Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

FlipaClip is legitimately great—one of those rare apps that teaches real, professional-level skills while being accessible to kids. This isn't a toy; it's an actual animation tool that's been used to launch careers.

The magic is that it makes frame-by-frame animation approachable without dumbing it down. Kids learn timing, movement, storytelling, and visual communication—all hugely valuable skills. The tedious nature of the work is actually a feature: it teaches patience, planning, and the reality that creative work takes effort.

The concerns are typical freemium stuff: ads in the free version, paywalls for advanced features (layers, effects), and the usual risks of community content and social sharing. Use Kids Mode for younger children and supervise what they're viewing in community feeds.

Bottom line: If your kid shows real interest in animation or storytelling, this is an incredible tool. If they just want to doodle casually, there are simpler drawing apps. But for the kid who wants to make their drawings move and tell stories? This is the app.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-17 who have genuine interest in animation and the patience for detailed, frame-by-frame work. Younger kids (7-8) can dabble with supervision, but the real value comes when kids are ready to commit to learning actual animation techniques. Adults use it too for storyboarding and quick animation projects.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

FlipaClip is fundamentally a creative tool that encourages artistic expression without inherent negative content. The app itself doesn't contain problematic material—it's a blank canvas. Kids Mode is available for younger users. The massive community (80M monthly users) means there's social sharing, but the app's core function is wholesome creation. Deducting slightly because the community aspect and social features mean exposure to whatever other users create and share.

Imaginative

95

This is pure creative expression in app form. Frame-by-frame animation, onion skinning, layers, drawing tools, audio integration—it's everything a budding animator needs to bring ideas to life. The app teaches actual animation principles (timing, movement, storytelling) while being accessible enough for beginners. From stick figure battles to anime clips to full cartoon series, kids can literally imagine anything and make it move. The AI tools (Voice Maker, Magic Cut) add modern creative possibilities without replacing the core hands-on work.

Safe

72

The app itself is safe—it's a creation tool with Kids Mode available. Common Sense Media and Bark both note it's generally safe with supervision. However, the free version has ads, and there's a freemium model with in-app purchases (layers limited to 3 free vs 10 paid). The bigger concern is the social/sharing aspect: kids can view community content and participate in challenges, which means potential exposure to inappropriate user-generated content. Parent reviews on CSM mention the app feeling like 'clickbait made for children' regarding monetization. Not unsafe, but requires parental awareness of what kids are viewing in the community feeds.

Enriching

91

FlipaClip teaches genuine skills: animation principles, storytelling, timing, visual communication, patience (frame-by-frame work is tedious), and technical proficiency. It's been used by 12-year-olds starting animation careers and is recommended by professionals for learning fundamentals. The app bridges the gap between doodling and actual filmmaking. Kids learn to plan, execute, revise, and share creative work. It's also a gateway to understanding how animation and video content is made—hugely valuable media literacy in 2025. Google Play App of the Year recognition validates its educational and creative value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches genuine animation skills that professionals use—frame-by-frame work, onion skinning, layers, timing, and storytelling
Accessible enough for beginners but powerful enough that 12-year-olds have launched animation careers with it
Massive creative freedom: make stick figure battles, anime clips, memes, full cartoon series, or whatever your kid imagines
Bridges doodling and filmmaking—kids learn to plan, execute, and share complete creative projects
80 million monthly users means tons of inspiration and a real community of young creators

⚠

What to Watch For

Community features mean kids can view other users' animations—supervision needed to ensure age-appropriate content
Free version has ads and limited features (3 layers vs 10); full functionality requires in-app purchases
Frame-by-frame animation is genuinely tedious work—this isn't instant gratification, so kids need patience and real interest
Social sharing and challenges could lead to comparison or pressure to post content online

Conversation Starters

"What story are you trying to tell with your animation? Walk me through what happens frame by frame."
"How long did it take you to make that 10-second clip? What was the hardest part?"
"Show me something cool you saw in the community. What techniques did that animator use that you want to try?"
"If you could animate any story or idea, what would it be? What would you need to learn to make it happen?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic