ASKfm vs Retro: Anonymous App Comparison
Comparing ASKfm and Retro for anonymous messages? Here is how they stack up, plus a free alternative worth knowing about.
| ASKfm | Retro | PlsConfess | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free to receive | Yes | Yes | Yes, always |
| Web link | Yes | Yes | Yes (pls.page/you) |
| Main platforms | Instagram, Facebook | Instagram, TikTok | Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more |
ASKfm in short
ASKfm is one of the original anonymous Q&A social networks, built around a public profile where anyone can drop anonymous questions. It predates the Instagram-sticker era and still runs a web and app profile model.
Retro in short
Retro is a lightweight anonymous-message link tool in the same family as NGL, letting you collect anonymous replies from a shareable link posted to Stories.
ASKfm vs Retro: how they differ
ASKfm stands out for one of the original anonymous q&a networks, while Retro is known for simple link flow.
Common trade-offs: ASKfm can struggle with older audience skew, and Retro with small footprint.
A free alternative to both: PlsConfess
If neither is a perfect fit, PlsConfess gives you one anonymous link (pls.page/your-name) to share on any platform, free receiving, and a private inbox, without a "pay to reveal sender" gimmick.
Get your own anonymous messages
Create your free link in seconds and share it anywhere.
Create your free linkFrequently asked questions
Is ASKfm or Retro better?
It depends on where your friends are. ASKfm suits Instagram and Facebook; Retro suits Instagram and TikTok. For a link that works everywhere, PlsConfess is a flexible middle ground.
Are these apps free?
Both let you receive messages for free, though each promotes paid extras. PlsConfess keeps receiving free.