App review: Dubsmash selfie app is silly fun for older teens
Dubsmash (Handout)
Dubsmash is a poopular selfie app for older teenagers. (Handout)
Parents need to know that the Dubsmash terms of service advise parents that the app is not intended for users under 18, and users must be at least 14 to register. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that the Dubsmash terms of service advise parents that the app is not intended for users under 18, and users must be at least 14 to register (an email address and date of birth are required to sign up.) The pre-recorded sound bites available for dubbing do include topics and language not suitable for kids: “pick up lines,” “hangover” themed quotes, and pretty much any bad word you can imagine from hell to f–k and everything in between. Once teens have created their Dubsmash, they can save it to the camera roll, share it via Messenger, Whatsapp Messenger, or iMessage. Sound files, or Dubsmash sounds, can be shared publicly in the app, but the videos (called “my dubs”) are not publicly viewable unless users share them publicly outside of the app. Dozens of language options are available in settings.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Dubsmash is a selfie-video creator. Teens can create their own sound bites from songs or shows — editing it by simply dragging the sound bar into place to start and end — and save it to their personal library or share it with everyone. They can then use that clip or one of the hundreds of other available in the library to record themselves or their friends lip syncing the clip. The Dubsmashes can be shared or saved to the camera roll and compiled using other video editing apps. Sound bites are searchable by keyword or can be browsed by categories like “Chick Flicks” and “Office” and “Love.”
IS IT ANY GOOD?
In a world of selfies and funny GIFs, Dubsmash is a sure hit. Creating sound bites is really easy, but the library of recordings is so extensive it’s not even necessary. Much of the content is pretty raunchy — with bad language and sexual innuendo — so this is best for teens, as per the registration. When teens share their creations with a friend from within the app, the friend will need to download the app to view it, but they can also save the video to the camera roll and share from there.
CONTENT AND RATING
Recommended for ages 16 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Ease of play: 4 out of 5
Violence: 2 out of 5
Sex: 3 out of 5
Language: 4 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Privacy and safety: 3 out of 5
Consumerism: 0 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
APP DETAILS
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, Android
Price: Free
Release date: July 1, 2015
Category: Entertainment
Size: 27.30 MB
Publisher: Mobile Motion GmbH
Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
