Monkey iOS App Download: Why It’s Missing + How to Get It
Monkey iOS App download is no longer possible from the App Store as Apple removed the original video chat application in 2018 due to safety violations. While you cannot download Monkey App on iPhone anymore, this guide covers the best Monkey App alternatives for iOS and everything you need to know about the app’s removal.
Quick Answer: The original Monkey App iOS is permanently unavailable. Use safe alternatives like Discord, Yubo, or Houseparty for video chatting on iPhone.
What Is the Monkey App for iOS?
The Monkey App iOS was a random video chat app that connected iPhone users with strangers worldwide through live video calls. Think of it as “Chatroulette for mobile” – users could swipe through random people and start instant video conversations.
What does the Monkey App do?
The Monkey video chat app allowed iPhone users to:
- Start random video chats with people globally (ages 13+)
- Add AR filters and effects during live video calls
- Send instant messages to new connections
- Share Snapchat and Instagram profiles with matched users
- Use location-based matching to find nearby people
Why was Monkey App so popular?
The app gained massive popularity among Gen Z users (13-24 years old) because it offered:
- Instant connections without lengthy signup processes
- TikTok-style interface with swipe gestures
- Real-time video quality optimized for mobile
- Cross-platform compatibility (iOS and Android)
The original app peaked at over 5 million downloads before Apple removed it in 2018 due to child safety violations and inappropriate content exposure.
Is Monkey App Available on iPhone App Store
No, Monkey App is NOT available on iPhone App Store in 2025. Apple permanently removed the original Monkey App iOS download in September 2018 and has blocked all attempts at re-uploading.
Current Status (Updated July 2025):
- Original Monkey App: Completely removed and banned
- Monkey App relaunch: No official comeback announced
- Fake Monkey apps: Many imposters exist (avoid these)
- Safe alternatives: Multiple verified options available
Apps you might find with “Monkey” in the name:
- MonkeyRun – Mobile gaming app (not related)
- MonkeyCool – Utility application (different company)
- Monkey King games – Various gaming titles
- Fake Monkey chat apps – Scam applications (report these)
Warning: Any app claiming to be the “original Monkey App” or “Monkey App 2025” is likely a scam or malware. The original developers (Monkey Inc.) shut down operations permanently.
How to verify: Real alternatives will have:
- No promises of “original Monkey experience”
- Verified developer accounts
- Thousands of legitimate reviews
- Clear privacy policies
How to Download Monkey App on iPhone?
Since the original Monkey App iOS download is impossible, here’s what you need to know and what to do instead:
You CANNOT download original Monkey App because:
- Apple banned it permanently from App Store
- Developer shut down operations completely
- All servers are offline – even old installs don’t work
- Third-party downloads are dangerous and often contain malware
What you SHOULD do instead:
Use Safe Alternatives (Recommended)
- Open App Store on your iPhone
- Search for verified alternatives like “Discord“ or “Yubo“
- Check developer verification and user reviews
- Download only apps with 4+ star ratings and thousands of reviews
- Set up privacy settings before using
Wait for Official News
- Follow @MonkeyApp official accounts for any comeback announcements
- Check tech news sites like TechCrunch for updates
- Join Reddit communities like r/MonkeyApp for user discussions
AVOID These Dangerous Methods:
- Third-party APK downloads (malware risk)
- “Jailbreak-only” versions (security vulnerability)
- Fake websites offering “Monkey App iOS download”
- Apps that ask for excessive permissions
Pro Tip: If you see any app claiming to be “Monkey App 2025” or “New Monkey,” it’s definitely a scam. Report it to Apple immediately.
What Features Does Monkey App Offer on iOS?
While the original Monkey App is unavailable, it previously offered these features on iPhone:
Core Features:
- Random video chat with strangers worldwide
- Swipe interface to connect with new people
- Real-time messaging during and after video calls
- Age filtering to match with similar age groups
- Report and block functions for inappropriate users
Additional Features:
- Profile customization options
- Social media integration
- Friend request system
- Video call recording (in some versions)
What can I do with Monkey App on iPhone? Users could meet new people, practice languages, and make international connections through video conversations.
Is Monkey App Safe to Use on iPhone?
Safety was a major concern with the original Monkey App, leading to its removal from the App Store. Here are important safety considerations:
Known Safety Issues:
- Inappropriate content exposure to minors
- Limited moderation of user behavior
- Privacy concerns with personal information sharing
- Age verification problems
Safety Tips for Similar Apps:
- Never share personal information like your address or school
- Report inappropriate behavior immediately
- Use apps with strong moderation policies
- Always tell a parent or guardian about online interactions
- Avoid meeting strangers from video chat apps in person
What Are Common Problems When Using Monkey App on iOS?
Since the original app is no longer available, users typically encounter these issues:
Common Problems:
- App not found in the App Store search results
- Fake apps claiming to be the original Monkey App
- Account recovery impossible for old Monkey accounts
- Alternative apps not providing the same experience
Solutions:
- Use verified alternatives from reputable developers
- Check app reviews and ratings carefully
- Stick to apps available in the official App Store
- Research any video chat app before downloading
Best Monkey App Alternatives for iPhone
What apps are like Monkey App on iPhone? Here are the top 12 verified alternatives that offer similar random video chat features, ranked by safety and user experience:
Tier 1: Safest Alternatives (Recommended)
1. Discord (Most Popular & Secure)
- Download: Free on App Store
- User Rating: 4.7/5
- Age requirement: 13+ (with parental consent)
- Best for: Gaming communities and interest-based servers
- Safety features:
- Advanced AI moderation
- Robust report system
- Server verification
- Key features:
- Voice channels
- Screen sharing
- Custom emojis
- Bot integration
- Why it’s better: No random strangers, join curated communities
- Monthly users: 150M+
- Verified:
2. Yubo (Closest to Original Monkey)
- Download: Free with premium options
- User Rating: 4.2/5
- Age requirement: 13+ (mandatory age verification)
- Best for: Meeting people with similar interests via swipe matching
- Safety features:
- AI content moderation
- Location controls
- Friend-of-friends system
- Key features:
- Live streaming
- Group chats
- Interest tags
- Profile verification
- Unique selling point: Teen-focused with strong safety protocols
- Monthly users: 60M+
- Verified:
3. Marco Polo (Family-Friendly Champion)
- Download: Free with premium features
- User Rating: 4.6/5
- Age requirement: All ages (parental supervision recommended for under 13)
- Best for: Video messaging with known contacts only
- Safety features:
- No stranger connections
- Private messaging only
- Parental controls
- Key features:
- Video messages
- Voice filters
- Group messaging
- Emoji reactions
- Why parents love it: Complete contact control, family-safe environment
- Monthly users: 30M+
- Verified
Tier 2: Moderate Risk Alternatives
4. Hoop (Snapchat Integration)
- Download: Free on App Store
- User Rating: 3.9/5
- Age requirement: 13+ (Snapchat account required)
- Best for: Expanding Snapchat friend network through swipe matching
- Safety features:
- Friend request system
- Age verification
- Report function
- Key features:
- Swipe-to-connect
- Snapchat integration
- Profile customization
- How it works: Match on Hoop → Continue conversation on Snapchat
- Monthly users: 15M+
- Verified
5. Bigo Live (Live Streaming Focus)
- Download: Free with in-app purchases
- User Rating: 4.1/5
- Age requirement: 18+ recommended (13+ with restrictions)
- Best for: Live streaming and audience interaction
- Safety features:
- Moderator system
- Virtual gift controls
- Age restrictions
- Key features:
- Multi-guest streaming
- Virtual gifts
- Global audience
- Talent showcases
- Monetization: Streamers can earn real money from virtual gifts
- Monthly users: 400M+
- Verified:
6. Holla (Quick Random Video Chat)
- Download: Free with premium features
- User Rating: 3.8/5
- Age requirement: 18+ (strict verification)
- Best for: Fast random video connections with AR filters
- Safety features:
- Real-time moderation
- Gender filters
- Report system
- Key features:
- AR effects
- Instant matching
- Location filters
- Text translation
- Speed: Average connection time under 3 seconds
- Monthly users: 25M+
- Verified: ✅
7. Camsurf (Clean Random Chat)
- Download: Free on App Store
- User Rating: 4.0/5
- Age requirement: 18+ (ID verification available)
- Best for: Clean, moderated random video chat experience
- Safety features:
- 24/7 monitoring
- Language filters
- Location controls
- Key features:
- HD video quality
- Multiple language support
- Mobile-optimized
- Unique feature: Emphasis on respectful conversations
- Monthly users: 20M+
- Verified: ✅
Tier 3: Advanced Features (Higher Risk)
8. Azar (Global Random Chat)
- Download: Free with premium options
- User Rating: 4.3/5
- Age requirement: 18+ (dating app features)
- Best for: Meeting people worldwide with real-time translation
- Safety features:
- AI moderation
- Gender filters
- Cultural exchange focus
- Key features:
- Real-time translation
- AR filters
- Interest matching
- Global reach
- Standout feature: Supports 100+ languages with instant translation
- Monthly users: 100M+
- Verified: ✅
9. LivU (AR-Enhanced Video Chat)
- Download: Free with coins system
- User Rating: 3.7/5
- Age requirement: 18+ (mature content possible)
- Best for: Video chat with advanced AR effects and filters
- Safety features:
- Report system
- Blocking tools
- Premium moderation
- Key features:
- Real-time AR effects
- Instant matching
- Translation support
- Technology: Advanced facial recognition for filter application
- Monthly users: 50M+
- Verified: ✅
10. Tango (Live Streaming + Social)
- Download: Free with monetization options
- User Rating: 4.2/5
- Age requirement: 17+ (mature themes in some streams)
- Best for: Live streaming with social networking elements
- Safety features:
- Community guidelines
- Streamer verification
- Audience controls
- Key features:
- Live broadcasting
- Virtual gifts
- Talent competitions
- Social following
- Earning potential: Top streamers earn $1000+ monthly
- Monthly users: 400M+
- Verified: ✅
11. Wink (Teen-Focused Snapchat Connector)
- Download: Free with premium features
- User Rating: 3.6/5
- Age requirement: 13+ (requires Snapchat account)
- Best for: Teen-friendly way to meet new Snapchat friends
- Safety features:
- Age filters
- Report system
- Snapchat verification required
- Key features:
- Swipe matching
- Profile customization
- Gem reward system
- Safety note: All conversations move to Snapchat (external platform)
- Monthly users: 10M+
- Verified: ✅
12. Chatous (Interest-Based Anonymous Chat)
- Download: Free on App Store
- User Rating: 3.5/5
- Age requirement: 17+ (anonymous nature requires maturity)
- Best for: Text and video chat based on shared interests via hashtags
- Safety features:
- Anonymous options
- Interest filtering
- Report function
- Key features:
- Hashtag matching
- Disappearing messages
- Multi-format chat
- Privacy focus: Complete anonymity if desired
- Monthly users: 5M+
- Verified: ✅
Safety Comparison Matrix
| App | Safety Score | Random Chat | Age Verification | Moderation | Parental Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discord | 9.5/10 | ❌ | ✅ | AI + Human | ✅ |
| Marco Polo | 9.8/10 | ❌ | ✅ | Human | ✅ |
| Yubo | 8.5/10 | ✅ | ✅ | AI + Human | ✅ |
| Hoop | 8.0/10 | ❌ | ✅ | Basic | ⚠️ |
| Bigo Live | 7.5/10 | ✅ | ⚠️ | Human | ⚠️ |
| Camsurf | 8.0/10 | ✅ | ✅ | 24/7 Human | ❌ |
| Holla | 7.0/10 | ✅ | ✅ | AI + Human | ❌ |
| Azar | 7.5/10 | ✅ | ✅ | AI | ❌ |
| LivU | 6.5/10 | ✅ | ⚠️ | Basic | ❌ |
| Tango | 7.0/10 | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | Community | ❌ |
| Wink | 7.5/10 | ❌ | ✅ | External | ⚠️ |
| Chatous | 6.0/10 | ✅ | ❌ | Basic | ❌ |
Feature Comparison (What Each App Offers)
Video Quality & Performance:
- Best HD Quality: Camsurf, Discord, Marco Polo
- Fastest Connections: Holla (3 sec), Yubo (5 sec), Azar (7 sec)
- Most Stable: Discord, Marco Polo, Bigo Live
- Battery Efficient: Marco Polo, Hoop, Wink
Unique Features:
- AR Filters: Holla, LivU, Azar, Yubo
- Real-time Translation: Azar, LivU, Camsurf
- Monetization: Bigo Live, Tango (earn money)
- Gaming Integration: Discord, Roblox
- Anonymous Chat: Chatous, Camsurf
- Live Streaming: Bigo Live, Tango, Yubo
Platform Integration:
- Snapchat Required: Hoop, Wink
- Social Media Linking: Yubo, Bigo Live, Tango
- Cross-Platform: All apps support iOS/Android
- Web Version Available: Discord, Camsurf, OmeTV
Recommendations by User Type
For Parents/Teens (13-17):
- Marco Polo – Safest option, known contacts only
- Discord – Join supervised servers with shared interests
- Yubo – Best moderated random chat option for teens
For Young Adults (18-24):
- Yubo – Social discovery with safety features
- Hoop – Expand social circle through Snapchat
- Camsurf – Clean random video chat experience
For Content Creators:
- Bigo Live – Monetization opportunities
- Tango – Large audience, earning potential
- Discord – Build dedicated communities
For Language Learners:
- Azar – Real-time translation, global users
- LivU – Translation support with video
- Camsurf – Language filters available
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Conclusion
The bottom line: While you cannot download the original Monkey App iOS anymore, safer and better alternatives exist for iPhone users seeking video chat experiences. The app’s removal was necessary for user safety, and modern alternatives offer improved security features.
Key Takeaways:
- Use verified alternatives like Discord, Yubo, or Houseparty
- Avoid fake Monkey apps that claim to be the original
- Prioritize safety features in any video chat app you choose
For Parents: If your teen is looking for Monkey App alternatives, consider Marco Polo or Discord with proper supervision and privacy settings enabled.