Sketchers United

Sketchers United

app

Teen, 2020, Art & Design

WISE
72%

WISE Score

3.8

App Store

A digital treehouse for young artists who miss the 'Sony Sketch' days and want a place to draw without the ad-slop.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

Sketchers United is a labor of love. It’s not a polished, multi-billion dollar product, and that’s exactly why kids like it. It feels human.

If your kid is on Android, it’s a solid creative outlet. If they're on an iPad, they might find it frustrating because the drawing tools are often missing or broken, turning it into more of a viewing gallery than a studio.

Because it's a social platform, you'll want to keep an eye on the interactions, but the lack of ads and the focus on 'learning together' makes it a much healthier choice than the major social giants.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10 to 16. It’s for the kid who has outgrown simple coloring apps but isn't quite ready for the high-pressure world of Instagram or ArtStation.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

It captures the spirit of the old Sony Sketch community, focusing on peer support and shared creativity rather than influencers or viral trends.

Imaginative
90

The entire premise is creative expression. It encourages kids to move from consuming content to creating it and collaborating with others.

Safe
62

The lack of ads is a huge win, but it is fundamentally a social network. User-generated content is the core, and moderation in smaller, niche apps can be inconsistent.

Enriching
84

Artistic growth happens through feedback and observation. This app provides a low-stakes environment for amateur artists to hone their craft.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Zero ads means no predatory marketing or interruptions while your kid is in the 'flow' state.
  • The community is built by and for artists, creating a more supportive vibe than general social media.
  • Encourages collaboration and 'remixing' art, which is a great way for kids to learn new techniques.
  • It fills the void left by Sony Sketch, keeping a specific digital art subculture alive.
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What to Watch For

  • The iOS version is notoriously buggy and often lacks the actual drawing tools found on Android.
  • It's a social network at heart; you can't control what other users post or comment.
  • Moderation is largely community-driven, so 'drama' can occasionally flare up in the comments.

Conversation Starters

  • "What’s the coolest technique you’ve seen someone else use in their sketches today?"
  • "How do you feel when people comment on your art? Does it make you want to draw more or less?"
  • "If the drawing tools are glitchy, what’s another way we can get your art from paper into the community?"

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