this will be next level duno :-D
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CommentFrom duno
Guide
The best private apps for family groups
Updated · by the duno team
Short answer
For a private family space where news and photos stay organised, a hidden, invite-only duno network works well: it is free, has no ads, and can't be found by anyone without an invite link. WhatsApp is best for quick everyday chat, a private Facebook Group works if every relative already uses Facebook, and shared photo albums (such as those in Google Photos or iCloud) are best for storing large numbers of photos.
Family groups have unusual needs: grandparents and teenagers in the same space, photos that should never be public, and news (births, birthdays, trips) that people want to find again later.
How we compared them
- Completely private and invite-only
- Easy for every generation
- Photos and news stay findable
- No ads
duno is our own product, so we say so. Every other product is described in general terms as of November 2026; check each one's site for current details.
The options
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1
duno (hidden network) Our product
Best for: A private family feed for news, photos and plans
Create a hidden network, share an invite link in the family chat, and post news, photos, videos and polls. Pin important posts like addresses or a family calendar. Hidden networks are not listed anywhere.
Create a network — freeStrengths- Free, no ads
- Invisible to outsiders
- Posts stay organised
Trade-offs- Each relative creates a free account
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WhatsApp family group
Best for: Quick everyday chat
A group chat most families already have.
Strengths- Everyone already uses it
Trade-offs- Photos and news get buried in chat
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3
Private Facebook Group
Best for: Families that all use Facebook
A hidden group inside Facebook.
Strengths- Familiar
Trade-offs- Not everyone is on Facebook
- Ads around the group
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4
BAND
Best for: Families who want a shared calendar
Group app with posts, calendar and chat.
Strengths- Calendar
Trade-offs- Another app to install
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5
Shared photo albums
Best for: Storing lots of photos
Shared albums in photo services.
Strengths- Good for large photo collections
Trade-offs- Not for news or conversation
About duno
duno lets anyone create a free, ad-free social network at duno.com/net/your-name, with its own logo and rules, public, private or hidden, where the creator approves members, appoints moderators and decides who can post. Members also get messages, groups with live chat and events, a jobs board, community Q&A and a local marketplace, all free and without ads in the feed.
Create your network — freeFrequently asked questions
What is the safest app for a private family group?
Choose one where the space can be completely hidden and joined only by invitation. A hidden duno network isn't listed anywhere, and you approve who joins.
Is there a free family social network without ads?
Yes, duno networks are free with no ads in the feed.
How do I get older relatives to join?
Send each of them the invite link personally, help one or two sign up in person, and post something they care about (photos of grandchildren work) in the first week.