Marco Polo
Social NetworkingScreenshots
Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Marco Polo is a video messaging application designed for private, ad-free communication, enabling users to connect face-to-face on their own schedules. It positions itself as an alternative to traditional social media, focusing on authentic connections without 'likes' or comparative features. The app is suitable for individuals and groups looking for an asynchronous video chat experience.
What is Marco Polo?
Marco Polo is a video messenger application that facilitates face-to-face communication in a private, ad-free environment. It allows users to send and receive video messages, fostering connections without the pressure of live calls. The developer, Joya Communications, emphasizes that the platform is not social media and aims to avoid interruptions or intrusions.
The application is available for download on both Google Play and the App Store. On Google Play, it is listed as 'Marco Polo - Video Messenger' and falls under the Communication category. The App Store also lists it as 'Marco Polo - Video Messenger', categorized under Social Networking.
Joya Communications released Marco Polo on Google Play on 2014-07-10, and it was last updated on 2026-05-02. The App Store version was released on 2014-10-07 and received its latest update on 2026-10-12.
Latest on Marco Polo
Is this the real Marco Polo app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (Joya Communications), and the developer website marcopolo.me matches the publisher.
- Established since 2014Listed since Jul 10, 2014, 10,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Joya Communications |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | Joya Communications |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | co.happybits.marcopolo |
| iOS bundle ID | co.happybits.marcopolo |
| On the stores since | Jul 10, 2014 |
| Installs on Google Play | 10,000,000+ |
| Developer website | marcopolo.me |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can send and receive video messages one-on-one or within groups, allowing for communication at their convenience.
- The application is designed to be ad-free, providing an uninterrupted communication experience.
- It includes emoji reactions and fun special effects to enhance video messages.
- A feature called Sharecast allows users to send one video to everyone in their circle, where only the sender views reactions and replies.
- Marco Polo Plus subscribers gain access to 1.5-3x speed control for videos and background listening capabilities.
- Plus members also receive custom and animated emojis, along with 6 Plus Passes to share 2 months of premium access with others.
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Privacy and permissions
The developer, Joya Communications, states a commitment to responsible monetization, ensuring no ads or selling of user data. The company indicates that it measures its impact to ensure the product aligns with its purpose of helping people feel closer and happier.
On Google Play, Marco Polo requests several permission groups, including Identity, Contacts, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information. The App Store listing does not detail specific permission groups requested by the application.
Joya Communications publishes its privacy policy at www.marcopolo.me.
Marco Polo permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 9 permission groups. Google Play also lists 8 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is about as many as most social & messaging apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 9).
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Marco Polo at a glance
| Developer | Joya Communications |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Networking |
| Rating on App Store | 4.8 out of 5 (2.2M ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.6 out of 5 (314K ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
What changed in the latest Marco Polo version
App Store · Version 0.1596.0, released Oct 12, 2026
The release notes say:
“Marco Polo is updated weekly with new fun features and faster, more reliable experiences. This release includes general bug fixes and improvements.”
Google Play · Listing updated Oct 9, 2026
The release notes say:
“Thanks for using Marco Polo! We update the app every week to provide a faster, more reliable experience. Turn on auto updates to make sure you always have the latest version.”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
Marco Polo offers a free version that includes unlimited chats and groups, emoji reactions, fun special effects, and the Sharecast feature. For additional functionalities, users can subscribe to Marco Polo Plus.
Marco Polo Plus provides premium features such as 1.5-3x speed control, background listening, custom and animated emojis, and 6 Plus Passes. There is also a Marco Polo Plus Family plan, which supports up to six memberships and is not restricted to members within a single household. Payments for these subscriptions are charged to the user's Google Play account or Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, and accounts are charged for renewal within 24-hours before the period ends. Users can manage and cancel their subscriptions through their account settings on the respective app stores.
Marco Polo compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Marco Polo | 4.8 | – | Free |
 Meta Business Suite | 4.6 | – | Free |
 LinkedIn | 3.9 | – | Free |
 Speak and Translate Languages | 4.7 | – | Free |
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How to get Marco Polo safely
To ensure the safe installation of Marco Polo, users should only obtain the application from authorized app stores, such as Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices. It is crucial to verify that the developer listed on the store page is 'Joya Communications'.
Users should avoid downloading the application from third-party websites or unauthorized sources, as these versions may be modified or contain malicious software. Before completing the installation, reviewing the requested permissions on Google Play can provide insight into the data and device functions the app intends to access.
How to install Marco Polo
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Marco Polo, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Joya Communications.
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 8.1 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Marco Polo, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Joya Communications.
- Make sure your device has iOS 16.0 or later and about 220 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
Marco Polo version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 0.1596.0 |
| Last updated | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| First released | Jul 10, 2014 | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Package name | co.happybits.marcopolo | – |
| Bundle ID | – | co.happybits.marcopolo |
| Requires | Android 8.1 and up | iOS 16.0 or later |
| Download size | – | 220 MB |
| Content rating | Everyone (Users Interact) | 12+ |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($7.99 - $159.99 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | No | – |
| Languages | – | 1 (including English) |
| Developer | Joya Communications | Joya Communications |
Who Marco Polo is for
Marco Polo is suitable for individuals who value face-to-face communication but prefer an asynchronous method over live video calls. It caters to users who wish to maintain close connections with friends and family members, even across different time zones or busy schedules, allowing them to communicate at their convenience.
The application targets users seeking a private and ad-free messaging experience, distinct from traditional social media platforms. With content ratings of 'Everyone' on Google Play and '12+' on the App Store, it is generally appropriate for a wide audience, enabling groups and families to stay in touch without the pressure of public sharing or constant engagement.
Marco Polo for kids and families
Pros
- Facilitates asynchronous video communication, allowing users to connect at their own pace.
- Operates in a private, ad-free environment without social media pressures like 'likes'.
- Offers a free version with core communication features, including unlimited chats and groups.
- Provides a 'Sharecast' feature for broadcasting videos to a circle while maintaining sender privacy for replies.
- The developer states a commitment to responsible monetization without selling user data.
Cons
- Advanced features like speed control and background listening require a Marco Polo Plus subscription.
- The Google Play version requests an extensive list of permissions, including Identity, Contacts, and Microphone access.
- While the Google Play content rating is 'Everyone', the App Store lists it as '12+', indicating some differences in platform-specific content guidance.
- The application's large size on iOS, at 231 MB, may consume significant device storage.
Marco Polo: frequently asked questions
Is Marco Polo a free application?
Yes, Marco Polo offers a free version that includes unlimited chats, groups, emoji reactions, special effects, and the Sharecast feature. However, premium features are available through a paid Marco Polo Plus subscription.
On which devices can Marco Polo be used?
Marco Polo is available on devices running Android and iOS. Users can download it from Google Play and the App Store, respectively. The App Store version requires a minimum of iOS 16.0.
Who is the developer of Marco Polo?
Marco Polo is developed by Joya Communications. This information is consistently listed on both the Google Play and App Store pages for the application.
When was Marco Polo first released?
The application was released on Google Play on 2014-07-10 and on the App Store on 2014-10-07. It has been updated regularly since its initial release.
Does Marco Polo contain advertisements or sell user data?
According to Joya Communications, Marco Polo is an ad-free service, and the developer states that it does not sell user data. The company uses a subscription model with Marco Polo Plus to monetize responsibly.
What is the 'Sharecast' feature?
Sharecast is a feature that allows a user to send a single video message to everyone in their designated circle. Uniquely, only the sender can see the reactions and replies to that video, providing a convenient way to share updates without cross-conversations among recipients.
Marco Polo
- Category
- Social Networking
- Version
- 0.1596.0
Download
Looking for the Marco Polo website or sign-in? Go to marcopolo.me →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Marco Polo ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.6 average from 313,733 ratings
- 579%
- 412%
- 34%
- 22%
- 13%
App Store 4.8 average from 2,162,328 ratings
- 585%
- 410%
- 33%
- 21%
- 11%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 12, 2026.
