Zynn App: The New TikTok Copycat App That Pays Users

What is the Zynn app?

A free Chinese-owned video app where users watch and create contentIt’s extremely similar to TikTokThe main difference is Zynn claims to pay its users for watching content and referring friendsThe app boasts a “massive” music library, cool stickers, and funny effectsVideos can be shared to Instagram, Snapchat, etc.You don’t need an account to watch videos, but you do need an account to make a profile and earn rewards/moneyUsers can “like” and comment on videos and follow (or block) other usersTerms of ServicePrivacy PolicyWho can use Zynn?All new users must sign up with:A phone numberFacebook accountor Google accountThe app’s Community Guidelines state:Zynn is only for users ages 13+The company won’t provide access to the account or information about the account to anyone other than the account holderParents and guardians of account holders “are responsible for educating your child on internet safety”How is money earned on the Zynn app?As users scroll through the video feed, they accumulate points (each hour watched equals about $1.20)Users also get up to $20 for every friend they refer and a bonus $10 for every fifth friendTo qualify for the referral money, new users must download Zynn, sign up, and continually use the appReferral earnings can be transferred to PayPal or cashed in for gift cards to the Apple App Store, Walmart, Amazon, etc.The app launched in May 2020 and already had glitches with its withdrawal feature by JuneWhy should parents care?There are concerns over how the app protects a user’s privacy and dataThere are NO content filters available on ZynnSince all content is user generated, videos range from cute animals and cooking to explicit song lyrics, partial nudity, and dangerous stuntsThere is NO way to make a Zynn account privateAnything your student posts on Zynn is publicUsers can follow other users and block individual usersThe incentive to earn money on Zynn could lead to addictive behaviorWhat can parents do?Download Zynn, spend some time using it, then determine if it’s safe for your family to useIf your student uses Zynn, ask for their usernameTeach your students to come talk to you, or a trusted adult, if they are ever contacted by a stranger or ever feel uncomfortable on ZynnTeach them to never share personal info in videos or commentsRemind your student that their online activity, even under a fake username, can impact their reputation and their futureTeach your students the dangers of participating in viral video challenges or doing anything dangerous for social media attentionTeach students they can block individual users and mark inappropriate videos as “not interested”

Learn  more about the Zynn app on the Smart Social Blog

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