Everything your family
actually needs.
BubbaChat was built by looking at what real Australian families needed and what the generic photo sharing apps got wrong. Here is what we built.
Privacy and access control
Invite-only share codes
Every Bubba profile is protected by a private share code. You generate the code and share it with whoever you choose. Nobody else can request access, search for your profile, or stumble across your content.
Codes support a configurable usage limit. Use unlimited codes for large families or single-use codes for occasional visitors.
Six permission flags per member
Unlike simple admin or viewer roles, BubbaChat gives you six individual flags for each family member: view posts, create posts, share access codes, revoke access, manage permissions, and parent status.
Change permissions for any member at any time without removing them from the group.
Parent mode protection
Members marked as parents get locked permissions. Only the profile owner can change their access level. This prevents accidental demotions in large family groups.
A clear visual indicator shows which members have elevated trust status.
Revoke access any time
If a relationship changes or you simply want to tighten the circle, you can remove any member immediately. Their access ends the moment you confirm.
You can also generate a new share code to prevent further joins without affecting existing members.
Media sharing
Photo and video uploads
Post photos and videos directly from your phone camera roll or desktop. Both formats are supported across all platforms with no file format confusion.
Accepted formats include JPEG, PNG, HEIC, MP4, and MOV.
Automatic thumbnails
Every video gets a thumbnail extracted automatically. For photos, a 250x400 preview is generated on the server. Fast loading even on slow mobile connections.
Thumbnails include a play button overlay on video posts so content type is always obvious.
Post processing pipeline
Uploaded media is processed server-side so originals are stored safely while optimised versions are served to viewers. Your originals are preserved at full resolution.
Optimised versions are generated during upload so posts load quickly for your family.
Engagement and connection
Chronological timeline
Posts appear in the order they were shared, newest first, with nothing buried by an algorithm. Your family sees everything.
Each Bubba profile keeps its own timeline, so every child's story stays separate and complete.
Comments and likes
Family members can leave comments and react to posts with likes. Grandparents hundreds of kilometres away can still feel part of every milestone.
Comment notifications fire according to each member's chosen frequency setting.
Notification frequency control
Every family member sets their own notification schedule: immediately, daily digest, weekly summary, monthly roundup, or never. No one gets overwhelmed and no one misses out.
Notification type and frequency are set independently for different event types.
Platform and safety
Android and iOS apps
Native apps for both major mobile platforms. Posting and viewing feel natural on mobile, with no pinching to zoom and no broken layouts.
Built with Cordova for consistent cross-platform performance and access to device features.
Full web browser support
Any family member can access BubbaChat in a web browser with no app installation required. Works on older devices that might not run modern apps well.
Grandparent on a 2018 laptop? No problem.
Post reporting and moderation
Any member can report a post that feels inappropriate. Reported posts are hidden from view pending review. Admin users can review and action reports.
A rare need in a private family group, but an important safety net.
Try every feature free
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