Fancy a Snack? - Safer Schools NI

Last Updated on 24th March 2023

Snack is a video dating app where users share short videos to match with others. This app is described as ‘video first’ for its use of short videos in place of how photos are usually used on dating apps. Think ‘TikTok’ meets ‘Tinder’.

Users record a short video of themselves and upload it onto their profile. They can then watch other people’s recorded videos, swiping right or left on each one to indicate whether they’re interested in someone or not and to get to the next profile.

In this article, our online safety experts unpack this app’s core features, safeguarding risks and top tips for protecting the children and young people in your care.

©Meet Muse Media Inc.

Age Verification

The terms and conditions of the app state that users must be over 18 to use it. When our testers entered a date of birth that would mean they were under 18, they were denied further access to the app. However, after changing the phone number and adjusting the date of birth to an over-18 age, they were allowed access without any further verification.

Snack is currently only available on iOS, but a message on the developer’s website says an Android/Google Play version will be coming soon.

©Meet Muse Media Inc.

Core Features

If two users ‘like’ each other’s video, then they will match.
Once two users match, they can then send each other direct messages.
There is no way to comment on a video – the only interaction available at this stage is ‘liking’ the video and matching.
The layout of the app is similar to the style of TikTok, with portrait video and scrolling function.
As on Tinder, users can set an age preference for potential matches.
There isn’t currently a distance filtering preference, although the app creators have said this will be an option added soon.
There isn’t currently a distance filtering preference, although the app creators have said this will be an option added soon.
Videos from the app can be shared externally with other apps.

The Sign-up Process

Users sign up using their Apple ID or their phone number. The app confirms that your phone number is only used for signing in.
Once you verify your phone number and email address, you are prompted to add a profile photo. This can be taken from your phone’s library or via your phone camera.
The tagline says, ‘Make sure to show your face and no birthday suit or bathroom selfie’.
The app asks which gender you want to match with.
You will then be required to upload at least one video before you can begin matching with others.

Safeguarding Risks

As all content on Snack is user-generated and 18+, there will always be the risk of harmful or inappropriate videos being shared. It’s important to make sure children in your care know who to talk to if they see something online that upsets them.

Who can see my videos? Any user can view other users’ videos, and users can share videos onto external apps, such as TikTok or Instagram. This could potentially see content shared without a user’s permission.
How do users interact on the platform? Users can interact by liking videos and can communicate to someone via direct messaging once they are matched. This means they can take the conversation to other platforms. Users should know how to block and report users.
What content is allowed? The app is for users who are aged 18+. This means that there is potential for mature videos or content to appear on the site. If someone younger than 18 uses the app, they may be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content.
Privacy and Safety Settings.
- You can report users and videos on the platform. Our online safety experts have been testing this feature and found limited further information on what happens once a report has been submitted.
- You can also block users. However, our experts found that a user could still be seen on their timeline after being blocked.
- Snack uses your location to show you potential matches in your area – this means other users viewing your video know you’re nearby.
- There is currently no way to filter users by location.

Top Tips

Pause – Talk to your child about any interesting new apps they have heard about and make sure they know how to block and report on all platforms they use.
Think – Do not name this ‘18+ App’ to your child as curiosity may incite them to try it. If they are using it and or mention it to you – don’t overreact. It is always good when a child feels they can speak openly to their parent or carer.
Talk – Use the information in this article to discuss and review the risks we have identified. If you choose to allow your child or believe they will continue to use this app, talk to your child about the dangers of dating apps and explain that people may attempt to have inappropriate conversations with them.
Check – Can the children in your care name the trusted adults they would speak to if they had a problem or a worry.