Hoop is an app that lets you add users from around the world through Snapchat. People you don’t know can also request to add you, so we wouldn’t recommend this app for under 18s.
Official age rating
Medium Risk
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If you see something inappropriate on someone’s profile, use the flag icon to report them.
The whole idea of Hoop is for users to ‘make new friends on Snapchat all around the world’. This means it connects you to people you don’t know. If somebody adds you and you accept, or vice versa, you could be at risk of being sent inappropriate or unwanted messages. Even though Hoop says it’s for users aged 13 or above, we don't recommend it for under 18s.
Hoop has been called ‘Tinder for Snapchat’ because you can view people’s profiles, or they can view yours, and then you can add each other as Snapchat friends - similar to popular dating apps. The difference is that Hoop has been designed for users aged 13 and above, not just adults, meaning teenagers might connect with people of all ages.
Hoop limits how many friend requests you can make through its ‘diamonds’ currency. After a few Snapchat requests, you have to earn more diamonds to keep adding people. You can earn more by sharing Hoop with your friends, adding Snapchat friends through Hoop, watching videos, taking surveys, completing offers or through simply logging in each day.
We don’t recommend Hoop for under 18s as it can connect children with users they don’t know, including adults. This could lead to unwanted communication or inappropriate messages.
But before stopping your child from using it, why not take the time to explore it together? This will give you the opportunity to talk about why you don’t think it’s appropriate for them and help them understand your reasons. Be open and honest and take the time to listen to their thoughts.
If you do decide to let your child use it, read our tips below to help keep your child safe.
Explain that you understand the internet is a great place to play, create, learn and connect. But remind them they can talk to you if anything upsets or worries them.
Reassure them that you won’t overreact – you’re just looking out for them.
It’s important to remind your child that they can talk you, another adult they trust, like a teacher, or Childline about anything they see online.
Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.
Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You shouldn't give your number to somebody you don't know on the street. Is somebody online you don't know any different?”
Listen to their answers. And be positive and encouraging.
Remind them that they shouldn’t share private things, such as:
Your child might come across an inappropriate or upsetting profile on Hoop. If they do, show them how to report the profile by selecting the flag icon in the top right corner.
Remind your child they can talk to you about anything they’ve seen. Or they can talk to another adult they trust, like a teacher, or a Childline counsellor.
Other users can send ‘Snap requests’ on Hoop. This means they want to become a Snapchat friend.
On the request, you can decline or block users instead of adding them.
Hoop is all about adding new friends on Snapchat. That’s why we also recommend exploring Snapchat with your child.
Talk about about what’s good to share on Snapchat and what’s best to keep private. And go through Snapchat’s safety features together.
Having open, regular conversations with your child will help you to really understand and explore the online world together. Our tips and advice can help you start these conversations.
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