Illegal streaming apps have become a pervasive problem in the U.S. and around the globe. In fact, 51% of respondents to a 2024 All About Cookies survey admitted to watching unauthorized streams of movies. In a similar survey by Variety in 2022, that number was only 11%. Unlike legitimate streaming services that utilize paid subscriptions, these apps provide copyrighted content for free without proper licensing or permission from content creators and distributors, leading to an economic loss estimated at $29.2 billion for the U.S. alone.
The promise of freely accessible, uninterrupted entertainment may seem appealing, but it comes at a significant cost and great personal risk to the viewer. We at StreamSafely make it our responsibility to pull back the curtain on illegal apps to reveal the platforms and the bad actors behind them for what they really are.
The Risks of Using Illegal Streaming Apps
Using illegal streaming apps exposes users to various dangers that far outweigh any perceived benefits. These risks include:
- Security Threats: Many illegal apps contain malware, spyware, or other malicious software that can compromise your device and make personal information — like banking passwords or credit card numbers — visible to the perpetrator. In the same Variety study noted above, of those who admitted to pirating content, 37% reported their devices being infected with malware.
Such malware can be used to obtain your personal and financial information and sell it to the highest bidder. A new report cosponsored by AARP found that roughly 15 million Americans are victims of identity fraud each year, and the loss per victim is growing. 2023 saw a 13% rise in total identity fraud losses from 2022, hitting a staggering $43 billion — or nearly $3,000 per person. - Legal Issues: Some people have trouble distinguishing what is legal or illegal online, but it is important for you to know the difference. Downloading or streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal and is punishable by law. In the U.S., misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Ethical Concerns: Choosing to watch movies or free content on illegal streaming platforms raises a number of ethical concerns. Using these apps deprives content creators and the entertainment industry of rightful compensation for their work. What’s worse, engaging with illegal streaming apps or pirated content feeds money and data into a network of criminal enterprises. Understanding how illegal streaming websites work can help you identify and avoid them.
Given these significant risks, it’s crucial to choose legal and safe streaming options that protect your devices, respect copyright laws, and support the entertainment industry.
Popular Illegal Movie and Streaming Apps To Avoid
While we at StreamSafely don’t condone or encourage the use of these apps, it’s important to be aware of them and recognize the red flags of streaming sites like them to avoid accidental use. One bad click or one wrong download can cause serious trouble.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common illegal streaming apps to steer clear of. Many of these apps have been officially shut down, but that doesn’t mean that they have been scrubbed from the web entirely, so be on the lookout for the following names:
Showbox
Showbox is a notorious app that offers free access to movies and shows. It uses peer-to-peer (P2P) technology — among others — to stream content, which can expose users to copyright infringement and unauthorized distribution claims. Would-be users looking for the site have also reported encountering copycats that install malware and viruses into your system.
Terrarium TV
Originally created as a streaming app for Android devices, Terrarium TV has been shut down, and its operations have officially ceased. However, this has not stopped certain app stores from promoting the software. At best, this results in a user arriving at an inactive link, but at worst, the link could be replaced by malicious content. Similarly, certain websites and forums online offer Terrarium TV users alternatives to the defunct app, with no indication of which sites, links, or platforms are legal, legitimate, or safe.
CotoMovies
CotoMovies, formerly known as Bobby Movie Box, was an iOS app that offered free movies and TV shows. It operated without proper licensing, making it illegal. In 2019, in the face of mounting legal pressure, it shut down, issued an apology, and gave its user data to the authorities, exposing its viewership to potential prosecution.
TeaTV
TeaTV is another app that provides free access to copyrighted content. Despite claiming that its platform doesn’t include illegal or pirated content, such open access is a copyright violation in many countries, including the U.S. The app is known for its user-friendly interface, but poses significant legal risks to its users.
Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time was initially likened to Netflix for its visually stunning layout and ease of use. It launched in February 2014 to overwhelming popularity but was quickly taken down in March 2014 under immense pressure from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA). Since then, the site has seen numerous reboots, copycats, and “forks,” which display the website under a slightly different URL like PopcornTimeOnline.xyz or PoprcornTime.pro, none of which are safe to use.
Cinema HD
Cinema HD is still prominently available on both the Google Play Store and App Store. However, the app only provides links to where users can watch the content they want. Cinema HD does not own the rights to any of the content it promotes, and the links it distributes may not be legitimate.
CyberFlix TV
CyberFlix TV is reportedly a clone of Terrarium TV by users online that continues to offer illegal streams. Much like Cinema HD, the app doesn’t host content but directs its users to sites that do via questionable links. In this case, however, CyberFlix TV is unavailable in the Google Play Store due to its overt legal concerns.
Mobdro
Mobdro focuses on live TV streams rather than on-demand content. It aggregates free streams from around the web, many of which are unauthorized, putting users at legal risk. The app is still available in Apple’s App Store for iPhone users despite its problematic content distribution and earlier iterations being shut down.
TVZion
In 2020, TVZion was targeted by the global anti-piracy group Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and ordered to shut down.
APKTime
APKTime is not a streaming app but a platform for downloading various streaming apps, many of which are illegal. Using this site increases your chances of inadvertently downloading malicious software.
How To Avoid Illegal Streaming Apps
Protecting yourself from illegal streaming apps requires awareness first and foremost. Avoiding illegal streaming apps is easier said than done, but it’s harder still if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Learn how to protect yourself from pirated content and ensure you’re using legal streaming services by taking the time to review the circumstances carefully.
Identifying Legitimate Streaming Services
Only download apps from trusted sources such as the official Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, or directly from well-known streaming service websites. Look for official verifications and certifications, such as the Google Play Protect badge on Android devices.
However, as we detailed above, it’s still possible to encounter dubious apps on otherwise legitimate sites, app stores, and search engines. Review where to legally watch the content you want with StreamSafely’s comprehensive database. Most of the time, the content will be on platforms with household names, so if you’re looking into a site you haven’t heard of before, there’s a greater risk that it’s a scam.
Additionally, legitimate streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video typically require a subscription or rental fee. While this means paying for content, it ensures you access it legally and safely. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true — like completely free access to all the best movies and latest TV shows — it probably is.
Checking for User Reviews and Ratings
Before downloading any streaming app, research it thoroughly. Look up reviews and ratings from credible sources like tech websites, app stores, and consumer protection organizations. Be wary of apps with few reviews, robotic wording, and similar or identical phrasing, as these could be fake.
Pay attention to user comments that mention security issues, unexpected charges, or poor streaming quality, as these can be red flags for illegal or unsafe apps. Avoid well-known illegal streaming sites regardless of how good or bad their reviews may be.
Using Security Tools and Precautions
Invest in reputable security software like Norton Antivirus or McAfee to scan and protect your devices from malicious apps and downloads. Keep your operating system and all apps up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches. Bear in mind that such systems typically do not block pop-up ads, so exercise caution if and when you come across them.
Be selective about granting permissions to movie streaming apps. If an app requests access to parts of your device that seem unnecessary for its function — like your contacts or location — it may be trying to collect data for malicious purposes.
How StreamSafely Can Help You Find Legal Streaming Sources
At StreamSafely, we’re committed to helping you find safe, legal ways to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. We offer a comprehensive guide to legitimate streaming services, including both subscription-based platforms and ad-supported free options.
Our website provides up-to-date information on where you can legally watch specific titles, helping you navigate the sometimes confusing world of streaming rights and availability. We also offer educational resources on copyright laws, digital safety, reasons to avoid pirated content, and the importance of supporting the entertainment industry through legal viewing methods.
By choosing legal streaming options, you not only protect yourself from the risks associated with illegal apps but also support the creators and industries that bring you the content you love. Remember, there are many affordable, legitimate streaming services available that offer high-quality, reliable access to a wide range of movies and TV shows.
Let StreamSafley be your first stop for all things related to streaming and online security. Stay safe, stream responsibly, and enjoy your entertainment without compromising your security or ethics.
