theSkimm Reviews

by Ffmvgibtmr

The Skimm is aiming to be your personal assistant with witty morning briefs. You can adjust the content according to your interests and make it more personal. However, I'm pretty sure it doesn't learn more about you like Pandora's like/dislike algorithm. As a result after a couple of days it starts to fall short of keeping your interest up. Like, I opted for politics and I've been getting all kinds of updates on DACA every day, but no news about world politics. App could easily ask me more questions for getting the content really personalized. Also, there seems to be a problem with the timings since there're recommendations for a long weekend after the long weekend or it redirects me to AppStore to download theSkimm although I already have it. One thing that I like abot the Skimm is that you can add news to your calendar and see the important events on a timeline.

tl dr; content is too generic and no effort to personalize it.

by Silver Claw

I respect the idea behind this. One stop shop for news snippets and such. However, I must rate this low for one reason. A subscription fee. No matter how low, what reason should anyone pay for this? I’m not saying this because the content is poor, or it’s a bad app. I say this because all this information is already out there. The idea of short news podcasts has been done to death. No matter your politics, all the major news networks in the U.S., and beyond, already put out 10-15 minute news digests, FOR FREE. If theSkimm had no subscription fee, it would likely be excellent. However, for some reason, the creators of theSkimm feel they need to charge you for information already provided for free. Information that you most likely already know. Football fan? You knew when the games are. Political junkie? You keep up with all the political news already. I just don’t see the reason to pay money monthly to have spam alerts put in my calendar, get news digests, and really that’s it. I don’t see the need for anyone to pay for information already readily available. Skimm, your app seems great, and I’d love to use it. However, I don’t forsee a long future for this. If you switched to a free with ads model, I think there would be a greater future for y’all. But a subscription fee to get what’s so readily available from so many sources? What reason should I have to pay for already free information?

by BlairDB

I really love the idea, but perhaps a one time fee would be better? Most people aren't a fan of this new trend where apps say they're free in the download store and then hit you with "to do this you must pay a subscription fee!"
If I want to BUY an app I'll buy it. I'd probably pay a one time fee to download theSkimm. But I won't pay monthly to use a calendar (though I do love the idea of having political events and such synced to my calendar for me), listen to news podcasts that I can listen to for free else where, or to have someone recommend what I should read and watch (again, love the idea and wouldn't mind suggestions at all, but my friends do that for free). Like I said, it's a nice idea, and I would definitely use it if it were just a one time fee, but otherwise I'm gonna have to pass and stick to getting your free news emails.

by KatAnne88

I am not a big fan of reading or watching the news. I don’t like the repetition of stories, the negativity, or dramatization of events. I just want to be at least somewhat informed and not have to sift through a bunch of negative hyped up crap to do it. That’s why I love the Skimm. It’s simple. It makes it so I can at least have an idea of what’s going on and maybe talk intelligently about it. Only reason I’m not 5 stars is I find it a little hard to navigate theSkimm. I’m not sure how I get to everything all the time and also have a hard time trying to find something I’ve read a while ago if I wanted to look back at it.

by Kjwwinsagain

It’s a scary, bleak world these days and I’m guessing most agree that reading the news is pretty painful and depressing. The Skimm adds just enough levity and friendly lightheartedness to make it not only palatable but enjoyable. They soften things a bit, without diluting anything. I also love being in control of the content. I can click deeper if I wish, but I don’t have to. I am truly grateful to these brilliant women who have given me a way to stay connected and informed without totally losing my spirit.

by Blubub

Edit: Thanks for the quick response! After clicking the button again today, it looks like it is working again.

Saw a do not sell my information request from this app app but it doesn't actually work. Submitting generates an error every time I try to apply for the request.

Please check that this feature works. I happen to already be a paying subscriber and this is hurting my ability to use theSkimm as I take privacy seriously. Thanks

by Bms1290

Hello, I just downloaded theSkimm the other day and I have to say I’m really loving it. I’m a 27 year old stay at home mom and I can’t always have the news on or sit on my phone and read up on world affairs/daily news. This is one of the best apps I’ve ever come across. It covers everything and I love that it explains what certain things are like the (Nuclear deal) for example. That is my favorite part of theSkimm . Since I tend to be out of the loop, I sometimes don’t know what things are about. I’m normally a Twitter user but theSkimm goes far beyond because it takes the time to cover everything, stick with key points and explain what things are. I’m finding myself clicking on theSkimm more so than Twitter now! I have no issues paying for this service whatsoever. Thank you to the creators of theSkimm. I can tell a lot of love went into it and hard work on the daily. 5 stars from me!

by Teethats

Readable news stories, business advice, money tips, the list goes on. The Skimm gives you all the content you need to stay on top of adulthood without it feeling like a chore. Their pop culture infused news stories make staying up-to-date on the world quick, thorough, and entertaining. It’s now your one stop shop for news, business advice, and money tips too. I like forward to their podcasts every week! Can’t wait to see what The Skimm come out with next.

by JMH1112

Love this brief but accurate daily update on what's happening in the world. I feel less need to turn into morning news shows now because I've already read the news highlights they are discussing in the Skimm! Especially now that they have added the audible Notes option that gives you additional depth to the story! I retired last year and am often camping. Now I have important news easily available on my phone where ever I got that accurate. It also entertaining. A hard combo to pull off!!

by Suffering Selfie

As a subscriber to the Skimm for over a year, I couldn’t be happier with the progress made and performance of theSkimm.

I turned to the Skimm during the election to get the news I *needed*, not the news I *wanted*. I started out with the Daily Skimm to my inbox and was able to get the day’s news uninterrupted by partisan bias and straight to the point. That captured my attention and I quickly became a subscriber.

It’s a little bit of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and world news. I love the calendar subscriptions and I always feel in the know. Keep up the good work!

by RBrignac

I was skeptical of getting an app with a monthly charge. But I was already a huge fan of The Skimm, reading their daily email first thing every morning, so I decided to give it a try. And I love it! I especially love the integration into my calendar. Since I don't watch Much TV, I find it even more helpful! I know what new series seasons are starting, when awards shows are broadcasting, and I can even tell my husband what time and station the "big game" is coming on. I've subscribed for months now, maybe even a year, and I wouldn't want to do without it!! Bravo Skimm!

by Allthewaykay

This subscription is paramount to my daily SPF. I’m obsessed and look forward to the sarcastic witty commentary that keeps me informed and up to date. I love the layout and having the opportunity to scratch the surface of some issues or do a deep dive, whatever I have time for. Oh, and if you haven’t started listening to their girl power podcast kick yourself and then start from the beginning :) so many nuggets of wisdom and advice and a good way to start the morning commute! Thank you for this, it makes my day a little brighter!! ❤️

by NobodyFrmNowhere

Thanks to Alex from this app for a speedy reply with how to resolve this issue. No more audible alerts in the middle of the night. Solution was to toggle off event alerts in this app calendar.

Prior review:
I’ve been subscribing to this service for a couple years - liked the content. Then the Olympics started and alerts have begun in the middle of the night. I can’t turn on do not disturb on my phone as I’m on call for my job. theSkimm should be timezone aware and not stick things on your calendar in the middle of the night.

by MsContradiction

Though I have just downloaded theSkimm , I love it so far! I just read another review protesting the slight fee, the argument being that the content is already out there. This is true, but it takes the brilliant team at the Skimm time and effort to put it together in the various formats, including the calendars.
I find that the people behind theSkimm have done a tremendous job to make it light and funny! The news is the news, they do not change that, but the way they present some things are great (IMHO). A good sense of humor in today’s crazy and infuriating world is worth the minuscule price all by itself!!!
I highly recommend theSkimm, and I am a news junkie. Bravo, Skimm Team. You have me smiling!

by BrittnayES

It’s cheap and amazing. It’s a great way to get news that’s not left leaning or right leaning, just the facts. If you want to stay informed it’s the perfect way to do that. They offer a lot (daily read, the daily skimm, podcasts, colander of events, etc...) and the best part is that if you can’t afford to pay for it you can just sign up for the emails which I did for a few months and it was good, of course theSkimm is better though. Also, with theSkimm you can now sign up for text questions so they send you a topic each week and you can ask questions and they will answer them. I just signed up for it and can’t wait to ask about the next topic.

by PghWineGirl15

I love that theSkimm provides me a layman’s terms version of what’s happening in the news, politics, media, etc. I don’t have to try to research more information online unless I’m really interested in a specific topic. I work at least 40 hours per week - sometimes 60. So listening to the “notes” is helpful for me on my way to work. If you are extremely knowledgeable on politics, geography, history, and just generally what’s going on in the news then this isn’t theSkimm for you. It’s for someone who barely has time to work, eat, sleep let alone know what’s going on. OR just a more digestible factual explanation of trending topics. Highly recommend and worth the small monthly fee!!

by Mhizon

Informative, funny and valuable. This is THE news app for busy people who want to know what's going on in the world but don't want to spend an hour reading news everyday. The content is the perfect length; useful, informative with links to further information at credible news sources. The humor and pop-culture references make it even more enjoyable!
I used to get the daily email and was so happy the day they released their app. It's one of my favorite parts of my morning. And the calendar is amazing. It helps me stay informed on events going on in the world, so even if I'm not interested in them I have the relevant knowledge to engage in conversations with others. I love the SkimmReads and digging the new audio Skimms!
Skimm HQ just keeps making it better. 5 stars.
It's a home screen use-every-day app.
So worth it!

by Filmgal0308

I LOVE this app! They provide relevant news/stories in a way that's no bs and enjoyable to read. It makes me happy to see a business created and run by women, especially one that's doing so well. I've been subscribed to their email and have been following this app on social media for a while and am excited to finally check out theSkimm !

I just have to say... What a bunch of grumps in the reviews!! There's absolutely nothing wrong with the company asking for $2.99 after a free month trial. The emails are free and while they don't offer as much as theSkimm , they're a perfectly fine resource. It baffles me that people spend their time writing a review about not wanting to pay a few dollars a month to support an awesome company. If you don't like it, don't pay for it!

Go Skimm and keep doing what you're doing!!

by Madeline384

I’ve been subscribed to their emails for a while so now I battled with whether or not I wanted to subscribe for theSkimm . The calendar and the little podcast snipers are fun but that’s pretty much all that’s extra on top of what you get in an email. They’re fun but I couldn’t decide if they were worth 3 dollars. Then I started to think about it as if the emails weren’t free. Each daily skimm would cost about 10 cents with the subscription, then with everything else thrown in as well I definitely think that’s worth it! It’s hard paying for something you can get for free, but this service has become something I depend on. It’s punny and informative and something I want to stick around so when I take that all into account, 3 dollars a month is a steal. Hooray for quality and convenient journalism!

by CaliBears

Love theSkimm!! They break down all the concepts that have been in the news so that you get the lowdown in a very brief, concise, yet well worded and easily understandable way! There were lots of concepts I wasn’t grasping in the news but the skimm breaks it down to its very origins and states exactly what the issues are at hand. things in the news make so much more sense now! They also present the material in a concise and non-boring kinda way. Love the audio notes the best and look forward to those coming out often. If u want un-sensationalized news and just want to know what’s going on in the world in a drama-free but rational kinda way look no further! Thank you the skimm!!